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en prise

American  
[ahn preez, ahn preez] / ˌɑn ˈpriz, ɑ̃ ˈpriz /

adjective

Chess.
  1. in line for capture; likely to be captured.


en prise British  
/ ɑ̃ priz /

adjective

  1. (of a chess piece) exposed to capture

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of en prise

From French, dating back to 1815–25; see origin at prize 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Nd5!!, putting a knight en prise with a rook already hanging in order to run down the Black king.

From Washington Times Dec. 19, 2023

White’s pieces remain en prise, but some tricky tactics will leave Van Foreest with a rook and two pawns for two minor pieces: 23.

From Washington Times Jan. 25, 2022

To put a piece en prise, is to play it so that it may be captured.

From The Blue Book of Chess Teaching the Rudiments of the Game, and Giving an Analysis of All the Recognized Openings by Staunton, Howard

A pawn or piece is en prise when one of the enemy’s men can capture it.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

En Prise.—When a Piece or Pawn is in a situation to be taken by the enemy, it is said to be en prise.

From The Blue Book of Chess Teaching the Rudiments of the Game, and Giving an Analysis of All the Recognized Openings by Staunton, Howard

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