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

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Con*trive", v. i.

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.

 

© Webster 1913.