What term refers to a subgroup within a religious group or faction?

The term "sect" specifically refers to a subgroup or faction that has broken away from a larger religious group, often characterized by distinct beliefs or practices. Sects typically emerge due to differences in interpretation of doctrine, leadership, or religious practices, which sets them apart from the mainstream tradition. This term is rooted in the understanding of religious diversity and the way beliefs can evolve into smaller factions within a larger faith community.

The other options presented do not relate to the concept of a subgroup within a religious context. "Residual" pertains to what remains after a part is removed, "abstemious" describes someone who is moderate or self-restrained, often in relation to indulgence, and "apathy" refers to a lack of interest or concern about something. None of these words capture the idea of a religious subgroup in the same way that "sect" does.