See Also: Bluff(casino)
bluff(1)(dictionary)
bluff(2)(dictionary)
bluff(3)(dictionary)
bluff(4)(dictionary)
BLUFF CITY(finance)
bluff 1, verb(dictionary)
bluff 2, noun(dictionary)
bluff 3, adjective(dictionary)
double bluff(dictionary)

bluff(3) (iou)



bluff noun2. L18.
[Prob. from the verb, to which it is certainly related, but perh. earlier.]
A blinker for a horse. Now obsolete or dial. L18.
The game of poker; the action or an act of bluffing, orig. in poker; threatening or confident language or behaviour adopted without basis, in order to intimidate or mislead an opponent. Orig. US. M19.
call someone's bluff challenge or invite a showdown with someone believed to be bluffing. double bluff: see DOUBLE adjective & adverb.
C. Connolly I learnt that sulking, crying, moping, and malingering were bluffs that paid. A. Wilson There's a lot of bluff goes with this act; he knows nothing about brandy.