tenace

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtɛnəs/

noun

  • (in bridge, whist, and similar card games) a pair of cards in one hand which rank immediately above and below a card held by an opponent, e.g. the ace and queen in a suit of which an opponent holds the king: declarer holds a trump tenace over East

Origin:

mid 17th century: from French, from Spanish tenaza, literally 'pincers'