Definition

1. Noun:
   • A flat, rectangular, often lockable container, typically made of leather or similar material, designed for securely carrying official documents, dispatches, or other valuable items, especially by diplomats, couriers, or government officials.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ambassador's aide carried the sensitive treaty in a leather dispatch case.
  • He placed the confidential reports inside his dispatch case before leaving the office.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Diplomatic Context: The term often evokes a formal or official context, particularly related to diplomacy, government, or military communication where secure document transport is essential.
  • In the 19th century, diplomatic couriers were always identified by their official dispatch cases.

Variants and Related Words

• Dispatch box (n): A very similar container, often used interchangeably with "dispatch case," especially in British parliamentary contexts where ministers speak from a particular box.
• Briefcase (n): A more general term for a flat case used to carry papers; a dispatch case is a specific type of briefcase for official documents.
• Diplomatic pouch (n): A container with legal immunity used for sending official correspondence between a diplomatic mission and its home government; a dispatch case is a physical manifestation often used for hand-carrying such pouches.

Synonyms

• Document case: A case for carrying documents.
• Courier case: A case used by a messenger or courier.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "To speak from the dispatch box" (UK Parliament): This idiom refers to a government minister making an official statement in the House of Commons, traditionally done while standing at a specific box (the dispatch box). While the idiom uses "box," it is conceptually linked to the official, secure nature of a "dispatch case."
  • The Chancellor will address the economic forecast from the dispatch box this afternoon.

Noun

1. case consisting of an oblong container (usually having a lock) for carrying dispatches or other valuables