The term took on its present invidious meaning from a group of five ministers chosen in 1667 by King Charles II of England (Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale), whose initial letters coincidentally spelled Cabal. This Cabal, never very unified in its members' aims and sympathies, fell apart by 1672; Shaftesbury even became one of Charles II's fiercest opponents. The term, however, continued to hold its general meaning of intrigue and conspiracy. Its usage still carries strong connotations of shadowy corners and occult influence; a cabal is more evil and selective than, say, a faction, which is simply selfish.