PORTRA'Y, verb transitive 1. To paint or draw the likeness of any thing in colors; as, to portray a king on horseback; to portray a city or temple with a pencil or with chalk. 2. To describe in words. It belongs to the historian to portray the character of Alexander of Russia. Homer portrays the character and achievements of his heroes in glowing colors. 3. To adorn with pictures; as shields portrayed.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI