pious fraud en · NOUN
Etymology
Calque of Latin pia fraus.
Meanings
-
(countable, uncountable) An act of innocent deceit, technically using the methods of a fraudster but for an honest, honorable purpose.
White lies are verbal cases of pious fraud.
- (countable, uncountable) A person involved in such a fraud.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| pious frauds | Number=Plur | lexicographic |