Internecine means "between branches of a family" or "dynastic," and is used generally in a negative way, with words like "quarrels," "struggles" or "conflict." Byzantine politics were internecine because of the incestuously complex interbalance between political power and family organization, and corporate power struggles are sometimes called "byzantine" if they are complex, and "internecine" if they are in-house in nature.
"Meretricious" has to do with self-inflicted damage to the reputation, usually through phoniness or underhandedness.
So your phrase is arcane indeed, if not cryptic. Two very specialized words full of nuance, and they go together so well they almost give off a redundant vibe when used together.
I'd be interested to know what noun this phrase modified. Was I right about the general area of conflict, infighting among people who should instead focus on their mutual interests? But they end up damaging themselves in trying to win out over each other?
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