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tenace definitions

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Merriam Webster's

noun Etymology: modification of Spanish tenaza, literally, forceps, probably from Latin tenacia, neuter plural of tenax Date: 1655 a combination of two high or relatively high cards (as ace and queen) of the same suit in one hand with one ranking two degrees below the other

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. 1 two cards, one ranking next above, and the other next below, a card held by an opponent. 2 the holding of such cards. Etymology: F f. Sp. tenaza, lit. 'pincers'

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Tenace Ten"ace, n. [F. tenace tenacious, demeurer tenace to hold the best and third best cards and take both tricks, and adversary having to lead. See Tenacious.] (Whist) The holding by the fourth hand of the best and third best cards of a suit led; also, sometimes, the combination of best with third best card of a suit in any hand.