Craft

(6), n. [A-S. cræft, strength, power, art, Ger., Sw., & Dan. kraft, power, Icel. kraptr. Cf. W. cref, cryf, strong.]

1Sense 1. Art or skill; dexterity in particular manual employment; hence, the occupation or employment itself; manual art; a trade.

A poem is the work of the poet; poesy is his skill or craft of making. B. Jonson.

Since the birth of time, throughout all ages and nations Has the craft of the smith been held in repute. Longfellow.

2Sense 2. Cunning, art, or skill, in a bad sense, or applied to bad purposes; artifice; guile; skill or dexterity employed to effect purposes by deceit. “Craft against vice I must apply.” Shak.

You have that crooked wisdom which is called craft, which is a sign of pusillanimity. Hobbes.

The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. Mark xiv.

3Sense 3. (Naut.) Vessels of any kind. Totten.

Small craft, small vessels of any kind, as sloops, schooners, cutters, &c.

To play tricks; to indulge in deceit. [Obs.] “You have crafted fair.” Shak.