Hy*poc"ri*sy (hĭ*pŏk"rĭ*s?),
n.; pl. Hypocrisies (-
sĭz). [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. ).