1. lines of people waiting to receive free food, especially during times of economic hardship
Usage: plural form of breadline; historical context often refers to Great Depression era

Examples

• During the Great Depression, breadlines formed outside churches and government buildings.
• Thousands of unemployed workers stood in breadlines hoping for a meal.
• The economic crisis forced many families to join the breadlines for the first time.
• Photographs of breadlines became iconic images of the 1930s.
• Local charities organized breadlines to help feed the hungry during the recession.
• The sight of breadlines stretching around city blocks shocked many Americans.