'duplicity' definitions:

Definition of 'duplicity'

From: WordNet
noun
A fraudulent or duplicitous representation [syn: fraudulence, duplicity]
noun
Acting in bad faith; deception by pretending to entertain one set of intentions while acting under the influence of another [syn: duplicity, double-dealing]

Definition of 'duplicity'

From: 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]