Cross"-pur`pose (-p?r`p?s), n. 1. A counter or opposing purpose; hence, that which is inconsistent or contradictory. Shaftesbury.

2. pl. A conversational game, in which questions and answers are made so as to involve ludicrous combinations of ideas. Pepys.

To be at cross-purposes, to misunderstand or to act counter to one another without intending it; -- said of persons.