GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Purpose , n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L. propositum. See Propound.]
    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.
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   He will his firste purpos modify.
   Chaucer.
   
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   As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
    Milton.
   
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   The flighty purpose never is o'ertook
   Unless the deed go with it.
   Shak.
   
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   Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.]
   Spenser.
   
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   Instance; example. [Obs.]
   L'Estrange.
   
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   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.
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   Syn. -- design; end; intention; aim. See Design.
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2.       
   Purpose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purposed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Purposing.] [OF. purposer, proposer. See Propose.]
   To set forth; to bring forward. [Obs.]
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   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.
   
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   Did nothing purpose against the state.
    Shak.
   
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   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.
   
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3.       
   Purpose, v. i. To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.]
   Spenser.
   
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