Apurse orpouch (from theLatinbursa, which in turn, is from theGreekβύρσα,býrsa, oxhide),[1] sometimes calledcoin purse for clarity, is a small money bag or pouch, made for carryingcoins. In mostCommonwealth countries it is known simply as apurse, while "purse" in the United States usually refers to ahandbag. An obsolete variant is aporte-monnaie. "Purse" can also be a synonym tobursary (which has the same origin), i.e. amonetary prize in a competition.[2]
The oldest known purse was found withÖtzi the Iceman who lived around 3,300 BC. Another early example is on Egyptianhieroglyphs, which show pouches worn around the waist. Thepurse-lid from the Sutton Hoo burial is a very elaborate, probably royal, metalwork cover for a (presumably) leatherAnglo-Saxon purse of about 600 AD. In Europe they often showedsocial status based on theembroidery and quality of the bag.[3]
In the 15th century, both men and women wore purses.[4] They were often finely embroidered or ornamented withgold. It was also customary for men to give their newbrides purses embroidered with an illustration of alove story.
In the 17th century, bags became more complex and elaborate. Girls were taught skills such as embroidery andneedlework that could assist them in finding a husband. These skills gave rise to stitched artwork on bags. Around the year 1670, men'sbreeches were made with built-inpockets, which caused them to stop carrying purses. They did however carry little netted purses in their pocket to carry money.[5]
Media related toCoin purses at Wikimedia Commons
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