Word of the Day: Portia

[Mosiah]

I did not know this!

Portia

PRONUNCIATION:
(POR-shuh, -shee-uh)

MEANING:
noun: A female lawyer.

ETYMOLOGY:
After Portia, the heroine of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Portia is a rich heiress who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio's life. Earliest documented use: 1869.

USAGE:
"'Listen sister...law isn't the only subject I've mastered!' snaps Betty, ... 'I may be a Portia, but my middle name's Dempsey!'"
Mike Madrid; Divas, Dames & Daredevils; Exterminating Angel Press; 2013.

[Rockman]

Wonder how they were duped into ignoring the charlatan angle,she is a lawyer by definition.
I have no memory of ever reading the Merchant of Venice(chances I did) but I would guess in the end her efforts... did not reveal her to be lacking;she proved up to the task.
Which brings me to our second Portia(forumite is numero uno),our PM is appropriately named.

[Muadib]

Thought it was a high performance cyar...

[Rudi]

Nah man you thinking of the Porcher. Cho.

[Gamma]

how can to etymology be from the merchant of Venice??!! it did not exist before that play?!

surprised that a man with the classical education that is on offer at "Monroe" that mosiah did not remember that character from the play...

[Mosiah]

Ahem, excuse me, mister! Merchant of Venice is the only Shakespeare I've ever read. And I enjoyed it immensely!

I do remember Portia but I did not know that the name could be used like that.

For instance, I bet you didn't know the new name for informa is Missa Palma. Okay then!

[Gamma]

i would have if it formed a part of any kind of classical education ...