Machiavellian
['mækɪə'vɛlɪən]
Definition
(noun.) a follower of Machiavelli's principles.
(adj.) of or relating to Machiavelli or the principles of conduct he recommended; 'Machiavellian thinking' .
Typist: Tito--From WordNet
Definition
adj. destitute of political morality following expediency rather than right: cunning crafty perfidious.—n. one who imitates Machiavel—more correctly Niccolo Machiavelli—of Florence (1469-1527): any cunning and unprincipled statesman.—n. Machiavell′ianism the principles taught by Machiavel or conduct regulated by them: cunning statesmanship.
Inputed by Kirsten
Examples
- At every court there were groups of ministers and secretaries who played a Machiavellian game against their foreign rivals. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- The Prince ceased to be a single and secretive Machiavellian schemer, and became merely the crowned symbol of a Machiavellian scheme. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- When the princes were themselves sufficiently clever they too were Machiavellian. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- It did at least set aside the individualism of Machiavellian monarchy and declare that there was a human or at any rate a European commonweal. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- The artful diplomatist and disciple of the Machiavellian Binkie! William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- But Charles V was not a good Machiavellian, and he had acquired in Spain a considerable religious sincerity. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
Inputed by Kelly