Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PORT-ER, n. [It. portiere; Fr. portier; Sp. portero; from L. porta, a gate.]

1. A man that has the charge of a door or gate; a door-keeper. – Arbuthnot.
2. One that waits at the door to receive messages. – Pope.
3. [Fr. porteur, from porter, to carry, L. porto.] A carrier; a person who carries or conveys burdens for hire. – Howell. Watts.
4. A malt liquor which differs from ale and pale beer, in being made with high dried malt.