Purpose

Pur′pose (pûr′pŭs), 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.