game

game

game¹ [gām]

n.

[ME < OE gamen, akin to OFris game, OHG gaman < ? IE base * gwhemb-, to leap merrily]

1. any form of play or way of playing; amusement; recreation; sport; frolic; play

2.

a) any specific contest, engagement, amusement, computer simulation, or sport involving physical or mental competition under specific rules, as football, chess, or war games

b) a single contest in such a competition [to win two out of three games]

c) Tennis a subdivision of a SET (n. 6j), consisting of a series of at least four consecutive serves by a single player

d) a subdivision of any of certain other contests

3.

a) the number of points required for winning [the game is 25]

b) the score at any given point in a competition [at the half the game was 7 to 6]

4. that which is gained by winning; victory; win

5. a set of equipment for a competitive amusement [to sell toys and games]

6. a way or quality of playing in competition [to play a good game]

7. any test of skill, courage, or endurance [the game of life]

8. a project; scheme; plan [to see through another's game]

9.

a) wild birds or animals hunted for sport or for use as food: see also BIG GAME

b) the flesh of such creatures used as food

10. FAIR GAME (sense 2)

11. Informal a business or vocation, esp. one with an element of risk [the stock-market game]

vi.

gamed, gaming

to play cards, etc. for stakes; gamble

adj.

1. designating or of wild birds or animals hunted for sport or for use as food: see also GAME FISH, GAME FOWL

2. gamer, gamest

a) plucky; courageous

b) having enough spirit or enthusiasm; ready (for something)

——————

☆ ahead of the game

Informal in the position of winning, esp. in gambling

——————

die game

to die bravely and still fighting

——————

game away

to squander or lose in gambling

——————

make game of

to make fun of; make the butt of jokes, teasing, etc.; ridicule

——————

off one's game

performing poorly

——————

play the game Informal

1. to act according to the rules of a game

2. to behave as fairness or custom requires

——————

The Game

charades

——————

the game is up

all chances for success are gone

game² [gām]

adj.

[< ?]

Informal lame or injured: said esp. of a leg