wile

trick, ruse, stratagem, maneuver, artifice, wile, feint mean an indirect means to gain an end.

trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.