n.
- a cunning or skilful act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
▸a mischievous practical joke.
▸a skilful act performed for entertainment.
▸an illusion:
a trick of the light.
▸
[
as modifier]
intended to mystify or create an illusion:
a trick question.
- a peculiar or characteristic habit or mannerism.
- (in bridge, whist, etc.) a sequence of cards forming a single round of play.
- informal a prostitute's client.
-
[as modifier]
N. Amer. liable to fail; defective:
a trick knee.
- a sailor's turn at the helm, usually lasting for two or four hours.
v.
- deceive or outwit with cunning or skill.
▸
(trick someone into/out of)
deceive someone into doing or parting with.
-
(trick someone out/up)
dress or decorate someone in an elaborate or showy way.
- Heraldry sketch (a coat of arms) in outline, with the colours indicated by letters or signs.
Phrase
- do the trick
informal achieve the required result. - how's tricks?
informal how are you? - trick or treat
a children's custom of calling at houses at Halloween with the threat of pranks if they are not given a small gift. - tricks of the trade
special ingenious techniques used in a profession or craft. - turn a trick
informal (of a prostitute) have a session with a client.
Derivative
- tricker n.
- trickish adj. (dated).
Etymology
ME: from an OFr. dial. var. of triche, from trichier ‘deceive’, of unknown origin.