~ 1
■ noun
1》 a person employed to carry luggage and other loads.
↘(also hospital ~ ) a hospital employee who moves equipment or patients.
2》 dark brown bitter beer brewed from malt partly charred or browned by drying at a high temperature.
3》 N. Amer. a sleeping-car attendant.
Derivatives
~age noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. porteour , from med. L. portator , from L. portare 'carry'; sense 2 derives from the beer orig. being made for ~s.
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~ 2
■ noun Brit. an employee in charge of the entrance of a hotel, block of flats, or other large building.
Origin
ME: from OFr. portier , from late L. portarius , from porta 'gate, door'.