Definition

1. Noun:
   • An emaciated horse likely soon to become carrion and so attractive to crows: The term "crow-bait" is a derogatory and informal noun used to describe a horse that is extremely thin, weak, and in such poor condition that it is expected to die soon, thus becoming food (carrion) for scavenging birds like crows.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old farmer refused to sell his crow-bait, even though the animal could barely stand.
  • They found a piece of crow-bait wandering near the abandoned ranch.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used metaphorically or humorously to describe any vehicle, machine, or even a person that is in a very dilapidated, worn-out, or feeble condition, suggesting it is nearly useless.
  • That old truck of his is nothing but crow-bait; it hasn't run in years.
  • After the marathon, he joked that he felt like crow-bait.

Variants and Related Words

• Crowbait: An alternative, often hyphenated spelling of the same term.
• Nag: (noun) An old or worn-out horse.
• Jade: (noun) A worn-out or broken-down horse.

Synonyms

• Nag: An old, tired, or inferior horse.
• Hack: A horse, especially one that is worn out or used for routine work.
• Rosinante: (literary, from Don Quixote) A worn-out, bony horse.

Notes

• Register: The term "crow-bait" is considered informal, vivid, and somewhat harsh or darkly humorous. It is not typically used in formal contexts.
• Connotation: It carries strong connotations of neglect, extreme poverty, and imminent death. Its use regarding a person is highly derogatory.

Noun

1. an emaciated horse likely soon to become carrion and so attractive to crows