procure Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb get by special effort
    secure.
    • He procured extra cigarettes even though they were rationed
  2. verb arrange for sexual partners for others
    pander; pimp.

WordNet


Pro*cure" transitive verb
Etymology
F. procurer, L. procurare, procuratum, to take care of; pro for + curare to take care, fr. cura care. See Cure, and cf. Proctor, Proxy.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Procured ; present participle & verbal noun Procuring
Definitions
  1. To bring into possession; to cause to accrue to, or to come into possession of; to acquire or provide for one's self or for another; to gain; to get; to obtain by any means, as by purchase or loan.
    If we procure not to ourselves more woe. Milton.
  2. To contrive; to bring about; to effect; to cause.
    By all means possible they procure to have gold and silver among them in reproach. Robynson (More's Utopia) .
    Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall. Shak.
  3. To solicit; to entreat. Obs.
    The famous Briton prince and faery knight, . . . Of the fair Alma greatly were procured To make there longer sojourn and abode. Spenser.
  4. To cause to come; to bring; to attract. Obs.
    What unaccustomed cause procures her hither? Shak.
  5. To obtain for illicit intercourse or prostitution. Syn. -- See Attain.
Pro*cure" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To pimp. Shak.
  2. To manage business for another in court. Scot.

Webster 1913