machination Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
    intrigue.

WordNet

Mach`i*na"tion noun
Etymology
L. machinatio: cf. F. machination.
Definitions
  1. The act of machinating. Shak.
  2. That which is devised; a device; a hostile or treacherous scheme; an artful design or plot.
    Devilish machinations come to naught. Milton.
    His ingenious machinations had failed. Macaulay.

Webster 1913