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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

  • (..) BRUTAL: Paul. Dean. Yeah? Come here. Go on. BRUTAL: I guess the legislature loosened up the purse strings enough... ...to hire on a new guard. Look again. He's right... ...there. It ain't normal for a mouse (..)
    1999 The Green Mile