roguery

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   dishonest, unscrupulous, or criminal behavior characteristic of a rogue

   The investigation exposed years of bribery, deception, and political roguery.

2. 2
   noun

   playful or troublesome mischief, or an instance of it

   The memoir recalls the harmless roguery of the author's school days.

Formed in the late sixteenth century from rogue + -ery, a suffix naming a practice, behavior, or collection of acts. It follows rogue's range from a dishonest scoundrel to an affectionately mischievous person, producing both the serious and playful senses.

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