devise

Where does the word "devise" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin divisare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Devise’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: divisare meant “to divide, arrange.” From 'dividere', to divide. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as deviser. 'devise' in law still means to leave property in a will. It reached English by 1200s as devise. 'device' comes from the same word. Today, devise means to plan or invent.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient divisare "to divide, arrange", from 'dividere', to divide.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval deviser "to arrange, plan", 'devise' in law still means to leave property in a will.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s devise "to plan", 'device' comes from the same word.