The term "steamer trunk".

Posted by TheFallen October 12, 2003In reply to The term "steamer trunk". posted by karl on October 12, 2003

I NEED to settle an argument with my wife as to the origin of the name "steamer trunk". please help me understand where they got the name from. thank you.

This from the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
Steamer trunk
NOUN: A small trunk originally designed to fit under the bunk of a steamship cabin.