Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LEG'ER-DE-MAIN, n. [Fr. leger, It. leggiero, light, slight, and Fr. de main, of hand. See Light.]

Slight of hand; a deceptive performance which depends on dexterity of hand; a trick performed with such art and adroitness, that the manner or art eludes observation. The word is sometimes used adjectively; as, a legerdemain trick.