I. ˈpər-chəs verb
( pur·chased ; pur·chas·ing )
Etymology: Middle English purchacen, from Anglo-French purchacer to strive for, obtain, from por-, pur- thoroughly, to a conclusion (from Latin pro- forward, for) + chacer to pursue, chase — more at pro-
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. archaic : gain , acquire
b. : to acquire (real estate) by means other than descent
c. : to obtain by paying money or its equivalent : buy
d. : to obtain by labor, danger, or sacrifice
2. : to constitute the means for buying
our dollars purchase less each year
intransitive verb
: to purchase something
• pur·chas·able -chə-sə-bəl adjective
• pur·chas·er noun
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : an act or instance of purchasing
2. : something obtained especially for a price in money or its equivalent
3.
a.
(1) : a mechanical hold or advantage applied to the raising or moving of heavy bodies
(2) : an apparatus or device by which advantage is gained
b.
(1) : an advantage (as a firm hold or position) used in applying one's power
clutching the steering wheel for more purchase — Barry Crump
(2) : a means of exerting power