- Game
- Game Game, n. [OE. game, gamen, AS. gamen, gomen, play, sport;
akin to OS., OHG., & Icel. gaman, Dan. gammen mirth,
merriment, OSw. gamman joy. Cf. {Gammon} a game,
{Backgammon}, {Gamble} v. i.]
1. Sport of any kind; jest, frolic.
[1913 Webster]
We have had pastimes here, and pleasant game. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. A contest, physical or mental, according to certain rules, for amusement, recreation, or for winning a stake; as, a game of chance; games of skill; field games, etc. [1913 Webster]
But war's a game, which, were their subject wise, Kings would not play at. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]
Note: Among the ancients, especially the Greeks and Romans, there were regularly recurring public exhibitions of strength, agility, and skill under the patronage of the government, usually accompanied with religious ceremonies. Such were the Olympic, the Pythian, the Nemean, and the Isthmian games. [1913 Webster]
3. The use or practice of such a game; a single match at play; a single contest; as, a game at cards. [1913 Webster]
Talk the game o'er between the deal. --Lloyd. [1913 Webster]
4. That which is gained, as the stake in a game; also, the number of points necessary to be scored in order to win a game; as, in short whist five points are game. [1913 Webster]
5. (Card Playing) In some games, a point credited on the score to the player whose cards counts up the highest. [1913 Webster]
6. A scheme or art employed in the pursuit of an object or purpose; method of procedure; projected line of operations; plan; project. [1913 Webster]
Your murderous game is nearly up. --Blackw. Mag. [1913 Webster]
It was obviously Lord Macaulay's game to blacken the greatest literary champion of the cause he had set himself to attack. --Saintsbury. [1913 Webster]
7. Animals pursued and taken by sportsmen; wild meats designed for, or served at, table. [1913 Webster]
Those species of animals . . . distinguished from the rest by the well-known appellation of game. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]
{Confidence game}. See under {Confidence}.
{To make game of}, to make sport of; to mock. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
