v. & n.
v.tr. 1 profess; be intended to seem (purports to be the royal seal). 2 (often foll. by that + clause) (of a document or speech) have as its meaning; state.
n. 1 the ostensible meaning of something. 2 the sense or tenor (of a document or statement). purportedly adv.
[ ME f. AF & OF purport, porport f. purporter f. med.L proportare (as PRO-(1), portare carry) ]