noun pl. portfolios -·lios′

1. a flat, portable case, usually of leather, for carrying loose sheets of paper, manuscripts, and drawings; briefcase
2. such a case for state documents
3. the office of a minister of state or member of a cabinet
4. 1. all the securities held for investment as by an individual, bank, investment company, etc.
   2. a list of such securities
5. a selection of representative works, as of an artist

Etymology: earlier porto folio < It portafoglio < portare (< L: see fare), to carry + foglio (< L folium: see foliate), leaf