The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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   2. To put a construction upon; to explain the sense or
      intention of; to interpret; to understand.
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            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.
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            And to be dull was construed to be good. --Pope.
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