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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/12864-0.txt b/12864-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..09f0e6f --- /dev/null +++ b/12864-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,22656 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12864 *** + +A + +COLLECTION + +OF + +COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS. + +BY B.H. HALL. + + "Multa renascentur quæ jam cecidere, cadentque Quæ nunc sunt in + honore, vocabula." + + "Notandi sunt tibi mores." + HOR. _Ars Poet._ + +REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION. + + + +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by + +B.H. HALL, + +in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of +Massachusetts. + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +The first edition of this publication was mostly compiled during +the leisure hours of the last half-year of a Senior's collegiate +life, and was presented anonymously to the public with the +following + +"PREFACE. + +"The Editor has an indistinct recollection of a sheet of foolscap +paper, on one side of which was written, perhaps a year and a half +ago, a list of twenty or thirty college phrases, followed by the +euphonious titles of 'Yale Coll.,' 'Harvard Coll.' Next he calls +to mind two blue-covered books, turned from their original use, as +receptacles of Latin and Greek exercises, containing explanations +of these and many other phrases. His friends heard that he was +hunting up odd words and queer customs, and dubbed him +'Antiquarian,' but in a kindly manner, spared his feelings, and +did not put the vinegar 'old' before it. + +"Two and one half quires of paper were in time covered with a +strange medley, an olla-podrida of student peculiarities. Thus did +he amuse himself in his leisure hours, something like one who, as +Dryden says, 'is for raking in Chaucer for antiquated words.' By +and by he heard a wish here and a wish there, whether real or +otherwise he does not know, which said something about 'type,' +'press,' and used other cabalistic words, such as 'copy,' 'devil,' +etc. Then there was a gathering of papers, a transcribing of +passages from letters, an arranging in alphabetical order, a +correcting of proofs, and the work was done,--poorly it may be, +but with good intent. + +"Some things will be found in the following pages which are +neither words nor customs peculiar to colleges, and yet they have +been inserted, because it was thought they would serve to explain +the character of student life, and afford a little amusement to +the student himself. Society histories have been omitted, with the +exception of an account of the oldest affiliated literary society +in the United States. + +"To those who have aided in the compilation of this work, the +Editor returns his warmest thanks. He has received the assistance +of many, whose names he would here and in all places esteem it an +honor openly to acknowlege, were he not forbidden so to do by the +fact that he is himself anonymous. Aware that there is information +still to be collected, in reference to the subjects here treated, +he would deem it a favor if he could receive through the medium of +his publisher such morsels as are yet ungathered. + +"Should one pleasant thought arise within the breast of any +Alumnus, as a long-forgotten but once familiar word stares him in +the face, like an old and early friend; or should one who is still +guarded by his Alma Mater be led to a more summer-like +acquaintance with those who have in years past roved, as he now +roves, through classic shades and honored halls, the labors of +their friend, the Editor, will have been crowned with complete +success. + +"CAMBRIDGE, July 4th, 1851." + +Fearing lest venerable brows should frown with displeasure at the +recital of incidents which once made those brows bright and +joyous; dreading also those stern voices which might condemn as +boyish, trivial, or wrong an attempt to glean a few grains of +philological lore from the hitherto unrecognized corners of the +fields of college life, the Editor chose to regard the brows and +hear the voices from an innominate position. Not knowing lest he +should at some future time regret the publication of pages which +might be deemed heterodox, he caused a small edition of the work +to be published, hoping, should it be judged as evil, that the +error would be circumscribed in its effects, and the medium of the +error buried between the dusty shelves of the second-hand +collection of some rusty old bibliopole. By reason of this extreme +caution, the volume has been out of print for the last four years. + +In the present edition, the contents of the work have been +carefully revised, and new articles, filling about two hundred +pages, have been interspersed throughout the volume, arranged +under appropriate titles. Numerous additions have been made to the +collection of technicalities peculiar to the English universities, +and the best authorities have been consulted in the preparation of +this department. An index has also been added, containing a list +of the American colleges referred to in the text in connection +with particular words or customs. + +The Editor is aware that many of the words here inserted are +wanting in that refinement of sound and derivation which their use +in classical localities might seem to imply, and that some of the +customs here noticed and described are + "More honored in the breach than the observance." +These facts are not, however, sufficient to outweigh his +conviction that there is nothing in language or manners too +insignificant for the attention of those who are desirous of +studying the diversified developments of the character of man. For +this reason, and for the gratification of his own taste and the +tastes of many who were pleased at the inceptive step taken in the +first edition, the present volume has been prepared and is now +given to the public. + +TROY, N.Y., February 2, 1856. + + + + +A COLLECTION OF COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS. + + + +_A_. + + +A.B. An abbreviation for _Artium Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of Arts. +The first degree taken by students at a college or university. It +is usually written B.A., q.v. + + +ABSIT. Latin; literally, _let him be absent_; leave of absence +from commons, given to a student in the English +universities.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +ACADEMIAN. A member of an academy; a student in a university or +college. + + +ACADEMIC. A student in a college or university. + +A young _academic_ coming into the country immediately after this +great competition, &c.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, under _Pin-basket_. + +A young _academic_ shall dwell upon a journal that treats of +trade, and be lavish in the praise of the author; while persons +skilled in those subjects hear the tattle with contempt.--_Watts's +Improvement of the Mind_. + + +ACADEMICALS. In the English universities, the dress peculiar to +the students and officers. + +I must insist on your going to your College and putting on your +_academicals_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 382. + +The Proctor makes a claim of 6s. 8d. on every undergraduate whom +he finds _inermem_, or without his _academicals_.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 8. + +If you say you are going for a walk, or if it appears likely, from +the time and place, you are allowed to pass, otherwise you may be +sent back to college to put on your _academicals_.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 177. + + +ACKNOWLEDGMENT. At Harvard College, every student admitted upon +examination, after giving a bond for the payment of all college +dues, according to the established laws and customs, is required +to sign the following _acknowledgment_, as it is called:--"I +acknowledge that, having been admitted to the University at +Cambridge, I am subject to its laws." Thereupon he receives from +the President a copy of the laws which he has promised to +obey.--_Laws Univ. of Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 13. + + +ACT. In English universities, a thesis maintained in public by a +candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a +student.--_Webster_. + +The student proposes certain questions to the presiding officer of +the schools, who then nominates other students to oppose him. The +discussion is syllogistical and in Latin and terminates by the +presiding officer questioning the respondent, or person who is +said _to keep the act_, and his opponents, and dismissing them +with some remarks upon their respective merits.--_Brande_. + +The effect of practice in such matters may be illustrated by the +habit of conversing in Latin, which German students do much more +readily than English, simply because the former practise it, and +hold public disputes in Latin, while the latter have long left off +"_keeping Acts_," as the old public discussions required of +candidates for a degree used to be called.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 184. + +The word was formerly used in Harvard College. In the "Orders of +the Overseers," May 6th, 1650, is the following: "Such that expect +to proceed Masters of Arts [are ordered] to exhibit their synopsis +of _acts_ required by the laws of the College."--_Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +Nine Bachelors commenced at Cambridge; they were young men of good +hope, and performed their _acts_ so as to give good proof of their +proficiency in the tongues and arts.--_Winthrop's Journal, by Mr. +Savage_, Vol. I. p. 87. + +The students of the first classis that have beene these foure +years trained up in University learning (for their ripening in the +knowledge of the tongues, and arts) and are approved for their +manners, as they have _kept_ their publick _Acts_ in former +yeares, ourselves being present at them; so have they lately +_kept_ two solemn _Acts_ for their Commencement.--_New England's +First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 245. + +But in the succeeding _acts_ ... the Latin syllogism seemed to +give the most content.--_Harvard Register_, 1827-28, p. 305. + +2. The close of the session at Oxford, when Masters and Doctors +complete their degrees, whence the _Act Term_, or that term in +which the _act_ falls. It is always held with great solemnity. At +Cambridge, and in American colleges, it is called _Commencement_. +In this sense Mather uses it. + +They that were to proceed Bachelors, held their _Act_ publickly in +Cambridge.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. 4, pp. 127, 128. + +At some times in the universities of England they have no public +_acts_, but give degrees privately and silently.--_Letter of +Increase Mather, in App. to Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, p. 87. + + +AD EUNDEM GRADUM. Latin, _to the same degree_. In American +colleges, a Bachelor or Master of one institution was formerly +allowed to take _the same_ degree at another, on payment of a +certain fee. By this he was admitted to all the privileges of a +graduate of his adopted Alma Mater. _Ad eundem gradum_, to the +same degree, were the important words in the formula of admission. +A similar custom prevails at present in the English universities. + +Persons who have received a degree in any other college or +university may, upon proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, +upon payment of the customary fees to the President.--_Laws Union +Coll._, 1807, p. 47. + +Persons who have received a degree in any other university or +college may, upon proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, +upon paying five dollars to the Steward for the President.--_Laws +of the Univ. in Cam., Mass._, 1828. + +Persons who have received a degree at any other college may, upon +proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, upon payment of the +customary fee to the President.--_Laws Mid. Coll._, 1839, p. 24. + +The House of Convocation consists both of regents and non-regents, +that is, in brief, all masters of arts not honorary, or _ad +eundems_ from Cambridge or Dublin, and of course graduates of a +higher order.--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xi. + +Fortunately some one recollected that the American Minister was a +D.C.L. of Trinity College, Dublin, members of which are admitted +_ad eundem gradum_ at Cambridge.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 112. + + +ADJOURN. At Bowdoin College, _adjourns_ are the occasional +holidays given when a Professor unexpectedly absents himself from +recitation. + + +ADJOURN. At the University of Vermont, this word as a verb is used +in the same sense as is the verb BOLT at Williams College; e.g. +the students _adjourn_ a recitation, when they leave the +recitation-room _en masse_, despite the Professor. + + +ADMISSION. The act of admitting a person as a member of a college +or university. The requirements for admission are usually a good +moral character on the part of the candidate, and that he shall be +able to pass a satisfactory examination it certain studies. In +some colleges, students are not allowed to enter until they are of +a specified age.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 12. _Laws +Tale Coll._, 1837, p. 8. + +The requisitions for entrance at Harvard College in 1650 are given +in the following extract. "When any scholar is able to read Tully, +or such like classical Latin author, _extempore_, and make and +speak true Latin in verse and prose _suo (ut aiunt) Marte_, and +decline perfectly the paradigms of nouns and verbs in the Greek +tongue, then may he be admitted into the College, nor shall any +claim admission before such qualifications."