whist Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
long whist; short whist.

Cf. G. st! pst! bst! . Cf. Hist.

From Whist, interj.

A certain game at cards; -- so called because it requires silence and close attention. It is played by four persons (those who sit opposite each other being partners) with a complete pack of fifty-two cards. Each player has thirteen cards, and when these are played out, he hand is finished, and the cards are again shuffled and distributed. ✍ Points are scored for the tricks taken in excess of six, and for the honors held. In long whist, now seldom played, ten points make the game; in short whist, now usually played in England, five points make the game. In American whist, so-called, honors are not counted, and seven points by tricks make the game.

From Whist, interj.

Properly p. p. of whist, v.

Not speaking; not making a noise; silent; mute; still; quiet. "So whist and dead a silence." Sir J. Harrington.
The winds, with wonder whist, Smoothly the waters kissed. Milton.
✍ This adjective generally follows its noun, or is used predicatively.