contriver

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a person who devises a plan, system, invention, or other creation

   The contriver of the tax scheme had overlooked its effect on small traders.

2. 2
   noun

   a person who secretly schemes to bring something about

   Investigators identified him as the principal contriver of the fraud.

Formed from contrive + the agent suffix -er. Contrive came through Anglo-Norman and Old French controver, 'to devise or invent.' The agent noun can be neutral, for a planner or inventor, or disapproving, for a secret schemer.

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