To contrive, devise, machinate (a purpose). Usually in a bad sense: see quots. 1292 1491

transitive. To contrive or devise with care (an action or proceeding); to try to bring about, esp. to bring (usually something harmful) upon a…

transitive. To endeavour or contrive to bring about (an event, outcome, or state of affairs); to devise or instigate (esp. something harmful) to or…

esp. used of the planning or plotting of evil devices, treason, treachery, murder, etc.

intransitive. To combine privily for an evil or unlawful purpose; to agree together to do something criminal, illegal, or reprehensible (esp. to…

To concoct, contrive, prepare, bring about, cause: spec. designs, projects, productions of the intellect.

transitive. To watch for a chance of doing, contrive, plan, plot (harm of some sort) to a person. Obsolete.

To devise, plan, contrive, esp. falsely or maliciously. Chiefly const. infinitive. Obsolete.

transitive. In a bad sense. To plot, scheme, lay plans to bring about (evil). archaic. (Const. with simple object or infinitive.)

transitive. To plot or plan (mischief, harm); to plan and carry out (a harmful course of action) upon a person; to conspire or plan (to do some…

transitive. To contrive, plan, or plot (usually a hostile or malicious action). Obsolete.

esp. To fabricate, frame, invent (a false or imaginary story, lie, etc.); to devise (evil). Also, to pretend (something) to have happened, to fable.

transitive. To originate and develop (a plan, plot, etc.), often clandestinely; to devise, contrive. Also with up.

To plan, contrive, or devise (something to be carried out or accomplished, esp. a crime or conspiracy)… transitive. With simple object.

transitive. To plot (something); to contrive or plan in an underhand way. Also (occasionally) intransitive. Obsolete.

To place or arrange for a purpose.

To contrive (a deception). Obsolete.

transitive. To plot; to scheme for. Obsolete.

transitive. To devise as a scheme; to lay schemes for; to effect by contrivance or intrigue.