STRATAGEM

stratagem. Stratagem, n. an artifice, trick, means to deceive

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Strat″a‐gem (?), n. [[F. stratagème (cf. Sp. estratagema, It. stratagemma), L. strategema, Gr. �, fr. � to be leader of an army, fr. � a general; � an army (probably as being spread out; cf. Stratum) + � to lead. See Agent.]] An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination. Fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils. Shak. Those oft are stratagems which error seem, Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream. Pope.