E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ring in the Ear.
A sign of slavery or life-long servitude.
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“Then Eldad took an awl, and, piercing his [Jetur’s] ears against the doorpost, made him his servant for ever. The elders pronounced a blessing, and Eldad put a ring through the ears of Jetur, as a sign that he was become his property.”—Eldad the Pilgrim, chap. i.
