Word Noun
portman
n.
countable
C2 Proficiency US /ˈpɔɹtmən/ port·man
Definition
n.a large suitcase that opens into two equal parts. It is an old-fashioned word for a bag used to carry clothes while traveling.
n.a large, hinged suitcase that opens into two equal sections. Historically used for carrying apparel and personal effects during travel; now largely replaced by modern luggage terms.
Examples
“He packed his suits into the heavy leather portman.”
“The porter struggled to lift the brass-bound portman onto the luggage rack of the steam train.”
“In Victorian literature, the portman often serves as a symbol of the traveler's social standing and the permanence of their journey across the continent.”
Usage
Often used in historical or literary contexts; less common in modern travel descriptions.
This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Occasional
Updated