Main Entry:

pres·tige

Pronunciation:

\pre-ˈstēzh, -ˈstēj\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

French, from Middle French, conjuror's trick, illusion, from Latin praestigiae, plural, conjuror's tricks, from praestringere to graze, blunt, constrict, from prae- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

Date:

1829

1 : standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion 2 : commanding position in people's minds

synonyms see influence

— pres·tige·ful \-fəl\ adjective