carpetbag

[kahr-pit-bag]

noun

1. a bag for traveling, especially one made of carpeting.

verb (used without object)

carpetbagged, carpetbagging 

1. to journey with little luggage.

2. to act as a carpetbagger.

carpetbag

/ ˈkɑːpɪtˌbæɡ /

noun

1. a travelling bag originally made of carpeting

Word History and Origins

Origin of carpetbag¹

First recorded in 1820–30; carpet + bag

Example Sentences

On her way out, she stopped in the common room to retrieve her carpetbag, which she had earlier hidden beneath the curtained table that held the samovar.

Read more on Literature

She put down her carpetbag and flexed her stiff hand, for suddenly the bag seemed quite heavy.

Read more on Literature

Penelope clutched her carpetbag with one hand and Alexander’s sweaty fingers with the other.

Read more on Literature

Never fear: The Tolkien literary estate seems to have an enchanted carpetbag, with wonders that emerge long after it has seemingly been emptied.

Read more on Washington Post

He carried no trunk, only a carpetbag that was fraying apart at the seams.

Read more on Literature