skullduggery

or skul·dug·ger·y

[ skuhl-duhg-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural skull·dug·ger·ies.

1. dishonorable proceedings; mean dishonesty or trickery:

   They dealt in bribery, graft, and other such skullduggery.

2. an instance of dishonest or deceitful behavior; trick.

Word History and Origins

Origin of skullduggery¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; variant of sculduddery ( def ), originally Scots: “fornication, obscenity,” of unknown origin

Example Sentences

It is because of this pressure at home, where any cooperation with the West will be spun as evidence of foreign-funded skullduggery, that the coalition government is expected to place limits on American engagement.

From Time

He and his band are untainted by political skullduggery and economic interest, not to mention accusations of theft.

From The Daily Beast

A second trend involved skullduggery and unethical behavior related to fairly complex matters of globalization and supply chains.

From The Daily Beast

But the hyperactive Sarkozy is hypersensitive to these oft-repeated allegations of skullduggery.

From The Daily Beast

He would be cagey enough to stay ignorant of any overt strife or any other skullduggery that could be laid at his door.

From Project Gutenberg

After a little conversation to assure themselves that there was no skullduggery afoot, the truckers consented.

From Project Gutenberg

"Very likely he's up to some skullduggery, sir," Matt opined.

From Project Gutenberg

We utilize persuasion, skullduggery, and even force to subvert their institutions, to destroy their present culture.

From Project Gutenberg