--_Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 515. + + +ADMITTATUR. Latin; literally, _let him be admitted_. In the older +American colleges, the certificate of admission given to a student +upon entering was called an _admittatur_, from the word with which +it began. At Harvard no student was allowed to occupy a room in +the College, to receive the instruction there given, or was +considered a member thereof, until he had been admitted according +to this form.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798. + +Referring to Yale College, President Wholsey remarks on this +point: "The earliest known laws of the College belong to the years +1720 and 1726, and are in manuscript; which is explained by the +custom that every Freshman, on his admission, was required to +write off a copy of them for himself, to which the _admittatur_ of +the officers was subscribed."--_Hist. Disc, before Grad. Yale +Coll._, 1850, p. 45. + +He travels wearily over in visions the term he is to wait for his +initiation into college ways and his _admittatur_.--_Harvard +Register_, p. 377. + +I received my _admittatur_ and returned home, to pass the vacation +and procure the college uniform.--_New England Magazine_, Vol. +III. p. 238. + +It was not till six months of further trial, that we received our +_admittatur_, so called, and became matriculated.--_A Tour through +College_, 1832, p. 13. + + +ADMITTO TE AD GRADUM. _I admit you to a degree_; the first words +in the formula used in conferring the honors of college. + + The scholar-dress that once arrayed him, + The charm _Admitto te ad gradum_, + With touch of parchment can refine, + And make the veriest coxcomb shine, + Confer the gift of tongues at once, + And fill with sense the vacant dunce. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Ed. 1794, Exeter, p. 12. + + +ADMONISH. In collegiate affairs, to reprove a member of a college +for a fault, either publicly or privately; the first step of +college discipline. It is followed by _of_ or _against_; as, to +admonish of a fault committed, or against committing a fault. + + +ADMONITION. Private or public reproof; the first step of college +discipline. In Harvard College, both private and public admonition +subject the offender to deductions from his rank, and the latter +is accompanied in most cases with official notice to his parents +or guardian.--See _Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 21. _Laws +Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 23. + +Mr. Flynt, for many years a tutor in Harvard College, thus records +an instance of college punishment for stealing poultry:--"November +4th, 1717. Three scholars were publicly admonished for thievery, +and one degraded below five in his class, because he had been +before publicly admonished for card-playing. They were ordered by +the President into the middle of the Hall (while two others, +concealers of the theft, were ordered to stand up in their places, +and spoken to there). The crime they were charged with was first +declared, and then laid open as against the law of God and the +House, and they were admonished to consider the nature and +tendency of it, with its aggravations; and all, with them, were +warned to take heed and regulate themselves, so that they might +not be in danger of so doing for the future; and those who +consented to the theft were admonished to beware, lest God tear +them in pieces, according to the text. They were then fined, and +ordered to make restitution twofold for each theft."--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 443. + + +ADOPTED SON. Said of a student in reference to the college of +which he is or was a member, the college being styled his _alma +mater_. + +There is something in the affection of our Alma Mater which +changes the nature of her _adopted sons_; and let them come from +wherever they may, she soon alters them and makes it evident that +they belong to the same brood.--_Harvard Register_, p. 377. + + +ADVANCE. The lesson which a student prepares for the first time is +called _the advance_, in contradistinction to _the review_. + + Even to save him from perdition, + He cannot get "_the advance_," forgets "_the review_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 13. + + +ÆGROTAL. Latin, _ægrotus_, sick. A certificate of illness. Used +in the Univ. of Cam., Eng. + +A lucky thought; he will get an "_ægrotal_," or medical +certificate of illness.--_Household Words_, Vol. II. p. 162. + + +ÆGROTAT. Latin; literally, _he is sick_. In the English +universities, a certificate from a doctor or surgeon, to the +effect that a student has been prevented by illness from attending +to his college duties, "though, commonly," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "the real complaint is much more serious; viz. +indisposition of the mind! _ægrotat_ animo magis quam corpore." +This state is technically called _ægritude_, and the person thus +affected is said to be _æger_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. pp. 386, +387. + +To prove sickness nothing more is necessary than to send to some +medical man for a pill and a draught, and a little bit of paper +with _ægrotat_ on it, and the doctor's signature. Some men let +themselves down off their horses, and send for an _ægrotat_ on +the score of a fall.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +235. + +During this term I attended another course of Aristotle lectures, +--but not with any express view to the May examination, which I +had no intention of going in to, if it could be helped, and which +I eventually escaped by an _ægrotat_ from my +physician.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +198. + +Mr. John Trumbull well describes this state of indisposition in +his Progress of Dullness:-- + + "Then every book, which ought to please, + Stirs up the seeds of dire disease; + Greek spoils his eyes, the print's so fine, + Grown dim with study, and with wine; + Of Tully's Latin much afraid, + Each page he calls the doctor's aid; + While geometry, with lines so crooked, + Sprains all his wits to overlook it. + His sickness puts on every name, + Its cause and uses still the same; + 'Tis toothache, colic, gout, or stone, + With phases various as the moon, + But tho' thro' all the body spread, + Still makes its cap'tal seat, the head. + In all diseases, 'tis expected, + The weakest parts be most infected." + Ed. 1794, Part I. p. 8. + + +ÆGROTAT DEGREE. One who is sick or so indisposed that he cannot +attend the Senate-House examination, nor consequently acquire any +honor, takes what is termed an _Ægrotat degree_.--_Alma Mater_, +Vol. II. p. 105. + + +ALMA MATER, _pl._ ALMÆ MATRES. Fostering mother; a college or +seminary where one is educated. The title was originally given to +Oxford and Cambridge, by such as had received their education in +either university. + +It must give pleasure to the alumni of the College to hear of his +good name, as he [Benjamin Woodbridge] was the eldest son of our +_alma mater_.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 57. + +I see the truths I have uttered, in relation to our _Almæ +Matres_, assented to by sundry of their +children.--_Terræ-Filius_, Oxford, p. 41. + + +ALUMNI, SOCIETY OF. An association composed of the graduates of a +particular college. The object of societies of this nature is +stated in the following extract from President Hopkins's Address +before the Society of Alumni of Williams College, Aug. 16, 1843. +"So far as I know, the Society of the Alumni of Williams College +was the first association of the kind in this country, certainly +the first which acted efficiently, and called forth literary +addresses. It was formed September 5, 1821, and the preamble to +the constitution then adopted was as follows: 'For the promotion +of literature and good fellowship among ourselves, and the better +to advance the reputation and interests of our Alma Mater, we the +subscribers, graduates of Williams College, form ourselves into a +Society.' The first president was Dr. Asa Burbank. The first +orator elected was the Hon. Elijah Hunt Mills, a distinguished +Senator of the United States. That appointment was not fulfilled. +The first oration was delivered in 1823, by the Rev. Dr. +Woodbridge, now of Hadley, and was well worthy of the occasion; +and since that time the annual oration before the Alumni has +seldom failed.... Since this Society was formed, the example has +been followed in other institutions, and bids fair to extend to +them all. Last year, for the first time, the voice of an Alumnus +orator was heard at Harvard and at Yale; and one of these +associations, I know, sprung directly from ours. It is but three +years since a venerable man attended the meeting of our Alumni, +one of those that have been so full of interest, and he said he +should go directly home and have such an association formed at the +Commencement of his Alma Mater, then about to occur. He did so. +That association was formed, and the last year the voice of one of +the first scholars and jurists in the nation was heard before +them. The present year the Alumni of Dartmouth were addressed for +the first time, and the doctrine of Progress was illustrated by +the distinguished speaker in more senses than one.[01] Who can +tell how great the influence of such associations may become in +cherishing kind feeling, in fostering literature, in calling out +talent, in leading men to act, not selfishly, but more efficiently +for the general cause through particular institutions?"--_Pres. +Hopkins's Miscellaneous Essays and Discourses_, pp. 275-277. + +To the same effect also, Mr. Chief Justice Story, who, in his +Discourse before the Society of the Alumni of Harvard University, +Aug. 23, 1842, says: "We meet to celebrate the first anniversary +of the society of all the Alumni of Harvard. We meet without any +distinction of sect or party, or of rank or profession, in church +or in state, in literature or in science.... Our fellowship is +designed to be--as it should be--of the most liberal and +comprehensive character, conceived in the spirit of catholic +benevolence, asking no creed but the love of letters, seeking no +end but the encouragement of learning, and imposing no conditions, +which say lead to jealousy or ambitious strife. In short, we meet +for peace and for union; to devote one day in the year to +academical intercourse and the amenities of scholars."--p. 4. + +An Alumni society was formed at Columbia College in the year 1829, +and at Rutgers College in 1837. There are also societies of this +nature at the College of New Jersey, Princeton; University of +Virginia, Charlottesville; and at Columbian College, Washington. + + +ALUMNUS, _pl._ ALUMNI. Latin, from _alo_, to nourish. A pupil; one +educated at a seminary or college is called an _alumnus_ of that +institution. + + +A.M. An abbreviation for _Artium Magister_, Master of Arts. The +second degree given by universities and colleges. It is usually +written M.A., q.v. + + +ANALYSIS. In the following passage, the word _analysis_ is used as +a verb; the meaning being directly derived from that of the noun +of the same orthography. + +If any resident Bachelor, Senior, or Junior Sophister shall +neglect to _analysis_ in his course, he shall be punished not +exceeding ten shillings.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. +129. + + +ANNARUGIANS. At Centre College, Kentucky, is a society called the +_Annarugians_, "composed," says a correspondent "of the wildest of +the College boys, who, in the most fantastic disguises, are always +on hand when a wedding is to take place, and join in a most +tremendous Charivari, nor can they be forced to retreat until they +have received a due proportion of the sumptuous feast prepared." + + +APOSTLES. At Cambridge, England, the last twelve on the list of +Bachelors of Arts; a degree lower than the [Greek: oi polloi] +"Scape-goats of literature, who have at length scrambled through +the pales and discipline of the Senate-House, without being +_plucked_, and miraculously obtained the title of A.B."--_Gradus +ad Cantab._ + +At Columbian College, D.C., the members of the Faculty are called +after the names of the _Apostles_. + + +APPLICANT. A diligent student. "This word," says Mr. Pickering, in +his Vocabulary, "has been much used at our colleges. The English +have the verb _to apply_, but the noun _applicant_, in this sense, +does not appear to be in use among them. The only Dictionary in +which I have found it with this meaning is Entick's, in which it +is given under the word _applier_. Mr. Todd has the term +_applicant_, but it is only in the sense of 'he who applies for +anything.' An American reviewer, in his remarks on Mr. Webster's +Dictionary, takes notice of the word, observing, that it 'is a +mean word'; and then adds, that 'Mr. Webster has not explained it +in the most common sense, a _hard student_.'--_Monthly Anthology_, +Vol. VII. p. 263. A correspondent observes: 'The utmost that can +be said of this word among the English is, that perhaps it is +occasionally used in conversation; at least, to signify one who +asks (or applies) for something.'" At present the word _applicant_ +is never used in the sense of a diligent student, the common +signification being that given by Mr. Webster, "One who applies; +one who makes request; a petitioner." + + +APPOINTEE. One who receives an appointment at a college exhibition +or commencement. + +The _appointees_ are writing their pieces.--_Scenes and Characters +in College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 193. + +To the gratified _appointee_,--if his ambition for the honor has +the intensity it has in some bosoms,--the day is the proudest he +will ever see.--_Ibid._, p. 194. + +I suspect that a man in the first class of the "Poll" has usually +read mathematics to more profit than many of the "_appointees_," +even of the "oration men" at Yale.