RETICULE Meaning and
Definition
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A reticule is a small handheld bag or purse that was historically utilized by women to carry small personal items. Often made from delicate materials like silk or lace, it comprises a compact structure with a drawstring closure at the top. Reticules were particularly prevalent during the 18th and 19th centuries, commonly known as "indispensables" or "ridicules" at the time.
Traditionally, reticules served as fashionable accessories and were designed to complement a woman's outfit. Although they were primarily used to carry essential items such as handkerchiefs, cosmetics, or small trinkets, they were also considered a symbol of social status. Reticules were often intricately embroidered or decorated with beads, ribbons, or jewels, reflecting the wearer's wealth and taste.
Given their small size, reticules were meant to be worn by hand, dangling from the wrist or clutched delicately. Over time, their design evolved, incorporating different shapes and materials. The invention of the wrist strap offered greater convenience and allowed women to dance and socialize without worrying about misplacing their reticules.
While reticules have largely fallen out of fashion in contemporary times, they represent an important aspect of women's history and provide insight into the social customs and sartorial choices of past eras. Today, they are often cherished as collectibles and artifacts, displaying the craftsmanship and elegance of bygone eras.
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A lady's work-bag; a small bag for carrying in the hand; in a telescope, a network of five spiders' threads, or of wires crossing each other at right angles, and dividing the field of view into a series of small equal squares.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RETICULE
- eeticule
- deticule
- feticule
- teticule
- 5eticule
- 4eticule
- rwticule
- rsticule
- rdticule
- rrticule
- r4ticule
- r3ticule
- rericule
- reficule
- regicule
- reyicule
- re6icule
- re5icule
- retucule
Etymology of RETICULE
The word "reticule" originated from the French word "réticule", which in turn was derived from the Latin word "reticulum", meaning "a small net" or "a little bag". It entered the English language in the late 18th century as a term to describe a small, usually netted, bag or purse carried by women to hold personal items such as cosmetics, handkerchiefs, or money.
Similar spelling words for RETICULE
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