side card

noun

, Cards.

1. Poker. the highest card in a hand that is not part of a scoring combination, as not being one of a pair, three of a kind, etc., and that serves to determine by its denomination the higher ranking of two otherwise equal hands.
2. a card other than a trump; plain card.

Word History and Origins

Origin of side card¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

On the other side, card clubs left out from a share of the sports wagering are expected to spend a significant amount of money to oppose the new ballot measure, which they have referred to as an attempt to monopolize the gaming industry.

From Los Angeles Times

For instance, if the middle card displayed a circle and a cross, then the correct choice would be the side card containing a square and a triangle rather than the side card containing two squares.

From Scientific American

"Yo' no fool anybod' with da side card."

From Project Gutenberg

If I choose to hold a side card to threes that is my business.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Mexican believed that Merriwell had secured only threes, as he did not dream for an instant that the side card held up with the three jacks could be a five spot.

From Project Gutenberg