Hy*poc"ri*sy (h&ibreve;*p&obreve;k"r&ibreve;*s&ybreve;), n.; pl. Hypocrisies (-
s&ibreve;z). [OE. hypocrisie,
ypocrisie, OF. hypocrisie,
ypocrisie, F. hypocrisie, L. hypocrisis, fr. Gr. "ypo`krisis the playing a
part on the
stage, simulation, outward show, fr.
"ypokr`nesqai to answer on the
stage, to play a part;
"ypo` under + kri`nein 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. ).
Hear it pronounced