Category:Contrive

Con*trive", v. t. [imp. & p.p. Contrived; p.pr. & vb.n. Contriving.] Etym: [OE. contriven, contreven, controven, to invent, OF. controver, contruver; con- + trouver to find. See Troubadour, trover.]

Defn: To form by an exercise of ingenuity; to devise; to invent; to design; to plan. What more likely to contrive this admirable frame of the universe than infinite wisdom. Tillotson. neither do thou imagine that I shall contrive aught against his life. Hawthorne.

Syn. -- To invent; discover; plan; design; project; plot; concert; hatch.

contrive Con*trive", v. i.

Defn: To make devices; to form designs; to plan; to scheme; to plot. The Fates with traitors do contrive. Shak. Thou hast contrived against th very life Of the defendant. Shak.