Purpura
in zoölogy, a genus of Buccinidæ; British species, abounds on the coast at low water, and is very destructive to mussel beds. Also, a peculiar unhealthy condition of the blood and tissues, evinced by purple spots, chiefly on the legs, due to unhealthy surroundings, want of proper food, intemperance, and other depressing causes.
URSER, on shipboard, the officer whose duty is to keep the accounts of the ship to which he is attached. In mining, the paymaster or cashier of a mine, and the official to whom notices of transfer are sent for registration in the cost-book.