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 382. + +He hears it said all about him that the College _appointees_ are +for the most part poor dull fellows.--_Ibid._, p. 389. + + +APPOINTMENT. In many American colleges, students to whom are +assigned a part in the exercises of an exhibition or commencement, +are said to receive an _appointment_. Appointments are given as a +reward for superiority in scholarship. + +As it regards college, the object of _appointments_ is to incite +to study, and promote good scholarship.--_Scenes and Characters in +College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 69. + + If e'er ye would take an "_appointment_" young man, + Beware o' the "blade" and "fine fellow," young man! + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 210. + + Some have crammed for _appointments_, and some for degrees. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + +See JUNIOR APPOINTMENTS. + + +APPROBAMUS. Latin; _we approve_. A certificate, given to a +student, testifying of his fitness for the performance of certain +duties. + +In an account of the exercises at Dartmouth College during the +Commencement season in 1774, Dr. Belknap makes use of this word in +the following connection: "I attended, with several others, the +examination of Joseph Johnson, an Indian, educated in this school, +who, with the rest of the New England Indians, are about moving up +into the country of the Six Nations, where they have a tract of +land fifteen miles square given them. He appeared to be an +ingenious, sensible, serious young man; and we gave him an +_approbamus_, of which there is a copy on the next page. After +which, at three P.M., he preached in the college hall, and a +collection of twenty-seven dollars and a half was made for him. +The auditors were agreeably entertained. + +"The _approbamus_ is as follows."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, +pp. 71, 72. + + +APPROBATE. To express approbation of; to manifest a liking, or +degree of satisfaction.--_Webster_. + +The cause of this battle every man did allow and +_approbate_.--_Hall, Henry VII., Richardson's Dict._ + +"This word," says Mr. Pickering, "was formerly much used at our +colleges instead of the old English verb _approve_. The students +used to speak of having their performances _approbated_ by the +instructors. It is also now in common use with our clergy as a +sort of technical term, to denote a person who is licensed to +preach; they would say, such a one is _approbated_, that is, +licensed to preach. It is also common in New England to say of a +person who is licensed by the county courts to sell spirituous +liquors, or to keep a public house, that he is approbated; and the +term is adopted in the law of Massachusetts on this subject." The +word is obsolete in England, is obsolescent at our colleges, and +is very seldom heard in the other senses given above. + +By the twelfth statute, a student incurs ... no penalty by +declaiming or attempting to declaim without having his piece +previously _approbated_.--_MS. Note to Laws of Harvard College_, +1798. + +Observe their faces as they enter, and you will perceive some +shades there, which, if they are _approbated_ and admitted, will +be gone when they come out.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, +New Haven, 1847, p. 18. + +How often does the professor whose duty it is to criticise and +_approbate_ the pieces for this exhibition wish they were better! +--_Ibid._, p. 195. + +I was _approbated_ by the Boston Association, I suspect, as a +person well known, but known as an anomaly, and admitted in +charity.--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. lxxxv. + + +ASSES' BRIDGE. The fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid +is called the _Asses' Bridge_, or rather "Pons Asinorum," from the +difficulty with which many get over it. + +The _Asses' Bridge_ in Euclid is not more difficult to be got +over, nor the logarithms of Napier so hard to be unravelled, as +many of Hoyle's Cases and Propositions.--_The Connoisseur_, No. +LX. + +After Mr. Brown had passed us over the "_Asses' Bridge_," without +any serious accident, and conducted us a few steps further into +the first book, he dismissed us with many compliments.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 126. + +I don't believe he passed the _Pons Asinorum_ without many a halt +and a stumble.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 146. + + +ASSESSOR. In the English universities, an officer specially +appointed to assist the Vice-Chancellor in his court.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +AUCTION. At Harvard College, it was until within a few years +customary for the members of the Senior Class, previously to +leaving college, to bring together in some convenient room all the +books, furniture, and movables of any kind which they wished to +dispose of, and put them up at public auction. Everything offered +was either sold, or, if no bidders could be obtained, given away. + + +AUDIT. In the University of Cambridge, England, a meeting of the +Master and Fellows to examine or _audit_ the college accounts. +This is succeeded by a feast, on which occasion is broached the +very best ale, for which reason ale of this character is called +"audit ale."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +This use of the word thirst made me drink an extra bumper of +"_Audit_" that very day at dinner.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 3. + +After a few draughts of the _Audit_, the company +disperse.--_Ibid._ Vol. I. p. 161. + + +AUTHORITY. "This word," says Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "is +used in some of the States, in speaking collectively of the +Professors, &c. of our colleges, to whom the _government_ of these +institutions is intrusted." + +Every Freshman shall be obliged to do any proper errand or message +for the _Authority_ of the College.--_Laws Middlebury Coll._, +1804, p. 6. + + +AUTOGRAPH BOOK. It is customary at Yale College for each member of +the Senior Class, before the close of his collegiate life, to +obtain, in a book prepared for that purpose, the signatures of the +President, Professors, Tutors, and of all his classmates, with +anything else which they may choose to insert. Opposite the +autographs of the college officers are placed engravings of them, +so far as they are obtainable; and the whole, bound according to +the fancy of each, forms a most valuable collection of agreeable +mementos. + +When news of his death reached me. I turned to my _book of +classmate autographs_, to see what he had written there, and to +read a name unusually dear.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, +New Haven, 1847, p. 201. + + +AVERAGE BOOK. At Harvard College, a book in which the marks +received by each student, for the proper performance of his +college duties, are entered; also the deductions from his rank +resulting from misconduct. These unequal data are then arranged in +a mean proportion, and the result signifies the standing which the +student has held for a given period. + + In vain the Prex's grave rebuke, + Deductions from the _average book_. + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen, 1848. + + + +_B_. + + +B.A. An abbreviation of _Baccalaureus Artium_, Bachelor of Arts. +The first degree taken by a student at a college or university. +Sometimes written A.B., which is in accordance with the proper +Latin arrangement. In American colleges this degree is conferred +in course on each member of the Senior Class in good standing. In +the English universities, it is given to the candidate who has +been resident at least half of each of ten terms, i.e. during a +certain portion of a period extending over three and a third +years, and who has passed the University examinations. + +The method of conferring the degree of B.A. at Trinity College, +Hartford, is peculiar. The President takes the hands of each +candidate in his own as he confers the degree. He also passes to +the candidate a book containing the College Statutes, which the +candidate holds in his right hand during the performance of a part +of the ceremony. + +The initials of English academical titles always correspond to the +_English_, not to the Latin of the titles, _B.A._, M.A., D.D., +D.C.L., &c.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +13. + +See BACHELOR. + + +BACCALAUREATE. The degree of Bachelor of Arts; the first or lowest +degree. In American colleges, this degree is conferred in course +on each member of the Senior Class in good standing. In Oxford and +Cambridge it is attainable in two different ways;--1. By +examination, to which those students alone are admissible who have +pursued the prescribed course of study for the space of three +years. 2. By extraordinary diploma, granted to individuals wholly +unconnected with the University. The former class are styled +Baccalaurei Formati, the latter Baccalaurei Currentes. In France +the degree of Baccalaureat (Baccalaureus Literarum) is conferred +indiscriminately upon such natives or foreigners and after a +strict examination in the classics, mathematics, and philosophy, +are declared to be qualified. In the German universities, the +title "Doctor Philosophiæ" has long been substituted for +Baccalaureus Artium or Literarum. In the Middle Ages, the term +Baccalaureus was applied to an inferior order of knights, who came +into the field unattended by vassals; from them it was transferred +to the lowest class of ecclesiastics; and thence again, by Pope +Gregory the Ninth to the universities. In reference to the +derivation of this word, the military classes maintain that it is +either derived from the _baculus_ or staff with which knights were +usually invested, or from _bas chevalier_, an inferior kind of +knight; the literary classes, with more plausibility, perhaps, +trace its origin to the custom which prevailed universally among +the Greeks and Romans, and which was followed even in Italy till +the thirteenth century, of crowning distinguished individuals with +laurel; hence the recipient of this honor was style Baccalaureus, +quasi _baccis laureis_ donatus.--_Brande's Dictionary_. + +The subjoined passage, although it may not place the subject in +any clearer light, will show the difference of opinion which +exists in reference to the derivation of this work. Speaking of +the exercises of Commencement at Cambridge Mass., in the early +days of Harvard College, the writer says "But the main exercises +were disputations upon questions wherein the respondents first +made their Theses: For according to Vossius, the very essence of +the Baccalaureat seems to lye in the thing: Baccalaureus being but +a name corrupted of Batualius, which Batualius (as well as the +French Bataile [Bataille]) comes à Batuendo, a business that +carries beating in it: So that, Batualii fuerunt vocati, quia jam +quasi _batuissent_ cum adversario, ac manus conseruissent; hoc +est, publice disputassent, atque ita peritiæ suæ specimen +dedissent."--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 128. + +The Seniors will be examined for the _Baccalaureate_, four weeks +before Commencement, by a committee, in connection with the +Faculty.--_Cal. Wesleyan Univ._, 1849, p. 22. + + +BACHELOR. A person who has taken the first degree in the liberal +arts and sciences, at a college or university. This degree, or +honor, is called the _Baccalaureate_. This title is given also to +such as take the first degree in divinity, law, or physic, in +certain European universities. The word appears in various forms +in different languages. The following are taken from _Webster's +Unabridged Dictionary_. "French, _bachelier_; Spanish, +_bachiller_, a bachelor of arts and a babbler; Portuguese, +_bacharel_, id., and _bacello_, a shoot or twig of the vine; +Italian, _baccelliere_, a bachelor of arts; _bacchio_, a staff; +_bachetta_, a rod; Latin, _bacillus_, a stick, that is, a shoot; +French, _bachelette_, a damsel, or young woman; Scotch, _baich_, a +child; Welsh, _bacgen_, a boy, a child; _bacgenes_, a young girl, +from _bac_, small. This word has its origin in the name of a +child, or young person of either sex, whence the sense of +_babbling_ in the Spanish. Or both senses are rather from +shooting, protruding." + +Of the various etymologies ascribed to the term _Bachelor_, "the +true one, and the most flattering," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "seems to be _bacca laurus_. Those who either are, +or expect to be, honored with the title of _Bachelor of Arts_, +will hear with exultation, that they are then 'considered as the +budding flowers of the University; as the small _pillula_, or +_bacca_, of the _laurel_ indicates the flowering of that tree, +which is so generally used in the crowns of those who have +deserved well, both of the military states, and of the republic of +learning.'--_Carter's History of Cambridge, [Eng.]_, 1753." + + +BACHELOR FELLOW. A Bachelor of Arts who is maintained on a +fellowship. + + +BACHELOR SCHOLAR. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a B.A. who +remains in residence after taking his degree, for the purpose of +reading for a fellowship or acting as private tutor. He is always +noted for superiority in scholarship. + +Bristed refers to the bachelor scholars in the annexed extract. +"Along the wall you see two tables, which, though less carefully +provided than the Fellows', are still served with tolerable +decency and go through a regular second course instead of the +'sizings.' The occupants of the upper or inner table are men +apparently from twenty-two to twenty-six years of age, and wear +black gowns with two strings hanging loose in front. If this table +has less state than the adjoining one of the Fellows, it has more +mirth and brilliancy; many a good joke seems to be going the +rounds. These are the Bachelors, most of them Scholars reading for +Fellowships, and nearly all of them private tutors. Although +Bachelors in Arts, they are considered, both as respects the +College and the University, to be _in statu pupillari_ until they +become M.A.'s. They pay a small sum in fees nominally for tuition, +and are liable to the authority of that mighty man, the Proctor." +--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 20. + + +BACHELORSHIP. The state of one who has taken his first degree in a +university or college.