Pur"port (?), n. [OF. purport; pur, pour, for (L. pro) + porter to bear, carry. See Port demeanor.]

1. Design or tendency; meaning; import; tenor.

The whole scope and purport of that dialogue. Norris.
With a look so piteous in purport
As if he had been loosed out of hell.

2. Disguise; covering. [Obs.]

For she her sex under that strange purport
Did use to hide.

Pur"port, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purported; p. pr. & vb. n. Purporting.] [OF. purporter, pourporter. See Purport, n.] To intend to show; to intend; to mean; to signify; to import; -- often with an object clause or infinitive.

They in most grave and solemn wise unfolded
Matter which little purported.

• To convey, imply, or profess outwardly
  
• To have the appearance of being intending, claiming, etc.
  
• import, intention or purpose