spade

³spade

noun

Definition of SPADE

1

a plural but sing or plural in constr : the suit comprising cards marked spades b : a black figure that resembles a stylized spearhead on each playing card of one of the four suits; also : a card marked with this figure

2

usually offensive : black 4

— in spades

: to an unusually great degree : in the extreme

Origin of SPADE

Italian spada or Spanish espada broadsword; both from Latin spatha, from Greek spathē blade

First Known Use: circa 1598

Other Game Terms

bezique, carom, convention, crap, euchre, gambit, monte, parlay, tierce