Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Burse \Burse\, n. [LL. bursa, or F. bourse. See {Bourse}, and
   cf. {Bursch}, {Purse}.]
   1. A purse; also, a vesicle; a pod; a hull. [Obs.] --Holland.

   2. A fund or foundation for the maintenance of needy scholars
      in their studies; also, the sum given to the
      beneficiaries. [Scot.]

   3. (Eccl.) An ornamental case of hold the corporal when not
      in use. --Shipley.

   4. An exchange, for merchants and bankers, in the cities of
      continental Europe. Same as {Bourse}.

   5. A kind of bazaar. [Obs.]

            She says she went to the burse for patterns. --Old
                                                  Play.