The use of trickery or deception to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose. The politician's chicanery was exposed during the investigation, revealing a web of lies and deceit.
An act or instance of trickery or subterfuge. His latest chicanery involved forging documents to win the contract.
Sophistry or quibbling in argument, especially in a legal context. The defense attorney's chicanery annoyed the judge, who insisted on direct answers.