One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
A trick-taking card game for two players, using a 32-card pack consisting of the seven to the ace only.
- ‘By the fireplace, Protheroe, now dressed in sober grey, sat on a sofa playing piquet with an elderly gentleman.’
- ‘The boy has won a hand of piquet, and the spinster has noticed that he has difficulty enjoying triumphs.’
- ‘In spite of three hip replacements, Adams manages to visit his local pub to play piquet most evenings and continues to write.’
- ‘Together with Chekhov, they played piquet, frequented the Taverne Gothique for oysters, or the Casino Municipal for entertainment.’
- ‘Right all, we need to organise piquet tonight.’
- ‘So instead, we played bridge and piquet the whole morning.’
Mid 17th century: from French, of unknown origin.
- variant spelling of picket (sense 2 of the noun)
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