light porter

light porter

English

Noun

light porter (plural light porters)

1. (obsolete, chiefly Victorian) A worker whose duties involve carrying light (i.e., not heavy) packages, as in a bank.
   • 1841, Punch, 18 September 1841

     There is nothing exhilarating in caudle, nor enchanting in Kensington-gardens, when you are converted into a light porter of children.

   • 1854, Charles Dickens, “(please specify the chapter name)”, in Hard Times. For These Times, London: Bradbury & Evans, […], OCLC 4389957:

     The light porter placed the tea-tray on it [the table], knuckling his forehead as a form of homage.

2. A type of porter ale lighter in color than the typical dark porter.
   • 1920, George Saintsbury, Notes on a Cellar Book

     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.