public crib

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But my father in those days was a peace-man, and he was also disinclined to nibble at the public crib while rendering no adequate service.

From The Last Leaf Observations, during Seventy-Five Years, of Men and Events in America and Europe by Hosmer, James Kendall

Growing extent and complexity plus the need for finding safe places for those who are useful to the rich and powerful, widens and deepens the public crib.

From Civilization and Beyond Learning from History by Nearing, Scott

It was not long before grain was distributed free to all applicants; and a considerable portion of the population of the capital were living in vicious indolence and feeding at the public crib.

From General History for Colleges and High Schools by Myers, Philip Van Ness

A taste of public life is fatal to most men, and the desire to feed from the public crib goes right to the bone.

From The Statesmen Snowbound by Fitzgerald, Robert

In the United States such men are described as "feeding at the public crib."

From The History of Cuba, vol. 4 by Johnson, Willis Fletcher