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Webster 1913 Edition


Politician

Polˊi-ti′cian

,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
politicien
.]
1.
One versed or experienced in the science of government; one devoted to politics; a statesman.
While empiric
politicians
use deceit.
Dryden.
2.
One primarily devoted to his own advancement in public office, or to the success of a political party; – used in a depreciatory sense; one addicted or attached to politics as managed by parties (see
Politics
, 2); a schemer; an intriguer;
as, a mere
politician
.
Like a scurvy
politician
, seem
To see the things thou dost not.
Shakespeare
The
politician
. . . ready to do anything that he apprehends for his advantage.
South.

Polˊi-ti′cian

,
Adj.
Cunning; using artifice; politic; artful.
“Ill-meaning politician lords.”
Milton.

Webster 1828 Edition


Politician

POLITI'CIAN

,
Adj.
Cunning; using artifice.

POLITI'CIAN

,
Noun.
One versed in the science of government and the art of governing; one skilled in politics.
1.
A man of artifice or deep contrivance.

Definition 2024


politician

politician

English

Alternative forms

Noun

politician (plural politicians)

  1. One engaged in politics, especially an elected or appointed government official.
    • 2013 August 31, The Satirical Verses”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8851:
      It is not just politicians who find aspects of the explosion in satire unwelcome. Thanks to the internet, professional purveyors of the stuff face a lot more competition. For once, the joke is at their expense. A niche craft practised by a talented few has turned into a globally popular hobby, and what was once considered audacious commentary is now mainstream.
    Politicians should serve the country's interest.
  2. Specifically, one who regards elected political office as a career.
    • 1996, Tom Clancy, Executive Orders, ISBN 0399142185, page 438:
      I never wanted to be one, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm not a politician now. Am I the best man for this job? Probably not. I am, however, the President of the United States, []
    Unlike the other candidates, I'm not a politician.
  3. A politically active or interested person.
    • 1863, “The Fountain Kloof”, in The Sunday at Home, page 211:
      You used to be such a politician. Do you remember the debates we held in Fitzroy's rooms?
    Only real politicians are interested in this issue.
  4. A sly or ingratiating person.
    • 1969, David E. Sanford, My Village, My World, page 90:
      Mrs. Dimitriou blushed at the compliment. "Antonios, you are such a politician," her husband chuckled.
    There is a politician in every office.

Hyponyms

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