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Machiavellian (mak" ee uh VEL ee uhn) (adjective), more Machiavellian, most Machiavellian
1. Characterized as subtle, unscrupulous, self-serving, and dishonest: The prime minister has a Machiavellian scheme to be appointed as the young king's guardian.

In his Machiavellian view, it is suggested that a prince should be concerned only with power and be bound only by rules that would lead to success in political activities.

As an Italian historian, statesman, and political philosopher; Machiavelli's amoral and Machiavellian writings about political actions have resulted in his name being a synonym for "cunning" and "duplicity".

2. Etymology: from the name of the Florentine diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) whose book, The Prince, outlined ruthless ways to get and to keep political power.
Characteristic of being crafty and treacherous; especially, in political situations.
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machiavellian, more machiavellian, most machiavellian
Descriptive of someone who is self-serving, crafty, and a political manipulator. (1)
This entry is located in the following unit: Word a Day Revisited Index of Cartoons Illustrating the Meanings of Words (page 51)