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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Construe \Con*strue\ (?; Archaic ?), verb (used with an object) [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.
2. To put a construction upon; to explain the sense or intention of; to interpret; to understand.
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.
And to be dull was construed to be good. --Pope.
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