1. A subdivision of a larger religious group
   "The monastery belonged to a contemplative sect";
   - religious sect, religious order
    
2. A dissenting clique
   "A sect within the party opposed the leader's policies";
   - faction

Sounds like: sec, sec

Derived forms: sects

Type of: camp, clique, coterie, faith, ingroup, inner circle, organised religion [Brit], organized religion, pack, religion

Encyclopedia: Sect, The