Relating to Catiline or his conspiracy against Rome; describing someone engaged in a treacherous plot against the state.
From 'Catiline,' a Roman politician (108-62 BCE) who led a conspiracy, + '-arian.' The name derives from the Roman family name Catilina, and the adjective commemorates his famous plot.
Cicero's speeches against Catiline ('Catilinarian Orations') were so famous for denouncing treason that 'Catilinarian' became synonymous with exposing plots—every generation of politicians fears having a Catiline in their midst.
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