Purpose (?), 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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Purpose, v. i. To have a purpose or intention; to discourse. [Obs.] Spenser.
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