[f. LAP sb.1 5 + DOG.] A small dog, such as is allowed to lie in a lady’s lap.
1645. Evelyn, Diary, May. The lap-dogs which the ladies are so fond of.
1709. Prior, When Cat is Away, 56. Nor rats nor mice the lap-dog fear.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist., II. 168. The lapdog at the time of Dr. Caius was of Maltese breed.
1802. Wolcot (P. Pindar), Ld. Belgrave, Wks. 1812, IV. 516. A poor tame thing Just like a Lap-dog in a string.
1881. Besant & Rice, Chapl. of Fleet, I. x. The pet and plaything … a sort of lapdog to be carried in … coaches.
attrib. 1810. Sporting Mag., XXXVI. 71. Lap-dog beagles.
1838. Lytton, Alice, VI. iii. Had I not fed his lap-dog vanity … you would be Caroline Merton still.
