Purse-String
/ˈpɜːrs.strɪŋ/noun
A cord used to close a purse; by extension, control over money or spending.
Did you know?The money sense of a purse-string comes from the old physical drawstring that literally kept coins hidden and secure, so “tightening the purse-strings” began as a real act of locking wealth away.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
purs
“A small bag or pouch for carrying money.”
Old English
OE
streng
“A cord, rope, or line.”
Middle English
ME
purs string
“The cord used to close a money pouch.”
16th Century
English
purse-strings
“The cords of a purse, especially as a symbol of financial control.”
Modern English
English
purse-string
“A drawstring for a purse; figuratively, control over spending or funding.”