pocketbook
UK: ˈpɒkɪtbʊk | US: ˈpɑːkɪtbʊk
n. a small book, especially one for keeping notes or records
n. (chiefly US) a woman's handbag or purse
n. (informal) financial resources; budget
The word "pocketbook" originated in the early 17th century, combining "pocket" (from Middle English "poket," meaning a small pouch) and "book" (from Old English "bōc," meaning a written work). Initially, it referred to a small notebook or ledger that could fit in a pocket. By the 19th century, it evolved in American English to describe a woman's handbag, likely because such bags often contained small books or notebooks. The informal sense of "financial resources" emerged metaphorically, reflecting the idea of keeping track of money in a ledger or purse.
She pulled a pen from her pocketbook to jot down the address.
The store sells leather pocketbooks in various colors.
Buying a new car is beyond my pocketbook right now.
He always carries a pocketbook to record his daily expenses.
The antique pocketbook contained handwritten recipes from the 1800s.