Word of the Day: Legerdemain

Legerdemain:  LEH-jar-da-main

Part of speech:  noun

Origin:  French, 15^th century

1.  Sleight of hand, or the use of one’s hands when performing magic tricks

2.  a tricky display of skill or cleverness

Examples used in a sentence:

1.  While a magician can put on a good display of legerdemain, you should keep your eyes out for skilled pickpockets as well.

2.  His tactics weren’t always ethical, but a hit of legerdemain impressed his bosses enough to earn him a promotion.

About Legerdemain

David Copperfield is one of the world’s most famous illusionists and sleight of hand magicians.  While his stage shows include frequent displays of legerdemain, he is also known for large-scale magic tricks.  His illusions have included making the Statue of Liberty disappear and reappear, flying on stage, levitating over the Grand Canyon, and walking through the Great Wall of China.

Did You Know?

Translated directly from French, legerdemain means light of hand.  It’s a synonym for sleight of hand, which uses Middle English word sleight, meaning sly.  Whichever term you use for your magicians, they’re bound to put on a few good tricks.