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deuce1 definition

deuce (do̵̅o̅s, dyo̵̅o̅s)

noun

  1. a playing card with two spots
  2. the side of a die bearing two spots, or a throw of the dice totaling two

  3. Etymology: < Fr à deux de jeu

    Tennis, Badminton, etc. a tie score (in tennis, 40 each, or any tie score beyond this), after which one player or side must score two successive points to win the game

Etymology: ME deus, dewes < OFr deus < L duos, acc. of duo, two

deuce2 definition

deuce (do̵̅o̅s, dyo̵̅o̅s)

noun

Brit., Slang devil; dickens: used, with the, only in interjectional phrases, as a mild oath or exclamation of annoyance, surprise, or frustration what the deuce is he doing?

Etymology: ME dewes, two in dice or cards, confused with dewes, God < OFr dieu & L deus (see deity): meaning in reference to low score at dice

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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