E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Basket.
To be left in the basket. Neglected or uncared for. Left in the waste-basket.
1
To give a basket. To refuse to marry. In Germany a basket [korb] is fixed on the roof of one who has been jilted, or one who, after long courtship, cannot persuade the lady courted to become his wife.
