from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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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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2. Proposal to another; discourse. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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3. 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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