Hypertext Webster Gateway: "purport"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Purport \Pur"port\, n. [OF. purport; pur, pour, for (L. pro) +
porter to bear, carry. See {Port} demeanor.]
1. Design or tendency; meaning; import; tenor.
The whole scope and purport of that dialogue.
Norris. With a look so piteous in purport As if he
had been loosed out of hell. -- Shak.
2. Disguise; covering. [Obs.]
For she her sex under that strange purport Did use
to hide. --Spenser.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Purport \Pur"port\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Purported}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Purporting}.] [OF. purporter, pourporter. See
{Purport}, n.]
To intend to show; to intend; to mean; to signify; to import;
-- often with an object clause or infinitive.
They in most grave and solemn wise unfolded Matter
which little purported. --Rowe.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
purport
n 1: the intended meaning of a communication [syn: {intent}, {spirit}]
2: general meaning or tenor: "caught the drift of the
conversation" [syn: {drift}]
v 1: have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or
claiming; "The letter purports to express people's
opinion"
2: propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" [syn: {aim}, {purpose},
{propose}]
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