Pocket - Definition and Overview

for the billiards term, see pocket (billiards)

A pocket is a small bag, particularly a bag-like recepticle either fastened to or inserted in an article of clothing.

There was a sack called a pocket which was used particularly for storing 168 to 224 lb (76 to 102 kg) of hops.

The word appears in Middle English as poket, and is taken from a Norman diminutive of O. Fr. poke, pouque, mod. poche, cf. pouch. The form poke is now only used dialectically, or in such proverbial sayings as "a pig in a poke," and possibly in the poke-bonnet, the coal-scuttle bonnet fashionable during the first part of the 19th century, and now worn by the female members of the Salvation Army; more probably the name of the bonnet is connected with poke, to thrust forward, dig. The origin of this is obscure. Dutch has poken, pook, a dagger; Swedish pk, a stick.

A fob pocket is a small pocket designed to hold an old style pocket watch in mens' trousers and vests.

The term pocket park has come into use to describe a small area accessible to the general public that is often of primarily environmental, rather than recreational, importance.

This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica.