baggage

[bag-ij]

noun

1. trunks, suitcases, etc., used in traveling; luggage.

2. the portable equipment of an army.

3. things that encumber one's freedom, progress, development, or adaptability; impediments.

   intellectual baggage that keeps one from thinking clearly; neurotic conflicts that arise from struggling with too much emotional baggage.

4. Archaic.

   1. a worthless woman.

   2. a prostitute or disreputable woman.

   3. Often Disparaging.,  a pert, playful young woman or girl.

      a pretty baggage; a saucy baggage.

baggage

/ ˈbæɡɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. suitcases, bags, etc, packed for a journey; luggage

   2. ( as modifier )

      baggage car

2. an army's portable equipment

3. informal

   1. a pert young woman

   2. an immoral woman or prostitute

4. informal,  a cantankerous old woman

5. informal,  previous knowledge and experience that a person may use or be influenced by in new circumstances

   cultural baggage

Word History and Origins

Origin of baggage¹

1400–50; late Middle English bagage < Middle French, equivalent to Old French bag ( ues ) bundles, packs (perhaps < Old Norse; bag ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of baggage¹

C15: from Old French bagage , from bague a bundle, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse baggi _bag

Example Sentences

Local voting-rights groups described the monitors as unnecessary and come with historical baggage.

Read more on Salon

Further research revealed James was badly injured while minding officers' baggage during the battle - an act that may have earned him a portrait, commissioned by an officer, Ms Lavelle said.

Read more on BBC

"There is no such thing as a clean skin. Anyone with the necessary expertise and clout will likely come with what some will perceive as baggage," one Whitehall source told me.

Read more on BBC

Tesla’s investors have to decide if Elon, with all his notable talents and baggage, is still worth the trouble.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Southwest Airlines implemented baggage fees and assigned seating in May, aiming to boost revenue and offset rising costs.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• equipment 
• gear 
• luggage 
• paraphernalia