--_Webster_. + + +BACK-LESSON. A lesson which has not been learned or recited; a +lesson which has been omitted. + +In a moment you may see the yard covered with hurrying groups, +some just released from metaphysics or the blackboard, and some +just arisen from their beds where they have indulged in the luxury +of sleeping over,--a luxury, however, which is sadly diminished by +the anticipated necessity of making up _back-lessons_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 202. + + +BALBUS. At Yale College, this term is applied to Arnold's Latin +Prose Composition, from the fact of its so frequent occurrence in +that work. If a student wishes to inform his fellow-student that +he is engaged on Latin Prose Composition, he says he is studying +_Balbus_. In the first example of this book, the first sentence +reads, "I and Balbus lifted up our hands," and the name Balbus +appears in almost every exercise. + + +BALL UP. At Middlebury College, to fail at recitation or +examination. + + +BANDS. Linen ornaments, worn by professors and clergymen when +officiating; also by judges, barristers, &c., in court. They form +a distinguishing mark in the costume of the proctors of the +English universities, and at Cambridge, the questionists, on +admission to their degrees, are by the statutes obliged to appear +in them.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +BANGER. A club-like cane or stick; a bludgeon. This word is one of +the Yale vocables. + + The Freshman reluctantly turned the key, + Expecting a Sophomore gang to see, + Who, with faces masked and _bangers_ stout, + Had come resolved to smoke him out. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 75. + + +BARBER. In the English universities, the college barber is often +employed by the students to write out or translate the impositions +incurred by them. Those who by this means get rid of their +impositions are said to _barberize_ them. + +So bad was the hand which poor Jenkinson wrote, that the many +impositions which he incurred would have kept him hard at work all +day long; so he _barberized_ them, that is, handed them over to +the college barber, who had always some poor scholars in his pay. +This practice of barberizing is not uncommon among a certain class +of men.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 155. + + +BARNEY. At Harvard College, about the year 1810, this word was +used to designate a bad recitation. To _barney_ was to recite +badly. + + +BARNWELL. At Cambridge, Eng., a place of resort for characters of +bad report. + +One of the most "civilized" undertook to banter me on my +non-appearance in the classic regions of _Barnwell_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 31. + + +BARRING-OUT SPREE. At Princeton College, when the students find +the North College clear of Tutors, which is about once a year, +they bar up the entrance, get access to the bell, and ring it. + +In the "Life of Edward Baines, late M.P. for the Borough of +Leeds," is an account of a _barring-out_, as managed at the +grammar school at Preston, England. It is related in Dickens's +Household Words to this effect. "His master was pompous and +ignorant, and smote his pupils liberally with cane and tongue. It +is not surprising that the lads learnt as much from the spirit of +their master as from his preceptions and that one of those +juvenile rebellions, better known as old than at present as a +'_barring-out_,' was attempted. The doors of the school, the +biographer narrates, were fastened with huge nails, and one of the +younger lads was let out to obtain supplies of food for the +garrison. The rebellion having lasted two or three days, the +mayor, town-clerk, and officers were sent for to intimidate the +offenders. Young Baines, on the part of the besieged, answered the +magisterial summons to surrender, by declaring that they would +never give in, unless assured of full pardon and a certain length +of holidays. With much good sense, the mayor gave them till the +evening to consider; and on his second visit the doors were found +open, the garrison having fled to the woods of Penwortham. They +regained their respective homes under the cover of night, and some +humane interposition averted the punishment they had +deserved."-- Am. Ed. Vol. III. p. 415. + + +BATTEL. To stand indebted on the college books at Oxford for +provisions and drink from the buttery. + +Eat my commons with a good stomach, and _battled_ with discretion. +--_Puritan_, Malone's Suppl. 2, p. 543. + +Many men "_battel_" at the rate of a guinea a week. Wealthier men, +more expensive men, and more careless men, often "_battelled_" +much higher.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 274. + +Cotgrave says, "To _battle_ (as scholars do in Oxford) être +debteur an collège pour ses vivres." He adds, "Mot usé seulement +des jeunes écoliers de l'université d'Oxford." + +2. To reside at the university; to keep terms.--_Webster_. + + +BATTEL. Derived from the old monkish word _patella_, or _batella_, +a plate. At Oxford, "whatsoever is furnished for dinner and for +supper, including malt liquor, but not wine, as well as the +materials for breakfast, or for any casual refreshment to country +visitors, excepting only groceries," is expressed by the word +_battels_.--_De Quincey_. + + I on the nail my _Battels_ paid, + The monster turn'd away dismay'd. + _The Student_, Vol. I. p. 115, 1750. + + +BATTELER, BATTLER. A student at Oxford who stands indebted, in the +college books, for provisions and drink at the +buttery.--_Webster_. + +Halliwell, in his Dict. Arch. and Prov. Words, says, "The term is +used in contradistinction to gentleman commoner." In _Gent. Mag._, +1787, p. 1146, is the following:--"There was formerly at Oxford an +order similar to the sizars of Cambridge, called _battelers_ +(_batteling_ having the same signification as sizing). The _sizar_ +and _batteler_ were as independent as any other members of the +college, though of an inferior order, and were under no obligation +to wait upon anybody." + +2. One who keeps terms, or resides at the University.--_Webster_. + + +BATTELING. At Oxford, the act of taking provisions from the +buttery. Batteling has the same signification as SIZING at the +University of Cambridge.--_Gent. Mag._, 1787, p. 1146. + +_Batteling in a friend's name_, implies eating and drinking at his +expense. When a person's name is _crossed in the buttery_, i.e. +when he is not allowed to take any articles thence, he usually +comes into the hall and battels for buttery supplies in a friend's +name, "for," says the Collegian's Guide, "every man can 'take out' +an extra commons, and some colleges two, at each meal, for a +visitor: and thus, under the name of a guest, though at your own +table, you escape part of the punishment of being crossed."--p. +158. + +2. Spending money. + +The business of the latter was to call us of a morning, to +distribute among us our _battlings_, or pocket money, +&c.--_Dicken's Household Words_, Vol. I. p. 188. + + +BAUM. At Hamilton College, to fawn upon; to flatter; to court the +favor of any one. + + +B.C.L. Abbreviated for _Baccalaureus Civilis Legis_, Bachelor in +Civil Law. In the University of Oxford, a Bachelor in Civil Law +must be an M.A. and a regent of three years' standing. The +exercises necessary to the degree are disputations upon two +distinct days before the Professors of the Faculty of Law. + +In the University of Cambridge, the candidate for this degree must +have resided nine terms (equal to three years), and been on the +boards of some College for six years, have passed the "previous +examination," attended the lectures of the Professor of Civil Law +for three terms, and passed a _series_ of examinations in the +subject of them; that is to say in General Jurisprudence, as +illustrated by Roman and English law. The names of those who pass +creditably are arranged in three classes according to +merit.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 284. + +This degree is not conferred in the United States. + + +B.D. An abbreviation for _Baccalaureus Divinitatis_, Bachelor in +Divinity. In both the English Universities a B.D. must be an M.A. +of seven years' standing, and at Oxford, a regent of the same +length of time. The exercises necessary to the degree are at +Cambridge one act after the fourth year, two opponencies, a +clerum, and an English sermon. At Oxford, disputations are +enjoined upon two distinct days before the Professors of the +Faculty of Divinity, and a Latin sermon is preached before the +Vice-Chancellor. The degree of Theologiæ Baccalaureus was +conferred at Harvard College on Mr. Leverett, afterwards President +of that institution, in 1692, and on Mr. William Brattle in the +same year, the only instances, it is believed, in which this +degree has been given in America. + + +BEADLE, BEDEL, BEDELL. An officer in a university, whose chief +business is to walk with a mace, before the masters, in a public +procession; or, as in America, before the president, trustees, +faculty, and students of a college, in a procession, at public +commencements.--_Webster_. + +In the English universities there are two classes of Bedels, +called the _Esquire_ and the _Yeoman Bedel_. + +Of this officer as connected with Yale College, President Woolsey +speaks as follows:--"The beadle or his substitute, the vice-beadle +(for the sheriff of the county came to be invested with the +office), was the master of processions, and a sort of +gentleman-usher to execute the commands of the President. He was a +younger graduate settled at or near the College. There is on +record a diploma of President Clap's, investing with this office a +graduate of three years' standing, and conceding to him 'omnia +jura privilegia et auctoritates ad Bedelli officium, secundum +collegiorum aut universitatum leges et consuetudines usitatas; +spectantia.' The office, as is well known, still exists in the +English institutions of learning, whence it was transferred first +to Harvard and thence to this institution."--_Hist. Disc._, Aug., +1850, p. 43. + +In an account of a Commencement at Williams College, Sept. 8, +1795, the order in which the procession was formed was as follows: +"First, the scholars of the academy; second, students of college; +third, the sheriff of the county acting as _Bedellus_," +&c.--_Federal Orrery_, Sept. 28, 1795. + +The _Beadle_, by order, made the following declaration.--_Clap's +Hist. Yale Coll._, 1766, p. 56. + +It shall be the duty of the Faculty to appoint a _College Beadle_, +who shall direct the procession on Commencement day, and preserve +order during the exhibitions.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 43. + + +BED-MAKER. One whose occupation is to make beds, and, as in +colleges and universities, to take care of the students' rooms. +Used both in the United States and England. + +T' other day I caught my _bed-maker_, a grave old matron, poring +very seriously over a folio that lay open upon my table. I asked +her what she was reading? "Lord bless you, master," says she, "who +I reading? I never could read in my life, blessed be God; and yet +I loves to look into a book too."--_The Student_, Vol. I. p. 55, +1750. + +I asked a _bed-maker_ where Mr. ----'s chambers were.--_Gent. +Mag._, 1795, p. 118. + + While the grim _bed-maker_ provokes the dust, + And soot-born atoms, which his tomes encrust. + _The College.--A sketch in verse_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, + 1849. + +The _bed-makers_ are the women who take care of the rooms: there +is about one to each staircase, that is to say, to every eight +rooms. For obvious reasons they are selected from such of the fair +sex as have long passed the age at which they might have had any +personal attractions. The first intimation which your bed-maker +gives you is that she is bound to report you to the tutor if ever +you stay out of your rooms all night.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 15. + + +BEER-COMMENT. In the German universities, the student's drinking +code. + +The _beer-comment_ of Heidelberg, which gives the student's code +of drinking, is about twice the length of our University book of +statutes.--_Lond. Quar. Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. 56. + + +BEMOSSED HEAD. In the German universities, a student during the +sixth and last term, or _semester_, is called a _Bemossed Head_, +"the highest state of honor to which man can attain."--_Howitt_. + +See MOSS-COVERED HEAD. + + +BENE. Latin, _well_. A word sometimes attached to a written +college exercise, by the instructor, as a mark of approbation. + + When I look back upon my college life, + And think that I one starveling _bene_ got. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 402. + + +BENE DISCESSIT. Latin; literally, _he has departed honorably_. +This phrase is used in the English universities to signify that +the student leaves his college to enter another by the express +consent and approbation of the Master and Fellows.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + +Mr. Pope being about to remove from Trinity to Emmanuel, by +_Bene-Discessit_, was desirous of taking my rooms.--_Alma Mater_, +Vol. I. p. 167. + + +BENEFICIARY. One who receives anything as a gift, or is maintained +by charity.