4 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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.]
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.
Usage: -- {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.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
device
n 1: an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the
device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device
intended to conserve water"
2: something in an artistic work designed to achieve a
particular effect
3: any clever (deceptive) maneuver; "he would stoop to any
device to win a point" [syn: {gimmick}, {twist}]
4: any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)
5: an emblematic design (especially in heraldry); "he was
recognized by the device on his shield"
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:
device
{peripheral}
From eng-fra [engfra]:
device
[divais]
appareil