gam·bit Spelled[gam-bit]

–noun

1. Chess. an opening in which a player seeks to obtain some advantage by sacrificing a pawn or piece.

2. any maneuver by which one seeks to gain an advantage.

3. a remark made to open or redirect a conversation.

Origin: 1650–60; < F < Spanish gambito or Italian gambetto (akin to OF gambet, jambet), equiv. to gamb(a) leg + -etta —

Synonyms 2. stratagem, ruse.