Hy̆-pŏc'ri-sy, n.

n. [Fr. hypocrisie, Lat. hypocrisis, Gr. ὑπόκρισις, the playing a part on the stage, simulation, outward show, from ὑποκρίνεσθαι, to question and answer on the stage, to play a part, from ὑπό, under, and κρίνειν, to decide, question; Sp. hipocresia, Pg. hypocrisia, It. ipocrisia, Pr. ypocrizia.] The act or practice of a hypocrite; simulation, a feigning to be what one is not; or dissimulation, a concealment of one's real character or motives; especially, the assuming of a false appearance of virtue or religion.

Hypocrisy is the necessary burden of villainy. Rambler.