Machiavelli, Niccolò
Pronunciation: /ˌmakɪəˈvɛli/
- (1469–1527), Italian statesman and political philosopher; full name Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli. His best-known work is The Prince (1532), which advises rulers that the acquisition and effective use of power may necessitate unethical methods.
- (as noun a Machiavelli) a person perceived as prepared to use unethical means to gain an advantage.