First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1devise
verb de·vise \di-ˈvīz\
: to invent or plan (something that is difficult or complicated)
de·visedde·vis·ing
Full Definition of DEVISE
transitive verb
1
2
: to give (real estate) by will — compare bequeath
— de·vis·able \-ˈvī-zə-bəl\ adjective
— de·vis·er noun
See devise defined for English-language learners
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Origin of DEVISE
Middle English, from Anglo-French deviser, diviser, to divide, distinguish, invent, from Vulgar Latin *divisare, frequentative of Latin dividere to divide
Related to DEVISE
- Synonyms
- concoct, construct, contrive, cook (up), invent, drum up, excogitate, fabricate, make up, manufacture, think (up), trump up, vamp (up)
2devise
noun
Definition of DEVISE
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
First Known Use of DEVISE
15th century
DEVISED Defined for Kids
devise
verb de·vise \di-ˈvīz\
de·visedde·vis·ing
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