Purveyance

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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. 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.