n. [ L. constructio: cf. F. construction. ]
An astrolabe of peculiar construction. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]
Some particles . . . in certain constructions have the sense of a whole sentence contained in them. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]
Any person . . . might, by the sort of construction that would be put on this act, become liable to the penalties of treason. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]
Strictly, the term [ construction ] signifies determining the meaning and proper effect of language by a consideration of the subject matter and attendant circumstances in connection with the words employed. Abbott. [ 1913 Webster ]
Interpretation properly precedes construction, but it does not go beyond the written text. Parsons. [ 1913 Webster ]
Construction of an equation (Math.),
Construction train (Railroad),
a. Pertaining to, or deduced from, construction or interpretation. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who puts a certain construction upon some writing or instrument, as the Constitutions of the United States;
n. A philosophical theory of criticism (usually of literature or film) that seeks to expose deep-seated contradictions in a work by delving below its surface meaning. This method questions the ability of language to represent a fixed reality, and proposes that a text has no stable meaning because words only refer to other words, that metaphysical or ethnocentric assumptions about the meaning of words must be questioned, and words may be redefined in new contexts and new, equally valid and even contradictory meanings may be found. Such new interpretations may be based on the philosophical, political, or social implications of the words of a text, rather than solely on attempts to determine the author's intentions. RHUD MW10
n. Same as decontruction{ 1 }.
adj. Of or pertaining to deconstruction or deconstructionism;
n. [ L. destructio: cf. F. destruction. See Destroy. ]
The Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction. Esth. ix. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]
'Tis safer to be that which we destroy
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Destruction of venerable establishment. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]
This town came to destruction. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
Thou castedst them down into destruction. Ps. lxxiii. 18. [ 1913 Webster ]
The destruction that wasteth at noonday. Ps. xci. 6.
n.
n. [ L. exstructio. ] A building up; construction. [ Obs. ] Cockeram. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. instructio: cf. F. instruction. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Pertaining to, or promoting, instruction; educational. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Erroneous construction; wrong interpretation. Bp. Stillingfleet. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Wrong or improper instruction. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. obstructio. ]
A popular assembly free from obstruction. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]
To die, and go we know not where,
To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Disparity in age seems a greater obstacle to an intimate friendship than inequality of fortune. Collier. [ 1913 Webster ]
The king expected to meet with all the obstructions and difficulties his enraged enemies could lay in his way. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The act or the policy of obstructing progress. Lond. Lit. World. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who deliberately hinders progress; one who obstructs business, as in a legislative body. --
n.
n. An uproar; a quarrel; a noisy outbreak. [ Prov. Eng. & Scot. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The destruction of one's self; self-murder; suicide. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. substructio, fr. substruere, substructum, to build beneath; sub under + struere to build. ] (Arch.) Underbuilding; the foundation, or any preliminary structure intended to raise the lower floor or basement of a building above the natural level of the ground. [ 1913 Webster ]
It is a magnificent strong building, with a substruction very remarkable. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
My own profession hath taught me not to erect new superstructions upon an old ruin. Denham. [ 1913 Webster ]