from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Escort \Es*cort"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Escorted}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Escorting}.] [Cf. F. escorter, It. scortare. See
{Escort}, n.]
To attend with a view to guard and protect; to accompany as
safeguard; to give honorable or ceremonious attendance to; --
used esp. with reference to journeys or excursions on land;
as, to escort a public functionary, or a lady; to escort a
baggage wagon.
Syn: To accompany; attend. See {Accompany}.
[1913 Webster]