A reticule was a small handbag

A reticule was a small handbag that could be hung from the wrist to be used in much the same manner as an evening bag is today. It might also be called an indispensable. The reticule became an indispensable accessory because the line of the newly fashionable high-waisted Empire gowns would be interrupted by any object lodged in a pocket. In December 1801, Katherine Wilmot, an Irish woman on Grand Tour visiting Paris, described reticules as like a "little workbag." (Read her description of the French fashions on page 15 and of reticules on page 16 in Elizabeth Mavor's book The Grand Tours of Katherine Wilmot.) The bag might be knitted, made of rich cloth with a gold chain and closure, or derived from such items as shells. Netting reticules and covering screens were considered suitable pastimes for young ladies. The term purse during the Regency would only be used to describe a very small leather bag for carrying moneys as in a change purse today. A reticule might contain a fine linen handkerchief, a calling card case filled with the Lady's card, a small purse for tips, a vinaigrette, the Lady's seal, a tablet and pencil in a small case, and a tin of breath mints. Each case was probably housed in a small velvet bag to prevent scratches.