See Also: Device(medicine)
device(dictionary)
device(dictionary)
device approval(medicine)
focusing device(medicine)
homing device(dictionary)
Assistive device(health)
Device, assistive(health)
pneumatic device(encyclopedia)
Intrauterine device(health)

device (iou)



device noun. Also devise. See also DEVISE noun. ME.
[Old French devis (masc.), -ise (fem.) from Proto-Romance derivs. of Latin divis- pa. ppl stem of dividere DIVIDE verb.]
I.
Intent, desire; will, pleasure; an inclination, a fancy. Long only in leave to one's own devices etc. (passing into sense 2). ME.
b. An order, a request. ME-M16.
c. Opinion, notion; advice. LME-L16.
An arrangement, a plan, a scheme; an (ingenious) expedient; a stratagem, a trick. ME.
B. Trapido Aggression is the device I have for surviving the pain of Roger's presence. J. Barnes As for coincidences in booksthere's something cheap and sentimental about the device.
A thing designed for a particular function or adapted for a purpose; an invention, a contrivance, esp. a (simple) mechanical contrivance. LME.
K. Clark The architect has used the device known as flying buttresses. G. Vidal Various offices, equipped with all the latest communication devices. Daily Express America had exploded 18 devices since last August.
b. An explosive contrivance, esp. a nuclear bomb. M20.
A literary composition; esp. a dramatic entertainment, a masque. arch. LME.
b. A conceit, a witticism; a witty composition. arch. L16.
An artistic design, a drawing, a figure. LME.
b. spec. An emblematic or heraldic design, a cognizance, an emblem; a motto. LME.
Longfellow A banner with the strange device, 'Excelsior!' W. H. Auden The tyrant's device: Whatever Is Possible Is Necessary.
a. The action of devising or planning; inventive faculty, ingenuity. Now arch. rare. LME.
b. The manner in which a thing is devised; make, look. arch. LME.
H. Allen The tweaking nose of the largest rabbit was a miracle of rare device.
Familiar conversation, chat. L15-E17.
II. See DEVISE noun.
deviceful adjective (now rare) full of or characterized by invention, ingenious L16.
deviceless adjective M19.