ˈkälˌpōrd.ər, -ˌpȯr-, kȯlpȯrtœr noun
also col·por·ter ˈkälˌpōrd.ər, -ˌpȯr-
( -s )
Etymology: French colporteur, alteration (influenced by porter à col to carry on one's back, literally, neck) of Middle French comporteur (from comporter to hawk, peddle, carry, bring together) + -eur -or — more at comport
: a peddler of books, especially of bibles and religious books and tracts ; also : a missionary or publicist for some usually religious cause