1. : an off side fielding position in cricket usually near the boundary and roughly in line with third slip and the striker; also : a player fielding in this position — see cricket illustration
2. [translation of Greek tritos anthrōpos] : a logical paradox in which the attempt to pass from one thing to another or to relate one conception to another reveals the necessity of a third and intervening thing or conception and hence leads to an infinite regress
* * *
1. Cricket.
a. the position of a fielder on the off side between slip and point.
b. the fielder occupying this position.
2. Lacrosse.
a. the position of a player, first in the line of defense between center and goal.
b. the player occupying this position.
[1870-75]
* * *
third man noun (cricket)
A fielder, or a fielding position, near the boundary on the offside behind the slips
• • •
Main Entry: ↑third
Useful english dictionary. 2012.