pogey

[ poh-gee ]

noun

, plural po·geys.

1. Slang. Also
   1. a package of food, candy, or other treats sent to a child at boarding school, a person in an institution, etc.
   2. candy or a treat.
2. Canadian Slang.
   1. an institution maintained by private charities or government funds for the housing of the aged, sick, orphaned, or feeble-minded; an old-age home, charity hospital, orphanage, or the like.
   2. any form of charity or government relief.
   3. unemployment insurance provided by the government.

adjective

, Canadian Slang.

1. of, relating to, or obtained through charity or government relief:

   pogey shoes.

pogey

/ ˈpəʊɡɪ /

noun

1. financial or other relief given to the unemployed by the government; dole
2. unemployment insurance
3. 1. the office distributing relief to the unemployed
   2. ( as modifier )

      pogey clothes

Word History and Origins

Origin of pogey¹

First recorded in 1890–95; earlier pogie workhouse < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of pogey¹

C20: from earlier pogie workhouse, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

That fire threatened Enchanted, once it should sweep through the chimney draught of Pogey Notch.

From Project Gutenberg

Had not the wind been at their backs, whistling from the north, the passage of Pogey Notch would have proved a savage encounter.

From Project Gutenberg

“The rain stopped it half-way up Pogey.”

From Project Gutenberg

And roaring a good-natured cheer over their shoulders, the “Busters” filed away into the mouth of Pogey Notch.

From Project Gutenberg

When they had retraced their steps as far as the Enchanted tote road, Christopher turned to the south and trudged towards Pogey Notch.

From Project Gutenberg