Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Plural form of sycophant.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The sneering, demeaning elitism of Obama and his sycophants is what will make a lot of blue dogs stay away in Nov, or cast a vote for McCain to keep such hugh and mighty academics away from the levers of power.

    Polls: Race tightening in North Carolina 2008

  • It seems a tad bizarre to me that po-faced protestations of support and normality from a succession of short-term sycophants trying to buy time to cram a few more looted treasures into the train is in any way considered 'news'.

    Framing the debate 2009

  • Their outrageous charges against those who disagree with their collective point of view as Bush sycophants is wearisome now.

    Think Progress » An article in today’s NYT is an effort to help assassins 2006

  • Hosni Mubarak privately called the Qataris "sycophants" - another WikiLeaks gem.

    The Guardian World News Ian Black 2010

  • Hosni Mubarak privately called the Qataris "sycophants" - another WikiLeaks gem.

    The Guardian World News Ian Black 2010

  • I swear a bag of turnips is smarter and more creative than Palin sycophants.

    Think Progress » Fox News: Palin’s ‘Telepalmer’ Notes Were A Clever Plot To Call Attention To Obama’s Teleprompter 2010

  • I mean, how would you like to be among a group of people known as sycophants to some Illinois state legislator turned accidental president.

    "Well, you can see why that would catch him by surprise..." Ann Althouse 2009

  • The object with which Philip had sent him to the Netherlands, that he might conciliate the hearts of its inhabitants by the personal graces which he had inherited from his imperial father, seemed in a fair way of accomplishment, for it was not only the venal applause of titled sycophants that he strove to merit, but he mingled gaily and familiarly with all classes of citizens.

    PG Edition of Netherlands series — Complete John Lothrop Motley 1845

  • The object with which Philip had sent him to the Netherlands, that he might conciliate the hearts of its inhabitants by the personal graces which he had inherited from his imperial father, seemed in a fair way of accomplishment, for it was not only the venal applause of titled sycophants that he strove to merit, but he mingled gaily and familiarly with all classes of citizens.

    The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 24: 1576-77 John Lothrop Motley 1845

  • The object with which Philip had sent him to the Netherlands, that he might conciliate the hearts of its inhabitants by the personal graces which he had inherited from his imperial father, seemed in a fair way of accomplishment, for it was not only the venal applause of titled sycophants that he strove to merit, but he mingled gaily and familiarly with all classes of citizens.

    The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Complete (1555-84) John Lothrop Motley 1845

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