Antedating of "Free Lunch"

[Charles Doyle]

Why, I wonder, would "free lunch" per se (that is, not counting attributive uses) be regarded as a lexeme or even a fixed phrase?  Bars used to offer free lunch--but also free peanuts, pretzels, etc.  Soup kitchens offer free breakfast.  Automobile dealers offer their customers free coffee.  Etc.

I reckon we know, at least, that there WAS such a thing as a free lunch . . . .

--Charlie
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---- Original message ----
>Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 10:26:26 -0500
>From: Fred Shapiro <fred.shapiro at YALE.EDU>
>Subject: Antedating of "Free Lunch"
>To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
>
>free lunch (OED 1854)
>
>1848 _N.Y. Herald_ 4 July (19th Century U.S. Newspapers)  (adv't) EADIE'S COFFEE HOUSE, 196 FULTON STREET, -- GEORGE EADIE respectfully intimates that having fitted up the above establishment, he will be happy to see his friends on the 4th of July.  Steaks, Chops, and Scotch Mutton and Veal Pies, always on hand.  Brandies, Wines, and Liquors, of the first quality. Free Lunch at 11, A.M.
>
>1849 _Bangor Daily Whig & Courier_ 13 Feb. (19th Century U.S. Newspapers) We yesterday received a copy of the Corpus Christi Star, from Capt. Charles G. Bryant.  He now advertises as the propietor of the Union House, where "a free lunch is set every day at the Bar, at 11 o'clock."
>
>Fred Shapiro

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