Devise
Devise , transitive verb
[Old French deviser to distribute, regulate, direct, relate, French, to chat, from Latin divisus divided, distributed, past participle of dividere. See Divide, and compare Device.]
1.
To form in the mind by new combinations of ideas, new applications of principles, or new arrangement of parts; to formulate by thought; to contrive; to excogitate; to invent; to plan; to scheme; as, to devise an engine, a new mode of writing, a plan of defense, or an argument.
To devise curious works.
Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views.
2.
To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain.
For wisdom is most riches; fools therefore
They are which fortunes do by vows devise.
3.
To say; to relate; to describe. [Obsolete] — Chaucer
4.
To imagine; to guess. [Obsolete] — Spenser
5.
(Law) To give by will; -- used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels.
Devise , intransitive verb
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer.
Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease.
Devise , noun
[Old French devise division, deliberation, wish, will, testament. See Device.]
1.
The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; -- sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.
2.
A will or testament, conveying real estate; the clause of a will making a gift of real property.
Fines upon devises were still exacted.
3.
Property devised, or given by will.
Devise , noun
Device. See Device. [Obsolete]