To lay out plans; to estimate the consequences of what one does, or of what happens.
1825. Let each man [figuratively] take a slate and cipher it out.—John Neal, ‘Brother Jonathan,’ i. 172.
1837–40. The constable was cyphering a good while how he should catch him.—Haliburton, ‘The Clockmaker,’ p. 18. (N.E.D.)
1860. Still Cyphering. The Examiner continues cyphering Mr. Hunter’s vote in Virginia.—Richmond Enquirer, April 12, p. 1/5.
1862.
| I ’ve made my ch’ice, an’ ciphered out, from all I see an’ heard, | |
| Th’ old Constitooshun never ’d git her decks for action cleared. | |
Lowell, ‘Biglow Papers,’ 2nd Series, No. 3. |
