[por.ter] n [ME, fr. OF portier, fr. LL portarius, fr. L porta gate--more at port] (13c) chiefly Brit: a person stationed at a door or gate to admit or assist those entering
[2]porter n [ME portour, fr. MF porteour, fr. LL portator, fr. L portare to carry--more at fare] (14c) 1: a person who carries burdens; esp: 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) [3]porter vt (1609): to transport or carry as or as if by a porter ~ vi: to act as a porter