Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
DEVISE
I. transitive verb (devised; devising)
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French deviser, diviser, to divide, distinguish, invent, from Vulgar Latin *divisare, frequentative of Latin dividere to divide
Date: 13th century
1. to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles ; invent , conceive , imagine , to plan to obtain or bring about ; plot , to give (real estate) by will, devisable adjective deviser noun
II. noun
Date: 15th century
the act of giving or disposing of real property by will, a will or clause of a will disposing of real property, property devised by will