wile

/ˈwī(-ə)l/

Middle English wil, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vēl deceit, artifice

noun

  1. a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive; also : a beguiling or playful trick

  2. skill in outwitting : trickery, guile

trick ruse stratagem maneuver artifice wile feint mean an indirect means to gain an end. trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end. ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

verb

  1. to lure by or as if by a magic spell : entice

  2. while