bankrupt cart

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.

Where it’s used: Used Widespread English
Sources & notes

Listed in Wiktionary’s “English idioms” category (retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A one-horse chaise, said to be so called by a Lord Chief Justice, from their being so frequently used on Sunday jaunts by extravagant shop-keepers and tradesmen.

Era: ca. 1811 (Georgian)

Where it’s used: Origin British & Irish English
Sources & notes

Historical definition reproduced from Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1811 edition, public domain; Project Gutenberg #5402, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.

Common questions

What does “bankrupt cart” mean?

Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.

Is “bankrupt cart” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.