Definition

1. Noun:
   • A trough or open container, typically found in a barn or stable, from which livestock such as cattle or horses eat their feed.

Usage

• The word "manger" specifically refers to the feeding container for animals. It is a concrete noun used in agricultural and stable contexts.
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• "a dog in the manger": This is an idiom. It describes a person who selfishly prevents others from using something they themselves do not want or cannot use.
  • Example: He doesn't even like that parking spot, but he won't let anyone else use it. He's being a real dog in the manger.

Variants and Related Words

• Trough (n): A long, narrow open container for animals to eat or drink from. This is a close synonym.
  • Example: The pigs ate from the trough.

Synonyms

• Feeding trough: A more descriptive term for a manger.
• Crib: In some contexts, especially for cattle, "crib" can refer to a rack or manger for holding fodder.

Related Idioms

• Dog in the manger: As explained in "Advanced Usage," this is the primary idiom associated with the word "manger." It originates from a fable about a dog lying in a manger, preventing the cattle from eating the hay even though the dog itself did not eat hay.

Noun

1. a container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed