THE FIRST WORD

Portia

PRONUNCIATION:

(POR-shuh, -shee-uh) 

MEANING:

noun: A female lawyer.

ETYMOLOGY:

After Portia, the heroine of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Portia is a rich heiress who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio's life. Earliest documented use: 1869.

USAGE:

"'Listen sister...law isn't the only subject I've mastered!' snaps Betty, ... 'I may be a Portia, but my middle name's Dempsey!'"
Mike Madrid; Divas, Dames & Daredevils; Exterminating Angel Press; 2013.