chicane
chicane Lexical Profile
chicane Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An artificial narrowing or tight S-shaped series of turns in a road or motor racing circuit, designed to force vehicles to slow down.
"The driver braked hard before entering the final chicane of the circuit."
The use of deception, trickery, or petty subterfuge to achieve a legal, political, or financial purpose.
"The negotiations were delayed by months of legal chicane and procedural stalling."
A hand of cards in bridge or whist that contains no trumps.
"Holding a chicane in spades, she knew she would have to rely on her partner's high cards."
• verb
To use trickery, petty evasions, or subterfuge in order to deceive someone or stall a process.
"The defense attorney attempted to chicane the jury with irrelevant technicalities."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern usage, the noun "chicane" most commonly refers to an artificial S-bend on a motor racing track or road, whereas the related noun "chicanery" is strongly preferred for the sense of political or legal trickery.
• Rhymes for chicane
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 17th century from French chicane, meaning quibbling or subterfuge in legal proceedings, and also denoting a golf-like game played in Languedoc where players navigated obstacles.