DCHP-1 Online
H.B.C. ((2)) Jocular 
See quotes.
See also: Here Before Christ
- 1907 This [H.B.C.] flag is known from Labrador to the Pacific . . . Several would-be wits have given these mysterious letters odd meanings. Among several I call to memory, "Here Before Christ," "Hungry Belly Company" and "Here Before Columbus."
- 1933 "H.B.C. (hell's blackest curse), H.B.C. (half-breed credit), H.B.C. (heaven's bad charter), H.B.C.," rushing to an hilarious climax he flung his pen to the other end of the room. . . .
- 1907 This [H.B.C.] flag is known from Labrador to the Pacific . . . Several would-be wits have given these mysterious letters odd meanings. Among several I call to memory, "Here Before Christ," "Hungry Belly Company" and "Here Before Columbus."