collusion

n. [ L. collusio: cf. F. collusion. See Collude. ] 1. A secret agreement and cooperation for a fraudulent or deceitful purpose; a playing into each other's hands; deceit; fraud; cunning. [ 1913 Webster ]

The foxe, maister of collusion. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

That they [ miracles ] be done publicly, in the face of the world, that there may be no room to suspect artifice and collusion. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]

By the ignorance of the merchants or dishonesty of the weavers, or the collusion of both, the ware was bad and the price excessive. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) An agreement between two or more persons to defraud a person of his rights, by the forms of law, or to obtain an object forbidden by law. Bouvier. Abbott.

Syn. -- Collusion, Connivance. A person who is guilty of connivance intentionally overlooks, and thus sanctions what he was bound to prevent. A person who is guilty of collusion unites with others (playing into their hands) for fraudulent purposes. [ 1913 Webster ]