Colportage

/ˈkɒlpɔrˌtɑːʒ/ noun

Definition

The practice of traveling around selling or distributing religious books, pamphlets, and moral literature, especially as an organized effort by religious organizations.

Etymology

From French 'colportage,' derived from 'colporter' (to carry/peddle). This noun emerged in the 19th century to describe systematic religious tract distribution in Europe and North America.

Kelly Says

Colportage created a new profession—the 'colporteur'—basically an evangelist with a suitcase, walking rural areas distributing religious materials before radio, TV, or the internet existed as mass media.

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