imposture

noun

Etymology: From Middle French imposture, from Late Latin impostura, Latin impostus.

1. The act or conduct of an impostor; deception practiced under a false or assumed character; fraud or imposition.

   “Among an unenlightened people every impoſture is likely to take place, for ignorance is the parent of credulity.”

   “There is something very horrible in the laugh of a dying man: Hovering on the verge of both worlds, he seems to give the lie to both, and proclaim the enjoyments of one, and the hopes of another, alike an imposture.”