intrigue

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Intrigued p. pr. & vb. n. Intriguing. ] [ F. intriguer, OF. intriquer, entriquer; cf. It. intrigare. See Intricate, Extricate. ] 1. To form a plot or scheme; to contrive to accomplish a purpose by secret artifice. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To carry on a secret and illicit love or amour. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate; to embarrass. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

How doth it [ sin ] perplex and intrique the whole course of your lives! Dr. J. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. intrique. See Intrigue, v. i. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Intricacy; complication. [ Obs. ] Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A complicated plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem. [ 1913 Webster ]

Busy meddlers with intrigues of state. Pomfret. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The plot of a play or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions, and events. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A secret and illicit love affair between two persons of different sexes; an amour; a liaison. [ 1913 Webster ]

The hero of a comedy is represented victorious in all his intrigues. Swift.

Syn. -- Plot; scheme; conspiracy; machination. [ 1913 Webster ]