Maffia vs. Mafia

Dated form of mafia

A secret criminal organization operating mainly in Sicily since the early 1800s and known for its intimidation of and retribution against law enforcement officials and witnesses.

A secret society which organized in Sicily as a political organization, but is now widespread among Italians, and is used to further or protect private interests, reputedly by illegal methods; called also the Sicilian Mafia.

A secret criminal organization operating mainly in the United States and Italy and engaged in illegal activities such as gambling, drug-dealing, protection, and prostitution.

A group of loosely associated of criminal organizations in the United States, some having ties to the Sicilian Mafia, and organized in "families"; the term is applied to the entire group of organizations, or to any one local group. Also, loosely, organized groups of criminals anywhere, as the Russian mafia.

Any of various similar criminal organizations, especially when dominated by members of the same nationality.

Any tightly knit group of trusted associates having strong control or influence in some area; as, Kennedy and his Irish Mafia.

Often mafia(Informal) A tightly knit group of trusted associates, as of a political leader

A crime syndicate in the United States; organized in families; believed to have important relations to the Sicilian Mafia

A hierarchically structured secret organisation engaged in illegal activities like distribution of narcotics, gambling and extortion.

A secret terrorist group in Sicily; originally opposed tyranny but evolved into a criminal organization in the middle of the 19th century

A crime syndicate.

Any tightly knit group of trusted associates

A trusted group of associates, as of a political leader.

An entity which attempts to control a specified arena.

See maffia, maffioso.

A crime syndicate in the United States; organized in families; believed to have important relations to the Sicilian Mafia

A secret terrorist group in Sicily; originally opposed tyranny but evolved into a criminal organization in the middle of the 19th century

Any tightly knit group of trusted associates