purse

Definition

  • noun: a usually leather or cloth bag used by women for carrying money and personal things
  • noun: a small bag for money
  • verb: to form (your lips) into a tight circle or line
  • verb: to put into a purse
  • synonyms: handbag, wallet, pocketbook

Examples

  • Many believe the work should be financed by the 'public purse'. [=should be paid for by the government]

  • Companies are expected to 'loosen the purse strings' as the economy improves.

  • School administrators are already 'tightening (the) purse strings'.

Movie quotes

  • (..) favorite catch phrases, everything! I'm your number one fan! Hey! Hey, wait! You know... ...you can tell a lot about a woman by the contents of her purse, but maybe that's not what you had in mind. Hey, look... Elastigirl. Mr. Incredible. (..)
    2004 The Incredibles