I. ˈpərˌpōr]t, ˈpə̄ˌ-, ˈpəiˌ-, -ˌpȯr], -ˌpōə], -ˌpȯ(ə)], usu ]d.+V; chiefly Brit -_pət noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, content, tenor, from purporter to contain, from Old French porporter to carry, convey, from por for + porter to carry — more at purchase , port
1.
a. : meaning conveyed, professed, or implied : import , tenor
a look so piteous in purport — Shakespeare
b. : meaning synthesized or synopsized : substance , gist
gave the purport of their talk in a few words
2. obsolete : disguise , covering
3. : intention , purpose , design
II. _pərˈpō(ə)r]d, -ˈpȯ(ə)r], -ˈpōə], -ˈpȯ(r)] sometimes |pər|- or (ˈ)pə̄|- or (ˈ)pəi|-; usu ]d.+V; chiefly Brit ˈ ̷ ̷_pət transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to convey, imply, or profess outwardly (as meaning, intention, or true character) : have the often specious appearance of being, intending, claiming (something implied or inferred) : impart , profess
a letter that purports to express public opinion
a law that purports to be in the interest of morality
men purporting to be citizens
2. : to have in mind : intend , purpose