gunnysack

American  

[guhn-ee-sak] / ˈgʌn iˌsæk /

noun

1. a sack made of gunny or burlap.

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Regionalisms

Crocus sack, croker sack, grass sack, and towsack are widely used in Southern U.S. English as synonyms for gunnysack; crocus sack is used especially in the South Atlantic States and croker sack in the Gulf States, while grass sack and towsack are used especially in the South Midland United States. Barley sack is used in the Southwest, especially in California.

Etymology

Origin of gunnysack

First recorded in 1860–65; gunny + sack ¹

Explanation

A gunnysack is a large reusable bag, usually made of burlap — a coarse, heavy fabric — that's used for storing or moving goods. A small-scale potato farmer might use gunnysacks for hauling potatoes after harvesting them. The word gunnysack, coined in the 19th century, comes from the Sanskrit root goni, or "sack." Although most farmers no longer use gunnysacks to transport their crops, potato growers in Idaho still use the word sack as a basic unit of measurement. Alternate names for the gunnysack reflect the various uses for it: In Australia they were called "sugar bags," and they're also known as "potato sacks" and "coffee bags."

Example Sentences

A short time later, the woman returned with a gunnysack as a token of her appreciation.

From Washington Post • Jun. 10, 2016

Who wrapped them up in wet gunnysack or wrapped them up in leather for a voyage to the New World?

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2012

Weekly trivia winners will receive prizes such as books, fishing gear and other cool items from the outdoors gunnysack.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2011

Or anyway the two were fighting it out like cats in a gunnysack.

From Time Magazine Archive

Florah followed closely behind my mother, and I behind Florah, carrying on my head the gunnysack.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane