English Explanatory Dictionary

baggage

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Portable cases, large bags, and similar equipment for manually carrying, pushing, or pulling personal items while traveling
  2. Factors, especially psychological ones, which interfere with a person's ability to function effectively.
  3. A woman. A female, especially one who is saucy, impudent.
  4. An army's portable equipment; its baggage train.

Pronunciation

băg'ĭj /ˈbæɡɪd͡ʒ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-baggage.wav

Word forms

baggage baggages

Etymology

From Middle English bagage, from Old French bagage, baguage, from bague (“bundle, sack”), of Germanic/North Germanic origin, probably from the same ultimate source as Old Norse baggi (“pack, bundle”). Compare also bag. By surface analysis, bag + -age. The old meaning of "nasty woman" likely derives from the sense of "something awkward to be carried" (compare faggot).

Synonyms

disreputable naughty

Derived words

bag and baggage baggage agent baggage car baggage carousel baggage cart baggage check baggage claim baggage handler baggage hold baggageless baggageman baggagemaster baggager baggage reclaim baggage scanner baggage-smasher baggage train baggage van blind baggage carry-on baggage checked baggage excess baggage hold baggage overhead baggage compartment oversized baggage way-baggage
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