n.
(pl. dummies)
- a model or replica of a human being.
- an object designed to resemble and serve as a substitute for the real one.
▸Brit. a rubber or plastic teat for a baby to suck on.
- (chiefly in rugby and soccer) a feigned pass or kick.
- Bridge the declarer's partner, whose cards are exposed on the table after the opening lead and played by the declarer.
▸(in whist) an imaginary fourth player.
- informal, chiefly N. Amer. a stupid person.
v.
(dummies, dummying, dummied)
- (chiefly in rugby and soccer) feign a pass or kick.
-
(dummy up)
N. Amer. informal keep quiet.
Phrase
- sell someone a dummy
(chiefly in rugby and soccer) deceive an opponent by feigning a pass or kick.
Etymology
C16 (orig. ‘a person who cannot speak’, later ‘an imaginary fourth player in whist’): from dumb + -y1.
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