Dog ears

Dog-earing is also commonly used to mark a section or phrase in a book that one finds to be important or of personal meaning.

The phrase dates back at least to the 17th century (in the form "dog's ear"): For one whole yeere thou must smooth out the dogs eares of all thy fellowes bookes.Although there is a strong consensus among many readers that dog-eared books are mistreated, there are alternative opinions that favor the practice.

[citation needed] Some readers attest to the inconvenience of carrying around a bookmark or keeping them on hand;[5] others describe the practice as evidence of attentive scholarship, deep reading, loving attention to a text.

Dog-ears may be unmade by folding it back into its original location and compressing the pages of the book together.

Removing dog-ears is not recommended on paper that has yellowed from age, as it may cause the flap to separate from the page.