svengali

English

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Svengali

Wikipedia

Etymology

Named from a character in George du Maurier's novel Trilby.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /svɛnˈɡɑːli/
• Rhymes: -ɑːli

Noun

svengali (plural svengalis)

1. One who manipulates or controls another as by some mesmeric or sinister influence; especially a coach, mentor or industry mogul.
   • 2005 October 15, in the Hamilton Spectator:

     She also offers a fascinating glimpse into a more innocent age before svengalis began colluding with marketing men and TV execs to promote talentless wannabes to overnight success.

Anagrams

• leavings