Sycophant | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Sy̆c'o-phant, n.

noun

n. [Fr. sycophante, Lat. sycophanta, Gr. συκοφάντης, from σῦκον, a fig, and φαίνειν, to show.]

Sense 1. Originally, an informer in Athens, who sought favor by denouncing those who stole figs, or exported them contrary to law, &c.

Sense 2. Hence, a tale-bearer or informer in general. [Obs.]

The poor man that hath naught to lose is not afraid of the sycophant. Holland.

Sense 3. Hence, a base parasite; a mean flatterer; especially, a flatterer of princes and great men; hence, also, a deceiver; an impostor. “Enslaved by sycophants.” Macaulay.

Sy̆c'o-phant, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [Lat. sycophantari, Gr. συκοφαντεῖν.] To play the sycophant toward; to flatter meanly and officiously; to gain favor from by informing or telling tales; also, to calumniate.

Sy̆c'o-phant, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To play the sycophant.