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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
DEVICE, n. [L.]
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. Power of devising; invention;
contrivance.
I must have instruments of my own device. Landor. 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.
Anything fancifully conceived.
Shak. A spectacle or show.
[Obs.]
Beau. *** Fl. Opinion] decision.
[Obs.] Rom.
of R.
Syn. -- Contrivance; invention; design; scheme; project; stratagem; shift. -- 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. | ||||||||