portionableadj.
/ˈpɔːʃn̩əbl/, /ˈpɔːʃ(ə)nəbl/, U.S. /ˈpɔrʃ(ə)nəb(ə)l/ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > ratio or proportion > [adjective] > equal or constant
portionable?c1425
answerable1551
analogical1570
homologal1570
proportional1570
homologous1660
?c1425 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr. Ii.3.21) (1886) iii. met. ix. 22 Thow byndest the elementus by nowmbyres porcionables [v.r. proporcionables], þat the colde thinges mowen acorden with the hote thinges.
1622 G. de Malynes Consuetudo ii. i. 256 In like manner (say they) are Diamonds, Rubies, and other precious stones ingendred, according to the puritie of the matter, and the portionable participation of euery element therein.
1676 Epitome Mr. J. Speed'sTheatre of Empire of Great Brit. 43 She is a parcel of earth culled out from the rest, which for her portionable distance from the Torrid and frized Zones, enjoyeth so sweet a temper.
2. Of a woman: provided with a marriage portion or dowry. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > wedding or nuptials > gifts and payments > [adjective] > of or relating to dowry > entitled to dowry
portionable1875
1875 F. A. Paley & J. E. Sandys Sel. Private Orations Desmosthenes II. 162 ‘Orphan-sons or heiresses’, meaning by the latter ‘orphan-daughters’ ‘portionable-sisters’.
1910 Blackwood's Mag. Aug. 200/1 Prût had carried off a portionable lady of the island on whom Sidd also had cast his eye.
Derivatives
ΚΠ
1597 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1816) IV. 142/2 [That] euerie man portionablie may pay his pairt of the said taxatioun.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.?c1425