PORTIA

PRONUNCIATION: (POR-shuh, -shee-uh)

MEANING: noun: A female lawyer.

ETYMOLOGY: After Portia, the heroine of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Portia is a rich heiress who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio's life. Earliest documented use: 1869.

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PORTICA - the women's entrance (cf. PORTICO)