'Devise' definitions:

Definition of 'devise'

(from WordNet)
noun
A will disposing of real property
noun
(law) a gift of real property by will
verb
Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort; "excogitate a way to measure the speed of light" [syn: invent, contrive, devise, excogitate, formulate, forge]
verb
Arrange by systematic planning and united effort; "machinate a plot"; "organize a strike"; "devise a plan to take over the director's office" [syn: organize, organise, prepare, devise, get up, machinate]
verb
Give by will, especially real property

Definition of 'Devise'

From: GCIDE
  • Devise \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. [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]

Definition of 'Devise'

From: GCIDE
  • Devise \De*vise"\, 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]
  • Note: Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Devise'

From: GCIDE
  • Devise \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. [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]

Definition of 'Devise'

From: GCIDE
  • Devise \De*vise"\, n. Device. See Device. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'devise'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Devise'