dāˈmärsh, -mȧsh, ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( plural demarches -shə̇z)
Etymology: French démarche, literally, walk, gait, from Middle French demarche, from demarcher to trample, march, from Old French demarchier, from de- + marchier to trample, march — more at march
1. : proceeding , step : move , countermove : course of action : maneuver
she caught on to that demarche and … we always landed where we didn't want to go — Frederick Packard
2. : a diplomatic move, countermove, or maneuver
to visit an ambassador may be considered a demarche , to visit his wife is merely an act of courtesy — G.H.Stuart
began the necessary diplomatic demarches at Rome to secure their exclusive title — S.E.Morison
especially : an oral or written diplomatic representation
the two governments joined to present a vigorous demarche in their neighbor's capital
made a solemn demarche insisting on withdrawal of all troops
3.
a. : any formal or informal representation or statement of views to a public official
opposition leaders made a demarche to the prime minister about police terror
b. : a verbal sally