well-invented

We see what their policy is: how in some cases their cunning words sow ill-feeling; in others they stir up war by the offer of alliance; or again, by some well-invented phrase specially agreeable to an individual state they do it all the mischief which they can.

The History of the Peloponnesian War Thucydides 2007

A certain portion of moral instruction must accompany every well-invented narrative.

Famous Reviews R. Brimley Johnson 1899

I will go bail for the dreamer (having excellent grounds for valuing his candour) that he had no guess whatever at the motive of the woman-the hinge of the whole well-invented plot-until the instant of that highly dramatic declaration.

Across the Plains: With Other Memories and Essays 1892

But even if the anecdote be not well-invented, the invitation must have been more jest than earnest.

De Libris: Prose and Verse Austin Dobson 1880

Both well knew the pranks of the boys, but perhaps they found the message well-invented if not true; for they obeyed with secret alacrity, although Sally made a becoming show of reluctance.

The Story of Kennett Bayard Taylor 1851

Religion was to me a well-invented fable, skillfully constructed, and admirably told, being beautiful and artistic in a literary point of view, but altogether too shallow to satisfy the reason of a clever fellow like me.

The Monctons: A Novel, Volume I Susanna Moodie 1844

All this, looked upon as a well-invented fiction in "Shirley," was written down by Charlotte with streaming eyes; it was the literal true account of what Emily had done.

Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 1 Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell 1837

_Milton_ was so sensible of this Defect in the Subject of his Poem, and of the few Characters it would afford him, that he has brought into it two Actors of a Shadowy and Fictitious Nature, in the Persons of _Sin_ and _Death_, [6] by which means he has [wrought into [7]] the Body of his Fable a very beautiful and well-invented Allegory.

The Spectator, Volume 2. Richard Steele 1700

I might, it is true, find some stranger bound for the Italian coast, and with a well-invented tale about the vessel I had quitted, persuade them to carry me whither I may determine to go. "

The Pirate of the Mediterranean A Tale of the Sea William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

The force of a thought (otherwise well-invented, well-turned, and well-placed) is often weakened by it.”

Lives of the English Poets Cary, Henry F 1846