Construe \Con*strue\ (?; 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.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)