sycophanta

sȳcŏphanta (sūc-), ae, m., = συκοφάντης (orig. a fig-informer, i. e. one who informed against those who exported figs from Attica contrary to law; hence, in gen.), an informer, tale-bearer, backbiter, slanderer; a deceiver, trickster, cheat (anteand post-class.; cf.: calumniator, quadruplator).

I Lit.: sucophanta et subdolus, Plaut. Poen. 5, 2, 72; id. Curc. 4, 1, 2; id. Men. 2, 2, 10; 5, 9, 28 al.; Ter. And. 815; 919; Gell. 14, 1, 32.—

II Transf., a cunning flatterer , parasite , sycophant (syn.: planus, scurra), Plaut. Am. 1, 3, 8; id. Men. 2, 1, 35; Prud. Apoth. 35.