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. [ 1913 Webster ]

To devise curious works. Ex. CCTV. 32. [ 1913 Webster ]

Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain. [ 1913 Webster ]

For wisdom is most riches; fools therefore
They are which fortunes do by vows devise. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To say; to relate; to describe. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To imagine; to guess. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider. [ 1913 Webster ]

I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A will or testament, conveying real estate; the clause of a will making a gift of real property. [ 1913 Webster ]

Fines upon devises were still exacted. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Property devised, or given by will. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Device. See Device. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Law) One to whom a devise is made, or real estate given by will. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who devises. [ 1913 Webster ]