/pawr tend", pohr-/ , v.t.
1. to indicate in advance; to foreshadow or presage, as an omen does: The street incident may portend a general uprising.
2. to signify; mean.
[ 1400-50; late ME portendere to point out, indicate, portend, var. of PROTENDERE to extend. See PRO- 1 , TEND 1 ]
Syn. 1. foretell, forecast, augur, promise, forebode.