lap-dog

A small lap-dog sleeps on a velvet cushion.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small pet dog: A "lap-dog" is a small breed of dog that is suitable for being held or sitting comfortably on a person's lap, often kept as a companion animal indoors.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She carries her lap-dog everywhere, even to the grocery store. (A small dog kept as a companion.)
  • The queen's favourite lap-dog sat on a velvet cushion beside her throne. (A small, pampered pet dog.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be someone's lap-dog" (figurative): a person who is overly obedient or subservient to another, especially in a political or social context.
  • The senator was accused of being the president's lap-dog, voting for every bill without question. (A person who follows another's orders without independence.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lapdog (n): alternative spelling of "lap-dog" (often written as one word).
• Lap (n): the flat area formed by the upper part of a seated person's legs, where a small dog might rest.

Synonyms

• Pet: a domesticated animal kept for companionship.
• Toy dog: a very small breed of dog, often bred for companionship rather than work.
• Companion dog: a dog bred primarily for human companionship rather than for specific tasks.

Related Idioms

• "lap-dog of the rich": a phrase describing someone who is excessively servile to wealthy or powerful people.
  • He was dismissed as a lap-dog of the rich, always defending corporate interests. (A person who acts as a sycophant for the wealthy.)