crowbait

[kroh-beyt]

noun

Chiefly Northern, North Midland, and Western U.S.

1. an emaciated, worn-out horse or cow.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crowbait¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; crow ¹ + bait

Example Sentences

“You didn’t sell that old gray crowbait of yours, did you, Carl?”

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Andy curiously regarded the poor crowbait of a horse soon driven into view attached to a ramshackly wagon.

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Evie started and soon returned astride a fine specimen in the shape of a "sorrel crowbait", mane and tail closely shaven and points very prominent; but he could carry the harness, so he would do.

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"Well, how in the name of all that is good, great, and wise did you get that crowbait wished on you?"

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"Why, years ago he had the same old crowbait of a horse, and the boys mocked him when he'd keep using the whip, and telling the beast to get along."

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