mäf-)
n.
1)A secret terrorist organization in Sicily, operating since the early 19th century in opposition to legal authority.
2)A secret criminal organization of Italian origin operating in the United States and engaged in illegal activities such as gambling, drug-dealing, and prostitution.
3)Any of various similar criminal organizations, especially when dominated by members of the same nationality.
4)often mafia Informal. A tightly knit group of trusted associates, as of a political leader: “ He is one of the personal mafia that the chancellor brought with him to Bonn” (Christian Science Monitor).
n.
1)A secret terrorist organization in Sicily, operating since the early 19th century in opposition to legal authority.
2)A secret criminal organization of Italian origin operating in the United States and engaged in illegal activities such as gambling, drug-dealing, and prostitution.
3)Any of various similar criminal organizations, especially when dominated by members of the same nationality.
4)often mafia Informal. A tightly knit group of trusted associates, as of a political leader: “ He is one of the personal mafia that the chancellor brought with him to Bonn” (Christian Science Monitor).
by K8lyn Gentry July 03, 2006