purveyor

• purveyour (obsolete)

From Anglo-Norman purveour, from Old French porveor, agent noun from porveoir. See purvey. Doublet of provedore and proveditor.

• IPA^(key): /pə(ɹ)ˈveɪə(ɹ)/

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• Rhymes: -eɪə(ɹ)

purveyor (plural purveyors)

1. Someone who supplies what is needed, especially food.

   The merchants are the purveyors of fine selections.

2. (historical, UK) An officer who provided provisions for the king's household.
3. (obsolete) A procurer; a pimp.
   • July 26, 1709, Joseph Addison, The Tatler No. 46

     But a Prince is no more to be his own caterer in his Love, than in his food; therefore Aurengezebe has ever in waiting two purveyors for his dishes, and his wenches for his retired hours

• (one who provides food): grocer

• provisioner, provider