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n. 1. a. A movement or combination of movements involving skill and dexterity: a gymnastics maneuver. b. A controlled change in movement or direction of a moving vehicle or vessel, as in the flight path of an aircraft. 2. a. A strategic or tactical military or naval movement. b. often maneuvers A large-scale tactical exercise carried out under simulated conditions of war. 3. a. A skillful or cunning action undertaken to gain an end: "the canny maneuvers of a man after money and ease" (Cynthia Ozick). See Synonyms at wile. b. The undertaking of such actions: "a skilled diplomat's eye for maneuver" (Garry Wills). v. ma·neu·vered, ma·neu·ver·ing, ma·neu·vers v.intr. 1. To make a controlled series of changes in movement or direction toward an objective: maneuvered to get closer to the stage. 2. To carry out a military or naval maneuver. 3. To act with skill or cunning in gaining an end: The opposition maneuvered to force a vote. v.tr. 1. To move or direct through a series of movements or changes in course: maneuvered the drill into position; maneuvered the car through traffic. 2. To alter the tactical placement of (troops or warships). 3. To manipulate into a desired position or toward a predetermined goal: maneuvered him into signing the contract. [French manœuvre, from Old French maneuvre, manual work, from Medieval Latin manuopera, from Latin manū operārī, to work by hand : manū, ablative of manus, hand; see man-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + operārī, to work; see op- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ma·neu′ver·a·bili·ty n. ma·neuver·a·ble adj. ma·neuver·er n. |
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