maneuver

Etymology

From Middle French manœuvre (“manipulation, maneuver”) and manouvrer (“to maneuver”), from Old French manovre (“handwork, manual labor”), from Medieval Latin manopera, manuopera (“work done by hand, handwork”), from manu (“by hand”) + operari (“to work”). First recorded in the Capitularies of Charlemagne (800 AD) to mean "chore, manual task", probably as a calque of the Frankish *handwerc (“hand-work”). Compare Old English handweorc, Old English handġeweorc, German Handwerk. The verb is a doublet of the verb manure.

noun

1. (military) The planned movement of troops, vehicles etc.; a strategic repositioning; (later also) a large training field-exercise of fighting units.
   The army was on maneuvers.
   Joint NATO maneuvers are as much an exercise in diplomacy as in tactics and logistics.
2. Any strategic or cunning action; a stratagem.
   “This,” cried he, “is a manœuvre I have been some time expecting: but Mr. Harrel, though artful and selfish, is by no means deep.” 1782, Frances Burney, Cecilia, III.v.7
3. A movement of the body, or with an implement, instrument etc., especially one performed with skill or dexterity.
4. (medicine) A specific medical or surgical movement, often eponymous, done with the doctor's hands or surgical instruments.
   The otorhinolaryngologist performed an Epley maneuver and the patient was relieved of his vertigo.
5. A controlled (especially skillful) movement taken while steering a vehicle.
   Parallel parking can be a difficult maneuver.

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To move (something, or oneself) carefully, and often with difficulty, into a certain position.
2. (figurative, transitive) To guide, steer, manage purposefully
3. (figurative, intransitive) To intrigue, manipulate, plot, scheme
   The patriarch maneuvered till his offspring occupied countless key posts