1. [n]  the public sale of something to the highest bidder
2. [n]  a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge
3. [v]  sell at an auction

AUCTION is a 7 letter word that starts with A.

1. \Auc"tion\, n. [L. auctio an increasing, a public sale,
   where the price was called out, and the article to be sold
   was adjudged to the last increaser of the price, or the
   highest bidder, fr. L. augere, auctum, to increase. See
   {Augment}.]
   1. A public sale of property to the highest bidder, esp. by a
      person licensed and authorized for the purpose; a vendue.
   2. The things sold by auction or put up to auction.
            Ask you why Phryne the whole auction buys ? --Pope.
   Note: In the United States, the more prevalent expression has
         been ``sales at auction,'' that is, by an increase of
         bids (Lat. auctione). This latter form is preferable.
   {Dutch auction}, the public offer of property at a price
      beyond its value, then gradually lowering the price, till
      some one accepts it as purchaser. --P. Cyc.
   

2. \Auc"tion\, v. t.
   To sell by auction.