WHISTS
Noun
whists
plural of whist
Source: Wiktionary
WHIST
Whist, interj. Etym: [Cf. G. st! pst! bst! Hist.]
Definition: Be silent; be still; hush; silence.
Whist, n. Etym: [From Whist, interj.]
Definition: A certain game at cards; -- so called because it requires
silence and close attention. It is played by four persons (those who
sit opposite each other being partners) with a complete pack of
fifty-two cards. Each player has thirteen cards, and when these are
played out, he hand is finished, and the cards are again shuffled and
distributed.
Note: Points are scored for the tricks taken in excess of six, and
for the honors held. In long whist, now seldom played, ten points
make the game; in short whist, now usually played in England, five
points make the game. In American whist, so-called, honors are not
counted, and seven points by tricks make the game.
Whist, v. t. Etym: [From Whist, interj.]
Definition: To hush or silence. [Obs.] Spenser.
Whist, v. i.
Definition: To be or become silent or still; to be hushed or mute. [R.]
Surrey.
Whist, a. Etym: [Properly p. p. of whist, v.]
Definition: Not speaking; not making a noise; silent; mute; still; quiet.
"So whist and dead a silence." Sir J. Harrington.
The winds, with wonder whist, Smoothly the waters kissed. Milton.
Note: This adjective generally follows its noun, or is used
predicatively.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition