Artifice (noun)

1. Cleverness or skill in devising or achieving something.
2. The use of clever or deceitful methods or devices.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "skill, ingenuity"): via old french from latin artificium "handicraft, skill", from artifex, artifice "artist, maker", from ars, art- "skill" + facere "make".

Examples:

1. The magician's artifice was impressive.
2. She used artifice to get what she wanted.
3. He was known for his artifice in creating intricate machines.
4. The artifice used to create the special effects in the movie was impressive.
5. She used artifice to avoid answering the question.