INTRIGUE (3)

In‐trigue″, n. [[Cf. F. intrique. See Intrigue, v. i.]] 1. 1. Intricacy; complication. Sir M. Hale.
2. 2. A complicated plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem.
Busy meddlers with intrigues of state. Pomfret. 3. 3. The plot of a play or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions, and events. Pope.
4. 4. A secret and illicit love affair between two persons of different sexes; an amour; a liaison.
The hero of a comedy is represented victorious in all his intrigues. Swift. Syn. — Plot; scheme; conspiracy; machination.