n. misfortune, the Devil, used esp. colloq. as an exclamation of surprise or annoyance (who the deuce are you?). a (or the) deuce of a a very bad or remarkable (a deuce of a problem; a deuce of a fellow). the deuce to pay trouble to be expected.
[ LG duus, formed as DEUCE(1), two aces at dice being the worst throw ]