Pōrt'al1, n.
n. [O. Fr., Pr., Sp., & Pg. portal, N. Fr. portail, L. Lat. portale, from Lat. porta, a gate.]
Sense 1. A small door or gate; hence, sometimes, any passage-way.
Thick with sparkling orient gems The portal shone. Milton.
Sense 2. (Arch.) (a.) The arch over a door or gate. (b.) The frame-work of the gate. (c.) A lesser gate, where there are two of different dimensions. (d.) Formerly, a small square corner in a room separated from the rest of the apartment by wainscoting, forming a short passage. Gwillt.
Sense 3. A prayer-book or breviary; a portass. [Obs.]