/ded"wood'/ , n.
1. the dead branches on a tree; dead branches or trees.
2. useless or burdensome persons or things: He cut the deadwood from his staff.
3. (in writing) unnecessary words, phrases, or exposition; expendable verbiage.
4. Naut. a solid construction, serving only as reinforcement, located between the keel of a vessel and the stem or sternpost.
5. Bowling. pins remaining on the alley after having been knocked down by the ball.
6. Cards.
a. Rummy. cards in a hand that have not been included in sets and are usually counted as points against the holder.
b. Poker. cards that have been discarded.
[ 1720-30; DEAD + WOOD 1 ]