minor arcana

[ mahy-ner ahr-key-nuh ]

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) the set of 56 suit cards in a tarot deck, each suit having ten numbered cards and four face cards (often used attributively): Compare major arcana ( def ).

   The minor arcana cards parallel modern playing cards.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minor arcana¹

First recorded in 1890–95