Part 236

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.

De*vice"ful (?), a. Full of devices; inventive. [R.]

A carpet, rich, and of deviceful thread.

Chapman.

De*vice"ful*ly, adv. In a deviceful manner. [R.]

Dev"il (?), n. [AS. deófol, deóful; akin to G. &?;eufel, Goth. diabaúlus; all fr. L. diabolus the devil, Gr. &?; the devil, the slanderer, fr. &?; to slander, calumniate, orig., to throw across; &?; across + &?; to throw, let fall, fall; cf. Skr. gal to fall. Cf. Diabolic.] 1. The Evil One; Satan, represented as the tempter and spiritual of mankind.

Luke iv. 2.

That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.

Rev. xii. 9.

2. An evil spirit; a demon.

A dumb man possessed with a devil.

Matt. ix. 32.

3. A very wicked person; hence, any great evil. "That devil Glendower." "The devil drunkenness." Shak.

Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

John vi. 70.