Archpretender

/ˈɑːrtʃprɪˌtɛndər/ noun

Definition

The most notorious or shameless person who falsely claims a title, rank, or achievement; a supreme impostor.

Etymology

Arch- plus pretender (from Latin praetendere, to stretch forward or claim falsely). This term became especially common in discussions of disputed monarchies and contested thrones.

Kelly Says

Historians used 'archpretender' to describe people like the various pretenders to the Scottish and English thrones—people who claimed they were the 'real' king but had no proof.

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