Pur*vey"ance (?), n. [Cf. F. pourvoyance.]
1.
The act or process of providing or procuring; providence; foresight; preparation; management.
Chaucer.
The ill purveyance of his page.
Spenser.
2.
That which is provided; provisions; food.
3. Eng.Law
A providing necessaries for the sovereign by buying them at an appraised value in preference to all others, and oven without the owner's consent. This was formerly a royal prerogative, but has long been abolished.
Wharton.
© Webster 1913.