Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

Source : WordNet®

machination
     n : a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually
         sinister) ends [syn: {intrigue}]