\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.