Topic: CLOTHES AND FASHION
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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Late Latin |
| Origin: | bursa; BURSAR |
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purse1 S3
1 [countable]
a) especially British EnglishDC a small bag in which women keep paper money, coins, cards etc [= wallet American English] Julie opened her handbag and took out her purse.
Julie opened her handbag and took out her purse.b) also change purse, coin purse American English a small bag used to hold coins, used especially by women
2 [countable] American EnglishDC a bag in which a woman carries her money and personal things [= handbag British English] I locked the door and dropped the keys in my purse.
I locked the door and dropped the keys in my purse.3 [singular] formalBF the amount of money that a person, organization, or country has available to spend : A visit to the new county museum will set the family purse back by around £12.
A visit to the new county museum will set the family purse back by around £12.4 [countable]DSO the amount of money given to someone who wins a sports event, such as a boxing match or a car race : They will compete for a $100,000 purse.
They will compete for a $100,000 purse.5 used to refer to the control of spending in a family, company, country etc She keeps tight control over the purse strings.
the purse strings
BFShe keeps tight control over the purse strings.