-ure

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-ure suffix repr. (O)F. -ure — L. -ūra, denoting primarily action or process or the result of this, (hence) office or rank, collective body or organization; usu. affixed to pps., but in L. figūra FIGURE being exceptionally attached to a pres. vb. -stem. Various other F. endings have been assim. to this in Eng. adoptions, as in leisure, manure, pleasure, tenure, treasure.

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