A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Port,) Porte, v. [e.m.E. port to bear, carry, F. porter, L. portāre.] tr. a. To port on, to bring on, be the cause of. b. ‘To carry (a pike) with both hands’ (OED), ? diagonally across and in front of the body. —1608 Aberd. Kirk S. in Caled. Merc. 24 Aug. 1816 (Jam.).
It becumis the people … to leave their sins quhilk porte on Gods judgmentis aganes us 1627 Kellie Pallas Armata 24.
When they come through a gate or porte, they must porte their pickes, that is, carie them as they were halfe charged
