Pōr'tion1, n.
n. [Fr. portion, Pr. porcio, Sp. porcion, It. porzione, Lat. portio, allied to pars, partis, a part, and partire, partiri, to share, divide.]
Sense 1. That which is divided off or separated, as a part from a whole; a part of any thing separated from it.
Sense 2. A part, though not actually divided, but considered by itself.
These are parts of his ways; but how little a portion is heard of him! Job xxvi. 14.
Sense 3. A part assigned; an allotment; a dividend.
How small A portion to your share would fall! Waller.
Sense 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.
Sense 5. A wife's fortune.
Synonyms— Division; share; parcel; quantity; allotment; dividend. — PORTION, PART. Part is generic, having a simple reference to some whole. Portion has the additional idea of being detached from a whole, usually with a view to its being allotted to some object; as, a portion of one's time; a portion of the day; a portion of Scripture.
Of heavenly part, and part of earthly blood, A mortal woman mixing with a god. Dryden.
In battles won, fortune a part did claim, And soldiers have their portion in the same. Waller.