n. & v. (US maneuver)
n. 1 a planned and controlled movement or series of moves. 2 (in pl.) a large-scale exercise of troops, warships, etc. 3 a an often deceptive planned or controlled action designed to gain an objective. b a skilful plan.
v. 1 intr. & tr. perform or cause to perform a manoeuvre (manoeuvred the car into the space). 2 intr. & tr. perform or cause (troops etc.) to perform military manoeuvres. 3 a tr. (usu. foll. by into, out, away) force, drive, or manipulate (a person, thing, etc.) by scheming or adroitness. b intr. use artifice. manoeuvrable adj. manoeuvrability n. manoeuvrer n.
[ F manoeuvre, manoeuvrer f. med.L manuoperare f. L manus hand + operari to work ]