1. Inclinations, desires, or schemes; used especially in the phrase 'left to your own devices'
   "The teenagers were left to their own devices for the afternoon"

1. Instrument, mechanism, or electronic apparatus designed for a specific purpose
   "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water"
    
2. A trick or device used to achieve some end, esp. sales or publicity
   "he would stoop to any device to win a point";
   - gimmick
    
3. Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect
   "The author used foreshadowing as a device to build suspense"
    
4. Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)
   "The tablecloth featured an intricate floral device"
    
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