Devise /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Devised; p. pr. & vb. n. Devising

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. [Obs.]
4. To imagine; to guess. [Obs.]
5. To give by will; -- used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels. (Law)

1. To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.

   I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer.

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.

1. Device. See Device. [Obs.]