Defn: The character or characteristic of a sycophant. Hence: - (a) False accusation; calumniation; talebearing. [Obs.] Bp. Hall. (b) Obsequious flattery; servility. The sycophancy of A.Philips had prejudiced Mr. Addison against Pope. Bp. Warburton.
SYCOPHANT
Syc"o*phant, n. Etym: [L. sycophanta a slanderer, deceiver, parasite,
Gr. 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.
SYCOPHANT
Syc"o*phant, v. t. Etym: [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.
SYCOPHANT
Syc"o*phant, v. i.
Defn: To play the sycophant.
SYCOPHANTCY
Syc"o*phant*cy, n.