Belt Pouch
N. A purse worn on the belt typically made of sturdy cloth or leather. A pouch is technically a small bag closed with a drawstring. but is often used to refer to a coin purse, or purse used by a man.
History
Pockets have only recently come into fashion. Before that a purse attached to your belt, or tuckedinto your sleeve or the fold of your toga, was the only way to keep personal belongings on your person. The word purse is derived from the Latin bursa, from the Greek βυρσα, meaning oxhide.
The first appearance of a bag is on Egyptian murals, which show pouches worn around the waist. Every society has had a form of 'pocket', from the greeks to the mongols to native and aboriginal peoples all over the world. Another significant appearance is in early Europe. different styles of bags where used for different purposes. Such as Almoners, for giving largess to lower classes. Falconry bags for holding treats for hunting birds. Pouches where sometimes worn under the skirt and were accessed through a slit in the upper garments.
In the 15th century, both men and women wore purses. They were often finely embroidered or ornamented with gold. Pouches often showed social status based on the embroidery and quality of the bag. At this time the purses worn by women mainly attached to their girdle. It was also customary for men to give their new brides purses embroidered with an illustration of a love story.
Types
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