Leg`er*de*main" (?), n. [F. l'eger light, nimble + de of + main hand, L. manus. See 3d Leger, and Manual.]

Sleight of hand; a trick of sleight of hand; hence, any artful deception or trick.

He of legierdemayne the mysteries did know. Spenser.

The tricks and legerdemain by which men impose upon their own souls. South.

© Webster 1913.