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 hieroglyphics, which show pouches worn around the waist. The next appearance is in 14th century Europe. In Europe they often showed social status based on the embroidery and quality of the bag. At this time the purses were for women mainly and were therefore attached to their girdle. In the 15th century, both men and women wore purses. They were often finely embroidered or ornamented with gold. It was also customary for men to give their new brides purses embroidered with an illustration of a love story. Later in the century, women, now wearing finer dresses, preferred to wear their pouches under their skirts which is a new fashion trend in the United States of America.
Types
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