Pur"pose , v. i. To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.]
Spenser.
Pur"pose , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Purposing.]
[OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.] 1. To set forth;
to bring forward. [Obs.]
2.
To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to
be accomplished; to intend; to
design; to resolve; -- often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.
Chaucer.
Did nothing purpose against the state.
Shak. I purpose to write the
history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men
still living.
Macaulay.
Pur"pose (?), n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L. propositum. See Propound.]
1. That which a
person sets before himself as an
object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the
view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify.
Chaucer.
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
Milton.
The flighty
purpose never is o'ertook
Unless the deed go with
it.
Shak. 2.
Proposal to another; discourse.
[Obs.] Spenser.
3. Instance; example.
[Obs.] L'Estrange.
In purpose, Of purpose, On purpose, with previous design; with the mind directed to that object; intentionally.
On purpose is the form now generally used.
Syn. -- design; end; intention; aim. See Design.
Hear it pronounced