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(), n.[L. sycophanta a slanderer, deceiver, parasite, Gr. a false accuser, false adviser, literally, a fig shower; a fig + to show: cf. F. sycophante. The reason for the name is not certainly known. See Phenomenon.] 1. An informer; a talebearer. [Obs.] "Accusing sycophants, of all men, did best sort to his nature." Sir P. Sidney. 2. A base parasite; a mean or servile flatterer; especially, a flatterer of princes and great men. A sycophant will everything admire: Each verse, each sentence, sets his soul on fire. Dryden. Syc"ophant (), v. t.[CF. L. sycophantari to deceive, to trick, Gr. .] 1. To inform against; hence, to calumniate. [Obs.] Sycophanting and misnaming the work of his adversary. Milton. 2. To play the sycophant toward; to flatter obsequiously. Syc"ophant v. i.To play the sycophant. スポンサード リンク
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