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gnathonic

 
Dictionary: Gna·thon·ic

Gna·thon·ic·al , a.

Flattering; deceitful. [Obs.]


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Wordsmith Words: gnathonic
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(na-THON-ik)

adjective
Sycophantic; fawning.

Etymology
From Latin gnathonicus, derivative of Gnathon- (stem of Gnatho) name of a sycophantic character in the Roman comedy Eunuchus by Terence.

Usage
"And that's why today any myrmidon, any gnathonic sycophant, any obsequious assistant or menial hanger-on is called a toadeater or, more often, a toady." — Michael Gartner, Words, Newsday, Dec 27, 1987.


Obscure Words: gnathonic
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obsequious, toadying, parasitical, flattering and deceitful
Word Tutor: gnathonic
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pronunciation

IN BRIEF: Sycophantic, toadying.

 
 

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Dictionary. Webster 1913 Dictionary edited by Patrick J. Cassidy  Read more
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