north. dial. Obs. [Origin obscure.
Identical in form with Du. trant ‘manner, way, method, kind,’ in MDu. also ‘step, pace.’ It is conceivable that from some of these senses there might arise the notion of ‘shift, clever or cunning way or course, device, trick’ (cf. F. tour and Eng. turn), but historical links are wanting.]
Cunning action, trickery; a stratagem, a trick (always in an evil sense).
13[?]. Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 1706. Summe fel in þe fute, þer þe fox bade, Traylez ofte a trayteres [? a travers], bi traunt of her wyles.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 12210. For to take hit [Troy] by treason & trantis of hym.
c. 1440. York Myst., xxix. 234. Þis was a trante of a traytour.
c. 1460. Towneley Myst., xvi. 235. Hard I neuer sich a trant that a knafe so slight Shuld com lyke a sant and refe me my right. Ibid., xxv. 162. I know his trantes fro top to tayll.
