n. & adj.
--n.
1. a person who has little faith in human sincerity and goodness.
2 (Cynic) one of a school of ancient Greek philosophers founded by Antisthenes, marked by ostentatious contempt for ease and pleasure.
--adj.
1. (Cynic) of the Cynics.
2 CYNICAL.
Derivatives:
cynicism n.
Etymology: L cynicus f. Gk kunikos f. kuon kunos dog, nickname for a Cynic