noun
- plural of portliness; the quality or state of being portly; stoutness or corpulence, especially when dignified or imposing in appearance
Usage: formal; typically used in literary or descriptive contexts
Examples
- The portlinesses of the Victorian gentlemen were often emphasized in period portraits.
- Despite their portlinesses, the elderly judges commanded respect in the courtroom.
- The novel described the portlinesses of the wealthy merchants with both humor and sympathy.
- His portliness was a sign of prosperity, though some remarked on the portlinesses of the entire family.
- The artist captured the portlinesses of his subjects with remarkable detail and dignity.