a. and adv. Like, or after the manner of, a chameleon.
1589. Pasquil’s Ret., A iv. Chamælion like, capable of any fayth saue the right.
1629. Symmer, Spir. Posie, II. vi. 39. Those that Chamœleon-like are puffed up with the winde of pride.
a. 1652. J. Smith, Sel. Disc., VIII. (1660), 368. It is no hard matter for such Chamæleon-like Christians to turn even their insides into whatsoever hue and colour shall best please them.
1683. Shipman, Carolina, 203.
| The Life of Man depends on breath in chief: | |
| Chameleon-like, my sorrows gain relief | |
| Fro th’ inward air of sighs, that breath of grief. |
1703. Maundrell, Journ. Jerus. (1732), 12–3. For ’tis their principle to adhere to no certain Religion; but Chamelion-like, they put on the Colour of Religion, whatever it be, which is reflected upon them from the Persons with whom they happen to converse.
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev., I. II. III. vi. 334. As for the King, he as usual will go wavering chameleonlike; changing colour and purpose with the colour of his environment—good for no Kingly use.
