skulduggery

[ skuhl-duhg-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural skul·dug·ger·ies.

1. a variant of skullduggery ( def ).

skulduggery

/ skʌlˈdʌɡərɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   underhand dealing; trickery

Word History and Origins

Origin of skulduggery¹

C19: altered from earlier Scot sculduddery; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

“There’s always some late skulduggery, but this time it’s extraordinary. I think it will go down as the grab-a-safe-late-seat election.”

From BBC

A heady mix of science and skulduggery, featuring investigations both scientific and criminal, it felt utterly unique.

From New York Times

Schiff’s skulduggery was unfortunate but totally rational under the current system.

From Los Angeles Times

The case - the first of a Cardinal standing trial in a Vatican court - was the stuff of intrigue and skulduggery.

From BBC

Since its inception in 2019, the holiday decorating contest in Washington, D.C.’s Longworth House Office Building has been plagued by “skulduggery” and “holiday espionage,” to borrow phrases from two of its founders.

From Seattle Times