Language: en
Meaning: (idiomatic,dated)Tomakeanunfavorableexchange, especially of something of great, butdeferredvalue, for something of very low, butimmediatevalue.a. 1832,Jeremy Bentham,Constitutional Code:An elector, who by his vote should contribute to the establishment of a constitution having for its effect, instead of the greatest happiness of the greatest number, the greatest or supposed greatest happiness of the ruling few at the expense of the happiness of the many, would, supposing himself to become in consequence of the misrule, a sufferer to a greater amount than that of the benefit received by his vote, be an Esauselling his birthright for a mess of pottage.
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