The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Escort \Es*cort"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Escorted; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Escorting.] [Cf. F. escorter, It. scortare. See
   Escort, n.]
   To attend with a view to guard and protect; to accompany as
   safeguard; to give honorable or ceremonious attendance to; --
   used esp. with reference to journeys or excursions on land;
   as, to escort a public functionary, or a lady; to escort a
   baggage wagon.

   Syn: To accompany; attend. See Accompany.
        [1913 Webster]