Primarily, a condition or proviso; but in this sense not used.

The body of a statute, or that part which begins with “Be it enacted,” as distinguished form the preamble.

In modern usage, the limit or scope of a statute; the whole extend of its intention or provisions.

Superintendence. The federal power--is confined to objects of a general nature, more within the purview of the United States, than of any particular one.

Limit or sphere intended; scope; extent. In determining the extent of information required in the exercise of a particular authority, recourse must be had to the objects within the purview of that authority.