short commons

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Already they were getting used to much walking on short commons — shorter at any rate than what in the Shire they would have thought barely enough to keep them on their legs.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Meg looked worn and nervous, the babies absorbed every minute of her time, the house was neglected, and Kitty, the cook, who took life ‘aisy’, kept him on short commons.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

But along came a famine time and everyone was livin' on short commons.

From The Lash by Lyman, Olin L.

Several wet days, bad quarters, and short commons, had pulled down the strength and lowered the spirits of the Allied troops.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 60, No. 373, November 1846 by Various

The master, in his cook’s uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him; the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over a short commons.

From Dickens As an Educator by Hughes, James L. (James Laughlin)