Etymology : Middle English devis, devise, from Middle French, division, intention, from Old French deviser to divide, regulate, tell; more at DEVISE
Pronunciation : di-vIs
Function : noun
Date : 14th century
1. apparatus; trick, scheme; hardware component which can send or receive data (Computers). device\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.].
2. 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. li.
3. their recent device of demanding benevolences. he disappointeth the devices of the crafty. v.
4. 2. power of devising; invention; contrivance. i must have instruments of my own device.
5. (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. a banner with this strange device - excelsior.
6. anything fancifully conceived.
7. a spectacle or show. [obs.] & fl.
8. opinion; decision. [obs.] of r.
9. 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.
10. Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
11. 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.
12. See Cognizance.
13. Improperly, an heraldic bearing.
14. Anything fancifully conceived.
15. A spectacle or show.
16. Opinion; decision. any clever maneuver; "he would stoop to any device to win a point" an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" an emblematic design ; "he was recognized by the device on his shield" any ornamental pattern or design something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect.
17. 1. A device is an object that has been invented for a particular purpose, for example for recording or measuring something. an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.
18. A device is a method of achieving something. They claim that military spending is used as a device for managing the economy.
19. If you leave someone to their own devices, you leave them alone to do as they wish. Left to his own devices, Osborn is a fluent -- and often original -- guitarist. charge coupled device pneumatic device solid state device.