Por'toise noun [ Perhaps from Old French porteis portative, portable.] (Nautical) The gunwale of a ship. To lower the yards a-portoise , to lower them to the gunwale. -- To ride a portoise , to ride an anchor with the lower yards and topmasts struck or lowere... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/P/131
• (n.) The gunwale of a ship.
Por'toise noun [ Perhaps from Old French porteis portative, portable.] (Nautical) The gunwale of a ship. To lower the yards a-portoise ,