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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

4 entries under this word

Devise

De-vīse', v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DEVISED; p. pr. & vb. n. DEVISING.] [See DEVICE.]

Sense 1. To form in the mind by new combinations of ideas, new applications of principles, or new arrangement of parts; to strike out by thought; to plan; to scheme; to invent; to contrive; to project; as, to devise an engine, a new mode of writing, a plan of defense, or an argument. “To devise curious works.” Ex. xxxv. 32. “Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views.” Bancroft.

Sense 2. To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain.

Fools they therefore are, Which fortunes do by vows devise. Spenser.

Sense 3. (Law.) To give by will;—used of real estate, formerly, also, of chattels.

Synonyms—To bequeath; invent; discover; contrive; find out; excogitate; imagine; plan; scheme; project; strike out. See BEQUEATH.

De-vīse', v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to consider; to contrive. I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer. Pope. ☞ It was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease. Spenser.

De-vīse′, n.

noun

n. [O. Fr. devise, division, deliberation, wish, will, testament. See DEVICE.]

  1. The act of giving or disposing of real estate by a will;—sometimes applied, though improperly, to bequest of personal estate.
  2. A will or testament, properly of real estate.
  3. Property devised or given by will.

De-vīse', n.

noun

n. Device. See DEVICE. [Obs.]