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purpose

Purpose 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. [1913 Webster]

He will his firste purpos modify. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

As my eternal purpose hath decreed. -- Milton. [1913 Webster]

The flighty purpose never is o ertook Unless the deed go with it. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

3. Instance; example. [Obs.] --L Estrange. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]

Syn: design; end; intention; aim. See Design. [1913 Webster]

Purpose 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.] [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Did nothing purpose against the state. -- Shak. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Purpose Pur"pose, v. i. To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]