legerdemain
|leg/er/de/main|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌlɛdʒərdəˈmeɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˌlɛdʒəˈmeɪn/
skillful deception
Etymology
Etymology Information
'legerdemain' originates from Old French, specifically the phrase 'leger de main,' where 'leger' meant 'light' and 'main' meant 'hand.'
Historical Evolution
'leger de main' transformed into the Middle English word 'legerdemain,' and eventually became the modern English word 'legerdemain.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'lightness of hand,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'skillful deception or trickery.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45