stratagem
/ˈstɹæt.ə.d͡ʒəm/
stratagem means A tactic or artifice designed to gain the upper hand, especially one involving underhanded dealings or deception. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 73 out of 100.
stratagem is pronounced /ˈstɹæt.ə.d͡ʒəm/.
Why “stratagem” is a great word
A clever and often deceptive scheme or maneuver, especially one used to outwit an opponent. From Middle English *stratageme*, from Old French *stratageme*, from Latin *strategema*, from Ancient Greek *στρατήγημα (stratḗgēma*, 'the act of a general, a piece of generalship'), from *στρατηγέω (stratēgéō*, 'to be a general'), from *στρατηγός (stratēgós*, 'general'). Unlike "strategy," which charts the grand campaign, or a "ruse," which is a fleeting sleight-of-hand, a stratagem is the cunning, articulated move within the larger game. It is the hollow horse left at the gates, the feigned retreat into a canyon, the forged letter slipped into a rival's hand. Each is a silent proof that the mind's most potent weapon is a lie shaped like the truth.
Etymology
From Middle English stratageme, from Old French stratageme, from Latin strategema, from Ancient Greek στρατήγημα (stratḗgēma, “the act of a general, a piece of generalship”), from στρατηγέω (stratēgéō, “to be a general, command an army”), from στρατηγός (stratēgós, “a general, the leader or commander of an army”). See strategy.
noun
- A tactic or artifice designed to gain the upper hand, especially one involving underhanded dealings or deception.“Near-synonyms: ploy, ruse”
- Specifically, such a tactic or artifice in military operation.“His fiery eies are fixt vpon the earth.
As if he now deuiſ’d some Stratageme:
Or meant to pierce Auernus darkſome vauts.
To pull the triple headed dog from hell.”
- Military deception or artifice.
- Cunning and artifice in general.
- A violent deed.