εἰρωνεία

A. dissimulation, i.e. ignorance purposely affected to provoke or confoun danantagonist, a mode of argument used by Socrates against the Sophists, Pl. R. 337a, cf. Arist. EN 1124b30, Cic. Acad. 2.5.15: generally, mock-modesty, opp. ἀλαζονεία, Arist. EN 1108a22; sarcasm, Hermog. Id. 2.8, al.; understatement, Phld. Lib. p.130.

II. pretence, assumption, when a person at first appears willing, but then draws back, D. 4.7; τὴν ἡμετέραν βραδυτῆτα καὶ εἰρωνείαν ib. 37.

III. generally, dissembling, Ph. 1.345 (pl.), al.

2. pretext, PSI 5.452.23 (iv A.D.).