pocketbook

the word 'pocketbook' is a transparent compound formed from two english words. 'pocket' originates from the anglo-norman french 'pokete', a diminutive related to a pouch, while 'book' stems from the old english 'bōc', referring to a written document, itself from a germanic root meaning 'beech tree' on which runes were carved. the term first literally described a small book or notebook designed to fit in a pocket. through metonymy, it later expanded to denote a small bag for carrying such items, specifically a woman's handbag, and further evolved to metaphorically represent one's financial resources or budget, as recorded in a pocketbook.

Structure: pocket + book pocket (from middle english 'poket', meaning a small bag or pouch, of anglo-norman french origin) + book (from old english 'bōc', meaning a written document or set of pages, of germanic origin).