from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Haversack \Hav"er*sack\ (h[a^]v"[~e]r*s[a^]k), n. [F. havresac,
G. habersack, sack for oats. See 2d {Haver}, and {Sack} a
bag.]
[1913 Webster]
1. A bag for oats or oatmeal. [Prov. Eng.]
[1913 Webster]
2. A bag or case, usually of stout cloth, in which a soldier
carries his rations when on a march; -- distinguished from
knapsack.
[1913 Webster]
3. A gunner's case or bag used to carry cartridges from the
ammunition chest to the piece in loading.
[1913 Webster]