Archaic literary term for a person who is cunning, treacherous, and morally twisted. Rarely used in modern Japanese; encountered mainly in classical texts.
In classical literature, scenes depict a treacherous retainer betraying his lord.
Modern common word for 'cunning' or 'crafty', lacking the archaic and literary flavor of 佞姦.
Rare kanji spelling; the word itself is archaic and literary.
Variant kanji spelling; equally rare.
Compound of 佞 (flattery, insincerity) and 姦 (wickedness, treachery). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the word is a classical Chinese-derived term.