First Known Use: 1618
Dictionary
charlatan
noun char·la·tan \ˈshär-lə-tən\
: a person who falsely pretends to know or be something in order to deceive people
Full Definition of CHARLATAN
1
: quack 2
2
— char·la·tan·ism \-tə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
— char·la·tan·ry \-rē\ noun
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Origin of CHARLATAN
Italian ciarlatano, alteration of cerretano, literally, inhabitant of Cerreto, from Cerreto, Italy
CHARLATAN Defined for Kids
charlatan
noun char·la·tan \ˈshär-lə-tən\
Definition of CHARLATAN for Kids
: a person who falsely pretends to know or be something <The charlatan sold useless medicinal potions.>
Medical Dictionary
charlatan
noun char·la·tan \ˈshär-lət-ən\
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