obreption

/əbˈɹɛpʃən/

Etymology

From Latin obreptio, from obrepo, obreptum (“to creep up to”), from ob (see prefix ob-) + repo (“to creep”).

obreption means the act of creeping upon with secrecy or by surprise. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.

obreption is pronounced /əbˈɹɛpʃən/.

Why “obreption” is a great word

OBREPTION — [Noun] The act of obtaining something, especially a papal rescript or favor, through fraud, stealth, or by presenting false statements. From Latin obreptiōn- (stem of obreptiō, 'a surprise, creeping upon'), from obrepere ('to creep up to'), from ob- ('toward, against') + repere ('to creep'). First attested in English in the early 17th century. Unlike subreption, which denotes gaining a favor by concealment of truth, or acquisition, a neutral term for general gain, obreption is an active procurement by positive falsehood. It is the forged signature on a vellum petition, the whispered lie in a confessional’s shadow, and the carefully planted rumor that secures an undeserved blessing—a victory secured not by merit, but by the quiet corruption of reality, leaving a stain no dispensation can erase.

noun

The act of creeping upon with secrecy or by surprise.“[…]the irregularities of the first motions, violent assaults, and importunities of temptations, sudden incursions, and obreptions, sins of mere ignorance and inadvertency […]”
Act of obtaining gifts of escheat by fraud or surprise.“In Mr John Maitland's action against Cardross, (vide 17th instant,) the Lords repelled Cardross's allegeances founded upon the impetrating of the gift of eschat from his Majesty by obreption expresso mendacio, or subreption celata veritate; because it appeared that there was a competition made by Cardross before the gift was past in Exchequer, and this same objection was made against it, that it w”
The inclusion of false statements in a petition for a rescript.“A dispensation from a minor impediment is not vitiated by obreption or subreption, even though the final cause alleged be false.”