Definition of artifice

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< artifact

artificer >

ar·ti·fice    (ärt-fs) KEY 

NOUN:

1. An artful or crafty expedient; a stratagem. See Synonyms at wile.
2. Subtle but base deception; trickery.
3. Cleverness or skill; ingenuity.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, from Old French, craftsmanship, from Latin artificium, from artifex, artific-, craftsman : ars, art-, art ; see art¹ + -fex, maker; see dh- in Indo-European roots