The word "shedevil" is a derogatory term used to describe a woman who is believed to be crafty, wicked and unpleasant. There are several synonyms for "shedevil" that are less discourteous and derogatory such as harridan, shrew, virago, termagant, vixen, witch, crone, and battle-axe. These words are often used to refer to women with sharp tongues and difficult personalities. However, it's important to note that these words can also be seen as offensive and pejorative, so it's essential to be careful with their usage. Instead, it's best to focus on describing someone in terms of their specific behaviors and actions, rather than resorting to derogatory terms.