Dictionary entry

Demagogue

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Dem″a‐gogue (?; 115), n. [Gr. δημαγωγόσ a popular leader; commonly in a bad sense, a leader of the mob; δη̑μοσ the people + αγωγὄσ leading, fr. ἄγειν to lead; akin to E. act: cf. F. démagogue.] A leader of the rabble; one who attempts to control the multitude by specious or deceitful arts; an unprincipled and factious mob orator or political leader.