falsehood

n. [ False + -hood ] 1. Want of truth or accuracy; an untrue assertion or representation; error; misrepresentation; falsity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Though it be a lie in the clock, it is but a falsehood in the hand of the dial when pointing at a wrong hour, if rightly following the direction of the wheel which moveth it. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A deliberate intentional assertion of what is known to be untrue; a departure from moral integrity; a lie. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Treachery; deceit; perfidy; unfaithfulness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Betrayed by falsehood of his guard. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A counterfeit; a false appearance; an imposture. [ 1913 Webster ]

For his molten image is falsehood. Jer. x. 14. [ 1913 Webster ]

No falsehood can endure
Touch of celestial temper. Milton.

Syn. -- Falsity; lie; untruth; fiction; fabrication. See Falsity. [ 1913 Webster ]