purveyance

American  

[per-vey-uhns] / pərˈveɪ əns /

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.

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purveyance British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonpurveyance
  noun

Etymology

Origin of purveyance

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

Example Sentences

"But it is contrary to our fundamental norms to permit government-sanctioned attacks on the purveyance of ideas, even when those ideas are repugnant."

From Reuters • Mar. 21, 2014

Having saved their historic building from the knacker's yard in 1993, the Horse Hospital is now gearing up to celebrate 20 years of alternative pop-cultural purveyance.

From The Guardian • Feb. 2, 2013

If thou stayest with us longer, which God send, we will talk about purveyance.

From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)

So when Sir Launcelot understood wherefore King Arthur made this jousting, then he made such purveyance that La Beale Isoud should behold the jousts in a secret place that was honest for her estate.

From Le Mort d'Arthur: Volume 2 by Malory, Thomas, Sir

There was a purveyance of ribs of beef and mutton and ale, “stock-fish, if Lent,” and other recommendations for “the comers to the Dirige at night.”

From Amenities of Literature Consisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature by Disraeli, Isaac