Strat"a*gem (?), n. [F. stratageme (cf. Sp. estratagema, It. stratagemma), L. strategema, Gr. , fr. to be leader of an army, fr. a general; an army (probably as being spread out; cf. Stratum) + to lead. See Agent.]

An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination.

Fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.
Shak.

Those oft are stratagems which error seem,
Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream.
Pope.

© Webster 1913.