The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Devise \De*vise"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Devised; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Devising.] [OF. deviser to distribute, regulate, direct,
   relate, F., to chat, fr. L. divisus divided, distributed, p.
   p. of dividere. See Divide, and cf. Device.]
   1. To form in the mind by new combinations of ideas, new
      applications of principles, or new arrangement of parts;
      to formulate by thought; to contrive; to excogitate; to
      invent; to plan; to scheme; as, to devise an engine, a new
      mode of writing, a plan of defense, or an argument.
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            To devise curious works.              --Ex. CCTV.
                                                  32.
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            Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views.
                                                  --Bancroft.
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   2. To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain.
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            For wisdom is most riches; fools therefore
            They are which fortunes do by vows devise.
                                                  --Spenser.
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   3. To say; to relate; to describe. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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   4. To imagine; to guess. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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   5. (Law) To give by will; -- used of real estate; formerly,
      also, of chattels.

   Syn: To bequeath; invent; discover; contrive; excogitate;
        imagine; plan; scheme. See Bequeath.
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