n. & v.
--n.
1. one or more persons, vehicles, ships, etc., accompanying a person, vehicle, etc., esp. for protection or security or as a mark of rank or status.
2 a person accompanying a person of the opposite sex socially.
--v.tr. act as an escort to.
Etymology: F escorte, escorter f. It. scorta fem. past part. of scorgere conduct