Dictionary

light porter en · NOUN

Meanings

1. (obsolete, qualifier:chiefly Victorian) A worker whose duties involve carrying light (i.e., not heavy) packages, as in a bank.
   • There is nothing exhilarating in caudle, nor enchanting in Kensington-gardens, when you are converted into a light porter of children. 1841 September 18, Punch:
   • The light porter placed the tea-tray on it [the table], knuckling his forehead as a form of homage. 1854, Charles Dickens, Hard Times. For These Times, London: Bradbury & Evans, […], →OCLC:
2. A type of porter ale lighter in color than the typical dark porter.
   • Nearly all bitter drinks are good.... Here at least I think England cannot match Ireland, for our stouts are, as a rule, too sweet and "clammy." But there used to be in the country districts a sort of light porter which was one of the most refreshing liquids conceivable for hot weather. 1920, George Saintsbury, Notes on a Cellar Book:

Forms