Devise (?), 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.
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To devise curious works. Ex. CCTV. 32.
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Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views. Bancroft.
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2. To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain.
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For wisdom is most riches; fools therefore
They are which fortunes do by vows devise. Spenser.
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3. To say; to relate; to describe. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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4. To imagine; to guess. [Obs.] Spenser.
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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.
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Devise (?), 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.
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2. A will or testament, conveying real estate; the clause of a will making a gift of real property.
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Fines upon devises were still exacted. Bancroft.
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3. Property devised, or given by will.
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