E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Still Sow.
A man cunning and selfish; one wise in his own interest; one who avoids talking at meals that he may enjoy his food the better. So called from the old proverb, “The still sow eats the wash” or “draff.”
1
“We do not act that often jest and langh;
’Tis old but true, ‘Still swine eat all the draugh.’”
