Reply #23: Origin of "purses": [View All]

[trof]

Pockets are a relatively recent invention.
Before pockets, people would carry small valuables like coins or jewels in small cloth or leather pouches tucked in a waistband or sash/belt.
Eventually they discovered that a drawstring around the top of the pouch would keep the valuables more secure.
It was noted that the top of the closed bag resembled puckered or pursed lips.
It's only because of a semantic choice long ago that today ladies don't carry "puckers".

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
;-)