Por*tray" (?), v. t. [Written also pourtray.] [imp. & p. p. portrayed (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n. Portraying.] [OE. pourtraien, OF. portraire, pourtraire, F. portraire, fr. L. protrahere, protractum, to draw or drag forth; pro forward, forth + trahere to draw. See Trace, v. t., and cf. Protract.] 1. To paint or draw the likeness of; as, to portray a king on horseback.

Take a tile, and lay it before thee, and portray upon it the city, even Jerusalem.

2. Hence, figuratively, to describe in words.

3. To adorn with pictures. [R.]

Spear and helmets thronged, and shields
Various with boastful arguments potrayed.

• To paint or draw the likeness of.
        to portray a king on horseback.
  
• Hence, figuratively, to describe in words.
  
• To adorn with pictures.