handbag (hand|bag)

noun

• 1British a small bag used by a woman to carry everyday personal items.

• 2 (handbags) humorous a confrontation that does not lead to serious fighting, especially among soccer players.

  [from the idea of women fighting with their handbags]

verb (handbags, handbagging, handbagged)

• (of a woman) verbally attack or crush (a person or idea) ruthlessly and forcefully: I saw her last week and got handbagged for 15 minutes

  [ 1980s: coined by Julian Critchley, Conservative MP, with reference to Margaret Thatcher's ministerial style in cabinet meetings]