machiavellianism

2 definitions found

machiavellianism - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Machiavelism \Mach"i*a*vel*ism\, Machiavellianism
  \Mach`i*a*vel"lian*ism\, n. [Cf. F. machiav['e]lisme; It.
     machiavellismo.]
     The supposed principles of Machiavelli, or practice in
     conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor
     arbitrary power.
     [1913 Webster]

machiavellianism - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Machiavellianism
      n 1: the political doctrine of Machiavelli: any means (however
           unscrupulous) can be used by a ruler in order to create and
           maintain his autocratic government