Con*trive" (k&obreve;n*trīv"), 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.
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.
