Machination

Mach`i*na"tion (?), n. [L. machinatio: cf. F. machination.] 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.