in|tri´guer

in|trigue «noun. ihn TREEG, IHN treeg; verb. ihn TREEG», noun, verb, -trigued, -tri|guing.

–n.

1. secret scheming and plotting; crafty dealing: »

The royal palace was filled with intrigue.

SYNONYM(S): conspiracy.

2. a crafty plot; secret scheme: »

The king's younger brother took part in the intrigue to make himself king.

3. a secret love affair: »

the intrigue between a man and his mistress.

SYNONYM(S): liaison.

4. the plot of a play, dramatic poem, or other literary piece, especially the development of a complex situation.

–v.i.

1. to form and carry out plots; plan in a secret or underhand way: »

He pretended to be loyal while he intrigued against his employer. He will fight openly, but he is too honorable to intrigue against you.

2. to have a secret love affair.

–v.t.

1. to excite the curiosity and interest of: »

The book's unusual title intrigued me into reading it.

2. to bring or get by intrigue: »

to intrigue a person out of office.

3. to puzzle; perplex.

4. Archaic. to trick; cheat.

╂[< French intrigue < Italian intrigo < intrigare < Latin intrīcāre to entangle; see etym. under intricate (Cf. ↑intricate)]

–in|tri´guer, noun.