or sale, subs. (cheap-jacks’).—A sale at minimum prices; a mock-auction.
1872. Daily Telegraph, 30 Nov. So thoroughly corrupt and vicious has the existing system become that it would be well-nigh a relief to fall back on the old DUTCH AUCTION, by which an article was put up at a high price, and, if nobody accepted the offer, then reduced to a lower, the sum first required being gradually decreased until a fair value was attained.
1885. Punch, 21 Feb., p. 93. Gives up India to Russia, Africa to Germany, puts up garrisoned fortresses and coaling stations at DUTCH AUCTION, and lets Colonies run loose.
