rare–1. [f. as prec. + -ANCY.] Contriving faculty; = prec. 5.
1834. Vermont Gaz., 29 April, 2/4. There are [political] parties, like individuals, who are continually resorting to an ‘alias’ to baffle the pursuit of justice…. These contrivancies, however, serve but a temporary use.
1877. Besant & Rice, Son Vulc., 164. A passionate love for everything that spoke of contrivancy and the mastery of Nature.
