An Indian custom, from which a phrase sometimes used in politics is derived.
1775. Captain B. Romans mentions an Indian custom of having “a feast of dogs flesh at the declaration of war.”—‘Florida,’ p. 100.
1832. Captain Hudson (1609) notes that the Indians on the river now named after him “killed a fat dog, and skinned it with shells.”—Watson, ‘Historic Tales of New York,’ p. 23.
1902. At councils of great importance, a dog-feast was formerly held, and to refuse to participate would anger the Indians and defeat one’s wishes. But if, when the plate of dog was offered, one put a dollar on the plate and passed it to one’s neighbor, the latter took the dollar and ate the dog. From this custom the slang phrase of politicians, “Eat dog for another,” originated.—Bishop Whipple, ‘Lights and Shadows,’ p. 260.
