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