baggage

[ bag-ij ]

noun

1. trunks, suitcases, etc., used in traveling; luggage.
2. the portable equipment of an army.
3. things that encumber one's freedom, progress, development, or adaptability; impediments:

   intellectual baggage that keeps one from thinking clearly; neurotic conflicts that arise from struggling with too much emotional baggage.

4. Archaic.
   1. a worthless woman.
   2. a prostitute or disreputable woman.
   3. Often Disparaging. a pert, playful young woman or girl:

      a pretty baggage; a saucy baggage.

baggage

/ ˈbæɡɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. suitcases, bags, etc, packed for a journey; luggage
   2. ( as modifier )

      baggage car

2. an army's portable equipment
3. informal.
   1. a pert young woman
   2. an immoral woman or prostitute
4. informal.
   a cantankerous old woman
5. informal.
   previous knowledge and experience that a person may use or be influenced by in new circumstances

   cultural baggage

Word History and Origins

Origin of baggage¹

1400–50; late Middle English bagage < Middle French, equivalent to Old French bag ( ues ) bundles, packs (perhaps < Old Norse; bag ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of baggage¹

C15: from Old French bagage , from bague a bundle, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse baggi bag

Example Sentences

South could flourish despite the historical baggage of the American Revolution’s break from the Old World and its attendant monarchies and aristocracies.

From Salon

It’s not just that she lacked the 1990s political baggage that plagued Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

From Slate

The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, announced by the government, will work to make flying accessible for all "from booking to baggage claim".

From BBC

She has none of the decadeslong baggage Clinton carried as a former first lady who had been in the public eye for the better part of 30 years.

From Slate

In 2023, a BBC investigation found three of the UK’s most popular airlines -Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air - had cut the size of their free cabin baggage allowance by half since 2018.

From BBC

Related Words

• equipment
• gear
• luggage
• paraphernalia