What is "bulldog gravy"

n. (context obsolete English) Depression-era foodstuff associated with American coal miners. Mixture of water, flour, and grease. Eaten with beans.

Bulldog gravy refers to a Great Depression era foodstuff associated with American coal miners. It was a mixture of water, flour and grease, and eaten with beans or over a " water sandwich" (bread soaked in lard and water). It is mentioned in the lyrics of the Appalachian lament Man of Constant Sorrow (or Girl of Constant Sorrow, depending on the performer.) It is also mentioned in the lyrics of Sarah Ogan's "Come All You Coal Miners," covered with the title shortened to "Coalminers" by the alt-country group Uncle Tupelo, on their album, " March 16-20, 1992."