crowbait

American  

[kroh-beyt] / ˈkroʊˌbeɪt /

noun

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of crowbait

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?”

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck

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

From Old Man Curry Race Track Stories by Van Loan, Charles E. (Charles Emmett)

"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."

From Fred Fenton on the Track or, The Athletes of Riverport School by Chapman, Allen

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.

From An Artilleryman's Diary by Jones, Jenkins Lloyd

Same here," agreed Bob; "he was sure a first-rate kind of a crowbait.

From Whirligigs by Henry, O.