To propose; intend; design; mean: generally with an infinitive.To resolve; determine, or determine on.Synonyms To mean, meditate.To have intention or design; intend; mean.To discourse.n. A thing proposed or intended; an object to be kept in view or subserved in any operation or course of action; end proposed; aim.n. Proposition; proposal; point to be considered or acted upon.n. Hence Intended or desired effect; practical advantage or result; use; subject or matter in hand; question at issue: as, to speak to the purpose.n. Intention; design; resolve; resolution; determination.n. Import; meaning: purport; intent.n. Discourse; conversation.n. Instance; example.n. plural A sort of conversational game. Compare cross-purpose, 2.n. A dance resembling a cotillion, a characteristic feature of which was the introduction of confidential or coquettish conversation.n. In biology, the result which a structure tends to secure, without any reference to an intelligent agent.