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.

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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

Late in the eighteenth century, a German doctor, Franz Mesmer, had devised a system that cured illnesses by putting people into trances.

From Literature

However, some Gulf Coast shippers have devised a nifty Jones Act work-around that involves a circuitous route through the Bahamas.

From The Wall Street Journal

The equal time rules were devised at a time when consumers had a limited number of media options.

From Los Angeles Times

At one man's request, the agency devised a "Mission Impossible" production for an adventurous young woman: an iPad delivered in the morning launched a scavenger hunt across Paris by sidecar and by boat.

From Barron's

The scam they devised at the dining hall to score free breakfasts.

From Literature