'Machiavelian' definitions:
Definition of 'Machiavelian'
From: GCIDE
- Machiavelian \Mach`i*a*vel"ian\, Machiavellian \Mach`i*a*vel"lian\, a. [From Machiavel (also called Machiavelli), an Italian writer, secretary and historiographer to the republic of Florence.] Of or pertaining to Machiavelli, or to his supposed principles for conduct of government, as enunciated in his tract The Prince; politically cunning; characterized by duplicity, political expediency, unscrupulous cunning, or bad faith; crafty. [1913 Webster +PJC] Machiavelian
Definition of 'Machiavelian'
From: GCIDE
- Machiavelian \Mach`i*a*vel"ian\, Machiavellian \Mach`i*a*vel"lian\, n. One who adopts the principles of Machiavelli; a cunning and unprincipled politician. [1913 Webster] Machiavelism