R

is called the dog-letter, because a dog in snarling utters the letter r-r-r-r,

“Irritata canis quod RR quam plurima dicat.”

Lucillus.

“[R] that’s the dog’s name. R is for the dog.”—Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, ii. 4.

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.”

“The House is aware that no payment is made except on the ‘three R’s.ʹ”—Mr. Cory, M.P.: Address to the House of Commons, February 28th, 1867.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.