noun

1. a thing devised; plan; scheme, esp. a sly or underhanded scheme; trick
2. an invention or contrivance, esp. a mechanical one, for some specific purpose
3. something used to gain an artistic effect rhetorical devices
4. an ornamental figure or design
5. a design, often with a motto, on a coat of arms; heraldic emblem
6. any motto or emblem
7. Archaic the act or power of devising

Etymology: ME & OFr devis, division, will < OFr deviser: see devise