Machiavellianism

2 definitions found

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

  Machiavelism \Mach"i*a*vel*ism\, Machiavellianism
  \Mach`i*a*vel"lian*ism\, n. [Cf. F. machiav['e]lisme; It.
     machiavellismo.]
     The supposed principles of Machiavelli, or practice in
     conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor
     arbitrary power.


     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  Machiavellianism
       n : the political doctrine of Machiavelli: any means (however
           unscrupulous) can be used by a ruler in order to create
           and maintain his autocratic government