cozener

He’s a crook, a cozener and a sociopath, the worst possible choice in a time of crisis, but he’s got a folksy, straight-from-the-shoulder delivery that people relate to.

It is true that Abraham owned slaves, was not always exact to the truth, and, on one occasion, turned his wife and child out to the mercies of a sandy desert; that Isaac in some sort followed his father’s example and disingenuous practices; and that Jacob was without manly feeling, a sordid, selfish, unfraternal cozener, a cowardly trickster, a cunning knave; but they must nevertheless have been good men, for God was “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

Therefore, follow my example; abandon the fair cozener utterly, and thy peace of mind will no longer he disturbed by her.

"Man! but thou'rt the cozener!" exclaimed Mrs. Carnby.

Madam, I'll wink, and favour the deceit; But know, fair cozener, that I know the cheat: Though to these eyes I nothing can refuse, I'll not the merit of my ruin lose: It is enough I see the hook, and bite; But first I'll pay my death with my delight.