Sleight
/slaɪt/noun
The use of dexterity or cunning to deceive or perform tricks.
Did you know?The term 'sleight of hand' has roots in ancient practices of illusion and manipulation, often linked to sorcery and trickery.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*slaihtiz
“The act of moving quickly or skillfully.”
Old English
OE
sleȝeþ
“Dexterity, skill, or cunning in action.”
Middle English
ME
sleight
“A skilled or cunning action, often in a deceitful manner.”
Early Modern English
EModE
sleight
“Cunning or dexterous skill, especially in magic or deception.”
Modern English
Eng
sleight
“Skillful or cunning, particularly in the context of trickery.”