I. pə(r)ˈvā sometimes |pər|v- or (ˈ)pə̄|v- or (ˈ)pəi|v- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English purveien, porveien, from Middle French porveeir, porveioir to foresee, provide, from Latin providēre — more at provide
transitive verb
1. : to make available (something wanted or needed) : obtain or supply for use
information purveyed by government bulletins
especially : to provide (food or other provender) usually as a matter of business
mine host purveyed us a sumptuous feast
2. archaic : to provide (as a person) with something needed or wanted (as provisions, supplies, equipment)
intransitive verb
1. : to make provision or preparations
2. : to serve as a purveyor ; especially : to supply provisions
3. : to provide or convey something essential : lend necessary assistance : serve as a source of supply — used with to or for
the function of the eye is now purely ministerial; it merely purveys for the ear — Sidney Lanier
II. noun
( -s )
obsolete : an act of purveying : something purveyed