[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

contraption \contrap"tion\, n.
   a contrivance; a new-fangled device; -- used scornfully.
   colloq. or dial. -- contrap"tious, a.

         we all remember some of the extraordinary contraptions
         which have been thus evolved and put upon the market.
                                                  --f. m. ware.
   webster 1913 suppl.
see also:
contrap"tious 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

contraption
     n : a device that is very useful for a particular job syn: appliance,
          contrivance, convenience, gadget, gizmo, gismo,
          widget
see also:
appliance contrivance convenience gadget gizmo gismo 
widget 

[3] : Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

22 moby thesaurus words for "contraption":
   apparatus, contrivance, device, gadget, gimcrack, gimmick, gizmo,
   hand tool, implement, instrument, means, mechanical device,
   mechanism, power tool, precision tool, speed tool, thingumabob,
   thingumajig, thingummy, tool, utensil, widget

Contraption >> C Words
Contraption, definition of term: Contraption
contraption_pag1.html