Definition of: purchase

(pûr′chəs) v.t. ·chased, ·chas·ing
1. To acquire by paying money or its equivalent; buy.
2. To obtain by exertion, sacrifice, flattery, etc.
3. Law To acquire (property) by means other than descent or inheritance.
4. To move, hoist, or hold by a mechanical purchase.
—noun
1. The act of purchasing; acquisition by giving an equivalent in money or other exchange, or by exertion, risk, etc.
2. That which is purchased; especially, that which is bought with money.
3. A mechanical hold or grip.
4. A device that gives a mechanical advantage, as a tackle or lever.
5. Lever age.
6. Any means of increasing influence or advantage.
7. Law The act of acquiring property by payment of a price or value; hence, any lawful mode of acquiring property other than by inheritance or descent or by the mere operation of law.
8. Value; worth, especially as measured by the annual income, expressed in terms of years to indicate the period at the end of which the income received from a property will have covered the price paid for it: to buy at ten years' purchase.
9. A small territorial division in New Hampshire, originally made when the land was sold in lots to individuals by the State.
10. Obs. A seeking; also, attempt; endeavor. [<AF purchacer, OF porchacier seek for <pur-, por- for (<L pro-) + chacier CHASE]
—pur′chas·er noun Synonyms (verb): acquire, buy, get, obtain, procure, secure. Buy and purchase are close synonyms, in numerous cases freely interchangeable, but with the difference usually found between words of Anglo–Saxon and French or Latin origin. The Anglo–Saxon buy is used for all the concerns of common life, the French purchase is often restricted to transactions of more dignity; yet buy is commonly more emphatic, and also appeals more strongly to the feelings. One may either buy or purchase fame, favor, honor, pleasure, etc., but we speak of victory or freedom as dearly bought. Antonyms: barter, exchange, sell.