legerdemain Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
    magic; thaumaturgy; conjuring trick; trick; deception; conjuration; magic trick; illusion.

WordNet

Leg`er*de*main" noun
Etymology
F. léger light, nimble + de of + main hand, L. manus. See 3d Leger, and Manual.
Definitions
  1. Sleight of hand; a trick of sleight of hand; hence, any artful deception or trick.
    He of legierdemayne the mysteries did know. Spenser.
    The tricks and legerdemain by which men impose upon their own souls. South.

Webster 1913