An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Something, thought out, invented, or adapted, for a special purpose.
Assembly of parts or pieces in one body to perform a work, observe a phenomenon, or for measuring.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. devis “division, separation, disposition, wish,” from L. divisus, p.p. of dividere “to divide,” → divide.

Etymology (PE): Dastgâh “means, implement, apparatus,” originally “wealth, splendour,” from dast “strength, superiority,” originally “hand” (Mid.Pers. dast, O.Pers. dasta-, Av. zasta-, cf. Skt. hásta-, Gk. kheir, L. praesto “at hand,” Arm. jern “hand,” Lith. pa-žastis “arm-pit;” PIE *ghes-to-) + gâh “place, time,” O.Pers. gāθu-, Av. gātav-, gātu- “place, throne, spot” (Skt. gâtu- “going, motion; free space for moving; place of abode,” PIE *gwem- “to go, come”).