pursy

1 of 3

adjective (1)

pur·​sy ˈpə-sē  ˈpər-sē 

pursier; pursiest

1

: short-winded especially because of corpulence

2

: fat

pursiness noun

pursy

2 of 3

adjective (2)

ˈpər-sē 

pursier; pursiest

1

: having a puckered appearance

2

: purse-proud

pursiness

3 of 3

noun

pur·​si·​ness

-sēnə̇s, 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being pursy : a condition of being swollen or puffed up (as with pride, self-importance, flatulence)

Did you know?

There are two adjectives spelled pursy, each with its own etymology. The one describing a puckered appearance goes back to the mid-16th century and has its source in the noun purse ("a receptacle for carrying money and other small objects"); a drawstring purse's puckered appearance is the inspiration. The other pursy (pronounced PUH-see or PER-see) dates from the 15th century and can mean "short-winded especially because of corpulence" or simply "fat." This pursy comes from the Old French word pousser, meaning "to exert pressure" or "to breathe heavily"—the same word, etymologists believe, behind the word push.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English pursi, pursif, from Anglo-French porsif, alteration of *polsif, from Old French pousser to exert pressure, breathe heavily — more at push

Adjective (2)

purse entry 1

Noun

Middle English pursynes, from pursy entry 1 + -nes -ness

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pursy

• circe
• kersey
• mercy
• controversy
• gramercy

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