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.
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.
&fist; Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let
us devise of ease. Spenser.
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.
De*vise" (?), n. Device. See
Device. [Obs.]
