Machiavelian
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
Usage examples:
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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)".