n. & v.
--n.
1. a small bag or detachable outside pocket.
2 a baggy area of skin underneath the eyes etc.
3 a a pocket-like receptacle in which marsupials carry their young during lactation. b any of several similar structures in various animals, e.g. in the cheeks of rodents.
4 a soldier's leather ammunition bag.
5 a lockable bag for mail or dispatches.
6 Bot. a baglike cavity, esp. the seed-vessel, in a plant.
--v.tr.
1. put or make into a pouch.
2 take possession of; pocket.
3 make (part of a dress etc.) hang like a pouch.
Derivatives:
pouched adj. pouchy adj.
Etymology: ME f. ONF pouche: cf. POKE(2)