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).
Phrases and idioms:
leave a person to his or her own devices leave a person to do as he or she wishes.
Etymology: ME f. OF devis ult. f. L (as DIVIDE)