dilly bag

Definition

A traditional Australian Aboriginal string bag, made from twisted bark fibres and used for gathering food.

Etymology

From Yagara dili (“coarse grass; small fibre bag or basket”).

Example Sentences

• "I learned, too, at the camp to plait dilly-bags, to chop sugar-bags (otherwise hives of native bees) out of trees, to make drinking-vessels from gourds, and to play the jews′-harp."
• "The man had a long forked beard and carried a spear or two, and a spear-thrower. The woman carried a dilly-bag and a baby at her breast."
• "The woman carried two small battered suitcases, fastened with rope, and a plastic dilly bag; the man carried only a scent of garlic."