purvey
UK[pəˈveɪ]US[pərˈveɪ]
v
To supply or provide (food, drink, or other goods) as one's business.
v
To be a source or provider of (information, ideas, etc.).
Etymology
The word 'purvey' entered English in the late 13th century from the Anglo-Norman French 'purveier', which itself evolved from the Latin 'prōvidēre', meaning 'to foresee, provide for'. The Latin term is a compound of 'prō-', meaning 'ahead', and 'vidēre', 'to see', literally conveying the act of seeing ahead to make arrangements. This core idea of foresight and preparation for future needs shifted in English to focus specifically on the business of supplying provisions. Over time, its usage broadened metaphorically to include the provision of non-material things like information or ideas, retaining the original sense of being a prepared source.
Analysis
The entire word 'purvey' is a simplex form derived from the Anglo-Norman French 'purveier', meaning to provide or foresee. It is not productively segmented using modern English morphemes.
Examples
The company was contracted to purvey fresh produce to the royal household.
This newspaper aims to purvey unbiased news to its readers.
Several local farms purvey their goods at the weekend farmers' market.