[ 'di:vɪəs ]
■ adjective
1》 skilfully using underhand tactics to achieve goals.
2》 (of a route or journey) longer and less direct than the most straightforward way.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
C16 (in sense 'remote', later 'departing from the direct route'): from L. devius (from de- 'away from' + via 'way') + -ous .