purse

[ purs ]

noun

1. handbag ( def 1 ).
2. Also called change purse [cheynj, purs]. a small bag, pouch, or case for carrying money.
3. anything resembling a purse in appearance, use, etc.
4. a sum of money offered as a prize or reward.
5. a sum of money collected as a present or the like.
6. money, resources, or wealth.

verb (used with object)

, pursed, purs·ing.

1. to contract into folds or wrinkles; pucker:

   to purse one's lips.

2. to put into a purse.

purse

/ pɜːs /

noun

1. a small bag or pouch, often made of soft leather, for carrying money, esp coins
2. a woman's handbag
3. anything resembling a small bag or pouch in form or function
4. wealth; funds
5. a sum of money that is offered, esp as a prize

verb

1. tr to contract (the mouth, lips, etc) into a small rounded shape

Other Words From

• purse·less adjective
• purse·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purse¹

First recorded before 1100; (noun) Middle English, Old English purs, blend of pusa “bag” (cognate with Old Norse posi ) and Medieval Latin bursa “bag” (ultimately from Greek býrsa “hide, leather”); (verb) Middle English pursen “to put in a purse,” derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of purse¹

Old English purs, probably from Late Latin bursa bag, ultimately from Greek: leather

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with purse , also see can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear .

Example Sentences

Mr Millard-Smith said PCNs were "a contractual debt", which could ultimately be pursed through the civil courts and result in a County Court Judgement, which can affect your credit rating.

From BBC

Caught by purse seiners in the western and central Pacific Ocean, the fish will become Chicken of the Sea in the United States and other canned tuna brands in Europe.

From Science Magazine

Most of the posts are about two things: people showing off their latest purchase or people wanting advice on what purse to buy.

From Salon

She's been a committed charity shopper for years - finding a Louis Vuitton handbag and purse in one more than a decade ago.

From BBC

"It was just a means to an end to build his empire. He was taking money from the public purse."

From BBC

Related Words

• pucker