dispatch-box

The Prime Minister carries the dispatch-box into the cabinet meeting.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container for official documents: "dispatch-box" refers to a box or case used for carrying or storing official letters, papers, or documents, especially in diplomatic or governmental contexts.
   • A diplomatic mailbag: In diplomacy, a "dispatch-box" is a secure bag or box used to transport diplomatic correspondence.

Usage Examples

• (A container for official documents.)
• (A box for governmental papers.)

Advanced Usage

• "to send a dispatch-box": to transmit official documents via a secure container.

  • The embassy sent a dispatch-box to the foreign ministry. (They transmitted documents securely.)

• "to open the dispatch-box": to access official correspondence.

  • The minister opened the dispatch-box to review the latest intelligence. (He accessed the documents.)

Variants and Related Words

• Despatch-box (n): a variant spelling of "dispatch-box" (chiefly British English).

  • The despatch-box was sealed with a wax stamp. (The box was secured.)

• Dispatch (n): the act of sending off or a message sent.

  • The dispatch was urgent. (The message was important.)

Synonyms

• Document case: a container for papers.
• Mailbag: a bag for transporting mail.
• Briefcase: a flat case for carrying documents.

Related Idioms

• "the dispatch-box" (figurative): a symbol of official authority or government business.
  • He treated the dispatch-box as a sacred trust. (He considered it a symbol of his duty.)