n. [ OF. purveu, pourveu, F. pourvu, provided, p. p. of OF. porveoir, F. pourvoir. See Purvey, View, and cf. Proviso. ] 1. (a) (Law) The body of a statute, or that part which begins with “ Be it enacted, ” as distinguished from the preamble. Cowell. (b) Hence: The limit or scope of a statute; the whole extent of its intention or provisions. Marshall. [ 1913 Webster ] Profanations within the purview of several statutes. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Limit or sphere of authority; scope; extent. [ 1913 Webster ] In determining the extent of information required in the exercise of a particular authority, recourse must be had to the objects within the purview of that authority. Madison. [ 1913 Webster ] | 