deceivable adj [OED2 deceivable adj. 1 “Obsolete since c1688; except as used after the biblical deceivableness.” In the US the use of this active sense has apparently re-expanded from its use in religious discourse.] scattered
Deceitful, deceptive; hence n deceivableness deceitfulness, deceptiveness.
1653 Johnson Hist. New-England 105, Through the powers of Christ they have valiantly defended the truth, and cut down all deceivable Doctrine. 1689 in 1895 Usher Memorial Sketch 151 Boston MA, And therefore I do cut her off from the benefit of all my Estate. . . Because I look upon her as deceivable in going over for England, getting & grasping all her Estate to be in her hand. c1783 in 1873 Williams Memorials Free Communion Baptists 35 ceNY, We do . . solemnly covenant and promise to renounce the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, in all their deceivable charms and temptations. 1851 Advt. & State Gaz. (Montgomery AL) 19 Feb [2]/2, Their main principles have varied but little—the same destructive features have stamped them with an identity unmistakeable, though sometimes deceivable. 1893 West Bend Democrat (WI) 12 Apr [3]/6, Several of the members were not bluffed by the deceivable anonymous circulars, they received, cautioning farmers not to be humbugged. 1910 Charlotte Daily Observer (NC) 3 Aug 10/5, [Advt:] Deceivableness—A refined, clean appearance lady is no indication that her house is other than a breeding place for germs. 1931 Greenwood Gaz. (Lincoln NE) 7 Oct 1/5, [Student essay:] There are a few people in the world who have what an honest person would call a deceivable character. To your face this type of person may pretend to be your best friend. . . However wait until he gets out of your sight, he will say the most deceitful things he can think about you. 1966 Modesto Bee & News–Herald (CA) 25 Sept sec C 3/2, [Letter:] There is no longer any honesty, decency, or integrity left in the Democratic party. Johnson has used it to every evil, corruptive, deceivable means known to mankind. 1977 Catahoula News–Booster (Jonesville–Harrisonburg LA) 1 Dec 1/3, “The surpluses are deceivable,” Jackson said. “It’s true we have that much money on hand . . , but we have to operate on that surplus for another six months.” 1989 Democrat & Chron. (Rochester NY) 15 July sec E 23/4, [Advt:] 3 bdrm ranch w/entertainment sized dining & living rm. Deceivable from outside. 1997 DARE File WV, When one of my students rendered ME “deceivable” [meaning “deceitful”] as “deceivable,” I pointed out that it is not a modern English word. . . He then surprised me by saying that his family had used the word all his life, and to mean “deceitful,” not “able to be deceived.” His family is from Boone and Jackson Counties, WVA. 2007 Kenosha News (WI) 23 Feb sec B 4/3, [Letter:] After being a Christian right for 20 years, I find it unbelievable and unbiblical how any Christian would follow after such a deceivable bunch. I couldn’t be part of that group after coming to know so many right wingers that are so arrogant, condemning and judgmental. 2011 IA City Press–Citizen (IA) 11 July sec A 7/4, [Letter:] President Obama must be voted out of the Oval Office. Here are some reasons why: . . Smooth talkin’ deceivable-ness.