rook

¹ American  

[rook] / rʊk /

noun

1. a black, European crow, Corvus frugilegus, noted for its gregarious habits.

2. a sharper at cards or dice; swindler.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cheat; fleece; swindle.

rook ² American  

[rook] / rʊk /

noun

Chess.

1. one of two pieces of the same color that may be moved any number of unobstructed squares horizontally or vertically; castle.

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rook ¹ British  

/ rʊk /

noun

1. a large Eurasian passerine bird, Corvus frugilegus , with a black plumage and a whitish base to its bill: family Corvidae (crows)

2. slang a swindler or cheat, esp one who cheats at cards

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verb

1. slang (tr) to overcharge, swindle, or cheat

rook ² British  

/ rʊk /

noun

1. Also called: castle.  a chesspiece that may move any number of unoccupied squares in a straight line, horizontally or vertically

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Etymology

Origin of rook¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English rok(e), Old English hrōc; cognate with Old Norse hrōkr, Old High German hruoh

Origin of rook²

1300–50; Middle English rok < Old French roc < Arabic rukhkh < Persian rukh

Example Sentences

“This rook’s a handsome fellow, isn’t he?” the housekeeper said as she moved the chess piece across the board.

From Literature

I asked Cassidy’s office whether the senator actually had input into the changes and, if not, whether he felt rooked by Kennedy.

From Los Angeles Times

But on the 55th move, Ding committed a fatal blunder – moving his rook into a position to be taken.

From BBC

Now, it seems the poison wasn't consumed by rodents - but by rooks and crows.

From BBC

Rxd3, and White’s pawns will prove sitting ducks in a shooting gallery for Black’s rook.

From Washington Times