construed

1 definition found

construed - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Construe \Con*strue\ (?; Archaic ?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
     Construed; p. pr. & vb. n. Construing.] [L. construere:
     cf. F. construire. See Construct.]
     1. To apply the rules of syntax to (a sentence or clause) so
        as to exhibit the structure, arrangement, or connection
        of, or to discover the sense; to explain the construction
        of; to interpret; to translate.
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     2. To put a construction upon; to explain the sense or
        intention of; to interpret; to understand.
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              Thus we are put to construe and paraphrase our own
              words to free ourselves either from the ignorance or
              malice of our enemies.                --Bp.
                                                    Stilingfleet.
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              And to be dull was construed to be good. --Pope.
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