1750, The Universal Magazine (volume 7, page 52)... they are nevertheless always like the lion's keeper, who, when by long patience, a thousand feedings, and a thousand clawings, he hath made a fierce lion familiar, yet never gives him meat, but with pulling back his hand, always in fear ...
(dated) That which is eaten; food.
(dated) That which furnishes or affords food, especially for animals; pastureland.
