E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Divi’de (2 syl.).
When the members in the House of Commons interrupt a speaker by crying out divide, they mean, bring the debate to an end and put the motion to the vote—i.e. let the ayes divide from the noes, one going into one room or lobby, and the others into another.
