GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   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.]
   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
   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
   To say; to relate; to describe. [Obs.]
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   To imagine; to guess. [Obs.]
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster
   (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
   
         
       

2.       
   Devise, 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
   ☞ Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease.
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Devise , n. [OF. devise division, deliberation, wish, will, testament. See Device.]
   The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; -- sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.
   1913 Webster
   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
   Property devised, or given by will.
   1913 Webster
         
       

4.       
   Devise , n. Device. See Device. [Obs.]
   1913 Webster