trick
/trɪk/
noun
Origin
Old French
trique — deceit, trickery
Overview
Meaning Now
- A cunning act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
- A skillful act performed for entertainment or amusement.
- A peculiar or characteristic habit or mannerism.
Language path
Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
trique
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word entered English from Old French in the late 14th century, initially referring to deceit or treachery. By the 16th century, its meaning broadened to include skillful feats or clever adjustments, losing much of its purely malicious connotation.
Evolution
- 14th century Old French
trique
“deceit, treachery”
- Late 14th century Middle English
trike
“a deceitful act”
- 16th century English
trick
“a stratagem or skillful feat”
Connections
Word parts
trick
root
deceit or skillful act
Related across languages
Old French
triquer
to deceive
Explore next
Related to trick
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.