Strat″a‐gem (?), n. [F. stratagème (cf. Sp. estratagema, It. stratagemma), L. strategema, Gr. �, fr. � to be leader of an army, fr. � a general; � an army (probably as being spread out; cf. Stratum) + � to lead. See Agent.] An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination.
Fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils. Shak.
Those oft are stratagems which error seem,
Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream. Pope.