device : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: device	by the DICT Development Group
3 results for device
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
device n an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect any clever maneuver; "he would stoop to any device to win a point"; "it was a great sales gimmick"; "a cheap promotions gimmick for greedy businessmen" Synonym(s): device, gimmick, twist any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery) an emblematic design (especially in heraldry); "he was recognized by the device on his shield"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Device \Device"\, n. [OE. devis, devise, will, intention, opinion, invention, fr. F. devis architect's plan and estimates (in OF., division, plan, wish), devise device* (in sense 3), in OF. also, division, wish, last will, fr. deviser. See {Devise}, v. t., and cf. {Devise}, n.] 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 device - Excelsior. --Longfellow. 4. Anything fancifully conceived. --Shak. 5. A spectacle or show. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl. 6. Opinion; decision. [Obs.] --Rom. of R. Syn: Contrivance; invention; design; scheme; project; stratagem; shift. Usage: -- {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 device; contrivance is almost always used in a good sense; as, a useful contrivance.
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
device {peripheral}