Stratagem

//ˈstɹæt.ə.d͡ʒəm// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A tactic or artifice designed to gain the upper hand, especially one involving underhanded dealings or deception. countable, uncountable

    "Near-synonyms: ploy, ruse"

  2. 2
    a maneuver in a game or conversation wordnet
  3. 3
    Specifically, such a tactic or artifice in military operation. countable, uncountable

    "His fiery eies are fixt vpon the earth. As if he now deuiſ’d some Stratageme: Or meant to pierce Auernus darkſome vauts. To pull the triple headed dog from hell."

  4. 4
    an elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade wordnet
  5. 5
    Military deception or artifice. uncountable
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  1. 6
    Cunning and artifice in general. uncountable
  2. 7
    A violent deed. countable, obsolete, uncountable

Etymology

From Middle English stratageme, from Old French stratageme, from Latin strategema, from Ancient Greek στρατήγημα (stratḗgēma, “the act of a general, a piece of generalship”), from στρατηγέω (stratēgéō, “to be a general, command an army”), from στρατηγός (stratēgós, “a general, the leader or commander of an army”). See strategy.

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