How Do You Spell LEGERDEMAIN?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛd͡ʒədɪmˌe͡ɪn] (IPA)

Legerdemain (/ˌleʒərdəˈmeɪn/) is a word that refers to skillful deception, cunning, or trickery. It is spelled with an unusual combination of letters and syllables, with the ‘leger’ part pronounced like ‘lej-uh’, and the ‘demain’ part pronounced like ‘duh-main’. This word is derived from French, and is often used to describe magic tricks or illusions that are achieved through skillful manipulation or sleight of hand. Its intricate spelling reflects the intricacy and precision required for such feats of deception.

LEGERDEMAIN Meaning and Definition

1. Legerdemain is a noun that refers to skillful or clever manipulation or deception, particularly in regards to hand tricks or sleight of hand.

   Originating from the Middle French words 'leger de main,' meaning 'light of hand,' legerdemain describes the artful performance of seemingly impossible feats or tricks through dexterity and misleading techniques. It is often associated with magicians, illusionists, or practitioners of prestidigitation.

   In its broader sense, legerdemain can also encompass any clever or cunning manipulation or deception, not limited to physical tricks, but also applied to intellectual or verbal maneuvers. This includes any crafty or shrewd handling of a situation or the practice of skilfully deceiving others.

   While legerdemain is primarily associated with illusions and magic shows, it can also be used metaphorically to describe any underhanded or sneaky behavior in various contexts such as politics, business, or personal relationships. It implies a certain finesse and guile in diverting attention or fooling others, often leading to a desired outcome or advantage for the person practicing legerdemain.

   Overall, legerdemain describes the act of skillfully manipulating, deceiving, or creating illusions, whether through physical sleight of hand or through cunning and intellect, resulting in the illusion of something impossible or the successful achievement of a desired outcome.

2. A deceptive performance which depends on dexterity of hand; sleight of hand.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LEGERDEMAIN

• kegerdemain
• pegerdemain
• oegerdemain
• lwgerdemain
• lsgerdemain
• ldgerdemain
• lrgerdemain
• l4gerdemain
• l3gerdemain
• leferdemain
• leverdemain
• leberdemain
• leherdemain
• leyerdemain
• leterdemain
• legwrdemain
• legsrdemain
• ledgerdemain
• legerdemen
• legerdymain
• legereddmain
• legerdemayne

Etymology of LEGERDEMAIN

The word "legerdemain" is derived from Middle French. It combines the terms "léger" meaning "light" or "easy" and "de main" meaning "of hand". Therefore, "legerdemain" literally means "light of hand" or "easy of hand". The term originally referred to sleight of hand or the skillful manipulation of objects by trickery or illusion. Over time, it has also come to be associated with deception or clever maneuvers in a broader sense.