handbags (6)
I believe the answer is:
'handbags' is the definition.
('purse' can be a synonym of 'handbag')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for purses that I've seen before include "Contracts the lips with money containers" , "Containers for carrying money" , "Bags for money" , "Small pouches for money" , "Deprive of courage" .)