E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
La’zy.
Lazy as David Lawrence’s dog. Here Lawrence is a corruption of Larrence, an imaginary being supposed by Scottish peasantry to preside over the lazy and indolent. Laziness is called “Larrence.” (See and compare DAVY JONES.)
1
Lazy as Joe, the marine, who laid down his musket to sneeze. (Sailor’s proverb.)
2
Lazy as Ludlam’s dog, which leaned his head against the wall to bark. This Ludlam was the famous sorceress of Surrey, who lived in a cave near Farnham, called “Ludlam’s Cave.” She kept a dog, noted for its laziness, so that when the rustics came to consult the witch, it would hardly condescend to give notice of their approach, even with the ghost of a bark. (Ray: Proverbs.)
