[] ( h.p.) () ( inˈstalment plan [] NAmE, BrE ) () a way of paying for goods gradually over a long period. You have the goods immediately, but legally you do not own them until you have finished paying 分期付款购买◆They bought it on hire purchase. 他们采用分期付款方式购买了它。◆a hire purchase agreement/contract 分期付款购买协议／合同