Reticule
/ˈrɛtɪkjuːl/noun
A small handbag, especially one carried by women in the late 18th and 19th centuries.
Did you know?Reticules became fashionable partly because women’s gowns often lacked built-in pockets, transforming a practical workaround into an elaborate accessory decorated with beads, embroidery, and symbolic motifs.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ret-
“A proposed ancient root associated with weaving or forming a net; the deeper connection is uncertain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
rēte
“A net or mesh.”
Classical Latin
Latin
rēticulum
“A small net; a diminutive form of rēte.”
17th Century
French
réticule
“A small netted bag or purse.”
18th Century
English
reticule
“A small ornamental handbag, often made of netting or fabric.”
Modern English
English
reticule
“A small handbag, now chiefly historical or literary.”