chica

‖n. [ Sp., prob. of Mex. origin. ] (Bot.) A Mexican prickly poppy (Argemone platyceras), which has migrated into California. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ F., prob. earlier meaning a dispute, orig. in the game of mall (F. mail), fr. LGr. &unr_; the game of mall, fr Pers chaugān club or bat; or possibly ultimated fr. L. ciccus a trible. ] 1. The use of artful subterfuge, designed to draw away attention from the merits of a case or question; -- specifically applied to legal proceedings; trickery; chicanery; caviling; sophistry. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

To shuffle from them by chicane. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

To cut short this chicane, I propound it fairly to your own conscience. Berkeley. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Card playing) In bridge, the holding of a hand without trumps, or the hand itself. It counts as simple honors. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

v. i. [ Cf. F. chicaner. See Chicane, n. ] To use shifts, cavils, or artifices. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. chicaneur. ] One who uses chicanery. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]