deep-pocket

The compound "deep-pocket" is a modern metaphorical formation, originating in mid-20th century American English. It literally refers to a pocket that extends far down, capable of holding a great deal of money. This concrete image was logically extended to describe a person or entity, such as a corporation or investor, whose financial resources are similarly extensive and seemingly bottomless. The term is most commonly used in its attributive adjectival form, often in legal and financial contexts, to denote the capacity to fund lengthy litigation or large investments.

Structure: deep (extending far down) + pocket (a pouch in a garment for carrying small articles) - deep: From Old English dēop (deep, profound), from Proto-Germanic deupaz, from Proto-Indo-European dʰewb- (deep, hollow). Functions as an adjective describing extent. - pocket: From Middle English poket, from Anglo-Norman pokete, a diminutive of Old North French poque (bag), from a Germanic source (cf. Old English pocca, pohha (bag)). Functions as a noun, here used attributively.