n.
Pronunciation: di- ' v ī s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English devis, devise, from Anglo-French, division, plan, from deviser to divide, regulate, tell ― more at DEVISE
Date: 14th century
1 : something devised or contrived: as a (1) : PLAN , PROCEDURE , TECHNIQUE (2) : a scheme to deceive : STRATAGEM , TRICK b : something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design c : something (as a figure of speech) in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect d archaic : MASQUE , SPECTACLE e : a conventional stage practice or means (as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect f : a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function <an electronic device >
2 : DESIRE , INCLINATION <left to my own device s >
3 : an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing