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?”

From Literature

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

"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 Project Gutenberg