purse

¹purse

noun \ˈpərs\

Definition of PURSE

1

a (1) : a small bag for money (2) : a receptacle (as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects b : a receptacle (as a pouch) shaped like a purse

2

a : resources, funds b : a sum of money offered as a prize or present; also : the total amount of money offered in prizes for a given event

— purse·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of PURSE

1. a golf tournament with a million dollar purse
2. <I left my purse at home, so I can't buy anything after all.>

Origin of PURSE

Middle English purs, from Old English, modification of Medieval Latin bursa, from Late Latin, ox hide, from Greek byrsa

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to PURSE

Synonyms: bag, handbag, pocketbook

Related Words: clutch, clutch bag, minaudière; billfold, wallet; compact, vanity; poke, pouch, sack; shoulder bag

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Rhymes with PURSE

birse, burse, curse, Erse, hearse, nurse, perse, terce, terse, verse, worse