from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Portrait \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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The meaning of the word is sometimes extended so as to
include a photographic likeness.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence, any graphic or vivid delineation or description of
a person; as, a portrait in words.
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]