Definition of "contrive"

contrive

/kənˈtɹaɪv/

verb
third-person singular simple present contrives, present participle contriving, simple past and past participle contrived
1. To invent by an exercise of ingenuity; to devise
  Quotations
  With a little manœuvring they contrived to meet on the doorstep which was […] in a boiling stream of passers-by, hurrying business people speeding past in a flurry of fumes and dust in the bright haze.
  1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 10, in The China Governess‎
  Neither do thou imagine that I shall contrive aught against his life.
  1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter
  […] I cannot bear the idea of two young women traveling post by themselves. It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody.
  1813 January 27, [Jane Austen], Pride and Prejudice: […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to III), London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […]
2. To invent, to make devices; to form designs especially by improvisation.
3. To project, cast, or set forth, as in a projection of light.
4. (obsolete, transitive) To spend (time, or a period).