snooker, n. & v.
--n.
1 a game played with cues on a rectangular baize-covered table in which the players use a cue-ball (white) to pocket the other balls (15 red and 6 coloured) in a set order.
2 a position in this game in which a direct shot at a permitted ball is impossible.
--v.tr.
1 (also refl.) subject (oneself or another player) to a snooker.
2 (esp. as snookered adj.) sl. defeat; thwart.
19th c.: orig. unkn.