Game \Game\, n. [OE. game, gamen, AS. gamen, gomen, play, sport;
   akin to OS., OHG., & Icel. gaman, Dan. gammen mirth,
   merriment, OSw. gamman joy. Cf. Gammon a game,
   Backgammon, Gamble v. i.]
   1. Sport of any kind; jest, frolic.
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            We have had pastimes here, and pleasant game.
                                                  --Shak.
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   2. A contest, physical or mental, according to certain rules,
      for amusement, recreation, or for winning a stake; as, a
      game of chance; games of skill; field games, etc.
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            But war's a game, which, were their subject wise,
            Kings would not play at.              --Cowper.
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   Note: Among the ancients, especially the Greeks and Romans,
         there were regularly recurring public exhibitions of
         strength, agility, and skill under the patronage of the
         government, usually accompanied with religious
         ceremonies. Such were the Olympic, the Pythian, the
         Nemean, and the Isthmian games.
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   3. The use or practice of such a game; a single match at
      play; a single contest; as, a game at cards.
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            Talk the game o'er between the deal.  --Lloyd.
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   4. That which is gained, as the stake in a game; also, the
      number of points necessary to be scored in order to win a
      game; as, in short whist five points are game.
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   5. (Card Playing) In some games, a point credited on the
      score to the player whose cards counts up the highest.
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   6. A scheme or art employed in the pursuit of an object or
      purpose; method of procedure; projected line of
      operations; plan; project.
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            Your murderous game is nearly up.     --Blackw. Mag.
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            It was obviously Lord Macaulay's game to blacken the
            greatest literary champion of the cause he had set
            himself to attack.                    --Saintsbury.
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   7. Animals pursued and taken by sportsmen; wild meats
      designed for, or served at, table.
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            Those species of animals . . . distinguished from
            the rest by the well-known appellation of game.
                                                  --Blackstone.
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   Confidence game. See under Confidence.

   To make game of, to make sport of; to mock. --Milton.
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