Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Device
De-vice′
,Noun.
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
Excelsior.
device
-Excelsior.
Longfellow.
4.
Anything fancifully conceived.
Shak.
5.
A spectacle or show.
[Obs.]
Beau. & Fl.
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
; contrivance is almost always used in a good sense; device
as, a useful
. contrivance
Webster 1828 Edition
Device
DEVICE
,Noun.
1.
That which is formed by design, or invented; scheme; artificial contrivance; stratagem; project; sometimes in a good sense; more generally in a bad sense, as artifices are usually employed for bad purposes.In a good sense:
His device is against Babylon, to destroy it. Jeremiah 51.
In a bad sense:
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty. Job 5.
They imagined a mischievous device. Psalm 212.
2.
An emblem intended to represent a family, person, action or quality, with a suitable motto; used in painting, sculpture and heraldry. It consists in a metaphorical similitude between the things representing and represented, as the figure of a plow representing agriculture.Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields.
3.
Invention; genius; faculty of devising; as a man of noble device.4.
A spectacle or show.