Camorra

Camorra, the name given to a secret society formed in the kingdom of Naples, and at one time exercising considerable power. It first attracted public notice in 1820; it partook of the nature of a political organisation, and of a general vigilance committee; summary penalties were exacted from real or fancied wrong-doers, and payment for services performed by the society was rigorously demanded. Under Francis II. a vigorous attack was made upon the society, which had its revenge, however, in assisting materially to overthrow the Bourbon rule. Under the present government the society has a merely nominal existence.