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Mountebank: meaning, definitions and examples

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mountebank

 

[ ˈmaʊntəˌbæŋk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

deceptive seller

A mountebank is a person who deceives others, especially in the context of selling goods or promoting schemes. Historically, they were itinerant vendors who would use flashy or theatrical tactics to trick the public into buying their products, often claiming miraculous properties. This term encapsulates the modern concept of a con artist or fraudster. The techniques used by mountebanks often included exaggerated claims and performances designed to mislead potential buyers.

Synonyms

charlatan, con artist, fraud, quack

Examples of usage

  • The mountebank promised to cure all ailments with his elixir.
  • She felt like a mountebank selling fake services to unsuspecting clients.
  • In the marketplace, the mountebank attracted an eager crowd with his bravado.

Translations

Translations of the word "mountebank" in other languages:

🇵🇹 charlatão

🇮🇳 धोखेबाज़

🇩🇪 Schwindler

🇮🇩 penipu

🇺🇦 шарлатан

🇵🇱 oszust

🇯🇵 詐欺師

🇫🇷 charlatan

🇪🇸 charlatán

🇹🇷 şarlatan

🇰🇷 사기꾼

🇸🇦 محتال

🇨🇿 podvodník

🇸🇰 podvodník

🇨🇳 骗子

🇸🇮 prevarant

🇮🇸 svindlari

🇰🇿 алаяқ

🇬🇪 მატყუარა

🇦🇿 dələduz

🇲🇽 charlatán

Etymology

The word 'mountebank' originates from the Italian phrase 'monta in banco', which means 'to mount a bench' – a reference to the practice of sellers standing on benches to attract attention to their wares. This term made its way into the English language in the late 16th century. Initially associated with fraudulent medical sellers who peddled remedies in public spaces, 'mountebank' has evolved to describe anyone who deceives through trickery, particularly in sales. Its etymology reflects the theatrical nature of their presentations, highlighting the role of performance in their con. Over centuries, it has maintained a connection to deception and charlatanry, remaining relevant as a term for contemporary scams and fraudulent schemes.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,914 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.