GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Found one definition
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Insidious , a. [L. insidiosus, fr. insidiae an ambush, fr. insidere to sit in; pref. in- + sedere to sit: cf. F. insidieux. See Sit.]1913 Webster
- Lying in wait; watching an opportunity to insnare or entrap; deceitful; sly; treacherous; -- said of persons; as, the insidious foe. “The insidious witch.” Cowper.1913 Webster
- Intended to entrap; characterized by treachery and deceit; as, insidious arts.1913 Webster
The insidious whisper of the bad angel.
Hawthorne.1913 Webster - Acting or proceeding unobserved or in a seemingly harmless manner, but slowly or eventually doing great damage; as, an insidious disease; an insidious plot.PJC
Insidious disease (Med.), a disease existing, without marked symptoms, but ready to become active upon some slight occasion; a disease not appearing to be as bad as it really is.
Syn. -- Crafty; wily; artful; sly; designing; guileful; circumventive; treacherous; deceitful; deceptive.
-- In*sid"i*ous*ly, adv. -- In*sid"i*ous*ness, n.
1913 Webster
- Lying in wait; watching an opportunity to insnare or entrap; deceitful; sly; treacherous; -- said of persons; as, the insidious foe. “The insidious witch.”