English

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Etymology

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From portion +‎ -less.

Adjective

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portionless (comparative more portionless, superlative most portionless)

  1. Lacking a portion; especially, without a dowry.
    • 1852, Washington Irving, Tales from the Alhambra:
      ‘Be assured, if the youth were true, his father who is one of the proudest nobles about the court, would prohibit his union with one so humble and portionless as thou.’
    • 1860, Ellen Wood, East Lynne, Penguin, published 2005, page 10:
      ‘So my child is portionless,’ resumed the earl, with a suppressed sigh.