/ kənˈtraɪvəns; NAmE / noun ( formal )
1.
[ C , U ] (usually disapproving ) something that sb has done or written that does not seem natural; the fact of seeming artificial :
The film is spoilt by unrealistic contrivances of plot.
The story is told with a complete absence of contrivance.
2.
[ C ] a clever or complicated device or tool made for a particular purpose
3.
[ C , U ] a clever plan or trick; the act of using a clever plan or trick :
an ingenious contrivance to get her to sign the document without reading it