also: かくし
noun
Archaic or literary word for a pocket, especially one sewn into clothing. In modern Japanese, ポケット is overwhelmingly more common. The cross-reference to 隠し suggests a hidden or secret pocket nuance.
See also: 隠し
昔の着物には衣嚢がついていた。
Old kimono had pockets sewn into them.
「衣嚢」は今ではほとんど使われない言葉だ。
'Inō' is a word that is hardly used nowadays.
The kanji 衣 (clothing) and 嚢 (bag/pouch) combine to literally mean 'clothing pouch'. The reading いのう is the standard on'yomi. The gikun reading かくし is likely derived from the verb 隠す (to hide), reflecting the pocket's function as a hidden compartment. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.