What does "purport" mean?

Purport: Disguise; covering. [Obs.] For she her sex under that strange purport Did use to hide. Spenser.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To intend to show; to intend; to mean; to signify; to import; - - often with an object clause or infinitive. They in most grave and solemn wise unfolded Matter which little purported. Rowe.

Sources