Word Study
tenace
CIDE DICTIONARY
tenace, n. [F. tenace tenacious, demeurer tenace to hold the best and third best cards and take both tricks, the adversary having to lead. See Tenacious.].
The holding by the fourth hand of the best and third best cards of a suit led; also, sometimes, the combination of best with third best card of a suit in any hand. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
tenace, n.
1 two cards, one ranking next above, and the other next below, a card held by an opponent.
2 the holding of such cards.
1 two cards, one ranking next above, and the other next below, a card held by an opponent.
2 the holding of such cards.
Etymology
F f. Sp. tenaza, lit. 'pincers'
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