■ noun ( plural dummies )
1》 a model or replica of a human being.
2》 an object designed to resemble and serve as a substitute for the real one.
↘ Brit. a rubber or plastic teat for a baby to suck on.
3》 (chiefly in rugby and soccer) a feigned pass or kick.
4》 Bridge the declarer's partner, whose cards are exposed on the table after the opening lead and played by the declarer.
↘(in whist) an imaginary fourth player.
5》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a stupid person.
■ verb ( dummies , ~ing , dummied )
1》 (chiefly in rugby and soccer) feign a pass or kick.
2》 ( ~ up ) N. Amer. informal keep quiet.
Phrases
sell someone a ~ (chiefly in rugby and soccer) deceive an opponent by feigning a pass or kick.
Origin
C16 (orig. 'a person who cannot speak', later 'an imaginary fourth player in whist'): from dumb + -y 1 .