spadille

[ spuh-dil ]

noun

1. the highest trump in certain card games, as the queen of clubs in omber.

spadille

/ spəˈdɪl /

noun

1. cards (in ombre and quadrille) the ace of spades

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadille¹

1720–30; < French < Spanish espadilla, equivalent to espad ( a ) broadsword, spade in cards (< Latin spatha; spade ² ) + -illa diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadille¹

C18: from French, from Spanish espadilla, diminutive of espada sword; see spade ²

Example Sentences

The ace of spades, or Spadille, was always the first trump; the ace of clubs (Basto) always the third.

From Project Gutenberg

Spadille, spa-dil′, n. the ace of spades in the games of ombre and quadrille.

From Project Gutenberg

In two hours Sir Asinus was sitting at spadille in the exceedingly undress costume of shirt, pantaloons, and silk stockings.

From Project Gutenberg

"I think, ladies and gentlemen, that I am Spadille this evening," he proclaimed in a voice of ice.

From Project Gutenberg