Por"trait , v. t. To portray; to draw. [Obs.]
Spenser.
Por"trait (?), n. [F., originally p. p. of
portraire to portray.
See Portray.]
1. The likeness of a
person, painted, drawn, or engraved; commonly, a representation of the human
face painted from real life.
In
portraits, the grace, and, we may add, the likeness, consists more in the general air than in the exact similitude of every feature.
Sir J. Reynolds. &fist; The meaning of the word is sometimes extended so as to include a photographic likeness.
2. Hence, any graphic or vivid delineation or description of a person; as, a portrait in words.
Portrait bust, or Portrait statue, a bust or statue representing the actual features or person of an
individual; -- in distinction from an ideal bust or statue.
Hear it pronounced