pur-
Forwards, out, or away.
[Old French or Anglo-Norman French, from Latin por-, pro-.]
Such words are closely related in origin and sense to those beginning with pro- (see pro-1). Examples include pursue (Anglo-Norman French pursuer, from an alteration of Latin prosequi, prosecute), purloin (Anglo-Norman French purloigner, put away); purport (Old French purporter, from Latin portare, carry or bear); purchase (Old French pourchacier, seek to obtain or bring about).
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