Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Devise?

\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. Note: 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.]