sleight
UK: slaɪt | US: slaɪt
n. 1. Skill or dexterity, especially in using the hands (often in the phrase "sleight of hand").
n. 2. Cunning or trickery; artful deception.
sleight = sleigh<crafty> + t<noun suffix>
- sleigh (from Old Norse slœgr, meaning "crafty, sly")
- t (a nominal suffix in Middle English, often forming abstract nouns)
Etymology Origin:
The word "sleight" traces back to Old Norse slœgr, meaning "crafty" or "sly," which entered Middle English as sleigh. Over time, the suffix -t was added to form an abstract noun denoting skill or cunning. The modern sense often emphasizes manual dexterity ("sleight of hand") or subtle trickery, reflecting its roots in cleverness and artifice.
The magician’s sleight of hand left the audience in awe.
He won the game through sleight rather than strength.
Her political sleight enabled her to navigate complex negotiations.
The con artist relied on sleight to deceive his victims.
Mastering sleight in card tricks requires years of practice.