[Sca-cooks] pocketbooks

[Daniel Myers]

On Friday, April 25, 2003, at 10:40 PM, Mark S. Harris wrote:
>
> So, why is it called a "pocketbook"? Seems more like what paperbacks
> should be called. Pocketbooks aren't small enough to put in a pocket
> are they? And even if they are, they aren't generally carried in your
> pocket are they? What was the period term for such things? "Purses"?
> for both men and women?

Ok, here's what Webster's online dictionary has to say:

Main Entry:       pock·et·book
Function:        noun
Date:        1617
1 a small especially paperback book that can be carried in the pocket
2 a flat typically leather folding case for money or personal papers
that can be carried in a pocket or handbag

Interesting that it has both the meanings that Stefan mentioned - no
clue as to which one came first.  Note that the second meaning
specifically states that a pocketbook can be carried *in* a handbag.  I
suspect the meaning of pocketbook has drifted a bit in the last few
decades or so.

Someone with access to the OED could probably find more on the word's
evolution.

- Doc


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  Edouard Who Is Not Lainie's Edouard (Daniel Myers)
  http://www.medievalcookery.com/
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