skullduggery

or skul·dug·ger·y

[ skuhl-duhg-uh-ree ]

/ skʌlˈdʌg ə ri /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR skullduggery ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural skull·dug·ger·ies.

dishonorable proceedings; mean dishonesty or trickery: They dealt in bribery, graft, and other such skullduggery.

an instance of dishonest or deceitful behavior; trick.

Sometimes scull·dug·ger·y, scul·dug·ger·y .

Origin of skullduggery

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15; variant of sculduddery, originally Scots: “fornication, obscenity,” of unknown origin

Words nearby skullduggery

skulduggery, skulk, skull, skull and crossbones, skullcap, skullduggery, skull session, skunk, skunk cabbage, Skunk River, skunkweed

Example sentences from the Web for skullduggery

But the hyperactive Sarkozy is hypersensitive to these oft-repeated allegations of skullduggery.
A Wrench in the Dominique Strauss-Kahn Conspiracy Theory|Christopher Dickey|April 29, 2012|DAILY BEAST
After a little conversation to assure themselves that there was no skullduggery afoot, the truckers consented.
The Knack of Managing|Lewis K. Urquhart and Herbert Watson
We utilize persuasion, skullduggery, and even force to subvert their institutions, to destroy their present culture.
Black Man's Burden|Dallas McCord Reynolds
He would be cagey enough to stay ignorant of any overt strife or any other skullduggery that could be laid at his door.
Highways in Hiding|George Oliver Smith

"Very likely he's up to some skullduggery, sir," Matt opined.
Cappy Ricks|Peter B. Kyne