Device

From Fresh Dictionary

1 English
- 1.1 Noun

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English

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Noun

Device (plural Devices)

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.
Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
I must have instruments of my own device. --Landor.
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.
a motto, emblem, or other mark used by Knights-errant to distinguish themselves from others. If a motto affixed to the arms, it usually had some punning allusion to his name. A device differed from a badge or cognizance primarily because as it was a personal distinction, and not a badge borne by members of the same house successively.
Improperly, an heraldic bearing.
Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields. --Addison.
A banner with this strange device - Excelsior. --Longfellow.
Anything fancifully conceived. --Shak.
((obsolete{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) A spectacle or show. --Beau. & Fl.
((obsolete{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) Opinion; decision. --Rom. of R.

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Usage notes

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.

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