Por*tray" (?), v. t. [Written also pourtray.] [imp. & p. p. portrayed (); p. pr. & vb. n. Portraying.] [OE. pourtraien, OF. portraire, pourtraire, F. portraire, fr. L. protrahere, protractum, to draw or drag forth; pro forward, forth + trahere to draw. See Trace, v. t., and cf. Protract.]

1.

To paint or draw the likeness of; as, to portray a king on horseback.

Take a tile, and lay it before thee, and portray upon it the city, even Jerusalem. Ezek. iv. 1.

2.

Hence, figuratively, to describe in words.

3.

To adorn with pictures.

[R.]

Spear and helmets thronged, and shields Various with boastful arguments potrayed. Milton.

 

© Webster 1913.

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