1. A device, mechanism, or piece of equipment, especially one that is cleverly designed or improvised
The inventor created a clever contrivance to automate the watering system.
O inventor criou um artifício engenhoso para automatizar o sistema de irrigação.
2. A plan, scheme, or stratagem, especially one that is devious or elaborate
The villain's contrivance to frame the hero was discovered by the detective.
O artifício do vilão para incriminar o herói foi descoberto pelo detetive.
3. The action or skill of contriving or devising something
Through careful contrivance, she managed to bring the two old friends together.
Através de um artifício cuidadoso, ela conseguiu reunir os dois velhos amigos.