Main Entry: du·plic·i·ty

Pronunciation: \du̇-ˈpli-sə-tē also dyu̇-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural du·plic·i·ties

Etymology: Middle English duplicite, from Middle French, from Late Latin duplicitat-, duplicitas, from Latin duplex

Date: 15th century

1 : contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action; especially : the belying of one's true intentions by deceptive words or action
2 : the quality or state of being double or twofold
3 : the technically incorrect use of two or more distinct items (as claims, charges, or defenses) in a single legal action