Sycophant

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

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

2Sense 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.

3Sense 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.

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.