artifice

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːtɪfɪs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others: an industry dominated by artifice [count noun]: the style is not free from the artifices of the period

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'workmanship'): from Old French, from Latin artificium, based on ars, art- 'art' + facere 'make'