en passant

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Of a capture, performed by a pawn on an enemy pawn that has just passed over its attack…

   Of a capture, performed by a pawn on an enemy pawn that has just passed over its attack zone.

2. 2

   In passing, by the way, incidentally.

   • Mr. William Poole called in, and examined […] I spoke to sheriff Thorpe, en passant, one day in Sackville-street, saying, "I should wish to be on the next commission jury;" and he said, it should be so.
3. 3

   Of a capture of an enemy pawn, by moving one's pawn to the square that the enemy pawn has…

   Of a capture of an enemy pawn, by moving one's pawn to the square that the enemy pawn has just passed over.

4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      A move in which a pawn captures an opposing pawn on the same rank immediately after the…

      A move in which a pawn captures an opposing pawn on the same rank immediately after the latter has moved forward two squares on its first move in the game, as if it had moved forward only one square.

      • Spectators are privy to awe inspiring castles, baffling forks, and breathtaking en passants.
      • Before he returns to performing some castles and en passants, [Kendall] Williams has to determine his endgame in the tourney.

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