ma·neu·ver 
(mə-nvər, -ny-)
(mə-nvər, -ny-)n.
1.
a. A movement or combination of movements involving skill and dexterity: a gymnastics maneuver.
b. A controlled change in movement or direction of a moving vehicle or vessel, as in the flight path of an aircraft.
2.
a. A strategic or tactical military or naval movement.
b. often maneuvers A large-scale tactical exercise carried out under simulated conditions of war.
3.
a. A skillful or cunning action undertaken to gain an end: "the canny maneuvers of a man after money and ease" (Cynthia Ozick). See Synonyms at wile.
b. The undertaking of such actions: "a skilled diplomat's eye for maneuver" (Garry Wills).
v. ma·neu·vered, ma·neu·ver·ing, ma·neu·vers
v.intr.
1. To make a controlled series of changes in movement or direction toward an objective: maneuvered to get closer to the stage.
2. To carry out a military or naval maneuver.
3. To act with skill or cunning in gaining an end: The opposition maneuvered to force a vote.
v.tr.
1. To move or direct through a series of movements or changes in course: maneuvered the drill into position; maneuvered the car through traffic.
2. To alter the tactical placement of (troops or warships).
3. To manipulate into a desired position or toward a predetermined goal: maneuvered him into signing the contract.
[French manœuvre, from Old French maneuvre, manual work, from Medieval Latin manuopera, from Latin manū operārī, to work by hand : manū, ablative of manus, hand; see man-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + operārī, to work; see op- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
ma·neu′ver·a·bili·ty n.
ma·neuver·a·ble adj.
ma·neuver·er n.