chicane

The story

1. French · borrowed fromchicane
2. French · borrowed fromchicane
3. English todaychicane

Borrowed from French chicane.

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. A quibble, a pedantic or dishonest objection; an act of deception.
• from 17th c. The use of dishonest means or subterfuge to achieve one's (especially political) goals; chicanery, trickery.
• from 19th c. The holding of a hand without trumps, or the hand itself.
• from 20th c. A sharp double bend on a racecourse, designed to prevent unsafe speeds; an obstacle creating a curve.
• from 20th c. A raised area or other obstacle around which vehicles must drive, especially designed to reduce speed.