Lean; in poor condition. Used in the 16–18th centuries with reference to cattle. (N.E.D.). Nearly obsolete in England.
1778. [The sheep] are very poor, and appear to have been out all winter.—Maryland Journal, Feb. 10.
1788. Came to the Subscriber’s Plantation, in May 1787, a dark red Cow, very poor, and had been scalded on the right shoulder.—Advt., id., Oct. 31.
a. 1871. His mother, the old Widdah Elderkin, she was jest about the poorest, peakedest old body over to Sherburne, and went out to days’ work.—Mrs. Stowe, ‘Mis’ Elderkin’s Pitcher.’
1878. They get as poor as snakes on such food; but it does keep body and soul together for awhile, and prevent the deadly faintness resulting from complete fasting.—J. H. Beadle, ‘Western Wilds,’ p. 276.