--_Blackstone_. + +In American colleges, students who are supported on established +foundations are called _beneficiaries_. Those who receive +maintenance from the American Education Society are especially +designated in this manner. + +No student who is a college _beneficiary_ shall remain such any +longer than he shall continue exemplary for sobriety, diligence, +and orderly conduct.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 19. + + +BEVER. From the Italian _bevere_, to drink. An intermediate +refreshment between breakfast and dinner.--_Morison_. + +At Harvard College, dinner was formerly the only meal which was +regularly taken in the hall. Instead of breakfast and supper, the +students were allowed to receive a bowl of milk or chocolate, with +a piece of bread, from the buttery hatch, at morning and evening; +this they could eat in the yard, or take to their rooms and eat +there. At the appointed hour for _bevers_, there was a general +rush for the buttery, and if the walking happened to be bad, or if +it was winter, many ludicrous accidents usually occurred. One +perhaps would slip, his bowl would fly this way and his bread +that, while he, prostrate, afforded an excellent stumbling-block +to those immediately behind him; these, falling in their turn, +spattering with the milk themselves and all near them, holding +perhaps their spoons aloft, the only thing saved from the +destruction, would, after disentangling themselves from the mass +of legs, arms, etc., return to the buttery, and order a new bowl, +to be charged with the extras at the close of the term. + +Similar in thought to this account are the remarks of Professor +Sidney Willard concerning Harvard College in 1794, in his late +work, entitled, "Memories of Youth and Manhood." "The students who +boarded in commons were obliged to go to the kitchen-door with +their bowls or pitchers for their suppers, when they received +their modicum of milk or chocolate in their vessel, held in one +hand, and their piece of bread in the other, and repaired to their +rooms to take their solitary repast. There were suspicions at +times that the milk was diluted by a mixture of a very common +tasteless fluid, which led a sagacious Yankee student to put the +matter to the test by asking the simple carrier-boy why his mother +did not mix the milk with warm water instead of cold. 'She does,' +replied the honest youth. This mode of obtaining evening commons +did not prove in all cases the most economical on the part of the +fed. It sometimes happened, that, from inadvertence or previous +preparation for a visit elsewhere, some individuals had arrayed +themselves in their dress-coats and breeches, and in their haste +to be served, and by jostling in the crowd, got sadly sprinkled +with milk or chocolate, either by accident or by the stealthy +indulgence of the mischievous propensities of those with whom they +came in contact; and oftentimes it was a scene of confusion that +was not the most pleasant to look upon or be engaged in. At +breakfast the students were furnished, in Commons Hall, with tea, +coffee, or milk, and a small loaf of bread. The age of a beaker of +beer with a certain allowance of bread had expired."--Vol. I. pp. +313, 314. + +No scholar shall be absent above an hour at morning _bever_, half +an hour at evening _bever_, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 517. + +The butler is not bound to stay above half an hour at _bevers_ in +the buttery after the tolling of the bell.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. +584. + + +BEVER. To take a small repast between meals.--_Wallis_. + + +BIBLE CLERK. In the University of Oxford, the _Bible clerks_ are +required to attend the service of the chapel, and to deliver in a +list of the absent undergraduates to the officer appointed to +enforce the discipline of the institution. Their duties are +different in different colleges.--_Oxford Guide_. + +A _Bible clerk_ has seldom too many friends in the +University.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Vol. LX., Eng. ed., p. 312. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., "a very ancient scholarship, +so called because the student who was promoted to that office was +enjoined to read the Bible at meal-times."--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +BIENNIAL EXAMINATION. At Yale College, in addition to the public +examinations of the classes at the close of each term, on the +studies of the term, private examinations are also held twice in +the college course, at the close of the Sophomore and Senior +years, on the studies of the two preceding years. The latter are +called _biennial_.--_Yale Coll. Cat._ + +"The _Biennial_," remarks the writer of the preface to the _Songs +of Yale_, "is an examination occurring twice during the +course,--at the close of the Sophomore and of the Senior +years,--in all the studies pursued during the two years previous. +It was established in 1850."--Ed. 1853, p. 4. + +The system of examinations has been made more rigid, especially by +the introduction of _biennials_.--_Centennial Anniversary of the +Linonian Soc._, Yale Coll., 1853, p. 70. + + Faculty of College got together one night, + To have a little congratulation, + For they'd put their heads together and hatched out a load, + And called it "_Bien. Examination_." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + +BIG-WIG. In the English universities, the higher dignitaries among +the officers are often spoken of as the _big-wigs._ + +Thus having anticipated the approbation of all, whether Freshman, +Sophomore, Bachelor, or _Big-Wig_, our next care is the choice of +a patron.--_Pref._ to _Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +BISHOP. At Cambridge, Eng., this beverage is compounded of +port-wine mulled and burnt, with the addenda of roasted lemons and +cloves.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + We'll pass round the _Bishop_, the spice-breathing cup. + _Will. Sentinel's Poems_. + + +BITCH. Among the students of the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +common name for tea. + +The reading man gives no swell parties, runs very little into +debt, takes his cup of _bitch_ at night, and goes quietly to bed. +--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 131. + +With the Queens-men it is not unusual to issue an "At home" Tea +and Vespers, alias _bitch_ and _hymns_.--_Ibid., Dedication_. + + +BITCH. At Cambridge, Eng., to take or drink a dish of tea. + +I followed, and, having "_bitched_" (that is, taken a dish of tea) +arranged my books and boxes.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 30. + +I dined, wined, or _bitched_ with a Medallist or Senior Wrangler. +--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 218. + +A young man, who performs with great dexterity the honors of the +tea-table, is, if complimented at all, said to be "an excellent +_bitch_."--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 18. + + +BLACK BOOK. In the English universities, a gloomy volume +containing a register of high crimes and misdemeanors. + +At the University of Göttingen, the expulsion of students is +recorded on a _blackboard_.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +Sirrah, I'll have you put in the _black book_, rusticated, +expelled.--_Miller's Humors of Oxford_, Act II. Sc. I. + +All had reason to fear that their names were down in the proctor's +_black book_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 277. + +So irksome and borish did I ever find this early rising, spite of +the health it promised, that I was constantly in the _black book_ +of the dean.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 32. + + +BLACK-HOOD HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +BLACK RIDING. At the College of South Carolina, it has until +within a few years been customary for the students, disguised and +painted black, to ride across the college-yard at midnight, on +horseback, with vociferations and the sound of horns. _Black +riding_ is recognized by the laws of the College as a very high +offence, punishable with expulsion. + + +BLEACH. At Harvard College, he was formerly said to _bleach_ who +preferred to be _spiritually_ rather than _bodily_ present at +morning prayers. + + 'T is sweet Commencement parts to reach, + But, oh! 'tis doubly sweet to _bleach_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +BLOOD. A hot spark; a man of spirit; a rake. A word long in use +among collegians and by writers who described them. + +With some rakes from Boston and a few College _bloods_, I got very +drunk.--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 154. + + Indulgent Gods! exclaimed our _bloods_. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 15. + + +BLOOD. At some of the Western colleges this word signifies +excellent; as, a _blood_ recitation. A student who recites well is +said to _make a blood_. + + +BLOODEE. In the Farmer's Weekly Museum, formerly printed at +Walpole, N.H., appeared August 21, 1797, a poetic production, in +which occurred these lines:-- + + Seniors about to take degrees, + Not by their wits, but by _bloodees_. + +In a note the word _bloodee_ was thus described: "A kind of cudgel +worn, or rather borne, by the bloods of a certain college in New +England, 2 feet 5 inches in length, and 1-7/8 inch in diameter, +with a huge piece of lead at one end, emblematical of its owner. A +pretty prop for clumsy travellers on Parnassus." + + +BLOODY. Formerly a college term for daring, rowdy, impudent. + + Arriving at Lord Bibo's study, + They thought they'd be a little _bloody_; + So, with a bold, presumptuous look, + An honest pinch of snuff they took. + _Rebelliad_, p. 44. + + They roar'd and bawl'd, and were so _bloody_, + As to besiege Lord Bibo's study. + + _Ibid._, p. 76. + + +BLOW. A merry frolic with drinking; a spree. A person intoxicated +is said to be _blown_, and Mr. Halliwell, in his Dict. Arch. and +Prov. Words, has _blowboll_, a drunkard. + +This word was formerly used by students to designate their frolics +and social gatherings; at present, it is not much heard, being +supplanted by the more common words _spree_, _tight_, &c. + +My fellow-students had been engaged at a _blow_ till the stagehorn +had summoned them to depart.--_Harvard Register_, 1827-28, p. 172. + + No soft adagio from the muse of _blows_, + E'er roused indignant from serene repose. + _Ibid._, p. 233. + + And, if no coming _blow_ his thoughts engage, + Lights candle and cigar. + _Ibid._, p. 235. + +The person who engages in a blow is also called a _blow_. + +I could see, in the long vista of the past, the many hardened +_blows_ who had rioted here around the festive +board.--_Collegian_, p. 231. + + +BLUE. In several American colleges, a student who is very strict +in observing the laws, and conscientious in performing his duties, +is styled a _blue_. "Our real delvers, midnight students," says a +correspondent from Williams College, "are called _blue_." + +I wouldn't carry a novel into chapel to read, not out of any +respect for some people's old-womanish twaddle about the +sacredness of the place,--but because some of the _blues_ might +see you.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 81. + + Each jolly soul of them, save the _blues_, + Were doffing their coats, vests, pants, and shoes. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + None ever knew a sober "_blue_" + In this "blood crowd" of ours. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +Lucian called him a _blue_, and fell back in his chair in a +pouting fit.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 118. + +To acquire popularity,... he must lose his money at bluff and +euchre without a sigh, and damn up hill and down the sober +church-going man, as an out-and-out _blue_.--_The Parthenon, Union +Coll._, 1851, p. 6. + + +BLUE-LIGHT. At the University of Vermont this term is used, writes +a correspondent, to designate "a boy who sneaks about college, and +reports to the Faculty the short-comings of his fellow-students. A +_blue-light_ is occasionally found watching the door of a room +where a party of jolly ones are roasting a turkey (which in +justice belongs to the nearest farm-house), that he may go to the +Faculty with the story, and tell them who the boys are." + +BLUES. The name of a party which formerly existed at Dartmouth +College. In The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. 117, 1842, is the +following:--"The students here are divided into two parties,--the +_Rowes_ and the _Blues_. The Rowes are very liberal in their +notions; the _Blues_ more strict. The Rowes don't pretend to say +anything worse of a fellow than to call him a Blue, and _vice +versa_" + +See INDIGO and ROWES. + + +BLUE-SKIN. This word was formerly in use at some American +colleges, with the meaning now given to the word BLUE, q.v. + + I, with my little colleague here, + Forth issued from my cell, + To see if we could overhear, + Or make some _blue-skin_ tell. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 22. + + +BOARD. The _boards_, or _college boards_, in the English +universities, are long wooden tablets on which the names of the +members of each college are inscribed, according to seniority, +generally hung up in the buttery.--_Gradus ad Cantab. Webster_. + +I gave in my resignation this time without recall, and took my +name off the _boards_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 291. + +Similar to this was the list of students which was formerly kept +at Harvard College, and probably at Yale. Judge Wingate, who +graduated at the former institution in 1759, writes as follows in +reference to this subject:--"The Freshman Class was, in my day at +college, usually _placed_ (as it was termed) within six or nine +months after their admission. The official notice of this was +given by having their names written in a large German text, in a +handsome style, and placed in a conspicuous part of the College +Buttery, where the names of the four classes of undergraduates +were kept suspended until they left College. If a scholar was +expelled, his name was taken from its place; or if he was degraded +(which was considered the next highest punishment to expulsion), +it was moved accordingly."