1. The distribution and sale of religious tracts, books, or pamphlets, especially by traveling agents or colporteurs.
Usage: Primarily historical; associated with 19th and early 20th-century religious missionary work
2. The system or practice of employing colporteurs to spread religious literature.
Usage: Chiefly historical

Examples

• The colportage movement played a significant role in spreading Christian literature across rural areas.
• Missionaries engaged in colportage to reach communities far from established churches.
• The society organized colportage campaigns to distribute Bibles to remote villages.
• Colportage was an effective method for religious organizations to promote literacy and faith.
• During the 19th century, colportage networks expanded rapidly throughout Europe and America.