On the cards

Card \Card\ (k[aum]rd), n. [F. carte, fr. L. charta paper, Gr. ?
   a leaf of paper. Cf. {Chart}.]
   1. A piece of pasteboard, or thick paper, blank or prepared
      for various uses; as, a playing card; a visiting card; a
      card of invitation; pl. a game played with cards.
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            Our first cards were to Carabas House. --Thackeray.
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   2. A published note, containing a brief statement,
      explanation, request, expression of thanks, or the like;
      as, to put a card in the newspapers. Also, a printed
      programme, and (fig.), an attraction or inducement; as,
      this will be a good card for the last day of the fair.
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   3. A paper on which the points of the compass are marked; the
      dial or face of the mariner's compass.
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            All the quartere that they know
            I' the shipman's card.                --Shak.
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   4. (Weaving) A perforated pasteboard or sheet-metal plate for
      warp threads, making part of the Jacquard apparatus of a
      loom. See {Jacquard}.
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   5. An indicator card. See under {Indicator}.
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   {Business card}, a card on which is printed an advertisement
      or business address.

   {Card basket}
      (a) A basket to hold visiting cards left by callers.
      (b) A basket made of cardboard.

   {Card catalogue}. See {Catalogue}.

   {Card rack}, a rack or frame for holding and displaying
      business or visiting card.

   {Card table}, a table for use inplaying cards, esp. one
      having a leaf which folds over.

   {On the cards}, likely to happen; foretold and expected but
      not yet brought to pass; -- a phrase of fortune tellers
      that has come into common use; also, according to the
      programme.

   {Playing card}, cards used in playing games; specifically,
      the cards cards used playing which and other games of
      chance, and having each pack divided onto four kinds or
      suits called hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. The full
      or whist pack contains fifty-two cards.

   {To have the cards in one's own hands}, to have the winning
      cards; to have the means of success in an undertaking.

   {To play one's cards well}, to make no errors; to act
      shrewdly.

   {To play snow one's cards}, to expose one's plants to rivals
      or foes.

   {To speak by the card}, to speak from information and
      definitely, not by guess as in telling a ship's bearing by
      the compass card.

   {Visiting card}, a small card bearing the name, and sometimes
      the address, of the person presenting it.
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