hypocrite

Today, the word implies a person who "acts" his ethics, morals, or beliefs one way in front of others and a completely different way in private. It's never used as a compliment.

Hyp"o*crite (?), n. [F., fr. L. hypocrita, Gr. one who plays a part on the stage, a dissembler, feigner. See Hypocrisy.]

One who plays a part; especially, one who, for the purpose of winning approbation of favor, puts on a fair outside seeming; one who feigns to be other and better than he is; a false pretender to virtue or piety; one who simulates virtue or piety.

The hypocrite's hope shall perish. Job viii. 13.

I dare swear he is no hypocrite, but prays from his heart. Shak.

Syn. -- Deceiver; pretender; cheat. See Dissembler.

© Webster 1913.