réticule

A réticule, also known as a reticule or ridicule, is a small, often decorative handbag. Typically made of fabric, mesh, or sometimes fine leather, it was a popular accessory for women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its name derives from the Latin word "reticulum," meaning a net. This origin likely refers to early versions that featured a netted construction or were used to hold small netted items.

Réticules were usually drawstring bags, meaning they closed with a cord that could be pulled to cinch the opening. They were small enough to be carried in the hand or suspended from the wrist by a cord or chain, as they were not designed to hold large items. Instead, they served to carry personal essentials such as a handkerchief, a small coin purse, a fan, or a few personal toiletries. Their diminutive size and often ornate decoration meant they were seen as a fashionable accessory rather than a purely utilitarian item. They were made from a variety of materials, including silk, velvet, and embroidered fabrics, often adorned with beads, fringe, or metallic threads. The réticule gradually fell out of fashion with the advent of larger handbags and pockets in women's clothing.