(ˈ)pre|stēzh also -ēj sometimes ˈprestij or -_tēj noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Late Latin praestigium, irregular from Latin praestigiae (plural) conjurer's tricks, alteration of (assumed) Latin praestrigiae, from Latin praestringere to bind, tie up, blind, from prae- pre- + stringere to draw tight — more at strain
1. archaic : a conjurer's trick : illusion , deception
2. : standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion : ascendancy , honor , influence , reputation
the power and prestige of the aristocracy and the landed gentry were unimpaired — Bertrand Russell
such luster — or prestige of mana — as individual writers possess is usually owed, not to the quality of their work, but to its public acceptance — Times Literary Supplement
Synonyms: see influence