DEAR MISS MANNERS: What exactly is a “pocketbook”? I always thought it was a lady’s wallet, but does it instead refer to the entire purse/handbag?

GENTLE READER: Yes, it means the reticule — another term you probably don’t know.

But as “pocketbook” has also been used to refer to pocket-sized books (and a slang meaning that Miss Manners will not repeat), it has pretty much fallen out of use in its original sense.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.