artifice

/ˈɑː(ɹ)tɪfɪs/
/ˈɑː(ɹ)tɪfɪs/

noun

  1. A crafty but underhanded deception.

  2. A trick played out as an ingenious, but artful, ruse.

  3. A strategic maneuver that uses some clever means to avoid detection or capture.

  4. A tactical move to gain advantage.

  5. Something made with technical skill; a contrivance.

verb

  1. To construct by means of skill or specialised art