[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

play \play\, v. t.
   1. to put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a
      fortification; to play a trump.
      1913 webster

            first peace and silence all disputes control,
            then order plays the soul.            --herbert.
      1913 webster

   2. to perform music upon; as, to play the flute or the organ.
      1913 webster

   3. to perform, as a piece of music, on an instrument; as, to
      play a waltz on the violin.
      1913 webster

   4. to bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in
      action; to execute; as, to play tricks.
      1913 webster

            nature here
            wantoned as in her prime, and played at will
            her virgin fancies.                   --milton.
      1913 webster

   5. to act or perform a play; to represent in music action;
      as, to play a comedy; also, to act in the character of; to
      represent by acting; to simulate; to behave like; as, to
      play king lear; to play the woman.
      1913 webster

            thou canst play the rational if thou wilt. --sir w.
                                                  scott.
      1913 webster

   6. to engage in, or go together with, as a contest for
      amusement or for a wager or prize; as, to play a game at
      baseball.
      1913 webster

   7. to keep in play, as a hooked fish, in order to land it.
      1913 webster

   to play hob, to play the part of a mischievous spirit; to
      work mischief.

   to play off, to display; to show; to put in exercise; as,
      to play off tricks.

   to play one's cards, to manage one's means or
      opportunities; to contrive.

   played out, tired out; exhausted; at the end of one's
      resources. colloq.
      1913 webster
see also:
to play hob to play off to play one's cards played out 

Childs Play >> C Words
Childs Play, definition of term: Childs Play
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