vbl. sb. Also 6–8 const(e)ring. [f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. CONSTRUE in various senses.

1

c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 91/1. Construccyon or construynge, construccio.

2

1570.  Ascham, Scholem., I. (Arb.), 28. Plaine construinge, diligent parsinge, dailie translatinge.

3

1579.  Fenton, Guicciard., II. (1599), 61. The construing and examination of newe lawes.

4

1640.  Brome, Antipodes, III. iv. Must I stand Your constring and piercing of your scribblings.

5

1740.  J. Clarke, Educ. Youth (ed. 3), 84. This will … facilitate his Construing of Latin.

6

1857.  Maurice, Ep. St. John, i. 10. That did not depend much upon … the construing of particular texts.

7

  attrib.  1654.  R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 450. In the Peoples Construing Booke, the Acts of those above them have alwayes some false Latine in them.

8

1670.  Eachard, Cont. Clergy, 12. Some lamentable and pitiful construing-master.

9