De*vice" (?), n. [OE. devis,
devise, will, intention, opinion, invention, fr. F.
devis architect's plan and estimates (in OF., division, plan,
wish), devise device (in sense 3), in OF. also, division,
wish, last will, fr. deviser. See Devise, v.
t., and cf. Devise, n.]
1. That which is devised, or formed by design; a
contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to
deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
His device in against Babylon, to destroy
it.
Jer. li. 11.
Their recent device of demanding
benevolences.
Hallam.
He disappointeth the devices of the
crafty.
Job v. 12.
2. Power of devising; invention;
contrivance.
I must have instruments of my own
device.
Landor.
3. (a) An emblematic design,
generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart
from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the
ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See
Cognizance. (b) Improperly, an
heraldic bearing.
Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by
devices on their shields.
Addison.
A banner with this strange device -
Excelsior.
Longfellow.
4. Anything fancifully conceived.
Shak.
5. A spectacle or show. [Obs.]
Beau. & Fl.
6. Opinion; decision. [Obs.] Rom.
of R.
Syn. -- Contrivance; invention; design; scheme; project;
stratagem; shift. -- Device, Contrivance.
Device implies more of inventive power, and contrivance
more of skill and dexterity in execution. A device usually has
reference to something worked out for exhibition or show; a
contrivance usually respects the arrangement or disposition of
things with reference to securing some end. Devices were worn
by knights-errant on their shields; contrivances are generally
used to promote the practical convenience of life. The word
device is often used in a bad sense; as, a crafty
device; contrivance is almost always used in a good
sense; as, a useful contrivance.
