Cheat (?), n. [rob. an abbrevation of escheat, lands or tenements that fall to a lord or to the state by forfeiture, or by the death of the tenant without heirs; the meaning being explained by the frauds, real or supposed, that were resorted to in procuring escheats. See Escheat.] 1. An act of deception or fraud; that which is the means of fraud or deception; a fraud; a trick; imposition; imposture.
When I consider life, 'tis all a cheat.
Dryden.
2. One who cheats or deceives; an impostor; a deceiver; a cheater.
Airy wonders, which cheats interpret.
Johnson
3. (Bot.) A troublesome grass, growing as a weed in grain fields; — called also chess. See Chess.
4. (Law) The obtaining of property from another by an intentional active distortion of the truth.
☞ When cheats are effected by deceitful or illegal symbols or tokens which may affect the public at large and against which common prudence could not have guarded, they are indictable at common law. Wharton.
Syn. — Deception; imposture; fraud; delusion; artifice; trick; swindle; deceit; guile; finesse; stratagem.