purveyor
English edit
Alternative forms edit
- purveyour (obsolete)
Etymology edit
From Anglo-Norman purveour, from Old French porveor, agent noun from porveoir. See purvey. Doublet of provedore and proveditor.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
purveyor (plural purveyors)
- Someone who supplies what is needed, especially food.
- The merchants are the purveyors of fine selections.
- (historical, UK) An officer who provided provisions for the king's household.
- (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
Synonyms edit
- (one who provides food): grocer
Derived terms edit
Related terms edit
Translations edit
supplier — see supplier