short commons

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.

Already they were getting used to much walking on short commons — shorter at any rate than what in the Shire they would have thought barely enough to keep them on their legs.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Meg looked worn and nervous, the babies absorbed every minute of her time, the house was neglected, and Kitty, the cook, who took life ‘aisy’, kept him on short commons.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Excuse me, but we are all kept on short commons because you took advantage of my father's ignorance.

From The Squire's Daughter by Hocking, Silas K(itto)

But along came a famine time and everyone was livin' on short commons.

From The Lash by Lyman, Olin L.

The advanced guard have it all to themselves—grub, and glory, and all; and those that remain behind are in for short commons and kicks.

From The Village Notary by E?tv?s, J?zsef