pocket

views updated Jun 08 2018

pock·et / ˈpäkət/ • n. 1. a small bag sewn into or on clothing so as to form part of it, used for carrying small articles. ∎  a pouchlike compartment providing separate storage space, for example in a suitcase. ∎ inf. (often pockets) a person or organization's financial resources: the food was all priced to suit the hard-up airman's pocket our pockets are empty. ∎ Baseball the hollow in the center of a baseball glove or mitt where the ball can best be caught. ∎  an opening at the corner or on the side of a billiard table into which balls are struck.2. a small patch of something: some of the gardens still had pockets of dirty snow in them. ∎  a small, isolated group or area: there were pockets of disaffection in parts of the country. ∎ Football the protected area behind the offensive line from which the quarterback throws passes. ∎  (in bowling) the space between the head pin and the pin immediately behind it on the left or right. ∎  a cavity in a rock or stratum filled with ore or other distinctive component. ∎  Aeron. an air pocket.• adj. of a suitable size for carrying in a pocket: a pocket dictionary. ∎  on a small scale: a 6,000-acre pocket paradise.• v. (pock·et·ed, pock·et·ing) [tr.] put into one's pocket: she watched him lock up and pocket the key. ∎  take or receive (money or other valuables) for oneself, esp. dishonestly: local politicians were found to have been pocketing the proceeds. ∎  Billiards drive (a ball) into a pocket. ∎  enclose as though in a pocket: the fillings can be pocketed in a pita bread. ∎  suppress (one's feelings) and proceed despite them: they were prepared to pocket their pride. ∎  block passage of (a bill) by a pocket veto.PHRASES: in pocket having enough money or money to spare; having gained in a transaction. ∎  (of money) gained by someone from a transaction.in someone's pocket1. dependent on someone financially and therefore under their influence.2. very close to and closely involved with someone: I'm tired of towns where everyone lives in everyone else's pocket.line one's pocketssee line2 .out of pocket having lost money in a transaction: the organizer of the concert was $15,000 out of pocket after it was canceled. ∎  (out-of-pocket) [as adj.] (of an expense or cost) paid for directly rather than being put on account or charged to some other person or organization.put one's hand in one's pocket spend or provide one's own money.DERIVATIVES: pock·et·a·ble adj.pock·et·ful / -ˌfoŏl/ (pl. -fuls) n.pock·et·less adj.

pocket

views updated Jun 11 2018

pocket bag, sack, as a measure of hops, wool, etc.; small pouch attached to a garment. XV. — AN. poket(e). dim. of poke POKE1, var. of OF. pochet(te). See -ET.
Hence pocket vb. XVI. pocket handkerchief XVIII.

Pocket

views updated Jun 08 2018

Pocket

a collection or small quantity, as of ore. See also layer.

Examples : pocket of air; of clay crops, 1872; of earth; of gold, 1850; of hops, 1767; of nuggets of gold, 1896; of red soil, 1893; of water, 1852; of wool (half a sack), 1706.