Devil

(dĕv'l), n. [A-S. deofl, deofol, deoful, dioful, diobul, diabul, O. Sax. diubhal, L. Ger. düwel, D. duivel, Dan. diävel, Sw. djefvul, Icel. diöfull, difill, O. H. Ger. diufal, tiufal, N. H. Ger. teufel, Goth. diabula, diabulus, Lat. diabolus, Gr. διάβολος, the devil, the slanderer, from διαβάλλειν, to slander, calumniate; Fr. diable, Pr. diable, diabol, Sp. diablo, Pg. diabo, It. diavolo.]

1. The evil one, Satan, represented in the Scriptures as the traducer, father of lies, tempter, &c.
2. An evil spirit; a false god.
3. An expletive indicating surprise or expressing emphasis, or, ironically, negation. [Low.]

The things we know are neither rich nor rare, But wonder how the devil they got there! Pope. 4. (Cookery.) A dish, as a bone with the meat, broiled and peppered excessively. Men and women busy in baking, broiling, roasting oysters, and preparing devils on the gridiron. W. Scott.

5. (Manuf.) A machine containing a revolving cylinder armed with spikes or knives, for tearing, cutting, or opening raw materials, as cotton, wool, rags, &c.
6. A very wicked person; hence, any great evil.

Printer's devil, an errand boy in a printing office.