purveyance

[ per-vey-uhns ]

noun

1. the act of purveying.
2. something that is purveyed, as provisions.
3. English Law. a prerogative of the crown, abolished in 1660, allowing provisions, supplies, or services for the sovereign or the royal household to be purchased or acquired at an appraised value.

purveyance

/ pəˈveɪəns /

noun

1. history the collection or requisition of provisions for a sovereign
2. rare.
   the act of purveying
3. rare.
   that which is purveyed

Other Words From

• nonpur·veyance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of purveyance¹

1225–75; purvey + -ance; replacing Middle English purvea ( u ) nce, purvya ( u ) nce < Old French purveance < Latin prōvidentia. See providence

Example Sentences

The royal household was a complex 'body corporate' founded in the old days of 'purveyance.'

From Project Gutenberg

Of course, fertile invention was brought to bear in its purveyance, but that only made it the more exciting.

From Project Gutenberg

He made huge forced loans, and employed recklessly the abuse of purveyance.

From Project Gutenberg

One Valet, entrusted with the purveyance, had obtained permission to wear the cassock.

From Project Gutenberg

Coemptio (purveyance) of wheat or lard not to be claimed from the citizens of Rhegium, xii.

From Project Gutenberg