n. & v.
n. 1 an object to be attained; a thing intended. 2 the intention to act. 3 resolution, determination.
v.tr. have as one's purpose; design, intend. on purpose intentionally. purpose-built (or -made) built or made for a specific purpose. to no purpose with no result or effect. to the purpose 1 relevant. 2 useful.
[ ME f. OF porpos, purpos f. L proponere (as PROPOUND) ]