Definition of "clutch bag" []

• A woman's purse that is strapless and carried in the hand. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "There are a few global style unifiers that you will instantly recognize on the backs of the most stylish women from continent to continent: A classic bold red lip, an amazingly sexy pair of black patent pumps, a crisp white shirt, and an elegant clutch bag are a few that instantly come to mind for most women."
• "She thrust the trailing coat and umbrella apologetically at the bemused hostess and walked jerkily towards the short flight of steps that led down to the fan of tables, tucking the beaded clutch bag into the crook of her elbow as she surveyed the glittering throng with a glazed expression that contained a curious combination of desperation and determination."