purport Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the intended meaning of a communication
    intent; spirit.
  2. noun the pervading meaning or tenor
    drift.
    • caught the general drift of the conversation
  3. verb have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming
    • The letter purports to express people's opinion
  4. verb propose or intend
    aim; propose; purpose.
    • I aim to arrive at noon

WordNet

Pur"port noun
Etymology
OF. purport; pur, pour, for (L. pro) + porter to bear, carry. See Port demeanor.
Definitions
  1. Design or tendency; meaning; import; tenor.
    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.
  2. Disguise; covering. Obs.
    For she her sex under that strange purport Did use to hide. Spenser.
Pur"port transitive verb
Etymology
OF. purporter, pourporter. See Purport, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Purported; present participle & verbal noun Purporting
Definitions
  1. To intend to show; to intend; to mean; to signify; to import; -- often with an object clause or infinitive.
    They in most grave and solemn wise unfolded Matter which little purported. Rowe.

Webster 1913