Entry Word: contrive

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to create or think of by clever use of the imagination <contrived abstract metal sculptures using old household utensils> — see invent
2 to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends <the mischievous boys were always contriving and trying to pull the prank that would be the talk of the school> — see plot
3 to plan out usually with subtle skill or care <contrived a way of helping the needy family without their knowing it> — see engineer