ETYM French manoeuvre, Old Fren. manuevre, Late Lat. manopera, lit., hand work, manual labor; Latin manus hand + opera, from opus work. Related to Manual, Operate, Mainor, Manure.
In warfare, to move around the battlefield so as to gain an advantage over the enemy. It implies rapid movement, shock action, and surprise. Bold maneuver warfare can be synonymous with Blitzkrieg.
An example of maneuver warfare was the wide-ranging encirclement of the Iraqi army by coalition forces in the 1991 Gulf War.
1. A deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill; SYN. manoeuvre, play.
2. A military training exercise; SYN. manoeuvre, simulated military operation.
3. A move made to gain a tactical end; SYN. manoeuvre, maneuvering, manoeuvering, tactical maneuver, tactical manoeuver.
4. An action aimed at evading an enemy; SYN. manoeuvre, evasive action.

To perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense; SYN. manoeuvre, operate.