The DICT Development Group

  PORT. A place to which the officers of the customs are appropriated, and 
  which include the privileges and guidance of all members and creeks which 
  are allotted to them. 1 Chit. Com. Law, 726; Postlewaith's Com. Dict. h.t.; 
  1 Chit. Com. L. Index, h.t. According to Dalloz, a port is a place within 
  land, protected against the waves and winds, and affording to vessels a 
  place of safety. Diet. Supp. h.t. By the Roman law a port is defined to be 
  locus, conclusus, quo importantur merces, et unde exportantur. Dig. 50,16, 
  59. See 7 N. S. 81. 2. A port differs from a haven, (q.v.) and includes 
  something more. 1st. It is a place at which vessels may arrive and 
  discharge, or take in their cargoes. 2. It comprehends a vale, city or 
  borough, called in Latin caput corpus, for the reception of mariners and 
  merchants, for securing the goods, and bringing them to market, and for 
  victualling the ships. 3. It is impressed with its legal character by the 
  civil authority. Hale de Portibus Mar. c. 2; 1 Harg. 46, 73; Bac. Ab. 
  Prerogative, D 5; Com. Dig. Navigation, E; 4 Inst. 148; Callis on Sewers, 
  56; 2 Chit. Com. Law, 2; Dig. 60, 16, 59; Id. 43, 12, 1, 13; Id. 47, 10, 15, 
  7; Id. 39, 4, 15.