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 311. + + +BOGS. Among English Cantabs, a privy.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +BOHN. A translation; a pony. The volumes of Bohn's Classical +Library are in such general use among undergraduates in American +colleges, that _Bohn_ has come to be a common name for a +translation. + + 'Twas plenty of skin with a good deal of _Bohn_. + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, Yale Coll., 1855. + + +BOLT. An omission of a recitation or lecture. A correspondent from +Union College gives the following account of it:--"In West +College, where the Sophomores and Freshmen congregate, when there +was a famous orator expected, or any unusual spectacle to be +witnessed in the city, we would call a 'class meeting,' to +consider upon the propriety of asking Professor ---- for a _bolt_. +We had our chairman, and the subject being debated, was generally +decided in favor of the remission. A committee of good steady +fellows were selected, who forthwith waited upon the Professor, +and, after urging the matter, commonly returned with the welcome +assurance that we could have a _bolt_ from the next recitation." + +One writer defines a _bolt_ in these words:--"The promiscuous +stampede of a class collectively. Caused generally by a few +seconds' tardiness of the Professor, occasionally by finding the +lock of the recitation-room door filled with shot."--_Sophomore +Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +The quiet routine of college life had remained for some days +undisturbed, even by a single _bolt_.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. +II. p. 192. + + +BOLT. At Union College, to be absent from a recitation, on the +conditions related under the noun BOLT. Followed by _from_. At +Williams College, the word is applied with a different +signification. A correspondent writes: "We sometimes _bolt_ from a +recitation before the Professor arrives, and the term most +strikingly suggests the derivation, as our movements in the case +would somewhat resemble a 'streak of lightning,'--a +thunder-_bolt_." + + +BOLTER. At Union College, one who _bolts_ from a recitation. + +2. A correspondent from the same college says: "If a student is +unable to answer a question in the class, and declares himself +unprepared, he also is a '_bolter_.'" + + +BONFIRE. The making of bonfires, by students, is not an unfrequent +occurrence at many of our colleges, and is usually a demonstration +of dissatisfaction, or is done merely for the sake of the +excitement. It is accounted a high offence, and at Harvard College +is prohibited by the following law:--"In case of a bonfire, or +unauthorized fireworks or illumination, any students crying fire, +sounding an alarm, leaving their rooms, shouting or clapping from +the windows, going to the fire or being seen at it, going into the +college yard, or assembling on account of such bonfire, shall be +deemed aiding and abetting such disorder, and punished +accordingly."--_Laws_, 1848, _Bonfires_. + +A correspondent from Bowdoin College writes: "Bonfires occur +regularly twice a year; one on the night preceding the annual +State Fast, and the other is built by the Freshmen on the night +following the yearly examination. A pole some sixty or seventy +feet long is raised, around which brush and tar are heaped to a +great height. The construction of the pile occupies from four to +five hours." + + Not ye, whom midnight cry ne'er urged to run + In search of fire, when fire there had been none; + Unless, perchance, some pump or hay-mound threw + Its _bonfire_ lustre o'er a jolly crew. + _Harvard Register_, p. 233. + + +BOOK-KEEPER. At Harvard College, students are allowed to go out of +town on Saturday, after the exercises, but are required, if not at +evening prayers, to enter their names before 10 P.M. with one of +the officers appointed for that purpose. Students were formerly +required to report themselves before 8 P.M., in winter, and 9, in +summer, and the person who registered the names was a member of +the Freshman Class, and was called the _book-keeper_. + +I strode over the bridge, with a rapidity which grew with my +vexation, my distaste for wind, cold, and wet, and my anxiety to +reach my goal ere the hour appointed should expire, and the +_book-keeper's_ light should disappear from his window; + "For while his light holds out to burn, + The vilest sinner may return."--_Collegian_, p. 225. + +See FRESHMAN, COLLEGE. + + +BOOK-WORK. Among students at Cambridge, Eng., all mathematics that +can be learned verbatim from books,--all that are not +problems.--_Bristed_. + +He made a good fight of it, and ... beat the Trinity man a little +on the _book-work_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 96. + +The men are continually writing out _book-work_, either at home or +in their tutor's rooms.--_Ibid._, p. 149. + + +BOOT-FOX. This name was at a former period given, in the German +universities, to a fox, or a student in his first half-year, from +the fact of his being required to black the boots of his more +advanced comrades. + + +BOOTLICK. To fawn upon; to court favor. + +Scorns the acquaintance of those he deems beneath him; refuses to +_bootlick_ men for their votes.--_The Parthenon_, Union Coll., +Vol. I. p. 6. + +The "Wooden Spoon" exhibition passed off without any such hubbub, +except where the pieces were of such a character as to offend the +delicacy and modesty of some of those crouching, fawning, +_bootlicking_ hypocrites.--_The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +BOOTLICKER. A student who seeks or gains favor from a teacher by +flattery or officious civilities; one who curries favor. A +correspondent from Union College writes: "As you watch the +students more closely, you will perhaps find some of them +particularly officious towards your teacher, and very apt to +linger after recitation to get a clearer knowledge of some +passage. They are _Bootlicks_, and that is known as _Bootlicking_; +a reproach, I am sorry to say, too indiscriminately applied." At +Yale, and _other colleges_, a tutor or any other officer who +informs against the students, or acts as a spy upon their conduct, +is also called a _bootlick_. + +Three or four _bootlickers_ rise.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + + The rites of Wooden Spoons we next recite, + When _bootlick_ hypocrites upraised their might. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + +Then he arose, and offered himself as a "_bootlick_" to the +Faculty.--_Yale Battery_, Feb. 14, 1850. + + +BOOTS. At the College of South Carolina it is customary to present +the most unpopular member of a class with a pair of handsome +red-topped boots, on which is inscribed the word BEAUTY. They were +formerly given to the ugliest person, whence the inscription. + + +BORE. A tiresome person or unwelcome visitor, who makes himself +obnoxious by his disagreeable manners, or by a repetition of +visits.--_Bartlett_. + +A person or thing that wearies by iteration.--_Webster_. + +Although the use of this word is very general, yet it is so +peculiarly applicable to the many annoyances to which a collegian +is subjected, that it has come by adoption to be, to a certain +extent, a student term. One writer classes under this title +"text-books generally; the Professor who marks _slight_ mistakes; +the familiar young man who calls continually, and when he finds +the door fastened demonstrates his verdant curiosity by revealing +an inquisitive countenance through the ventilator."--_Sophomore +Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +In college parlance, prayers, when the morning is cold or rainy, +are a _bore_; a hard lesson is a _bore_; a dull lecture or +lecturer is a _bore_; and, _par excellence_, an unwelcome visitor +is a _bore_ of _bores_. This latter personage is well described in +the following lines:-- + + "Next comes the bore, with visage sad and pale, + And tortures you with some lugubrious tale; + Relates stale jokes collected near and far, + And in return expects a choice cigar; + Your brandy-punch he calls the merest sham, + Yet does not _scruple_ to partake a _dram_. + His prying eyes your secret nooks explore; + No place is sacred to the college bore. + Not e'en the letter filled with Helen's praise, + Escapes the sight of his unhallowed gaze; + Ere one short hour its silent course has flown, + Your Helen's charms to half the class are known. + Your books he takes, nor deigns your leave to ask, + Such forms to him appear a useless task. + When themes unfinished stare you in the face, + Then enters one of this accursed race. + Though like the Angel bidding John to write, + Frail ------ form uprises to thy sight, + His stupid stories chase your thoughts away, + And drive you mad with his unwelcome stay. + When he, departing, creaks the closing door, + You raise the Grecian chorus, [Greek: kikkabau]."[02] + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton, Harv. Coll. + + +BOS. At the University of Virginia, the desserts which the +students, according to the statutes of college, are allowed twice +per week, are respectively called the _Senior_ and _Junior Bos_. + + +BOSH. Nonsense, trash, [Greek: phluaria]. An English Cantab's +expression.--_Bristed_. + +But Spriggins's peculiar forte is that kind of talk which some +people irreverently call "_bosh_."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. +259. + + +BOSKY. In the cant of the Oxonians, being tipsy.--_Grose_. + +Now when he comes home fuddled, alias _Bosky_, I shall not be so +unmannerly as to say his Lordship ever gets drunk.--_The Sizar_, +cited in _Gradus ad Cantab._, pp. 20, 21. + + +BOWEL. At Harvard College, a student in common parlance will +express his destitution or poverty by saying, "I have not a +_bowel_." The use of the word with this signification has arisen, +probably, from a jocular reference to a quaint Scriptural +expression. + + +BRACKET. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the result of the +final examination in the Senate-House is published in lists signed +by the examiners. In these lists the names of those who have been +examined are "placed in individual order of merit." When the rank +of two or three men is the same, their names are inclosed in +_brackets_. + +At the close of the course, and before the examination is +concluded, there is made out a new arrangement of the classes +called the _Brackets_. These, in which each is placed according to +merit, are hung upon the pillars in the Senate-House.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. II. p. 93. + +As there is no provision in the printed lists for expressing the +number of marks by which each man beats the one next below him, +and there may be more difference between the twelfth and +thirteenth than between the third and twelfth, it has been +proposed to extend the use of the _brackets_ (which are now only +employed in cases of literal equality between two or three men), +and put together six, eight, or ten, whose marks are nearly equal. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 227. + + +BRACKET. In a general sense, to place in a certain order. + +I very early in the Sophomore year gave up all thoughts of +obtaining high honors, and settled down contentedly among the +twelve or fifteen who are _bracketed_, after the first two or +three, as "English Orations."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 6. + +There remained but two, _bracketed_ at the foot of the +class.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + +The Trinity man who was _bracketed_ Senior Classic.--_Ibid._, p. +187. + + +BRANDER. In the German universities a name given to a student +during his second term. + +Meanwhile large tufts and strips of paper had been twisted into +the hair of the _Branders_, as those are called who have been +already one term at the University, and then at a given signal +were set on fire, and the _Branders_ rode round the table on +chairs, amid roars of laughter.--_Longfellow's Hyperion_, p. 114. + +See BRAND-FOX, BURNT FOX. + + +BRAND-FOX. A student in a German university "becomes a +_Brand-fuchs_, or fox with a brand, after the foxes of Samson," in +his second half-year.--_Howitt_. + + +BRICK. A gay, wild, thoughtless fellow, but not so _hard_ as the +word itself might seem to imply. + +He is a queer fellow,--not so bad as he seems,--his own enemy, but +a regular _brick_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 143. + +He will come himself (public tutor or private), like a _brick_ as +he is, and consume his share of the generous potables.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 78. + +See LIKE A BRICK. + + +BRICK MILL. At the University of Vermont, the students speak of +the college as the _Brick Mill_, or the _Old Brick Mill_. + + +BUCK. At Princeton College, anything which is in an intensive +degree good, excellent, pleasant, or agreeable, is called _buck_. + + +BULL. At Dartmouth College, to recite badly; to make a poor +recitation. From the substantive _bull_, a blunder or +contradiction, or from the use of the word as a prefix, signifying +large, lubberly, blundering. + + +BULL-DOG. In the English universities, the lictor or servant who +attends a proctor when on duty. + +Sentiments which vanish for ever at the sight of the proctor with +his _bull-dogs_, as they call them, or four muscular fellows which +always follow him, like so many bailiffs.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. +Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 232. + +The proctors, through their attendants, commonly called +_bull-dogs_, received much certain information, &c.