cold deck

American  

noun

Cards Slang.

1. a pack with the cards in prearranged order, secretly exchanged for the one in use; stacked deck.

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Etymology

Origin of cold deck

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

You always had in mind the fact that all these guys were in foxholes someplace or sitting out on some cold deck somewhere.

From Time Magazine Archive

"This looks as if we'd been handed a rotten deal from a cold deck."

From Doubloons—and the Girl by Forbes, John Maxwell

He comes back at you with a cold deck.

From Steve Yeager by Raine, William MacLeod

It's in a poker game; an' the barkeep brings the dealer a cold deck onder a tray whereon he purveys the drinks.

From Wolfville Nights by Lewis, Alfred Henry

I was too angry to return to the cabin, and paced up and down the cold deck biting my lips with vexation. 

From The Mutiny of the Elsinore by London, Jack