n. 1 a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, esp. a mechanical contrivance. 2 a plan, scheme, or trick. 3 a an emblematic or heraldic design. b a drawing or design. 4 archaic make, look (things of rare device). leave a person to his or her own devices leave a person to do as he or she wishes.
[ ME f. OF devis ult. f. L (as DIVIDE) ]