Catiline

/ˈkætɪlaɪn/ noun

Definition

A reference to Catiline, the Roman conspirator, or a general term for a traitor or conspiratorial plotter.

Etymology

From the Roman proper name 'Catiline' (Latin: Lucius Sergius Catilina), a senator who led a conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic in 63 BCE, exposed by Cicero.

Kelly Says

Catiline's conspiracy in ancient Rome was so infamous that his name became a word for betrayal—over 2,000 years later, calling someone a 'Catiline' still implies the worst kind of political treachery.

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