English Explanatory Dictionary

sleight of hand

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The required manual dexterity used to perform magic tricks and illusions.
  2. A performance of such a skill.
  3. Any form of clever or skillful trickery or deception.

Pronunciation

En-au-sleight of hand.ogg

Word forms

sleight of hand sleights of hand sleight-of-hand slight of hand

Etymology

From Middle English slegthe of hande, sleght of hond, equivalent to sleight + of + hand. Compare Old French léger de main (cf. the contemporary French léger de main and the contemporary English legerdemain).

Synonyms

legerdemain prestidigitation conjuration conjuring dweomercraft hocus-pocus illusionism jugglery magic prestigiation sleight of hand subterfuge deception deceit dupery fiddle fetch list mislead Punic faith rinky-dink ruse swack trickery
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