Category:Purpose

Pur"pose, n. Etym: [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.

Purpose Pur"pose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Purposing.] Etym: [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.

Purpose Pur"pose, v. i.

Defn: to have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [obs.] Spenser.