devise Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a will disposing of real property
noun (law) a gift of real property by will
verb come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
formulate; contrive; invent; excogitate; forge.
- excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
verb arrange by systematic planning and united effort
organize; prepare; machinate; get up; organise.
- machinate a plot
- organize a strike
- devise a plan to take over the director's office
verb give by will, especially real property

OF. deviser to distribute, regulate, direct, relate, F., to chat, fr. L. divisus divided, distributed, p. p. of dividere. See Divide, and cf. Device.

imperfect & past participle Devised ; present participle & verbal noun Devising

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.
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.
To say; to relate; to describe. Obs. Chaucer.
To imagine; to guess. Obs. Spenser.
(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.

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.

OF. devise division, deliberation, wish, will, testament. See Device.

The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; -- sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.
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.
Property devised, or given by will.