valise

[ vuh-leesor, especially British, -leez ]

noun

1. a small piece of luggage that can be carried by hand, used to hold clothing, toilet articles, etc.; suitcase; traveling bag.

valise

/ vəˈliːz /

noun

1. a small overnight travelling case

Word History and Origins

Origin of valise¹

1605–15; < French < Italian valigia, of obscure origin; compare Medieval Latin valēsium

Word History and Origins

Origin of valise¹

C17: via French from Italian valigia, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Models — male and female — strutted down the runway in leather cowboy hats, cowhide valises, and checkered denim jackets adorned with bull badges, their cowboy boots boasting shiny metal points.

From Seattle Times

These valises are a reminder of how far Talley was able to travel from his childhood in Durham and how he did so with aplomb and self-regard.

From Washington Post

A few steps away, a kosher carving knife, a pushcart, a pickle barrel and a battered traveling valise used by immigrants from Lithuania are lined up against a wall.

From New York Times

She took my valise and looked me up and down.

From Literature

Traveling across the ocean and over mountains, he uses the contents of his valise to feed himself, stay warm, unlock a cage, pacify a sharp-toothed ogre and find valuable treasure.

From New York Times