Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.