De*vise" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Devised (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Devising.] [OF. deviser to distribute, regulate, direct, relate, F., to chat, fr. L. divisus divided, distributed, p. p. of dividere. See Divide, and cf. 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.
Ex. CCTV. 32.
Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views.
Bancroft.
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.
Spenser.
3.
To say; to relate; to describe.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
4.
To imagine; to guess.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
5. Law
To give by will; -- used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels.
Syn. -- To bequeath; invent; discover; contrive; excogitate; imagine; plan; scheme. See Bequeath.
© Webster 1913.
De*vise", v. i.
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer.
Pope.
⇒ Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease.
Spenser.
© Webster 1913.
De*vise" (?), n. [OF. 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.
Bancroft.
3.
Property devised, or given by will.
© Webster 1913.
De*vise" (?), n.
Device. See Device.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.