de·vise (dĭ-vīz')
tr.v., -vised, -vis·ing, -vis·es.

1. To form, plan, or arrange in the mind; design or contrive: devised a new system for handling mail orders.
2. Law. To transmit or give (real property) by will.
3. Archaic. To suppose; imagine.

n. Law

1. 1. The act of transmitting or giving real property by will.
   2. The property or lands so transmitted or given.
2. A will or clause in a will transmitting or giving real property.

[Middle English devisen, from Old French deviser, from Vulgar Latin *dēvīsāre, from Latin *dīvīsāre, frequentative of dīvidere, to divide. See divide.]

devisable de·vis'a·ble adj.
deviser de·vis'er n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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