noun
Portman
noun
1
Historically, a burgess or official of a port town, especially one of England's Cinque Ports.
"The portman oversaw trade disputes in the harbor town."
2
A surname, originally describing someone's occupation.
"The actress Natalie Portman shares the name's root, though spelled differently."
How to Use Portman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old term for a port official, now mainly seen as a surname.
Word Forms
portmen plural
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The _____ oversaw trade disputes in the harbor town.
Etymology
From "port" plus "man" — originally an occupational name for an official of a port town.