Small bags used to carry money and personal items; also rewards or prize money offered in competitions; to press lips together tightly.
From Old Norse 'pursi' and Latin 'bursa' meaning 'bag' or 'pouch.' The word entered English through Norman French and has multiple meanings relating to containers and money.
In horse racing, the 'purse' is the prize money—bigger purses mean better horses compete, so a Kentucky Derby purse of millions attracts the fastest horses on Earth!
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