noun
portmanteau
A large, usually old-fashioned traveling bag or suitcase.
She packs her clothes into an old leather portmanteau.
Etymology
The French compound combines carry with cloak. The traveling case was named as something for carrying clothes.
More examples
- The porter carried two heavy portmanteaus to the carriage.
- An antique portmanteau sits beside the museum's display of traveling clothes.
- He unbuckled his portmanteau and took out a clean shirt.
Forms
portmanteau · portmanteaus · portmanteaux
Similar words
- suitcase
- The standard modern term, without an old-fashioned connotation.
- trunk
- A large, rigid travel chest rather than a flexible bag.