See Also: contrive(1)(dictionary)
contrive(2)(dictionary)
contrive(dictionary)

exolution (iou) and contrive(2) (iou)


exolution (iou)



exolution noun. Now rare. E17.
[Latin ex(s)olutio(n-), from ex(s)olut- pa. ppl stem of ex(s)olvere loosen, formed as EX-1 + solvere loosen, let go: see -ION.]
The action of loosening or setting free; esp. (formerly) the emission of the principles called 'animal spirits', thought to be the cause of fainting. E17-M19.
Faintness, light-headedness; relaxation of the body's faculties. M17.

contrive(2) (iou)



contrive verb1. ME.
[Old French controver (with suffix stress), contreuve (with stem stress), mod. French controuver invent, from medieval Latin contropare compare, prob. formed as CON- + tropus TROPE.]
I. verb trans.
Plan or design with ingenuity or skill; devise, invent; (in a bad sense) plot. ME.
K. Grahame Scheming and planning and contriving how to get your property back. A. J. Cronin Using sticks and a blanket, Stephen contrived a primitive shade over the cart. M. Amis The tirade hadn't been contrived wholly for Rachel's benefit.
Discover (the answer to a problem etc.); find out; imagine, guess. obsolete exc. dial. LME.
Find a means of effecting; find a way to do, manage (freq. iron., unintentionally or fortuitously). LME.
Shelley Prophecies..Contrive their own fulfilment. H. James How a place in the deepest depths of Essex..could contrive to look so suburban. J. Galsworthy Somehow he must contrive to see her!
Bring by ingenuity into a position or form. Now rare. L16.
O. Henry To contrive the rope into an ingenious noose-bridle.
II. verb intrans.
Form schemes, conspire (with, against). LME-M17.
Shakespeare Julius Caesar The Fates with Traitors do contrive.
Manage household affairs etc. resourcefully; get by (well etc.). arch. M18.
contrivable adjective able to be contrived M17.
contrived adjective that has been contrived (in a particular way); obviously planned, artificial, not spontaneous: LME.
contrivement noun (arch.) = CONTRIVANCE 1, 2, 4 L16.
contriver noun a person who contrives; a skilful deviser; a (good, bad, etc.) manager: LME.