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.

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

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

Bridger's share of the spoils—the consulship at Ratona—was little more than a prune—a dried prune from the boarding-house department of the public crib.

From Whirligigs by Henry, O.

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

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