DEVICE

(Fr. deviser, to invent, icilt, or imagine.) In Heraldry, ihe lerm Devise is popularly used in the same sense as armorial bearings (which see); but. it is more strictly employed to signify a symbol, consisting of a representation of some visible object, and in many instances a motto appropriate to it, used, not by way of heraldic bearing, but according to the fancy of the inventor: sometimes for the motto alone. Monograms are also a species of device. From the word deviser, in its ancient signification of to will, is derived th.e Norman French devise,a bequest of real property by testament, which is still retained in our law. Devise, in Law, is a gift of lands by a last will and testament. Lands held in fee-simple became devisable, where not so by special custom, by the statute 34 & 35 H. 8. c. 5. By 3 <fc 4 W. & M. c. 14. devises were made void against specialty creditors. Estates pur auter vie are devisable by 29 C. 2. c. 3. A will of lands formerly only operated those lands of which the testator was po e ed at the of publishing it. (See Will.) In a devise, Ihe words in general, more liberally construed than in alienation deed. But by the recent Statute of Wills (1 Vic. c. 26.) will is held to speak, both as to real and personal testator.as if executed immediately before the death of [s. 348]