n. [ F. portier, L. portarius, from porta a gate, door. See Port a gate. ] A man who has charge of a door or gate; a doorkeeper; one who waits at the door to receive messages. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

To him the porter openeth. John x. 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. porteur, fr. porter to carry, L. portare. See Port to carry. ] 1. A carrier; one who carries or conveys burdens, luggage, etc.; for hire. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Forging) A bar of iron or steel at the end of which a forging is made; esp., a long, large bar, to the end of which a heavy forging is attached, and by means of which the forging is lifted and handled in hammering and heating; -- called also porter bar. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A malt liquor, of a dark color and moderately bitter taste, possessing tonic and intoxicating qualities. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Porter is said to be so called as having been first used chiefly by the London porters, and this application of the word is supposed to be not older than 1750. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The work of a porter; the occupation of a carrier or of a doorkeeper. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Money charged or paid for the carriage of burdens or parcels by a porter. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Portress. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A house where porter is sold. [ 1913 Webster ]

Porterhouse steak, a steak cut from a sirloin of beet, including the upper and under part. [ 1913 Webster ]