\De*vise"\, 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.
         To devise curious works.              --Ex. CCTV.
                                               32.
         Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views.
                                               --Bancroft.
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.     --Spenser.
3. To say; to relate; to describe. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
4. To imagine; to guess. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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}.

\De*vise"\, v. i.
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
      I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer. --Pope.
Note: Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise
      of ease. --Spenser.

\De*vise"\, 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.
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. --Bancroft.
3. Property devised, or given by will.

\De*vise"\, n.
Device. See {Device}. [Obs.]