TRICK, n. [L. tricor, to play tricks, to trifle, to baffle. We see the same root in the Low L. intrico, to fold, and in intrigue. Trick is from drawing, that is, a drawing aside, or a folding, interweaving, implication.] 1. An artifice or stratagem for the purpose of deception; a fraudful contrivance for an evil purpose, or an underhand scheme to impose upon the world; a cheat or cheating. We hear of tricks in bargains, and tricks of state. He comes to me for counsel, and I show him a trick.2. A dexterous artifice. On one nice trick depends the gen'ral fate.3. Vicious practice; as the tricks of youth.4. The sly artifice or legerdemain of a juggler; as the tricks of a merry Andrew.5. A collection of cards laid together.6. An unexpected event. Some trick not worth an egg. [Unusual.]7. A particular habit or manner; as, he has a trick of drumming with his fingers, or a trick of frowning. [This word is in common use in America, and by no means vulgar.]TRICK, v.t. To deceive; to impose on; to defraud; to cheat; as, to trick another in the sale of a horse. TRICK, v.t. To dress; to decorate; to set off; to adorn fantastically. Trick her off in air. It is often followed by up, off, or out. People are lavish in tricking up their children in fine clothes, yet starve their minds.TRICK, v.i. To live by deception and fraud.
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