~ 1
■ noun
1》 (in bridge, whist, etc.) a playing card of the suit chosen to rank above the others, which can win a trick where a card of a different suit has been led.
↘( ~s ) the suit having this rank in a particular hand.
↘(in a tarot pack) any of a special suit of twenty-two cards depicting symbolic figures and scenes.
2》 (also ~ card ) a valuable resource that may be used, especially as a surprise, to gain an advantage.
3》 informal, dated a helpful or admirable person.
■ verb
1》 play a ~ on (a card of another suit).
2》 surpass by doing something better.
3》 ( ~ something up ) invent a false accusation or excuse.
Phrases
come (or turn ) up ~s informal, chiefly Brit. have a better performance or outcome than expected.
↘be especially generous or helpful.
Origin
C16: alt. of triumph , once used in card games in the same sense.
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~ 2
■ noun archaic a ~et or a ~et blast.
Origin
ME: from OFr. trompe , of Gmc origin; prob. imitative.