Ruse \Ruse\, n. [F., fr. OF. re["u]ser, rehuser, to turn aside, to shuffle, retreat, fr. L. recusare to refuse; pref. re- again + causa cause. See {Cause}, and cf. {Recusant}.] An artifice; trick; stratagem; wile; fraud; deceit. [1913 Webster] {Ruse de guerre}[F.], a stratagem of war. [1913 Webster]
RUSE DE GUERRE. Literally a trick in war; a stratagem. It is said to be lawful among belligerents, provided it does not involve treachery and falsehood. Grot. Droit de la Guerre, liv. 3, c. 1, Sec. 9.