Cross-purpose

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  cross-purpose \cross"-pur`pose\ (-p?r`p?s), n.
     1. A counter or opposing purpose; a contrary aim; hence, that
        which is inconsistent or contradictory. --Shaftesbury.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. pl. A conversational game, in which questions and answers


        are made so as to involve ludicrous combinations of ideas.
        --Pepys.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {To be at cross-purposes}, to misunderstand or to act counter
        to one another without intending it; -- said of persons.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  cross-purpose
       n : a contrary aim; "at cross-purposes"