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.

Those oft are stratagems which error seem,
Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream.

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.

Those oft are stratagems which error seem,
Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream.

• A deceptive tactic designed to gain the upper hand. Typically, involves underhanded dealings and obfuscation.