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overcall

American  
[oh-ver-kawl, oh-ver-kawl, oh-ver-kawl] / ˌoʊ vərˈkɔl, ˈoʊ vərˌkɔl, ˈoʊ vərˌkɔl /

verb (used with or without object)

  1. Cards.  to make an overcall.


noun

  1. Cards.  a bid higher than the previous bid.

  2. Bridge.  a bid on a higher level than, or in a higher ranking suit than, the previous bid of an opponent that was not followed by a bid or double by one's partner.

  3. Theater.  a clause in an investor's agreement whereby the backer agrees to supply an additional amount of money, often 10 to 20 percent of the original amount, should it be required by the producers.

overcall British  

noun

  1. a bid higher than the preceding one

"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

verb

  1. to bid higher than (an opponent)

"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 overcall

First recorded in 1905–10; over- + call

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.

West made an unusual Unusual No-trump overcall with 4=6, not 5=5, distribution.

From New York Times

East’s double was foolish, even given West’s overcall.

From New York Times

Since three would have been a considerable overbid opposite a balancing overcall, she took the cautious route.

From New York Times

West, following his partner’s weak jump overcall, led the club six.

From New York Times

Now, East made a takeout double; South redoubled to indicate a good overcall; West advanced with two no-trump to show both minors with longer diamonds; and North at last jumped to four hearts.

From New York Times