† ˈport-glaive Obs.
[ad. F. porte-glaive: see porte- and glaive.]
A sword-bearer; a member of the military and religious Order of the Knights Sword-bearers founded 1201 in Livonia.
| 1656 Blount Glossogr., Portglaive, a Sword-bearer. 1725 Coats Dict. Her. s.v., Knights of the Order of the Port⁓glaive, or Sword-Bearers in Poland, in Latin called Ensiferi. 1755 Johnson, Portglave, a sword bearer. |