Hy*poc"ri*sy (hi*pok"ri*s&ybreve;), n.; pl. Hypocrisies (- siz). [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. ).
© Webster 1913