Definition of Machiavelian:

part of speech: adjective

Denoting the principles of Machiavel, who taught the principles of expediency as opposed to right in his system of politics or statesmanship; cunning or crafty in politics and government.

part of speech: noun

One who adopts the principles of Machiavel.

Usage examples:

• Such are the Machiavelian secrets of revolutionary governments; they give a public order in moderate words, but the secret one, for the deeds, is that of extermination! Isaac Disraeli in "Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 (of 3)".

• Our noble functions must be so performed, That happy impress graves the rabble mind But thus to meet these vultures with a smile Doth like a colic make mine honor gripe, Machiavelian methods were in sooth The better physic for the patients' needs And I like good physician must the probe Thrust in and sound the ugly, gaping wound. Spokeshave (AKA Old Fogy) in "'A Comedy of Errors' in Seven Acts".

• Then Theodora conceived a Machiavelian plot. Alfred Brittain Mitchell Carroll in "Women of Early Christianity Woman: In all ages and in all countries, Vol. 3 (of 10)".