purport

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: intentspiritdriftaimpurposepropose

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. the intended meaning of a communicationSynonyms: intentspirit
  2. the pervading meaning or tenor“caught the general drift of the conversation”Synonyms: drift

Verb (2)

  1. have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming“The letter purports to express people's opinion”
  2. propose or intend“I aim to arrive at noon”Synonyms: aimpurposepropose
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Purport \Pur"port\, n. [OF. purport; pur, pour, for (L. pro) + porter to bear, carry. See Port demeanor.] [1913 Webster]

1.Design or tendency; meaning; import; tenor. [1913 Webster]

The whole scope and purport of that dialogue. Norris. With a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.Disguise; covering. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

For she her sex under that strange purport Did use to hide.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]
Purport \Pur"port\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purported; p. pr. & vb. n. Purporting.] [OF. purporter, pourporter. See Purport, n.] To intend to show; to intend; to mean; to signify; to import; -- often with an object clause or infinitive. [1913 Webster]

They in most grave and solemn wise unfolded Matter which little purported. --Rowe. [1913 Webster]

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