bear garden

American  

noun

1. a place for keeping or exhibiting bears, especially (formerly) for bearbaiting.

2. a place or scene of tumult.

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bear garden British  

noun

1. (formerly) a place where bears were exhibited and where bear-baiting took place

2. a place or scene of tumult and disorder

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Etymology

Origin of bear garden

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

“His loss at this dreadful time is particularly hard to bear,” Garden said.

From Washington Times

"I don't particularly like that sort of bear garden atmosphere or way of doing politics."

From BBC

Sunstang, bunny n bear, Garden Chat, 8 p.m.,

From Seattle Times

After describing the sale of this “polar bear garden,” Mr. Perkins beckons his collaborators and has them put on mustaches.

From New York Times

"It was a real bear garden," Lord Campbell told The Daily Telegraph.

From BBC