I. ˈpȯr-tər noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin portarius, from Latin porta gate — more at port
Date: 13th century
chiefly British : a person stationed at a door or gate to admit or assist those entering
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English portour, from Anglo-French porteour, from Late Latin portator, from Latin portare to carry — more at fare
Date: 14th century
1. : a person who carries burdens ; especially : one employed to carry baggage for patrons at a hotel or transportation terminal
2. : a parlor-car or sleeping-car attendant who waits on passengers and makes up berths
3.
[short for porter's beer ]
: a heavy dark brown beer brewed from browned or charred malt
4. : a person who does routine cleaning (as in a hospital or office)
III. verb
Date: 1609
transitive verb
: to transport or carry as or as if by a porter
intransitive verb
: to act as a porter