pursy

¹

[pur-see]

adjective

pursier, pursiest 

1. short-winded, especially from corpulence or fatness.

2. corpulent or fat.

pursy

²

[pur-see]

adjective

pursier, pursiest 

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

pursy

/ ˈpɜːsɪ /

adjective

1. short-winded

2. archaic,  fat; overweight

Other Word Forms

• pursily adverb
• pursiness 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

Coleridge, in his person, was rather above the common size, inclining to the corpulent, or like Lord Hamlet, ‘somewhat fat and pursy.’

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It certainly was a delightful evening, and Gabrielle, with the pursy chevalier trotting by her side, flung open a casement and stepped forth upon a balcony.

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Never since he was a child did the pursy old gentleman run as fast as he did now.

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But the good pursy citizens behind him, who, when they were not deafening the little Mayor with their counsels, were making a jest of the turmoil, had wives and daughters, goods and houses within reach.

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The pursy chevalier, who had been very active, puffed and blew, and looked like to have a fit.

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