Definition of "despatch-box" []

• A box or case in which official despatches are carried by a special messenger. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "He sleeps with the keys of his despatch-box on a string round his neck."
• "He remained in a standing position, supporting his crooked frame by his hand, which he leaned on a despatch-box; he glared on me steadily with his wild phosphoric eyes, from under the dark brows I have described to you, now corrugated in lines indescribably stern."
• "His fury was excited to a pitch that was very nearly ungovernable; and after it had exhibited itself in the way I have said, Captain Lake opened a little despatch-box, and took therefrom"