purvey

US: /pɚˈveɪ/ ,(pər vā′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pur•vey /pɚˈveɪ/   v. [~ + object]

1. to supply (esp. provisions), usually as a business:
   They purvey food to ships in the harbor.
2. to peddle;
   sell:
   purveying pornography.

pur•vey•or, n. [countable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pur•vey  (pər vā′), v.t. 

1. to provide, furnish, or supply (esp. food or provisions) usually as a business or service.

• Latin prōvidēre to foresee, provide for. See provide
• Anglo-French purveier
• Middle English purveien 1250–1300

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

purvey verb / pəˈveɪ/(transitive)

1. to sell or provide (commodities, esp foodstuffs) on a large scale
2. to publish or make available (lies, scandal, etc)

Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French porveeir, from Latin prōvidēre to provide