Formerly, Dahomey.a republic in W Africa: formerly part of French West Africa; gained independence in 1960. 3,197,000; 44,290 sq. mi. (114,711 sq. km). Capital:Porto Novo.
2.
Bight of, a bay in N Gulf of Guinea in W Africa.
3.
a former native kingdom in W Africa: now incorporated into Nigeria.
4.
a river in S Nigeria, flowing into the Bight of Benin.
[pawr-toh noh-voh, pohr-] 
toʊ ˈnoʊ