poor farm

noun

a farm maintained at public expense for the housing and support of paupers.

Origin of poor farm

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for poor farm

Historical Examples of poor farm

"Tom don' want to go to the poor-farm," he wailed piteously.
The Village Watch-Tower
(AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin
He had been born on a poor-farm, but no one knew it at Pleasant River.
The Village Watch-Tower
(AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin
"I'll drive her over to the poor-farm when she turns up," said Weeks.
A Campfire Girl's First Council Fire
Jane L. Stewart
You said that little cripple had to live at the poor-farm, didn't you?
Mr. Stubbs's Brother
James Otis
That is a pleasant diversion in life compared with the poor-farm.
Michael, Brother of Jerry
Jack London