INTRIGUE, noun intree'g. [Low Latin intrico, intricor, to enwrap; tricor, to trifle, to show tricks; Gr. hair or a lock of hair, as we should say, a plexus.]

1. A plot or scheme of a complicated nature, intended to effect some purpose by secret artifices. An intrigue may be formed and prosecuted by an individual, and we often hear of the intrigues of a minister or a courtier, but often several projectors are concerned in an intrigue The word is usually applied to affairs of love or of government.

2. The plot of a play or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions and events, intended to awaken interest in an audience or reader, and make them wait with eager curiosity for the solution or development.

3. Intricacy; complication. [Not in use.]

INTRIGUE, verb intransitive intree'g. To form a plot or scheme, usually complicated, and intended to effect some purpose by secret artifices. The courtier intrigues with the minister, and the lover with his mistress.

INTRIGUE, verb transitive intree'g.

To perplex or render intricate. [Not used.]