1. v. & n.
--v. (past and past part. dealt)
1. intr. (foll. by with) a take measures concerning (a problem, person, etc.), esp. in order to put something right. b do business with; associate with. c discuss or treat (a subject). d (often foll. by by) behave in a specified way towards a person (dealt honourably by them).
2 intr. (foll. by in) to sell or be concerned with commercially (deals in insurance).
3 tr. (often foll. by out, round) distribute or apportion to several people etc.
4 tr. (also absol.) distribute (cards) to players for a game or round.
5 tr. cause to be received; administer (deal a heavy blow).
6 tr. assign as a share or deserts to a person (Providence dealt them much happiness).
7 tr. (foll. by in) colloq. include (a person) in an activity (you can deal me in).
--n.
1. (usu. a good or great deal) colloq. a a large amount (a good deal of trouble). b to a considerable extent (is a great deal better).
2 colloq. a business arrangement; a transaction.
3 a specified form of treatment given or received (gave them a rough deal; got a fair deal).
4 a the distribution of cards by dealing. b a player's turn to do this (it's my deal). c the round of play following this. d a set of hands dealt to players.
Phrases and idioms:
it's a deal colloq. expressing assent to an agreement.
Etymology: OE d{aelig}l, d{aelig}lan, f. Gmc 2. n.1 fir or pine timber, esp. sawn into boards of a standard size.
2 a a board of this timber. b such boards collectively.
Etymology: ME f. MLG, MDu. dele plank f. Gmc