King James Bible Dictionary

DEVISE, verb transitive s as z. [Latin]

1. To invent; to contrive; to form in the mind by new combinations of ideas, new applications of principles, or new arrangement of parts; to excogitate; to strike out by thought; to plan; to scheme; to project; as, to devise an engine or machine; to devise a new mode of writing; to devise a plan of defense; to devise arguments.

To devise curious works in gold and silver. Exodus 35:32.

In a bad sense:

DEVISE not evil against thy neighbor. Proverbs 3:29.

2. To give or bequeath by will, as land or other real estate.

DEVISE, verb intransitive To consider; to contrive; to lay a plan; to form a scheme.

DEVISE how you will use him, when he comes.

Formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease.

DEVISE, noun

1. Primarily, a dividing or division; hence, the act of bequeathing by will; the act of giving or distributing real estate by a testator.

2. A will or testament.

3. A share of estate bequeathed.

DEVISE, noun Contrivance; scheme invented.

DEVISED, participle passive Given by will; bequeathed; contrived.

DEVISEE, noun The person to whom a devise is made; one to whom real estate is bequeathed.

DEVISER, noun One who contrives or invents; a contriver; an inventor.