E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pitch’ers.
Little pitchers have long ears. Little folk or children hear what is said when you little think it. The ear of a pitcher is the handle, made in the shape of a man’s ear. The handle of a cream-ewer and of other small jugs is quite out of proportion to the size of the vessel, compared with the handles of large jars.
