Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Hypocrisy
Hy-poc′ri-sy
(hĭ-pŏk′rĭ-sy̆)
, Noun.
pl.
Hypocrisies
(-sĭz)
. [OE.
hypocrisie
, ypocrisie
, OF. hypocrisie
, ypocrisie
, F. hypocrisie
, L. hypocrisis
, fr. Gr. ὑπόκρισισ
the playing a part on the stage, simulation, outward show, fr. ὑποκρίνεσθαι
to answer on the stage, to play a part; ὑπό
under + κρίνειν
to decide; in the middle voice, to dispute, contend. See Hypo-
, and Critic
.] The act or practice of a hypocrite; a feigning to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel; a dissimulation, or a concealment of one’s real character, disposition, or motives; especially, the assuming of false appearance of virtue or religion; a simulation of goodness.
Hypocrisy
is the necessary burden of villainy. Rambler.
Hypocrisy
is the homage vice pays to virtue. La Rochefoucauld (Trans. ).
Webster 1828 Edition
Hypocrisy
HYPOC'RISY
,Noun.
1.
Simulation; a feigning to be what one is not; or dissimulation, a concealment of one's real character or motives. More generally, hypocrisy is simulation, or the assuming of a false appearance of virtue or religion; a deceitful show of a good character, in morals or religion; a counterfeiting of religion. Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke 12.
2.
Simulation; deceitful appearance; false pretence. Hypocrisy is the necessary burden of villainy.