1. n.1 the two on dice or playing cards.
2 (in lawn tennis) the score of 40 all, at which two consecutive points are needed to win.
Etymology: OF deus f. L duo (accus. duos) two 2. n. misfortune, the Devil, used esp. colloq. as an exclamation of surprise or annoyance (who the deuce are you?).
Phrases and idioms:
a (or the) deuce of a a very bad or remarkable (a deuce of a problem; a deuce of a fellow). the deuce to pay trouble to be expected.
Etymology: LG duus, formed as DEUCE(1), two aces at dice being the worst throw