pursy

¹

[ pur-see ]

adjective

, pur·si·er, pur·si·est.

1. short-winded, especially from corpulence or fatness.
2. corpulent or fat.

pursy

²

[ pur-see ]

adjective

, purs·i·er, purs·i·est.

1. vain about one's wealth; purse-proud.

pursy

/ ˈpɜːsɪ /

adjective

1. short-winded
2. archaic.
   fat; overweight

Other Words From

• pursi·ly adverb
• pursi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursy¹

1400–50; late Middle English purcy, variant of Middle English pursif < Anglo-French porsif, variant of Old French polsif, derivative ( -ive ) of polser to pant, heave. See push

Origin of pursy²

First recorded in 1545–55; purse + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursy¹

C15: alteration of earlier pursive, from Anglo-French porsif, ultimately from Latin pulsāre to pulsate

Example Sentences

As Coronado lounged into the main doorway he was run against by a short, pursy old gentleman who was rushing out.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, they will allow good qualities to nobody: not even good nature to our friend Mrs. Pursy.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a big pursy body, almost as large as his thumb, and of the very snowiest white that Freckles ever had seen.

From Project Gutenberg

Big pursy caterpillars could not be picked from their favourite bushes, when there were no bushes.

From Project Gutenberg

By lavender feet clung a big, pursy, lavender-splotched, yellow body.

From Project Gutenberg