For years magicians have been using the term to refer to a pack of cards, but I've never given much thought as to how the word "deck" was coined. Does anyone know the history behind this? A google search was unsucessful.

Thank you in advance.

T.J.

"Deck" is the American term. "Pack" is generally the British term. The line has blurred with the proliferation of British books in the USA, especially the ones Ganson wrote. However, Shakespeare used the word "deck" in at least one of his plays.

As far as the etymology of the word "deck," it comes from the Danish "dekken" which means "to cover." I don't know how that relates to playing cards.

I don't think Google would be the right tool to consult for this. I would recommend that you look through a copy of the Oxford Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, including all the supplements.

Thanks for the clarification, Bill. I am often confused by those two words too.

It's an odd kind of dichotomy. Shakespeare uses "deck." I've spotted its use in Erdnase as well. But some Americans use "pack."

Bill,

Many thanks for your wisdom. I usually find myself calling it a pack as much as a deck, but I never really considered why "deck" was used. I think it's in Erdnase where his top palm is referred to as "decking the top," which makes sense considering the etymology.

As I recall, I think Frank Garcia use to call it a "Parcel" of cards.
Rennie

Why "Parcel"? Even more curious about this!

Was Garcia referring to a packet or a whole pack?

I know Vernon referred to Topping the Deck.

He was referring to the complete deck.
Rennie