| hypocrisy | 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) Origin: OE. Hypocrisie, ypocrisie, OF. Hypocrisie, ypocrisie, F. Hypocrisie, L. Hypocrisis, fr. Gr. The playing a part on the stage, simulation, outward show, fr. To answer on the stage, to play a part; under + to decide; in the middle voice, to dispute, contend. (06 Mar 1998) |
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