Main Entry: pres·tige

Pronunciation: \pre-ˈstēzh, -ˈstēj\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: French, from Middle French, conjuror's trick, illusion, from Latin praestigiae, plural, conjuror's tricks, from praestringere to graze, blunt, constrict, from prae- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

Date: 1829

1 : standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion
2 : commanding position in people's minds

synonyms see influence

— pres·tige·ful \-fəl\ adjective