ˈpərˌvyü, ˈpə̄ˌv-, ˈpəiˌv- noun
Etymology: Middle English purveu, purvewe, from Anglo-French purveu ( est ) it is provided (opening phrase of a statute), from Old French porveu, past participle of porveeir to provide — more at purvey
1.
a. : the body of a statute or the part that begins with “ Be it enacted ” and ends before the repealing clause — compare preamble , proviso , saving clause
b. : the limit or scope of a statute : the whole extent of its intention or provisions
2. : the range or limit of authority, competence, responsibility, concern, or intention
actively under the purview of the Federal Trade Commission — Journal American Medical Association
the problem in Indonesia … does not fall within the purview of the Security Council — New York Times
3. : range of sight, vision, understanding, cognizance, or knowledge
persuaded that there is … no human destiny outside the purview of their system — Bertrand Russell
Synonyms: see range