The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Purport \Pur"port\, n. [OF. purport; pur, pour, for (L. pro) +
   porter to bear, carry. See Port demeanor.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. Design or tendency; meaning; import; tenor.
      [1913 Webster]

            The whole scope and purport of that dialogue.
            Norris.
            With a look so piteous in purport
            As if he had been loosed out of hell. -- Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Disguise; covering. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            For she her sex under that strange purport
            Did use to hide.                      --Spenser.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Purport \Pur"port\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Purported; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Purporting.] [OF. purporter, pourporter. See
   Purport, n.]
   To intend to show; to intend; to mean; to signify; to import;
   -- often with an object clause or infinitive.
   [1913 Webster]

         They in most grave and solemn wise unfolded
         Matter which little purported.           --Rowe.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

purport
    n 1: the intended meaning of a communication [syn: intent,
         purport, spirit]
    2: the pervading meaning or tenor; "caught the general drift of
       the conversation" [syn: drift, purport]
    v 1: have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or
         claiming; "The letter purports to express people's opinion"
    2: propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" [syn: aim,
       purpose, purport, propose]