n. [ Cf. Hocus-pocus. ] [ Also spelled hanky-panky. ] 1. Professional cant; the chatter of conjurers to divert attention from their tricks; hence, jugglery. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Illegal or unethical behavior, usually surreptitious; as, the boss got suspicious when profits seemed lower than expected, and hired an investigator to see if any hankey-pankey was going on. [ Informal ] [ PJC ] 3. Extramarital sexual relations, especially adultery. [ Colloq. ] [ PJC ] Variants: Hankey-pankey |