■ noun
1》 a cunning or skilful act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
↘a mischievous practical joke.
↘a skilful act performed for entertainment.
↘an illusion: a ~ of the light.
↘[as modifier ] intended to mystify or create an illusion: a ~ question.
2》 a peculiar or characteristic habit or mannerism.
3》 (in bridge, whist, etc.) a sequence of cards forming a single round of play.
4》 informal a prostitute's client.
5》 [as modifier ] N. Amer. liable to fail; defective: a ~ knee.
6》 a sailor's turn at the helm, usually lasting for two or four hours.
■ verb
1》 deceive or outwit with cunning or skill.
↘( ~ someone into/out of ) deceive someone into doing or parting with.
2》 ( ~ someone out/up ) dress or decorate someone in an elaborate or showy way.
3》 Heraldry sketch (a coat of arms) in outline, with the colours indicated by letters or signs.
Phrases
do the ~ informal achieve the required result.
how's ~s? informal how are you?
~ or treat a children's custom of calling at houses at Halloween with the threat of pranks if they are not given a small gift.
~s of the trade special ingenious techniques used in a profession or craft.
turn a ~ informal (of a prostitute) have a session with a client.
Derivatives
~er noun
~ish adjective ( dated ).
Origin
ME: from an OFr. dialect var. of triche , from trichier 'deceive', of unknown origin.