Knapsack
/ˈnæp.sæk/noun
A bag carried on the back, especially for travel or hiking.
Did you know?Knapsack is a German loanword that entered English through military and travel use, and its first element originally meant a flap or lump of cloth, not a magical pouch.
Etymological Timeline
Middle High German
MHG
knappsack
“A small bag or pouch carried on the back”
16th Century
German
Knappsack
“A soldier’s or traveler’s bag”
17th Century
Dutch
knapzak
“A bundle or bag for carrying provisions”
17th Century
English
knapsack
“A bag worn on the back for carrying belongings”
Modern English
English
knapsack
“A backpack or travel bag”