nosebag

Noun

nosebag (plural nosebags)

1. A sack or bag for feeding a horse, mule, ox or similar animal, generally on the move or away from the home stable or paddock. Designed to be attached to harness and slipped over the animal's nose to permit feeding while eliminating spillage; designs vary.
   • During peace in all marches of five hours it is advisable to feed once en route, if possible immediately after the horses have had a good drink. The bit being removed, the nosebag is to be buckled well up, to allow the horse to reach the feed easily and prevent him tossing his head and spilling the...1908 Animal Management. Prepared in The Veterinary Department for General Staff, War Office, London: Published by His Majesty's Stationery Office

   Synonyms:

   feedbag

2. (humorous, informal) Food or feeding.
   • 1925 P. G. Wodehouse. "Carry On, Jeeves" pub. Herbert Jenkins
     For this man Filmer, you must understand, was not one of those men who are lightly kept from the tea-table. A hearty trencherman, and particularly fond of his five o’clock couple of cups and bite of muffin, he had until this afternoon...

   Synonyms:

   scran, nosh, grub, bait, aliment, belly-timber, chow, comestibles, cuisine, eatables

3. (derogatory, informal) A nosy person.