(now rare) A small bag carried in the hand, used either when travelling or to carry tools for a specific job.

(chiefly Commonwealth) A small bag used chiefly by women for carrying various small personal items, sometimes considered as a fashion accessory.

(uncountable, music) Ellipsis of handbag house.

(typically used of a woman) (Britain, transitive, humorous) To attack verbally or subject to criticism .