1. Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
   "devise a way to measure the speed of light";
   - invent, contrive, excogitate, formulate, forge
    
2. Arrange by systematic planning and united effort
   "devise a plan to take over the director's office";
   - organize, organise [Brit], prepare, get up, machinate
    
3. Give by will, especially real property
   "The grandfather devised the family estate to his eldest grandson"

1. A will disposing of real property
   "The lawyer carefully worded the devise to ensure the property would be inherited as intended"
    
2. (law) a gift of real property by will
   "The devise of the family home to the youngest daughter was contested by her siblings"

Derived forms: devising, devises, devised

Type of: bequeath, create by mental act, create mentally, gift, heritage, inheritance, initiate, leave, pioneer, testament, will

Encyclopedia: Devise, Somme