artifice
/ˈɑː(ɹ)tɪfɪs/
noun
Meaning
A crafty but underhanded deception.
A trick played out as an ingenious, but artful, ruse.
A strategic maneuver that uses some clever means to avoid detection or capture.
A tactical move to gain advantage.
Something made with technical skill; a contrivance.
verb
Meaning
To construct by means of skill or specialised art