| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
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is called the dog-letter, because a dog in snarling utters the letter r-r-r-r,
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| “Irritata canis quod RR quam plurima dicat.” | |
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“[R] that’s the dog’s name. R is for the dog.”—Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, ii. 4. |
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The three R’s. Sir William Curtis being asked to give a toast, said, “I will give you the three R’s—writing, reading, and arithmetic.” | 2 |
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“The House is aware that no payment is made except on the ‘three R’s.’”—Mr. Cory, M.P.: Address to the House of Commons, February 28th, 1867. |
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