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mouse•trap

Pronunciation: (mous'trap"), [key]
—n., v., -trapped, -trap•ping.

—n.
1. a trap for mice, esp. one consisting of a rectangular wooden base on which a metal spring is mounted.
2. a device, machine, or the like whose structure or function suggests a trap for mice.
3. a device, system, or stratagem for detecting and catching someone in an unauthorized or illegal act.
4. Football.trap¹ (def. 11).
5. build a better mousetrap, to make or offer a superior product.

—v.t.
1. Informal.
a. to trap or snare: traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.
b. to manipulate by devious or clever means; trick or outwit: to mousetrap the witness into a contradiction.
2. Football.trap¹ (def. 20).

mouser

mousey

See also:

mousetrap (Thesaurus)

Dictionary

mouse•trap

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