betrayal

[Eng. betray; al.] The act of betraying; the state of being betrayed. Specially 1. The act of handing over an individual, a military post, or the supreme interests of one's country to the enemy. to add the betrayal of his country hereafter to his multiplied crimes."-Arnold: Hist. of Rome, vol. iii., ch. ch. xlv., xlv., p. 283. 2. The act of violating a trust. "But that is what no popular a embly could do without a gro betrayal of trust." Times , Nov. 16, 1877. 3. The act of revealing anything which it was one's interest or desire to conceal; or simply the act of revealing what was before hidden; also the state of being so revealed. "This, if it be simple, tr true, harmonious, life-like it seems impo ible for after ages to counterfeit, without much treacherous betrayal of a later hand"-' Milman: Hist. of Jews, 3rd ed., vol. i., p. 44. bě-trā'yed, be-traied, * bi-trayde, pa. par. & a. [BETRAY, v.t.] bě-trā'y-er, s. [Eng. betray; -er.] I. Lit. ( of persons): A person who betrays; a traitor. 1. Gen. In the foregoing sense. "They are only a few betrayers of their country: they are to purchase coin, perhaps at half-price, and vend it among us, to the ruin of the publick." Swift. 2. Spec.: One who seduces and abandons a female who confided in his good faith. II. Fig . (of persons or things): Any person who or thing which, apparently acting for one's benefit, is really injuring one seriously. "Youth at the very best is but a betrayer of human life in a gentler and smoother manner than age." Pope : Letter to Steele (1712). bě-trā'y-ing, * be-trai-ynge, pr. par. & a. [BETRAY.] "Till a betraying sickline was seen To tinge his cheek." Words worth: Excursion, bk. vi.