device
1.
2.
3. A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.
4. A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery. See synonyms at figure.
5. A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.
6. Archaic. The act, state, or power of devising.
leave to (one's) own devices
To allow to do as one pleases: left the child to her own devices for an hour in the afternoon.
[Middle English, from Old French devis, division, wish Old French devise, design, both from Latin dīvīsus, dīvīsa past participle of dīvidere, to divide, separate.]