eyes blazing with devilment

[raymondaliasapollyon]

Hi,

I've noticed a dictionary defines devilment as "wild or bad behaviour that causes trouble" but gives the following example:

eyes blazing with devilment

Does the example fit the definition?

 

[dojibear]

The example does not help you understand the meaning. But that is how the word is used.

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

The example does not help you understand the meaning. But that is how the word is used.

What does "devilment" mean in the example?

 

[dojibear]

"wild or bad behaviour that causes trouble"

Do you think you can look in a person's eyes and see this aspect of their personality?

I don't think I could do that.

But a lot of authors say that we can. They write sentences like this.

 

[raymondaliasapollyon]

Actually, "devilment" there refers to an intention or desire, not behavior. So the definition fails.