purveyor

English

Alternative forms

• purveyour (obsolete)

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman purveour, from Old French porveor, agent noun from porveoir. See purvey. Doublet of provedore and proveditor.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pə(ɹ)ˈveɪə(ɹ)/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -eɪə(ɹ)

Noun

purveyor (plural purveyors)

1. Someone who supplies what is needed, especially food.

   The merchants are the purveyors of fine selections.

2. (historical, UK) An officer who provided provisions for the king's household.
3. (obsolete) A procurer; a pimp.
   • 1709 August 6 (Gregorian calendar), Isaac Bickerstaff [et al., pseudonyms; Joseph Addison], “Tuesday, July 26, 1709”, in The Tatler, number 46; republished in [Richard Steele], editor, The Tatler, […], London stereotype edition, volume I, London: I. Walker and Co.;  […], 1822, →OCLC:

     But a Prince is no more to be his own caterer in his Love, than in his food; therefore Aurengezebe has ever in waiting two purveyors for his dishes, and his wenches for his retired hours

     The spelling has been modernized.

Synonyms

• (one who provides food): grocer

Derived terms

• bread-purveyor

Related terms

• provisioner, provider

Translations

supplier — see supplier