(ˌ) ̷ ̷ˈvāən(t)s noun
also pour·vey·ance pu̇rˈv-
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English porveance, purveiaunce foresight, provision for the future, from Old French porveance, from porveeir to provide + -ance — more at purvey
1.
a. : the act or fact of providing in advance preparation : prudent direction or management
b. : the act or process of purveying or procuring (as provisions)
the purveyance of supplies for an army
dedicated to the purveyance of dreams — J.W.Aldridge
specifically : the providing of supplies or services for a sovereign or for the crown by preemption or impressment at a valuation fixed by appraisers appointed by the purveyors or by the purveyors themselves and usually below the market value as a royal prerogative
2. obsolete : something (as supplies or provisions) that is purveyed