n. The act of pulling the wires, as of a puppet; hence, secret influence or management, especially in politics; intrigue. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who pulls the wires, as of a puppet; hence, one who uses secret influence (i.e. pulls wires or strings) for his own ends; an intriguer. [ 1913 Webster ]
Political wire-pullers and convention packers. Lowell. [ 1913 Webster ]