De*vice" (?), n. [OE.
devis, devise, will, intention, opinion, invention, fr. F. devis architect's plan and
estimates (in OF., division, plan, wish), devise device (in sense 3), in OF. also, division, wish, last will, fr. deviser. See Devise, v. t., and cf. Devise, n.]
1. That which is
devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
His device in against Babylon, to destroy it.
Jer. li.
11. Their recent device of demanding benevolences.
Hallam.
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty.
Job v. 12.
2. Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
I must have
instruments of my own device.
Landor. 3. (a) An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more
figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the
historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of
the person adopting it. See Cognizance. (b) Improperly, an heraldic bearing.
Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices
on their shields.
Addison. A banner with this strange device -
Excelsior.
Longfellow.
4. Anything fancifully
conceived. Shak.
5. A spectacle or show. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.
6. Opinion; decision.
[Obs.] Rom. of R.
Syn. -- Contrivance; invention; design; scheme; project; stratagem; shift. -- Device, Contrivance. Device implies more of inventive power, and contrivance more of skill and
dexterity in execution. A device usually has reference to something worked out for exhibition or show; a contrivance usually respects the arrangement or disposition of things with reference to securing some end. Devices were worn by
knights-errant on their shields; contrivances are generally used to promote the practical convenience of life. The word device is often used in a bad sense; as, a crafty device; contrivance is almost always used in a good sense; as, a useful contrivance.
Hear it pronounced