Construe (?; 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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