— deviser , n.
/di vuyz"/ , v. , devised, devising , n.
v.t.
1. to contrive, plan, or elaborate; invent from existing principles or ideas: to devise a method.
2. Law. to assign or transmit (property) by will.
3. Archaic. to imagine; suppose.
v.i.
4. to form a plan; contrive.
n.
5. Law.
a. the act of disposing of property, esp. real property, by will.
b. a will or clause in a will disposing of property, esp. real property.
c. the property so disposed of.
[ 1150-1200; (v.) ME devisen to inspect, design, compose deviser devisare, for * divisare, freq. of L dividere to DIVIDE; (n.) see DEVICE ]
Syn. 1. See prepare .