from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Whist \Whist\, a. [Properly p. p. of whist, v.]
Not speaking; not making a noise; silent; mute; still; quiet.
"So whist and dead a silence." --Sir J. Harrington.
[1913 Webster]
The winds, with wonder whist,
Smoothly the waters kissed. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Note: This adjective generally follows its noun, or is used
predicatively.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Whist \Whist\, n. [From {Whist}, interj.]
A certain game at cards; -- so called because it requires
silence and close attention. It is played by four persons
(those who sit opposite each other being partners) with a
complete pack of fifty-two cards. Each player has thirteen
cards, and when these are played out, the hand is finished,
and the cards are again shuffled and distributed.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Points are scored for the tricks taken in excess of
six, and for the honors held. In long whist, now seldom
played, ten points make the game; in short whist, now
usually played in England, five points make the game.
In American whist, so-called, honors are not counted,
and seven points by tricks make the game.
[1913 Webster]
{Bridge whist}. See {Bridge}, n., above.
{Duplicate whist}, a form of whist in playing which the hands
are preserved as dealt and played again by other players,
as when each side holds in the second round the cards
played by the opposing side in the first round.
{Solo whist}. See {Solo whist}, above.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]