n. [ OF., fr. porter to bear. ] One who, or that which, bears; hence, one who, or that which, produces. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
Branches . . . which were portoirs, and bare grapes. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Perhaps fr. OF. porteis portative, portable. ] (Naut.) The gunwale of a ship. [ 1913 Webster ]
To lower the yards a-portoise,
To ride a portoise,
n. See Portass. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]