(n) the political doctrine of Machiavelli: any means (however unscrupulous) can be used by a ruler in order to create and maintain his autocratic government
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ } 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 ]