Redeals

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

  1. The action of distributing cards again after a completed deal in games; performing another set of deals in sequence; the process of reshuffling and dealing cards anew
  2. To shuffle and deal cards once more following an initial distribution; repeating the act of handing out cards in a game; the act of starting a new round by giving cards again
  3. The repetition of dealing cards to players after the previous deal; the procedure of giving out cards again in card games; conducting an additional deal to reset the game state

Etymology: The verb in question is formed from the base word "deal," which has been a part of English since the late Middle Ages, primarily referring to the distribution of playing cards. The prefix "re-" is a common Latin-derived element meaning "again" or "back," and it entered English primarily through Old French after the Norman Conquest. Thus, this verb essentially means "to deal again," typically in the context of card games. "Deal" itself traces back to Old English "dǣlan," meaning "to divide, distribute, share," a verb with Germanic roots. This sense of dividing or distributing was naturally extended to the action of giving out cards to players. By the 16th century, the verb was firmly established in the realm of gaming and gambling. The addition of "re-" is straightforward but notable because it signals the repetition of the original action. The earliest recorded uses of "redeal" as a verb occur in the context of card playing, where a hand might be declared void or unfair, prompting the dealer to shuffle and distribute the cards anew. This repetition suggests a desire to maintain fairness or restart play under better conditions. Though simple in formation, the word captures an important procedural step in card games and other situations where an initial distribution might need correction or renewal. It exemplifies how English uses the prefix "re-" to build verbs indicating repeated or reversed actions, a pattern that is widespread and productive throughout the language.

Synonyms: reshuffles, redistributes, reallocates, reassigns, rearranges