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

"It's crucial not be taking any baggage from this result into Brisbane."

Read more on Barron's

Asked whether these news stories could create obstacles to a potential gubernatorial campaign, Bonta pushed back against any assertion that he may have “baggage.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It's crucial about not taking any baggage from this result into Brisbane."

Read more on Barron's

Law’s relationship with Santa already had some baggage.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Men maybe blunder in but they go in without that baggage and just sort of talk about things practically," he tells BBC Radio 5 Live's Time of the Month.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• equipment 
• gear 
• luggage 
• paraphernalia