n.1 Cricket a a set of three stumps with the bails in position defended by a batsman. b the ground between two wickets. c the state of this (a slow wicket). d an instance of a batsman being got out (bowler has taken four wickets). e a pair of batsmen batting at the same time (a third-wicket partnership).
2 (in full wicket-door or -gate) a small door or gate esp. beside or in a larger one or closing the lower part only of a doorway.
3 US an aperture in a door or wall usu. closed with a sliding panel.
4 US a croquet hoop.
Phrases and idioms:
at the wicket Cricket
1. batting.
2 by the wicket-keeper (caught at the wicket). keep wicket Cricket be a wicket-keeper. on a good (or sticky) wicket colloq. in a favourable (or unfavourable) position. wicket-keeper Cricket the fieldsman stationed close behind a batsman's wicket.
Etymology: ME f. AF & ONF wiket, OF guichet, of uncert. orig.