Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Porte-cochere \Porte"-co`ch[`e]re"\, n. [F. See {Port} a gate,
   and {Coach}.] (Arch.)
   A large doorway allowing vehicles to drive into or through a
   building. It is common to have the entrance door open upon
   the passage of the porte-coch[`e]re. Also, a porch over a
   driveway before an entrance door.

Source : WordNet®

porte-cochere
     n 1: a carriage entrance passing through a building to an
          enclosed courtyard
     2: canopy extending out from a building entrance to shelter
        those getting in and out of vehicles