Luggage - Definition


Luggage - Definition

Luggage is any number of bags, cases and containers which hold a traveller's articles during transit. The modern traveller can be expected to have packages containing clothing, toiletries, small posessions, trip necessities, and on the return-trip, sounvenirs. For some, luggage and the style thereof is representative of the owner's wealth.

Luggage has changed over time. Historically the most common types of luggage were chests or trunks made of wood or other heavy materials. These would be shipped by professional movers. Since the Second World War smaller and more lightweight suitcases and bags that can be carried by an individual have become the main form of luggage.

Samsonite is the world's largest manufacturer of luggage.

Contents

Hold luggage

Some vehicles have an area specifically for luggage called the hold. Items stored in the hold are known as hold luggage, a typical example would be a suitcase. If travelling by coach passengers will often be expected to place their luggage in the hold, before boarding. Aeroplanes in contrast are loaded by professional baggage handlers.

Hand luggage

Passengers are allowed to carry a limited number of smaller bags with them in the vehicle, these are known as hand luggage, and contain valuables and items needed during the journey. There is normally storage space provided for hang luggage, either under seating, or in overhead lockers. Trains often have luggage racks at the ends of the carriage near the doors.

Etymology

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word luggage enters printed English in 1596. The word dervied from the verb "lug," as in "that which needs to be lugged about." The idea of pulling things inherent in the verb lug combines with the suffix -age to create the word we know today.

"Baggage" is a similar word with the same suffix. This common word ending (-age) means that the item is functionally related to the root word; hence "baggage" is functionally related to the noun "bag," and luggage related to the act of "lugging."