1. The distribution or sale of religious tracts, books, or pamphlets, especially by traveling agents or colporteurs.
Usage: Plural form of colportage; Primarily historical or religious context; Often associated with Christian missionary work
2. The work or activity performed by a colporteur; the business of distributing religious literature.
Usage: Archaic or formal usage; Chiefly historical

Examples

• The colportages conducted by the missionary society reached remote villages throughout the region.
• Nineteenth-century colportages played an important role in spreading religious texts to rural communities.
• The organization's colportages included the distribution of Bibles and hymn books.
• Historical records document numerous colportages undertaken by dedicated religious workers.
• The effectiveness of colportages in promoting literacy was widely recognized by church leaders.