baggage definition

1. The clothes, tents, utensils, and provisions of an army.

"The term itself is made to apply chiefly to articles of clothing and to small personal effects."

2. The trunks, valises, satchels, etc, which a traveler carries with him on a journey; luggage. "The baronet's baggage on the roof of the coach." (Thackeray) "We saw our baggage following below." (Johnson)

The English usually call this luggage.

3. Purulent matter.

4. Trashy talk.

5. A man of bad character.

6. A woman of loose morals; a prostitute. "A disreputable, daring, laughing, painted French baggage." (Thackeray)

7. A romping, saucy girl.

Origin: F. Bagage, from OF. Bague bungle. In senses 6 and 7 cf. F. Bagasse a prostitute. See Bag.