 |
| Date: | 1600-1700 |
| Origin: | Perhaps from sham 'shame' (13-17 centuries), from shame |
| |||||||||
sham1
1 [singular] someone or something that is not what they are claimed to be - used to show disapproval : The elections were a complete sham.
The elections were a complete sham.2 [uncountable] literary when someone tries to make something or someone seem better than they really are : It all turned out to be sham and hypocrisy.
It all turned out to be sham and hypocrisy.3 [countable] a cover for a pillow, especially one used for decoration
