cardhouse \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun orcardcastle\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\ (-s) Usage:often attributive Etymology:card (III) + house or castle : a structure or situation felt to resemble a construction built of playing cards in being insubstantial, unsound, or in constant danger of collapse < a cardhouse plan that collapsed at the first test > — called also house of cards