duplicity
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- a fraudulent or duplicitous representationSynonyms: fraudulence
- acting in bad faith; deception by pretending to entertain one set of intentions while acting under the influence of anotherSynonyms: double-dealing
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
duplicity \du*plic"i*ty\, n.; pl. duplicities. [F. duplicit['e], L. duplicitas, fr. duplex double. See Duplex.]
1.Doubleness; a twofold state. [Archaic] [1913 Webster]
Do not affect duplicities nor triplicities, nor any certain number of parts in your division of things.— I. Watts.[1913 Webster]
2.Doubleness of heart or speech; insincerity; a sustained form of deception which consists in entertaining or pretending to entertain one set of feelings, and acting as if influenced by another; bad faith. [1913 Webster]
Far from the duplicity wickedly charged on him, he acted his part with alacrity and resolution.— Burke.[1913 Webster]
3.(Law) (a) The use of two or more distinct allegations or answers, where one is sufficient. --Blackstone. (b) In indictments, the union of two incompatible offenses. --Wharton.
Syn: Double dealing; dissimulation; deceit; guile; deception; falsehood. [1913 Webster]