spadille

[ spuh-dil ]

noun

1. the highest trump in certain card games, as the queen of clubs in omber.

spadille

/ spəˈdɪl /

noun

1. cards (in ombre and quadrille) the ace of spades

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadille¹

1720–30; < French < Spanish espadilla, equivalent to espad ( a ) broadsword, spade in cards (< Latin spatha; spade ² ) + -illa diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadille¹

C18: from French, from Spanish espadilla, diminutive of espada sword; see spade ²

Example Sentences

"I think, ladies and gentlemen, that I am Spadille this evening," he proclaimed in a voice of ice.

From Project Gutenberg

This disposes of inspiration altogether, for though her mother's voice is very melodious and sounds prodigiously pleasant as it murmurs 'Spadille' or 'Manille' over the card-tables, it will allow no competition, and drives all invisible musick far away.

From Project Gutenberg

Milbe declared that every ombre player might wish for such a spadille, and Oberamtmann Werner held a conversation with her about his different varieties of wool causing him to entertain deep respect for her intellectual faculties.

From Project Gutenberg

The old Landrath led the general conversation to the absorbing topic; he spoke of Sch�n and Stein with that warmth which for all ages has distinguished the staunch friends of their Fatherland in East Prussia; he was only interrupted by Herr Milbe's noisy explanations, who sought to prove to his neighbour, that yesterday he must positively have won a grand at ombre if he had played spadille at once and called for basta.

From Project Gutenberg

A National Assembly is spadille, but there is still a basta, a second trump which we wish to play out in East Prussia.

From Project Gutenberg