(n)the political doctrine of Machiavelli: any means (however unscrupulous) can be used by a ruler in order to create and maintain his autocratic government
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
a. [ From Machiavel (also called Machiavelli), an Italian writer, secretary and historiographer to the republic of Florence. ] Of or pertaining to Machiavelli, or to his supposed principles for conduct of government, as enunciated in his tract The Prince; politically cunning; characterized by duplicity, political expediency, unscrupulous cunning, or bad faith; crafty. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
{ } n. [ Cf. F. machiavélisme; It. machiavellismo. ] The supposed principles of Machiavelli, or practice in conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor arbitrary power. [ 1913 Webster ]