con·triv·ance 
/kənˈtraɪvəns/ noun
plural con·triv·anc·es /kənˈtraɪvəns/ noun 1 usually disapproving a [count] : something that causes things to happen in a story in a way that does not seem natural or believable
▪ The story is filled with plot contrivances that do not fit the ending.
b [noncount] : the use of contrivances in a story
▪ He told the story honestly and without contrivance. 2 [count] : a machine or piece of equipment made with skill and cleverness
▪ modern contrivances [=devices] to cook food faster ▪ a clever contrivance 3 : a clever plan or trick [count] ▪ a contrivance to get out of doing the work [noncount] ▪ He convinced her to go without using contrivance.
▪ The story is filled with plot contrivances that do not fit the ending.
b [noncount] : the use of contrivances in a story
▪ He told the story honestly and without contrivance.
▪ modern contrivances [=devices] to cook food faster ▪ a clever contrivance