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 170. + + And he had breathed the proctor's _dogs_. + _Tennyson, Prologue to Princess_. + + +BULLY CLUB. The following account of the _Bully Club_, which was +formerly a most honored transmittendum at Yale College, is taken +from an entertaining little work, entitled Sketches of Yale +College. "_Bullyism_ had its origin, like everything else that is +venerated, far back in antiquity; no one pretends to know the era +of its commencement, nor to say with certainty what was the cause +of its establishment, or the original design of the institution. +We can only learn from dim and doubtful tradition, that many years +ago, no one knows how many, there was a feud between students and +townsmen: a sort of general ill-feeling, which manifested itself +in the lower classes of society in rudeness and insult. Not +patiently borne with, it grew worse and worse, until a regular +organization became necessary for defence against the nightly +assaults of a gang of drunken rowdies. Nor were their opponents +disposed to quit the unequal fight. An organization in opposition +followed, and a band of tipsy townsmen, headed by some hardy tars, +took the field, were met, no one knows whether in offence or +defence, and after a fight repulsed, and a huge knotty club +wrested from their leader. This trophy of personal courage was +preserved, the organization perpetuated, and the _Bully Club_ was +every year, with procession and set form of speech, bestowed upon +the newly acknowledged leader. But in process of time the +organization has assumed a different character: there was no +longer need of a system of defence,--the "Bully" was still +acknowledged as class leader. He marshalled all processions, was +moderator of all meetings, and performed the various duties of a +chief. The title became now a matter of dispute; it sounded harsh +and rude to ears polite, and a strong party proposed a change: but +the supporters of antiquity pleaded the venerable character of the +customs identified almost with the College itself. Thus the +classes were divided, a part electing a marshal, class-leader, or +moderator, and a part still choosing a _bully_ and _minor +bully_--the latter usually the least of their number--from each +class, and still bestowing on them the wonted clubs, mounted with +gold, the badges of their office. + +"Unimportant as these distinctions seem, they formed the ground of +constant controversy, each party claiming for its leader the +precedence, until the dissensions ended in a scene of confusion +too well known to need detail: the usual procession on +Commencement day was broken up, and the partisans fell upon each +other pell-mell; scarce heeding, in their hot fray, the orders of +the Faculty, the threats of the constables, or even the rebuke of +the chief magistrate of the State; the alumni were left to find +their seats in church as they best could, the aged and beloved +President following in sorrow, unescorted, to perform the duties +of the day. It need not be told that the disputes were judicially +ended by a peremptory ordinance, prohibiting all class +organizations of any name whatever." + +A more particular account of the Bully Club, and of the manner in +which the students of Yale came to possess it, is given in the +annexed extract. + +"Many years ago, the farther back towards the Middle Ages the +better, some students went out one evening to an inn at Dragon, as +it was then called, now the populous and pretty village of Fair +Haven, to regale themselves with an oyster supper, or for some +other kind of recreation. They there fell into an affray with the +young men of the place, a hardy if not a hard set, who regarded +their presence there, at their own favorite resort, as an +intrusion. The students proved too few for their adversaries. They +reported the matter at College, giving an aggravated account of +it, and, being strongly reinforced, went out the next evening to +renew the fight. The oystermen and sailors were prepared for them. +A desperate conflict ensued, chiefly in the house, above stairs +and below, into which the sons of science entered pell-mell. Which +came off the worse, I neither know nor care, believing defeat to +be far less discreditable to either party, and especially to the +students, than the fact of their engaging in such a brawl. Where +the matter itself is essentially disgraceful, success or failure +is indifferent, as it regards the honor of the actors. Among the +Dragoners, a great bully of a fellow, who appeared to be their +leader, wielded a huge club, formed from an oak limb, with a +gnarled excrescence on the end, heavy enough to battle with an +elephant. A student remarkable for his strength in the arms and +hands, griped the fellow so hard about the wrist that his fingers +opened, and let the club fall. It was seized, and brought off as a +trophy. Such is the history of the Bully Club. It became the +occasion of an annual election of a person to take charge of it, +and to act as leader of the students in case of a quarrel between +them, and others. 'Bully' was the title of this chivalrous and +high office."--_Scenes and Characters in College_, New Haven, +1847, pp. 215, 216. + + +BUMPTIOUS. Conceited, forward, pushing. An English Cantab's +expression.--_Bristed_. + +About nine, A.M., the new scholars are announced from the chapel +gates. On this occasion it is not etiquette for the candidates +themselves to be in waiting,--it looks too +"_bumptious_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 193. + + +BURIAL OF EUCLID. "The custom of bestowing burial honors upon the +ashes of Euclid with becoming demonstrations of respect has been +handed down," says the author of the Sketches of Yale College, +"from time immemorial." The account proceeds as follows:--"This +book, the terror of the dilatory and unapt, having at length been +completely mastered, the class, as their acquaintance with the +Greek mathematician is about to close, assemble in their +respective places of meeting, and prepare (secretly for fear of +the Faculty) for the anniversary. The necessary committee having +been appointed, and the regular preparations ordered, a ceremony +has sometimes taken place like the following. The huge poker is +heated in the old stove, and driven through the smoking volume, +and the division, marshalled in line, for _once_ at least see +_through_ the whole affair. They then march over it in solemn +procession, and are enabled, as they step firmly on its covers, to +assert with truth that they have gone over it,--poor jokes indeed, +but sufficient to afford abundant laughter. And then follow +speeches, comical and pathetic, and shouting and merriment. The +night assigned having arrived, how carefully they assemble, all +silent, at the place appointed. Laid on its bier, covered with +sable pall, and borne in solemn state, the corpse (i.e. the book) +is carried with slow procession, with the moaning music of flutes +and fifes, the screaming of fiddles, and the thumping and mumbling +of a cracked drum, to the open grave or the funeral pyre. A +gleaming line of blazing torches and twinkling lanterns wave along +the quiet streets and through the opened fields, and the snow +creaks hoarsely under the tread of a hundred men. They reach the +scene, and a circle forms around the consecrated spot; if the +ceremony is a burial, the defunct is laid all carefully in his +grave, and then his friends celebrate in prose or verse his +memory, his virtues, and his untimely end: and three oboli are +tossed into his tomb to satisfy the surly boatman of the Styx. +Lingeringly is the last look taken of the familiar countenance, as +the procession passes slowly around the tomb; and the moaning is +made,--a sound of groans going up to the seventh heavens,--and the +earth is thrown in, and the headstone with epitaph placed duly to +hallow the grave of the dead. Or if, according to the custom of +his native land, the body of Euclid is committed to the funeral +flames, the pyre, duly prepared with combustibles, is made the +centre of the ring; a ponderous jar of turpentine or whiskey is +the fragrant incense, and as the lighted fire mounts up in the +still night, and the alarm in the city sounds dim in the distance, +the eulogium is spoken, and the memory of the illustrious dead +honored; the urn receives the sacred ashes, which, borne in solemn +procession, are placed in some conspicuous situation, or solemnly +deposited in some fitting sarcophagus. So the sport ends; a song, +a loud hurrah, and the last jovial roysterer seeks short and +profound slumber."--pp. 166-169. + +The above was written in the year 1843. That the interest in the +observance of this custom at Yale College has not since that time +diminished, may be inferred from the following account of the +exercises of the Sophomore Class of 1850, on parting company with +their old mathematical friend, given by a correspondent of the New +York Tribune. + +"Arrangements having been well matured, notice was secretly given +out on Wednesday last that the obsequies would be celebrated that +evening at 'Barney's Hall,' on Church Street. An excellent band of +music was engaged for the occasion, and an efficient Force +Committee assigned to their duty, who performed their office with +great credit, taking singular care that no 'tutor' or 'spy' should +secure an entrance to the hall. The 'countersign' selected was +'Zeus,' and fortunately was not betrayed. The hall being full at +half past ten, the doors were closed, and the exercises commenced +with music. Then followed numerous pieces of various character, +and among them an _Oration_, a _Poem_, _Funeral Sermon_ (of a very +metaphysical character), a _Dirge_, and, at the grave, a _Prayer +to Pluto_. These pieces all exhibited taste and labor, and were +acknowledged to be of a higher tone than that of any productions +which have ever been delivered on a similar occasion. Besides +these, there were several songs interspersed throughout the +Programme, in both Latin and English, which were sung with great +jollity and effect. The band added greatly to the character of the +performances, by their frequent and appropriate pieces. A large +coffin was placed before the altar, within which, lay the +veritable Euclid, arranged in a becoming winding-sheet, the body +being composed of combustibles, and these thoroughly saturated +with turpentine. The company left the hall at half past twelve, +formed in an orderly procession, preceded by the band, and bearing +the coffin in their midst. Those who composed the procession were +arrayed in disguises, to avoid detection, and bore a full +complement of brilliant torches. The skeleton of Euclid (a +faithful caricature), himself bearing a torch, might have been +seen dancing in the midst, to the great amusement of all +beholders. They marched up Chapel Street as far as the south end +of the College, where they were saluted with three hearty cheers +by their fellow-students, and then continued through College +Street in front of the whole College square, at the north +extremity of which they were again greeted by cheers, and thence +followed a circuitous way to _quasi_ Potter's Field, about a mile +from the city, where the concluding ceremonies were performed. +These consist of walking over the coffin, thus _surmounting the +difficulties_ of the author; boring a hole through a copy of +Euclid with a hot iron, that the class may see _through_ it; and +finally burning it upon the funeral pyre, in order to _throw +light_ upon the subject. After these exercises, the procession +returned, with music, to the State-House, where they disbanded, +and returned to their desolate habitations. The affair surpassed +anything of the kind that has ever taken place here, and nothing +was wanting to render it a complete performance. It testifies to +the spirit and character of the class of '53."--_Literary World_, +Nov. 23, 1850, from the _New York Tribune_. + +In the Sketches of Williams College, printed in the year 1847, is +a description of the manner in which the funeral exercises of +Euclid are sometimes conducted in that institution. It is as +follows:--"The burial took place last night. The class assembled +in the recitation-room in full numbers, at 9 o'clock. The +deceased, much emaciated, and in a torn and tattered dress, was +stretched on a black table in the centre of the room. This table, +by the way, was formed of the old blackboard, which, like a +mirror, had so often reflected the image of old Euclid. In the +body of the corpse was a triangular hole, made for the _post +mortem_ examination, a report of which was read. Through this +hole, those who wished were allowed to look; and then, placing the +body on their heads, they could say with truth that they had for +once seen through and understood Euclid. + +"A eulogy was then pronounced, followed by an oration and the +reading of the epitaph, after which the class formed a procession, +and marched with slow and solemn tread to the place of burial. The +spot selected was in the woods, half a mile south of the College. +As we approached the place, we saw a bright fire burning on the +altar of turf, and torches gleaming through the dark pines. All +was still, save the occasional sympathetic groans of some forlorn +bull-frogs, which came up like minute-guns from the marsh below. + +"When we arrived at the spot, the sexton received the body. This +dignitary presented rather a grotesque appearance. He wore a white +robe bound around his waist with a black scarf, and on his head a +black, conical-shaped hat, some three feet high. Haying fastened +the remains to the extremity of a long, black wand, he held them +in the fire of the altar until they were nearly consumed, and then +laid the charred mass in the urn, muttering an incantation in +Latin. The urn being buried deep in the ground, we formed a ring +around the grave, and sung the dirge. Then, lighting our larches +by the dying fire, we retraced our steps with feelings suited to +the occasion."