1. (n.) The act of machinating.

2. (n.) That which is devised; a device; a hostile or treacherous scheme; an artful design or plot.

artifice behind-the-scenes influence cabal chicane chicanery collusion complicity complot confederacy connivance connivery conspiracy contrivance contriving counterplot covin deep-laid plot design designing devices dodgery engineering expedients finagling finesse foul play frame-up gambit game influence intrigue intriguing little game maneuvering maneuvers manipulating manipulation move pettifoggery pettifogging plot plotting ploy political influence practice rigging ruse scheme schemery scheming sharp practice skulduggery sleight stratagem supercherie tactical maneuvers tactics trick trickery underhand dealing underplot web of intrigue wile wire-pulling