transitive verb, intransitive verb devised -·vised′, devising -·vis′·ing

1. to work out or create (something) by thinking; contrive; plan; invent
2. Law to bequeath (real property) by will
3. Archaic to make secret plans for; plot
4. Obsolete to guess or imagine

Etymology: ME devisen < OFr deviser, to distribute, direct, regulate, talk < VL *divisare < L divisus, pp. of dividere: see divide

noun

1. a gift of real property by will
2. a will, or clause in a will, granting such a gift
3. the property so granted