Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Stratagem /străt'-əj-əm/ · Strat·a·gem · IPA /ˈstɹæt.ə.d͡ʒəm/ 01 n. An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination. 1. An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination. “Fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.” — Shak. “Those oft are stratagems which error seem, Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream.” — Pope.