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
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'
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.