WordWeb Online

1. An inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase 'left to your own devices'
   "eventually the family left the house to the devices of this malevolent force"; "the children were left to their own devices"

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. A trick or device used to achieve some end, esp. sales or publicity
   "he would stoop to any device to win a point";
   - gimmick
    
4. Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)
    
5. (heraldry) an emblematic design (especially in heraldry)
   "he was recognized by the device on his shield"

Type of: design, disposition, emblem, expressive style, figure, inclination, instrumentality, instrumentation, maneuver [US], manoeuvre [Brit, Cdn], means, pattern, style, tactical maneuver [US], tactical manoeuvre [Brit, Cdn], tendency

Encyclopedia: Devices