Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Porter?

\Por"ter\, n. [F. portier, L. portarius, from porta a gate, door. See {Port} a gate.] A man who has charge of a door or gate; a doorkeeper; one who waits at the door to receive messages. --Shak. To him the porter openeth. --John x. 3.
\Por"ter\, n. [F. porteur, fr. porter to carry, L. portare. See {Port} to carry.] 1. A carrier; one who carries or conveys burdens, luggage, etc.; for hire. 2. (Forging) A bar of iron or steel at the end of which a forging is made; esp., a long, large bar, to the end of which a heavy forging is attached, and by means of which the forging is lifted and handled in hammering and heating; -- called also {porter bar}. 3. A malt liquor, of a dark color and moderately bitter taste, possessing tonic and intoxicating qualities. Note: Porter is said to be so called as having been first used chiefly by the London porters, and this application of the word is supposed to be not older than 1750.