n. [ F., from L. portio, akin to pars, partis, a part. See Part, n. ] 1. That which is divided off or separated, as a part from a whole; a separated part of anything. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A part considered by itself, though not actually cut off or separated from the whole. [ 1913 Webster ] These are parts of his ways; but how little a portion is heard of him! Job xxvi. 14. [ 1913 Webster ] Portions and parcels of the dreadful past. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A part assigned; allotment; share; fate. [ 1913 Webster ] The lord of that servant . . . will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. Luke xii. 46. [ 1913 Webster ] Man's portion is to die and rise again. Keble. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. The part of an estate given to a child or heir, or descending to him by law, and distributed to him in the settlement of the estate; an inheritance. [ 1913 Webster ] Give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. Luke xv. 12. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. A wife's fortune; a dowry. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Division; share; parcel; quantity; allotment; dividend. -- Portion, Part. Part is generic, having a simple reference to some whole. Portion has the additional idea of such a division as bears reference to an individual, or is allotted to some object; as, a portion of one's time; a portion of Scripture. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
