eligieseis

Eligieseis is a Greek term that translates to feints or feigned maneuvers. In Greek-language sources, it denotes deliberate deceptive actions intended to mislead an opponent about one’s true intentions, position, timing, or strength.

In military contexts, eligieseis refer to feints designed to draw defenders away from the main effort, test responsiveness, or create an opening for a planned attack. Feints may involve brief false advances, simulated retreats, or misdirection of forces, and are often used in combination with a principal tactic to disrupt an opponent’s anticipate-and-reply cycle.

In sports and games, eligieseis describe deceptive moves intended to fake out opponents. Common examples include head or ball fakes in basketball and soccer, or fencing feints that provoke a reaction before a real attack. The purpose is to induce a premature or incorrect response and gain a competitive advantage.

The concept also appears in strategy discussions and game theory as a form of signaling that may intentionally misrepresent intent to gain advantage. While often categorized under deception, feints are typically evaluated by their effectiveness and risk, balancing potential gains against the cost of wasted effort or exposure.

See also: feint, deception, feinting in fencing, tactical deception.