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Devise

//dɪˈvaɪz// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The act of leaving real property in a will.
  2. 2
    (law) a gift of real property by will wordnet
  3. 3
    Such a will, or a clause in such a will.

    "Fines upon devises were still exacted."

  4. 4
    a will disposing of real property wordnet
  5. 5
    The real property left in such a will.
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  1. 6
    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, […]"

Verb
  1. 1
    To use one’s intellect to plan or design (something). transitive

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

  2. 2
    come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort wordnet
  3. 3
    To leave (property) in a will. transitive
  4. 4
    arrange by systematic planning and united effort wordnet
  5. 5
    To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider. archaic, intransitive

    "I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer."

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  1. 6
    give by will, especially real property wordnet
  2. 7
    To plan or scheme for; to plot to obtain. archaic, transitive

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

  3. 8
    To imagine; to guess. obsolete

    "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."

Etymology

Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

From Middle French devise. Doublet of device.

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