Stratagem

Quick meaning: Stratagem is a noun meaning A tactic or artifice designed to gain the upper hand, especially one involving underhanded dealings or deception.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. Specifically, such a tactic or artifice in military operation.
2. (uncountable) Military deception or artifice.
3. (uncountable) Cunning and artifice in general.
4. (obsolete) A violent deed.

Example Sentences

Near-synonyms: ploy, ruse

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.

Tis pollicie and ſtratageme muſt doo / That you affect, and ſo muſt you reſolue, / That vvhat you cannot as you vvould atchiue, / You muſt perforce accompliſh as you may: […]

She will not yet be permitted to return to the Manor House: it is too convenient for 'treasons, stratagems,' &c.; and it is as well not to be put in the way of temptation: but she will be allowed perfect liberty in London.

Word Forms

• stratagems

Synonyms for stratagem

Depending on context, synonyms include ploy, ruse, contrivance, dodge, gambit.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include ploy, dodge, contrivance, gambit, trick, cunning.

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