trickster

American  

[trik-ster] / ˈtrɪk stər /

noun

1. a deceiver; cheat; fraud.

2. a person who plays tricks.

3. a supernatural figure appearing in various guises and typically engaging in mischievous activities, important in the folklore and mythology of many primitive peoples and usually conceived as a culture hero.

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trickster British  

/ ˈtrɪkstə /

noun

1. a person who deceives or plays tricks

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Other Word Forms

• trickstering noun

Etymology

Origin of trickster

First recorded in 1705–15; trick + -ster

Example Sentences

"Ravens have fascinated people forever," Marzluff said, noting the birds have been considered everything from "creators and tricksters" to "opportunistic pests."

From Barron's

They were very happy until Raven, the jealous trickster, came and gave them a burdensome task.

From Literature

But to skeptics, it only proved Leah was a very skilled trickster.

From Literature

“Not mean. More trickster kine. In ancient Hawai‘i, stealing was one honorable profession.

From Literature

Nansi was one of her favorite story topics—she’d tell me about the trickster god cutting deals, bending the rules, and weaving schemes as intricate as a spiderweb between tree branches.

From Literature

Related Words

• con artist