Machiavelian

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Machiavelian \Mach`i*a*vel"ian\, Machiavellian
  \Mach`i*a*vel"lian\, n.
     One who adopts the principles of Machiavelli; a cunning and
     unprincipled politician.
     [1913 Webster] Machiavelism



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Machiavelian \Mach`i*a*vel"ian\, Machiavellian
  \Mach`i*a*vel"lian\, a. [From Machiavel (also called
     Machiavelli), an Italian writer, secretary and
     historiographer to the republic of Florence.]
     Of or pertaining to Machiavelli, or to his supposed
     principles for conduct of government, as enunciated in his
     tract The Prince; politically cunning; characterized by
     duplicity, political expediency, unscrupulous cunning, or bad
     faith; crafty.
     [1913 Webster +PJC] Machiavelian