colportage

[kohl-pawr-tij]

colportage Definition

  • 1the distribution of books, pamphlets, or other literature by colporteurs
  • 2the work of a colporteur

Using colportage: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "colportage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The colportage of religious texts was common in the 19th century.

  • Example

    He made a living through colportage, selling books and pamphlets door-to-door.

  • Example

    The colporteur's colportage was a vital part of the dissemination of information in rural areas.

colportage Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for colportage

Phrases with colportage

  • an organization that promotes the distribution of religious literature by colporteurs

    Example

    The colportage society provided training and support for its members.

  • the business of distributing books, pamphlets, or other literature by colporteurs

    Example

    The colportage trade was an important source of income for many people in the 19th century.

  • a collection of books, pamphlets, or other literature distributed by colporteurs

    Example

    The colportage library contained a wide variety of religious and secular texts.

Origins of colportage

from French 'colporter', meaning 'to peddle'

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Summary: colportage in Brief

'Colportage' [kohl-pawr-tij] refers to the distribution of books, pamphlets, or other literature by colporteurs. It was a common practice in the 19th century and involved selling door-to-door. The term extends into phrases like 'colportage society' and 'colportage trade,' denoting organizations and businesses that promote and engage in colportage.