/ploy/ , n.
1. a maneuver or stratagem, as in conversation, to gain the advantage.
v.t.
2. Mil. Archaic. to move (troops) from a line into a column. Cf. deploy .
v.i.
3. Mil. Archaic. to move from a line into a column.
[ 1475-85; earlier ploye to bend ployer (F plier ) plicare to fold, PLY 2 ; see DEPLOY ]
Syn. 1. tactic, ruse, subterfuge, wile, gambit.