Gladstone bag
Noun: A large, rigid suitcase or travelling bag, traditionally made of stiff leather, characterized by its hinged frame that opens into two equal compartments.
A "Gladstone bag" is a specific type of luggage. It is used to refer to the physical object itself, typically in contexts discussing travel, historical items, or classic luggage styles. * It is a countable noun (e.g., a Gladstone bag, two Gladstone bags). * The term is often capitalized as it derives from a proper name (William Ewart Gladstone).
- The antique dealer had a vintage Gladstone bag on display.
- He packed his suits carefully into the two sides of his Gladstone bag.
- In period films, you often see characters carrying Gladstone bags.
- The term can be used descriptively to evoke a sense of tradition, quality, or a bygone era of travel.
- His style was old-fashioned, complete with a bowler hat and a Gladstone bag.
- Gladstone: A common shortened, informal name for this type of bag.
- He tossed his Gladstone onto the luggage rack.
- Portmanteau: A similar type of stiff leather suitcase that opens into two halves. While often used interchangeably in modern times, a portmanteau was historically a specific style that could be a "Gladstone" or a similar case.
- Suitcase
- Traveling bag
- Portmanteau (see note above)
- Case
- Valise (a smaller, often softer bag)
The term "Gladstone bag" has one primary meaning as defined above. It is an eponym, named after the 19th-century British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, who was known for using this style of bag. It does not have other unrelated definitions.
- a large travelling bag made of stiff leather