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

Ask about covered expenses for travel delays and lost baggage or medical coverage, to see if they match your priorities.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“A server with 16 chips, smaller than a piece of checked baggage, needs the same power as five to 10 households.”

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But when the rising fees pushed him to scrutinize his wallet, he noticed his two cards overlapped on several benefits, including credits for TSA PreCheck and baggage fees.

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It opens directly to the spot with the baggage belt, rather than requiring an additional stop where a TSA officer checks IDs.

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I really didn’t have an awful lot of baggage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• equipment 
• gear 
• luggage 
• paraphernalia