Word Direct Answers

What does "devise" mean?

Devise: Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views. Bancroft.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain. For wisdom is most riches; fools therefore They are which fortunes do by vows devise. Spenser.
  2. 3.To say; to relate; to describe. [Obs.] Chaucer.
  3. 4.To imagine; to guess. [Obs.] Spenser.
  4. 5.(Law) To give by will; -- used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels. See Bequeath.
  5. 6.To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider. I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer. Pope. Note: Devise was formerly followed by of; as, let us devise of ease. Spenser.
  6. 7.The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; -- sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.
  7. 8.A will or testament, conveying real estate; the clause of a will making a gift of real property. Fines upon devises were still exacted. Bancroft.
  8. 9.Property devised, or given by will.
  9. 10.Device. See Device. [Obs.]

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