[ma.neu.ver] n [F manoeuvre, fr. OF maneuvre work done by hand, fr. ML manuopera, fr. L manu operare to work by hand] (1758) 1 a: a military or naval movement b: an armed forces training exercise; esp: an extended and large-scale training exercise involving military and naval units separately or in combination--often used in pl.
2: a procedure or method of working usu. involving expert physical movement 3 a: evasive movement or shift of tactics b: an intended and controlled variation from a straight and level flight path in the operation of an airplane
4. a: an action taken to gain a tactical end b: an adroit and clever management of affairs often using trickery and deception syn see trick
[2]maneuver vb ma.neu.vered ; ma.neu.ver.ing vi (1777) 1 a: to perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage b: to make a series of changes in direction and position for a specific purpose
2: to use stratagems: scheme ~ vt 1: to cause to execute tactical movements
2: to manage into or out of a position or condition: manipulate 3 a: to guide with adroitness and design b: to bring about or secure as a result of skillful management -- ma.neu.ver.abil.i.ty n -- ma.neu.ver.able adj -- ma.neu.ver.er n