Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
GAME
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gamen; akin to Old High German gaman amusement Date: before 12th century
1. a. activity engaged in for diversion or amusement ; play , the equipment for a game, often derisive or mocking jesting ; fun , sport ,
2. a procedure or strategy for gaining an end ; tactic , an illegal or shady scheme or maneuver ; racket ,
3. a. a physical or mental competition conducted according to rules with the participants in direct opposition to each other, a division of a larger contest, the number of points necessary to win, points scored in certain card games (as in all fours) by a player whose cards count up the highest, the manner of playing in a contest, the set of rules governing a game, a particular aspect or phase of play in a game or sport , organized athletics, c. a field of gainful activity ; line , any activity undertaken or regarded as a contest involving rivalry, strategy, or struggle , area of expertise ; specialty 3 ,
4. a. animals under pursuit or taken in hunting, the flesh of game animals, pluck , a target or object especially of ridicule or attack, see: fun gamelike adjective
II. verb (gamed; gaming)
Date: 1512
intransitive verb to play for a stake, transitive verb to lose or squander by gambling, to take dishonest advantage of ; cheat ,
III. adjective
Date: 1610
1. having or showing a resolute unyielding spirit , willing or ready to proceed , of or relating to game , gamely adverb gameness noun
IV. adjective
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1787
lame