guetapens

noun

guet·​a·​pens

¦getə¦päⁿ

plural guetapens

-äⁿ(z)

: ambush, snare, trap

a trick to lure him into some guetapens

—Rafael Sabatini

Word History

Etymology

French guet-apens, from Middle French, from de guet apens with premeditation, alteration of de guet apensé

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!