Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Portfolio \Port*fol"io\, n. [F. portefeuille; porter to carry +
   feuille a leaf. See {Port} to carry, and {Folio}.]
   1. A portable case for holding loose papers, prints,
      drawings, etc.

   2. Hence: The office and functions of a minister of state or
      member of the cabinet; as, to receive the portfolio of
      war; to resign the portfolio.

Source : WordNet®

portfolio
     n 1: a case for carrying papers or drawings or maps; usually
          leather
     2: a list of the financial assets held by an individual or a
        bank or other financial institution
     3: the role of the head of a government department; "he holds
        the portfolio for foreign affairs"