a. [ From Machiavel (also called Machiavelli), an Italian writer, secretary and historiographer to the republic of Florence. ] Of or pertaining to Machiavelli, or to his supposed principles for conduct of government, as enunciated in his tract The Prince; politically cunning; characterized by duplicity, political expediency, unscrupulous cunning, or bad faith; crafty. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

, n. One who adopts the principles of Machiavelli; a cunning and unprincipled politician. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. [ Cf. F. machiavélisme; It. machiavellismo. ] The supposed principles of Machiavelli, or practice in conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor arbitrary power. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ LL. machicolatus, p. p. of machicolare, machicollare. See Machicolation. ] Having machicolations. “Machicolated turrets.” C. Kingsley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. LL. machicolamentum, machacolladura, F. mâchicolis, mâchecoulis; perh. fr. F. mèche match, combustible matter + OF. coulis, couleis, flowing, fr. OF. & F. couler to flow. Cf. Match for making fire, and Cullis. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Mil. Arch.) An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, for shooting or dropping missiles upon assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character. See Illusts. of Battlement and Castle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of discharging missiles or pouring burning or melted substances upon assailants through such apertures. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ F. mâchicoulis. ] (Mil. Arch.) Same as Machicolation. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A wingless insect living in dark moist places, as under tree trunks; they make erratic leaps when disturbed; called also jumping bristletail.
Syn. -- jumping bristletail. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

prop. n. A natural family of insects including the jumping bristletails. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ L. machinalis: cf. F. machinal. ] Of or pertaining to machines. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Machinated p. pr. & vb. n. Machinating ] [ L. machinatus, p. p. of machinari to devise, plot. See Machine. ] To plan; to contrive; esp., to form a scheme with the purpose of doing harm; to contrive artfully; to plot. “How long will you machinate!” Sandys. [ 1913 Webster ]