The word appears in Middle English as pocket, and is taken from a Norman diminutive of Old French “poke, pouque, poque”. Historically, the term “pocket” referred to a pouch worn around the waist by women in the 17th to 19th centuries.
Pockets are defined as bags or envelope-like receptacles either fastened to or inserted in an article of clothing to hold small items. Pockets may also be attached to luggage, backpacks, and similar items. In older usage they were also known as hanging pockets.“Pocket” is also a term for a sack in which hops were stored, generally with a capacity of 168 -224 lbs.
