I. di-ˈvīz transitive verb
( de·vised ; de·vis·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French deviser, diviser, to divide, distinguish, invent, from Vulgar Latin * divisare, frequentative of Latin dividere to divide
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles : invent
devise a new strategy
b. archaic : conceive , imagine
c. : to plan to obtain or bring about : plot
devise one's death
2. : to give (real estate) by will — compare bequeath
• de·vis·able -ˈvī-zə-bəl adjective
• de·vis·er noun
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : the act of giving or disposing of real property by will
2. : a will or clause of a will disposing of real property
3. : property devised by will