artifice

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A crafty but underhanded deception.
2. 2
   A trick played out as an ingenious, but artful, ruse.
3. 3
   A strategic maneuver that uses some clever means to avoid detection or capture.
4. 4
   A tactical move to gain advantage.
5. 5
   Something made with technical skill; a contrivance.

Verb

1. 1
   To construct by means of skill or specialised art