legerdemain

pronunciation

How to pronounce legerdemain in British English: UK [ˈledʒədəmeɪn]word uk audio image

How to pronounce legerdemain in American English: US [ˈledʒərdəmeɪn] word us audio image

  • Noun:
    an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers

Word Origin

legerdemain (n.)
early 15c., "conjuring tricks," from Middle French léger de main "quick of hand," literally "light of hand," from léger "light" in weight (from Latin levis "light;" see lever) + main "hand" (from Latin manus; see manual).

Example

1. The stress tests performed last year , we now know , were an exercise in legerdemain .
2. But this week 's budget " surprise " cannot be put down simply to financial legerdemain .

more: >How to Use "legerdemain" with Example Sentences