n. [ F. stratagème (cf. Sp. estratagema, It. stratagemma), L. strategema, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to be leader of an army, fr. &unr_; a general; &unr_; an army (probably as being spread out; cf. Stratum) + &unr_; to lead. See Agent. ] An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination. [ 1913 Webster ]
Fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Those oft are stratagems which error seem,
Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Containing stratagem;