A purse refers to a small bag, typically made of leather or a similar material, used for carrying personal belongings such as money, cards, and small items. In the context of the clue, it means the amount of money or winnings awarded to a prizewinner.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Prizewinner's winnings. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.