haversack

noun

hav·​er·​sack ˈha-vər-ˌsak How to pronounce haversack (audio)
: a bag similar to a knapsack but worn over one shoulder

Examples of haversack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Trimmed with luggage slats and a restraint bar, the box lands ready to support any traveling cases, haversacks, miniature steamer trunks, or other traveling caboodle carried in the cabin, but definitely not any plus-two passengers. Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 24 Apr. 2023 There was the field bag (a canvas haversack used by soldiers in both world wars), the satchel (worn across the body and popularized by Indiana Jones), and the tote bag (notably prevalent among readers of The New Yorker). Nick Haramis, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2021 The next entry shows Gigger was docked pay for losing a canteen and a haversack. Dennis Hohenberger, Courant Community, 14 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'haversack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French havresac, from German Habersack bag for oats, from Haber oats + Sack bag

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of haversack was in 1711

Dictionary Entries Near haversack

Cite this Entry

“Haversack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haversack. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

haversack

noun
hav·​er·​sack ˈhav-ər-ˌsak How to pronounce haversack (audio)
: a bag similar to a knapsack but worn over one shoulder

More from Merriam-Webster on haversack

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