Purse

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about purses and handbags. For the race track term, see Purse Distribution. For monetary reward in a competition, see prize money. Purse is also a pronunciation for the surname Peirce.

Image:Burberry handbag.jpg

In American English, a purse is a small bag, also called a handbag.

In British English, a purse is a small money container similar to a wallet, but typically used by women and including a compartment for coins, with a handbag being considerably larger.

A purse or handbag is often fashionably-designed, and is used to hold a number of items such as a wallet, keys, tissues, makeup, a hairbrush, feminine products, or other items.

1 Variations
2 Guide to types of handbags
3 Trivia
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Variations

Purses are usually carried by women, though men sometimes carry one as a smaller alternative to a backpack; such a purse is sometimes self-consciously termed a "murse" or "manbag" ( portmanteaus "man" with "purse" and "handbag" respectively). It can also be bluntly called a "man-purse".

Image:Bristol.zoo.crocskin.handbag.arp.jpg

Coin purses are small purses, just large enough to hold money and cards.

A medium-to-small-sized purse with a short handle, designed to be carried (clutched) in one's hand is often called a clutch.

A larger purse with two handles is often called a tote.

A pocketbook is similar to a purse (in the British English sense), but allows the carrying of sheets of paper as well.

A security purse is designed to protect the carrier from travel theft. The purse includes a invisible stainless steel strap sewned into the fabric and a protectant on the main zipper.

[edit] Guide to types of handbags

Hobo:
Clutch: Small, usually evening bag without a handle
Satchel: large bag with small handle that is carried on the arm rather than on the shoulder
Duffle: A large bag usually used for travel or sports
Shopper:
Tote:
Purse:
Cross body: