Category:Intrigue

In*trigue", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Intrigued; p. pr. & vb. n. Intriguing.] Etym: [F. intriguer, OF. intriquer, entriquer; cf. It. intrigare. See Intricate, Extricate.]

1. To form a plot or scheme; to contrive to accomplish a purpose by secret artifice.

2. To carry on a secret and illicit love or amour.

intrigue In*trigue", v. t.

Defn: To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate; to embarrass. [Obs.] How doth it [sin] perplex and intrique the whole course of your lives! Dr. J. Scott.

intrigue In*trigue", n. Etym: [Cf. F. intrique. See Intrigue, v. i.]

1. Intricacy; complication. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.

2. A complicated plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem. Busy meddlers with intrigues of state. Pomfret.

3. The plot or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions, and events. Pope.

4. A secret and illicit love affair between two persons of different sexes; an amour; a liaison. The hero of a comedy is represented victorious in all his intrigues. Swift.

Syn. -- Plot; scheme; conspiracy; machination.