| 释义 |
dev·il·ry
\ˈdevəlrē, -ri\ noun
or dev·il·try \-l.tr-\
(-es)
Etymology: Middle English devilrie, develrie, from devil, devel devil + -rie -ry
1.
a. : witchcraft : action performed with the help of the devil : diabolic art
b. : works of the devil : behavior typical of the devil
< fighting on the side of God against all the devilry of hell >
c. : behavior felt to be suitable to a devil : extreme wickedness : gross or malignant cruelty
< the determined devilry of fanatics >
d. : reckless unrestrained raffish conduct : irregular behavior that is mischievous, teasing, and unconsidered rather than vicious or dictated by evil intent
2. : an act of devilry; usually : an act of studied malignancy or cruelty |