stratagem

noun5

1. •
   A tactic or artifice designed to gain the upper hand, especially one involving underhanded dealings or deception.

   • Tis pollicie and stratageme must doo / That you affect, and so must you resolue, / That vvhat you cannot as you vvould atchiue, / You must perforce accomplish as you may: […] — 1588
2. •
   Specifically, such a tactic or artifice in military operation.

   • His fiery eies are fixt vpon the earth. As if he now deuis’d some Stratageme: Or meant to pierce Auernus darksome vauts. To pull the triple headed dog from hell. — 1587
3. •
   Military deception or artifice.
4. •
   Cunning and artifice in general.
5. •
   (no longer used) A violent deed.