contrivance
Etymology

From contrive + -ance.

Pronunciation
  • IPA: /kənˈtɹaɪ.vəns/
Noun

contrivance (plural contrivances)

  1. A (mechanical) device to perform a certain task; contraption.
  2. A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective.
    • 1838 (date written), L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XVI, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], published 1842, →OCLC ↗, page 208 ↗:
      I mean to give something as slight and inexpensive as possible; but I have been so long out of the way of these things, that I am really quite at a loss, and must throw myself on your kindness, as I hope you will be with me, and also Mr. and Mrs. Gooch. You must arrange in such a manner as not to blush for your own contrivances.
  3. Something overly artful or artificial.
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