late 16th cent.: from Latin devius(from de-away from + viaway) + -ous. The original sense was remote; the later sense departing from the direct route gave rise to the figurative sense deviating from the straight way and hence skilled in underhand tactics
英英释义网络释义
noun
1.indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading;
used devious means to achieve success
2.characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive;