What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression 'dog-eared'?

Answer 1

I don't remember where or when I've heard this, but someone has said this refers to the pages of a book where someone has folded down the end edge to save their place. We have all seen books that are "dog-eared" by people who are inconsiderate enough to mar the book's condition by doing this, instead of using a book-mark, or scrap of paper to save their place. I believe they call it "dog-eared" because it resembles the shape of the ears of some breeds of dog. I've seen a beagle with an ear lopped over that way; certain kinds of terriers have that shape ears, too. Maybe someone else can give you more formal information on this.