baggage

American  

[bag-ij] / ˈbæg ɪdʒ /

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.

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baggage British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of baggage

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

Example Sentences

“We’re not an entity that has worked in Gaza before, so we didn’t have this background, this baggage, that maybe could have affected things.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"The baggage that might have been there for a previous generation might not be there for them. There's so much to play for throughout the next three days."

From BBC

The first time she landed there after a work trip, she asked someone to direct her to baggage claim.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Airlines monetize everything from extra baggage to getting a bag of peanuts,” Taylor said.

From MarketWatch

Most of the same passengers stood up without assistance and bounded off toward the baggage claim.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• equipment
• gear
• luggage
• paraphernalia