Purveyance
Pronunciation : Pur*vey"ance
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Cf. F. pourvoyance.]
Definition : 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)
Defn: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913