v. Obs. Also -veen. [a. F. circonven-ir to encompass, to ‘get round’ by address or deceit, ad. L. circumven-īre: see next.] By-form of CIRCUMVENT: chiefly Scotch.
1526. Acts Jas. V. (1814), 311–2 (Jam.). Our souerane lord … annullis … the charter … becauss his graice was circumvenit tharintill.
1533. Bellenden, Livy (1822), 348–9 (Jam.). Thus war the inemyis sa circumvenit in the middis of Romanis, that nane of thame had eschapit … war nocht [etc.].
a. 1591. H. Smith, Wks. (1867), II. 337. His subtle policy, which he useth in circumvening the faithful.
1637–50. Row, Hist. Kirk (1842), 239. Not circumveened by rent bottle or mouldie bread.
a. 1639. Spottiswood, Hist. Ch. Scot., II. (1677), 65. The policies they used to circumvene him.
1727. A. Hamilton, New Acc. E. Ind., I. xxvi. 335. A Prison for Indian Princes, whom they can overpower or circumvene.
Hence Circumvener, one who circumvenes.
1681. R. Law, Mem. (1818), 186. Deceitful workers and circumveners of the brethren.
