DEVISE

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.

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.

To say; to relate; to describe. [Obs.] Chaucer.

To imagine; to guess. [Obs.] Spenser.

To give by will; -- used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels.

To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider. I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer. Pope.

The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; -- sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.

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.

Property devised, or given by will.

Device. See Device. [Obs.]