Portugal

Definition

A Portuguese person.

Etymology

Borrowed from Portuguese Portugal, from Latin Portucale < Portus Cale (former name of what is now the city of Vila Nova de Gaia), from portus + Callus, which is disputed: * From the name of the Gallaeci, a Celtic tribe of Iberia. * From Latin calidus (“warm”). * From Ancient Greek Καλλίς (Kallís, “Beautiful”), referring to the Douro valley; see καλός (kalós, “beautiful”). * An Iberian pronunciation of Ancient Greek Γαῖα (Gaîa, “goddess of the Earth”).

Example Sentences

• "Some became Christians, from whose faith and race, even at this day (for it is an hundred yeares since) few Portugalls assure themselves; although custome and length of time be much more forcible counsellors unto such mutations than any other compulsion."