porte-cochere

Or porte-co·chère

[pawrt-koh-shair, -kuh-, pohrt-]

noun

1. (in historical use) a covered carriage entrance leading into a courtyard.

2. a porch or covered area at the door of a building for sheltering persons entering and leaving vehicles.

   a porte-cochere for protection in wet weather.

porte-cochere

/ ˌpɔːtkɒˈʃɛə /

noun

1. a large covered entrance for vehicles leading into a courtyard

2. a large roof projecting over a drive to shelter travellers entering or leaving vehicles

Word History and Origins

Origin of porte-cochere¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; French: literally, “gate for coaches”

Word History and Origins

Origin of porte-cochere¹

C17: from French: carriage entrance, from porte gateway + coche coach