devise

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To use one’s intellect to plan or design (something).

   Near-synonyms: lay, set, design, plan, create

2. 2
   verb

   To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.

   I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer.

3. 3
   verb

   To plan or scheme for; to plot to obtain.

   For wisedome is most riches; fooles therefore / They are, which fortunes doe by vowes deuize,

4. 4
   verb

   To imagine; to guess.

   I do protest I neuer iniur’d thee, But lou’d thee better then thou can’st deuise: Till thou shalt know the reason of my loue.

5. 5
   noun

   Such a will, or a clause in such a will.

   Fines upon devises were still exacted.

6. 6
   noun

   Design, devising.

   I don't know how I got to be so sour on life, but I'm constantly in solitary confinement of my own devise, […]

7. 7
   noun

   (law) a gift of real property by will

8. 8
   noun

   a will disposing of real property

Etymology

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English devisen, devysen, from Old French deviser, from Vulgar Latin devisō, from Latin dīvisō, frequentative of dīvidō.