portress

[ pawr-tris, pohr- ]

noun

1. a woman who has charge of a door or gate; a female doorkeeper.

portress

/ ˈpɔːtrɪs /

noun

1. a female porter, esp a doorkeeper

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of portress¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; porter ², -ess

Example Sentences

From the portress Cibot to the Marquise d'Espard, not one of his women has an evil thought that he does not fathom.

From Project Gutenberg

The way thither was down a well; and she was led by the portress, an old woman, into the royal palace.

From Project Gutenberg

They entered, and the portress hastily shut behind them the wicket, and made fast the massive fastenings by which it was secured.

From Project Gutenberg

I have already mentioned the animosity that was entertained against me by the infernal portress of this solitary mansion.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, then I have got to stay—I am only going to have a word with the Portress.

From Project Gutenberg