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.
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, v. i. To have a purpose
or intention; to discourse. [Obs.] Spenser.
