por|tage

por|tage «PR tihj, POHR-; for n. 1, 2 and v. also pr- TAZH, pohr-», noun, verb, -taged, -tag|ing.

–n.

1. the action or work of carrying boats, provisions, or goods overland from one river or lake to another or around a falls, rapids, or shallow water: »

The portage of canoes from one lake to the other took two days of tugging and carrying.

2. the place over which this is done: »

As we were carrying the canoe upon a rocky portage, she fell, and was entirely bilged (Robert Louis Stevenson).

3. the action or work of carrying anything.

4. the cost of carrying; freight charges; porterage.

5. (formerly) a) the part of a ship's cargo that was set aside as all or part of a seaman's wages. b) the space set aside for such cargo. c) the tonnage of a vessel.

–v.t., v.i.

1. to carry (boats, provisions, or goods) overland between navigable waters.

2. to make a portage over (a place) or around (rapids, a cataract, or shallow water).

╂[< Old French portage < porter to carry]