Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Whist?

\Whist\, n. {Bridge whist}. See {Bridge}, n., above. {Duplicate whist}, a form of whist in playing which the hands are preserved as dealt and played again by other players, as when each side holds in the second round the cards played by the opposing side in the first round. {Solo whist}. See {Solo whist}, above. Whitecap \White"cap`\, n. A member of a self-appointed vigilance committee attempting by lynch-law methods to drive away or coerce persons obnoxious to it. Some early ones wore white hoods or masks. [U. S.] -- {White"cap`}, v. -- {White"cap`per}, n.
\Whist\, interj. [Cf. G. st! pst! bst! ???. Cf. {Hist}.] Be silent; be still; hush; silence.
\Whist\, n. [From {Whist}, interj.] A certain game at cards; -- so called because it requires silence and close attention. It is played by four persons (those who sit opposite each other being partners) with a complete pack of fifty-two cards. Each player has thirteen cards, and when these are played out, he hand is finished, and the cards are again shuffled and distributed. Note: Points are scored for the tricks taken in excess of six, and for the honors held. In long whist, now seldom played, ten points make the game; in short whist, now usually played in England, five points make the game. In American whist, so-called, honors are not counted, and seven points by tricks make the game.
\Whist\, v. t. [From {Whist}, interj.] To hush or silence. [Obs.] --Spenser.
\Whist\, v. i. To be or become silent or still; to be hushed or mute. [R.] --Surrey.
\Whist\, a. [Properly p. p. of whist, v.] Not speaking; not making a noise; silent; mute; still; quiet. ``So whist and dead a silence.'' --Sir J. Harrington. The winds, with wonder whist, Smoothly the waters kissed. --Milton. Note: This adjective generally follows its noun, or is used predicatively.