Definition of "chicane" in English

noun

1. A quibble, a pedantic or dishonest objection; an act of deception.

2. The use of dishonest means or subterfuge to achieve one's (especially political) goals; chicanery, trickery.

   • 1775, Edmund Burke, speech on conciliation with America In this character of the Americans, a love of freedom is the predominating feature which marks and distinguishes the whole; and as an ardent is always a jealous affection, your Colonies become suspicious, restive, and untractable whenever they see the least attempt to wrest from them by force, or shuffle from them by chicane, what they think the only advantage worth living for.

3. (card games, chiefly bridge) The holding of a hand without trumps, or the hand itself.

4. (motor racing) A sharp double bend on a racecourse, designed to prevent unsafe speeds; an obstacle creating a curve.

5. (road transport) A raised area or other obstacle around which vehicles must drive, especially designed to reduce speed.

verb

1. (intransitive) To use chicanery, tricks, or subterfuge.

2. (transitive) To deceive.