devised

American  

[dih-vahyzd] / dɪˈvaɪzd /

adjective

1. contrived, planned, invented, or designed.

   It’s a dark comedy about a couple of guys who embark on a poorly devised scheme to blackmail a local clergyman.

2. Theater. (of a play) having a script produced collaboratively by the performers rather than by a writer or playwright.

   Previous works of the Holwell Youth Troupe include a chilling ghost story and a devised piece on the topic of love.

3. Law. (of property) assigned or transmitted by will.

   When specifically devised property is no longer in the testator's estate, the beneficiary's gift fails.

---

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of devise.

Other Word Forms

• self-devised
  adjective
• undevised
  adjective
• well-devised
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of devised

devise ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Devised by American paediatric allergist Benjamin Feingold, the diet is extremely restrictive.

From Salon • May 28, 2024

Devised in collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics, the survey asked four questions consistent with diagnoses of generalized anxiety and major depressive disorders.

From Washington Times • Dec. 15, 2022

Devised in 1972 and used 27 times since, the leap second wreaks havoc with modern-day telecommunications, banking, and other networks.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 30, 2022

Devised by an eccentric inventor named Chester Carlson, the 914 was so successful that the entire company was structured to serve and distribute the machine and its successors.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2022

Devised by French criminologist Alphonse Bertillon, the system required police to make a precise survey of the dimensions and physical peculiarities of suspects.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson