Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A tin pail, with a cover, in which working-men carry, or are supposed to carry, their ‘dinner’ or midday meal to their work. “A full dinner-pail” for the working-man figures in party rhetoric.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • And when a political party dangles a full dinner-pail in the eyes of the toiling masses, it is offering more for a vote than the dubious dollar of the opposing party.

    THE SCAB 2010

  • She turned to look at it, wondering at its capacity for so many -- and looked, instead, directly into the face of Champney Googe who stood on the lower step, his dinner-pail on his arm, the arm thrust through the guard.

    Flamsted quarries Mary E. Waller

  • It always seemed promising and hopeful to see a laboring man arrive in his overalls with his dinner-pail and tools at seven; but when two hours later he had vanished, not to return, it was a bit discouraging.

    Hepsey Burke

  • He had a dinner-pail in his hand and in his pockets peanuts for the squirrels, for every morning and night he passed through the park.

    Hazel Squirrel and Other Stories Howard B. Famous

  • He had produced knife, fork and spoon from his sunken cupboard, but his frying-pan served for both plate and platter, and the cover of his dinner-pail for cup.

    Joyce's Investments A Story for Girls Fannie E. Newberry

  • And then the discouraged man, old and worn before his time, took his dinner-pail and started for the distant wood-lot.

    The King's Daughter and Other Stories for Girls Various

  • Is it not so: the rich wooer in the top hat and the elegant Easter-parade coat is turned away, and the poor lover with his flannel shirt open at the collar and a dinner-pail hung upon his arm is chosen for bluebird happiness -- and the heart of the maligned masses is satisfied.

    Walking-Stick Papers Robert Cortes Holliday

  • Finally he took from his dinner-pail a big red apple, which he cut in two, giving half to each horse.

    Friends and Helpers Sarah J. Eddy

  • Dan went hastily about, selecting such things as he needed for his impromptu camp of a night, and soon was ready; a blanket tightly rolled around net and tackle, and some food in his dinner-pail.

    Joyce's Investments A Story for Girls Fannie E. Newberry

  • So, he helping her, they got the last dinner-pail filled before the hungry horde poured out again.

    I've Married Marjorie Margaret Widdemer 1931

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