/poh"gee/ , n. , pl. pogeys , adj.
1. Slang. Also, pogy .
a. a package of food, candy, or other treats sent to a child at boarding school, a person in an institution, etc.
b. candy or a treat.
n.
2. Canadian Slang.
a. an institution maintained by private charities or government funds for the housing of the aged, sick, orphaned, or feeble-minded; an old-age home, charity hospital, orphanage, or the like.
b. any form of charity or government relief.
c. unemployment insurance provided by the government.
adj. Canadian Slang.
3. of, pertaining to, or obtained through charity or government relief: pogey shoes.
[ 1890-95; earlier pogie workhouse ]