light porter

plural light porters

1. obsoletechiefly VictorianA worker whose duties involve carrying light (i.e., not heavy) packages, as in a bank.

   The light porter placed the tea-tray on it [the table], knuckling his forehead as a form of homage.

   1854, Charles Dickens, Hard Times. For These Times, London: Bradbury & Evans, […], →OCLC

   1 more example

   There is nothing exhilarating in caudle, nor enchanting in Kensington-gardens, when you are converted into a light porter of children.

   1841 September 18, Punch

2. A type of porter ale lighter in color than the typical dark porter.

   Nearly all bitter drinks are good.... Here at least I think England cannot match Ireland, for our stouts are, as a rule, too sweet and "clammy." But there used to be in the country districts a sort of light porter which was one of the most refreshing liquids conceivable for hot weather.

   1920, George Saintsbury, Notes on a Cellar Book