a single-strapped bag worn over one shoulder and used for carrying supplies.
2.
a soldier's bag for rations, extra clothing, etc.
Origin
1740-50; earlier havresack < Frenchhavresac < GermanHabersack, equivalent to Haber oats (compare dialectal Englishhaver < Old Norsehafrar oats) + Sacksack1
Examples from the web for haversack
Hands-on reproduction objects in the soldier's haversack and lady's purse are also featured.
If you haven't already done so, have the students make a haversack.
They carried food and small items in a haversack made of linen with a three button flap.
To explain his duties, this soldier carries an artillery haversack of reproduction tools used to fire cannons.
The haversack should be arranged so that it may be suspended from the belt or the shoulder.
British Dictionary definitions for haversack
haversack
/ˈhævəˌsæk/
noun
1.
a canvas bag for provisions or equipment, carried on the back or shoulder
Word Origin
C18: from French havresac, from German Habersack oat bag, from Old High German habaro oats + Sacksack1
Word Origin and History for haversack
n.
1749, from French havresac (1670s), from Low German hafersach "cavalry trooper's bag for horse provender," literally "oat sack," from the common Germanic word for "oat" (see haver (n.1)) + sack (n.1)).