dissembler

[Eng. di embl (e); -er.] One who di embles or conceals his real thoughts or opinions under a false exterior; one who feigns what he does not think or believe; a hypocrite. "Those very di emblers whose villany had brought disgrace on the Puritan name." -Macaulay: Hist. Eng., ch. ii. For the difference between di embler and hypocrite , see HYPOCRITE. dis-sem-bling, pr. par., a. & 8. [DISSEMBLE.] A. & B. As pr. par. & particip. adj.: (See the verb.) C. As substantive : 1. The act of hiding or disguising under a false appearance; di imulation. "Which some that art of wise di embling call." Davenant: Gondibert, bk. iii., c. i. 2. The a umption of a false character; hypocrisy. "Good now, play one scene Of excellent di embling." Shakesp.: Antony and Cleopatra , i. 3. dis-sem-bling-ly, adv . [Eng. di embling ; -ly.] In a di embling manner; with di imulation; hypocritically. "And yet di emblingly he thoughte To dallye and to play." Drant: Horace, bk. i., sat. 9. IMG:content-0180.png:[blocks in formation] 4. To scatter as seed; to spread abroad with a view to growth or propagation; to circulate. "How can it be that a naughty quality should be more apt to be di eminated than a good one?" -Bishop Taylor: Original Sin , ch. vi., s. 1. 5. To spread, to diffuse, to circulate. "There is a nearly uniform and constant fire or heat. di eminated throughout the body of the earth."-Woodward. B. In trans.: To spread, to be diffused. For the difference between to di eminate and IMG:content-0181.png:[blocks in formation] di emination