chouette

[ shoo-et ]

noun

1. a variation of a two-handed game, as backgammon, allowing the participation of three or more persons, in which one player accepts the bets of all the others on the outcome of a game between that player and one other active player, who is permitted to receive advice from the nonplayers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chouette¹

1885–90; < French, from the phrase faire la chouette to play alone against a group of opponents (in billiards, etc.), literally, to play the barn owl, perhaps alluding to the owl's watchful look

Example Sentences

Directly born from this dichotomy is Claire Oshetsky’s searing and ethereal debut novel, “Chouette.”

From New York Times

On a Sunday evening in July in the 84-seat dining room, our meal began with herby cocktails including the Chouette 75, a variation on the French 75 with herbes de Provence syrup and floating violets.

From New York Times

I caught Aron Kallay evoking with bold power the charming “La Chouette Hulotte,” a particularly cute owl.

From Los Angeles Times

An owl sculpture called Chouette, which was hand-painted by Pablo Picasso and inspired by his own pet owl, also sold for £1.2m.

From BBC

We’ll meet again one night at the Chouette.

From Project Gutenberg