handbag vs pocketbook

handbag and pocketbook both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
handbag	Yes	No	No	No
pocketbook	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, handbag and pocketbook are synonyms defined as:

handbag and pocketbook: a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)

Other synonyms of handbag include bag, purse.

handbag (noun)	pocketbook (noun)
a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)	a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
	pocket-sized paperback book
	a pocket-size case for holding papers and paper money
	your personal financial means