A bag is a container that is usually
used for storing or holding something. Bags are non-rigid,
normally made of paper, cloth, thin plastic or some
other flexible material. A bag may have one or two
handles, or none at all. A bag may be closable by
a zipper, etc., or simply by folding (e.g. in the
case of a paper bag). Sometimes a money bag or travel
bag has a lock. Sachets may be fabric bags that are
filled with pot pourri and tied off with ribbons.
The word probably has its origins in the Norse word
baggi.
Bags vary from small ones, like purses (e.g. as an
alternative to putting small objects in pockets of
clothing) to large ones for use in traveling like
a suitcase.
Cheap disposable paper bags and plastic shopping
bags are very common in the retail trade as a convenience
for shoppers, and are often supplied by the shop for
free or for a small fee. Customers may also take their
own shopping bags to the shop.
