Fice interesting

In today's 'Times', the daily Word Quiz had 'fice', with 3 offered possible meanings;
a) a fifth
b) to sneer
c) a dog

The answer was (c). The given origin is below - it has a rather intriguing ending!

FICE An obsolete English word still used in Kentucky and the South for a small dog or cur, sometimes spelt 'phyce'. It is evidently the last small remnant of the old English "foisting cur". The foisting dog was a kind of lap-dog, so called from its bad habits, which often have to serve as an excuse for the wind of the owner. Hence "feisty".

Also explains "foisted upon" meaning an unwelcome presence or burden.

The reason for owning a fice
Though his habits are clearly not nice
Is that he'll take the fall
If you pass gas at all.
A bargain at double the price.