glovebox

A small compartment in the dashboard of a vehicle, usually on the passenger's side, with a hinged door that swings open toward the floor. Althought the glovebox was initially intended to hold the gloves worn by early drivers whose vehicle compartments were open to the air, gloveboxes have evolved to contain an array of miscellaneous items that may include spare change, flashlights, batteries, street maps, gum, or the occassional handgun.