Green’s Dictionary of Slang

in cards, a three.

1960		J. Franklyn Dict. of Rhy. Sl.
1972		Dodson & Saczek Dict. of Cockney Rhy. Sl.
1984		Partridge DSUE (8th edn) 1298: C. 19–20.
1998		R. Puxley Fresh Rabbit.