--pp. 74-76. + +Of this observance the writer of the preface to the "Songs of +Yale" remarks: "The _Burial of Euclid_ is an old ceremony +practised at many colleges. At Yale it is conducted by the +Sophomore Class during the first term of the year. After literary +exercises within doors, a procession is formed, which proceeds at +midnight through the principal streets of the city, with music and +torches, conveying a coffin, supposed to contain the body of the +old mathematician, to the funeral pile, when the whole is fired +and consumed to ashes."--1853, p. 4. + +From the lugubrious songs which are usually sung on these sad +occasions, the following dirge is selected. It appears in the +order of exercises for the "Burial of Euclid by the Class of '57," +which took place at Yale College, November 8, 1854. + + Tune,--"_Auld Lang Syne_." + + I. + + Come, gather all ye tearful Sophs, + And stand around the ring; + Old Euclid's dead, and to his shade + A requiem we'll sing: + Then join the saddening chorus, all + Ye friends of Euclid true; + Defunct, he can no longer bore, + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]"[03] + + II. + + Though we to Pluto _dead_icate, + No god to take him deigns, + So, one short year from now will Fate + Bring back his sad _re-manes_: + For at Biennial his ghost + Will prompt the tutor blue, + And every fizzling Soph will cry, + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]" + + III. + + Though here we now his _corpus_ burn, + And flames about him roar, + The future Fresh shall say, that he's + "Not dead, but gone before": + We close around the dusky bier, + And pall of sable hue, + And silently we drop the tear; + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]" + + +BURLESQUE BILL. At Princeton College, it is customary for the +members of the Sophomore Class to hold annually a Sophomore +Commencement, caricaturing that of the Senior Class. The Sophomore +Commencement is in turn travestied by the Junior Class, who +prepare and publish _Burlesque Bills_, as they are called, in +which, in a long and formal programme, such subjects and speeches +are attributed to the members of the Sophomore Class as are +calculated to expose their weak points. + +See SOPHOMORE COMMENCEMENT. + + +BURLINGTON. At Middlebury College, a water-closet, privy. So +called on account of the good-natured rivalry between that +institution and the University of Vermont at Burlington. + + +BURNING OF CONIC SECTIONS. "This is a ceremony," writes a +correspondent, "observed by the Sophomore Class of Trinity +College, on the Monday evening of Commencement week. The +incremation of this text-book is made by the entire class, who +appear in fantastic rig and in torch-light procession. The +ceremonies are held in the College grove, and are graced with an +oration and poem. The exercises are usually closed by a class +supper." + + +BURNING OF CONVIVIUM. Convivium is a Greek book which is studied +at Hamilton College during the last term of the Freshman year, and +is considered somewhat difficult. Upon entering Sophomore it is +customary to burn it, with exercises appropriate to the occasion. +The time being appointed, the class hold a meeting and elect the +marshals of the night. A large pyre is built during the evening, +of rails and pine wood, on the middle of which is placed a barrel +of tar, surrounded by straw saturated with turpentine. Notice is +then given to the upper classes that Convivium will be burnt that +night at twelve o'clock. Their company is requested at the +exercises, which consist of two poems, a tragedy, and a funeral +oration. A coffin is laid out with the "remains" of the book, and +the literary exercises are performed. These concluded, the class +form a procession, preceded by a brass band playing a dirge, and +march to the pyre, around which, with uncovered heads, they +solemnly form. The four bearers with their torches then advance +silently, and place the coffin upon the funeral pile. The class, +each member bearing a torch, form a circle around the pyre. At a +given signal they all bend forward together, and touch their +torches to the heap of combustibles. In an instant "a lurid flame +arises, licks around the coffin, and shakes its tongue to heaven." +To these ceremonies succeed festivities, which are usually +continued until daylight. + + +BURNING OF ZUMPT'S LATIN GRAMMAR. The funeral rites over the body +of this book are performed by the students in the University of +New York. The place of turning and burial is usually at Hoboken. +Scenes of this nature often occur in American colleges, having +their origin, it is supposed, in the custom at Yale of burying +Euclid. + + +BURNT FOX. A student during his second half-year, in the German +universities, is called a _burnt fox_. + + +BURSAR, _pl._ BURSARII. A treasurer or cash-keeper; as, the +_bursar_ of a college or of a monastery. The said College in +Cambridge shall be a corporation consisting of seven persons, to +wit, a President, five Fellows, and a Treasurer or +_Bursar_.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 11. + +Every student is required on his arrival, at the commencement of +each session, to deliver to the _Bursar_ the moneys and drafts for +money which he has brought with him. It is the duty of the +_Bursar_ to attend to the settlement of the demands for board, +&c.; to pay into the hands of the student such sums as are +required for other necessary expenses, and to render a statement +of the same to the parent or guardian at the close of the session. +--_Catalogue of Univ. of North Carolina_, 1848-49, p. 27. + +2. A student to whom a stipend is paid out of a burse or fund +appropriated for that purpose, as the exhibitioners sent to the +universities in Scotland, by each presbytery.--_Webster_. + +See a full account in _Brande's Dict. Science, Lit., and Art_. + + +BURSARY. The treasury of a college or monastery.--_Webster_. + +2. In Scotland, an exhibition.--_Encyc._ + + +BURSCH (bursh), _pl._ BURSCHEN. German. A youth; especially a +student in a German university. + +"By _bursché_," says Howitt, "we understand one who has already +spent a certain time at the university,--and who, to a certain +degree, has taken part in the social practices of the +students."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. Ed., p. 27. + + Und hat der _Bursch_ kein Geld im Beutel, + So pumpt er die Philister an, + Und denkt: es ist doch Alles eitel + Vom _Burschen_ bis zum Bettleman. + _Crambambuli Song_. + +Student life! _Burschen_ life! What a magic sound have these words +for him who has learnt for himself their real meaning.--_Howitt's +Student Life of Germany_. + + +BURSCHENSCHAFT. A league or secret association of students, formed +in 1815, for the purpose, as was asserted, of the political +regeneration of Germany, and suppressed, at least in name, by the +exertions of the government.--_Brandt_. + +"The Burschenschaft," says the Yale Literary Magazine, "was a +society formed in opposition to the vices and follies of the +Landsmannschaft, with the motto, 'God, Honor, Freedom, +Fatherland.' Its object was 'to develop and perfect every mental +and bodily power for the service of the Fatherland.' It exerted a +mighty and salutary influence, was almost supreme in its power, +but was finally suppressed by the government, on account of its +alleged dangerous political tendencies."--Vol. XV. p. 3. + + +BURSE. In France, a fund or foundation for the maintenance of poor +scholars in their studies. In the Middle Ages, it signified a +little college, or a hall in a university.--_Webster_. + + +BURST. To fail in reciting; to make a bad recitation. This word is +used in some of the Southern colleges. + + +BURT. At Union College, a privy is called _the Burt_, from a +person of that name, who many years ago was employed as the +architect and builder of the _latrinæ_ of that institution. + + +BUSY. An answer often given by a student, when he does not wish to +see visitors. + +Poor Croak was almost annihilated by this summons, and, clinging +to the bed-clothes in all the agony of despair, forgot to _busy_ +his midnight visitor.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 84. + +Whenever, during that sacred season, a knock salutes my door, I +respond with a _busy_.--_Collegian_, p. 25. + +"_Busy_" is a hard word to utter, often, though heart and +conscience and the college clock require it.--_Scenes and +Characters in College_, p. 58. + + +BUTLER. Anciently written BOTILER. A servant or officer whose +principal business is to take charge of the liquors, food, plate, +&c. In the old laws of Harvard College we find an enumeration of +the duties of the college butler. Some of them were as follows. + +He was to keep the rooms and utensils belonging to his office +sweet and clean, fit for use; his drinking-vessels were to be +scoured once a week. The fines imposed by the President and other +officers were to be fairly recorded by him in a book, kept for +that purpose. He was to attend upon the ringing of the bell for +prayer in the hall, and for lectures and commons. Providing +candles for the hall was a part of his duty. He was obliged to +keep the Buttery supplied, at his own expense, with beer, cider, +tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, biscuit, butter, cheese, pens, ink, +paper, and such other articles as the President or Corporation +ordered or permitted; "but no permission," it is added in the +laws, "shall be given for selling wine, distilled spirits, or +foreign fruits, on credit or for ready money." He was allowed to +advance twenty per cent. on the net cost of the articles sold by +him, excepting beer and cider, which were stated quarterly by the +President and Tutors. The Butler was allowed a Freshman to assist +him, for an account of whom see under FRESHMAN, +BUTLER'S.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., pp. 138, 139. _Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1798, pp. 60-62. + +President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before +the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, remarks as +follows concerning the Butler, in connection with that +institution:-- + +"The classes since 1817, when the office of Butler was, abolished, +are probably but little aware of the meaning of that singular +appendage to the College, which had been in existence a hundred +years. To older graduates, the lower front corner room of the old +middle college in the south entry must even now suggest many +amusing recollections. The Butler was a graduate of recent +standing, and, being invested with rather delicate functions, was +required to be one in whom confidence might be reposed. Several of +the elder graduates who have filled this office are here to-day, +and can explain, better than I can, its duties and its bearings +upon the interests of College. The chief prerogative of the Butler +was to have the monopoly of certain eatables, drinkables, and +other articles desired by students. The Latin laws of 1748 give +him leave to sell in the buttery, cider, metheglin, strong beer to +the amount of not more than twelve barrels annually,--which amount +as the College grew was increased to twenty,--together with +loaf-sugar ('saccharum rigidum'), pipes, tobacco, and such +necessaries of scholars as were not furnished in the commons hall. +Some of these necessaries were books and stationery, but certain +fresh fruits also figured largely in the Butler's supply. No +student might buy cider or beer elsewhere. The Butler, too, had +the care of the bell, and was bound to wait upon the President or +a Tutor, and notify him of the time for prayers. He kept the book +of fines, which, as we shall see, was no small task. He +distributed the bread and beer provided by the Steward in the Hall +into equal portions, and had the lost commons, for which privilege +he paid a small annual sum. He was bound, in consideration of the +profits of his monopoly, to provide candles at college prayers and +for a time to pay also fifty shillings sterling into the treasury. +The more menial part of these duties he performed by his +waiter."--pp. 43, 44. + +At both Harvard and Yale the students were restricted in expending +money at the Buttery, being allowed at the former "to contract a +debt" of five dollars a quarter; at the latter, of one dollar and +twenty-five cents per month. + + +BUTTER. A size or small portion of butter. "Send me a roll and two +Butters."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Six cheeses, three _butters_, and two beers.--_The Collegian's +Guide_. + +Pertinent to this singular use of the word, is the following +curious statement. At Cambridge, Eng., "there is a market every +day in the week, except Monday, for vegetables, poultry, eggs, and +butter. The sale of the last article is attended with the +peculiarity of every pound designed for the market being rolled +out to the length of a yard; each pound being in that state about +the thickness of a walking-cane. This practice, which is confined +to Cambridge, is particularly convenient, as it renders the butter +extremely easy of division into small portions, called _sizes_, as +used in the Colleges."--_Camb. Guide_, Ed. 1845, p. 213. + + +BUTTERY. An apartment in a house where butter, milk, provisions, +and utensils are kept. In some colleges, a room where liquors, +fruit, and refreshments are kept for sale to the +students.--_Webster_. + +Of the Buttery, Mr. Peirce, in his History of Harvard University, +speaks as follows: "As the Commons rendered the College +independent of private boarding-houses, so the _Buttery_ removed +all just occasion for resorting to the different marts of luxury, +intemperance, and ruin. This was a kind of supplement to the +Commons, and offered for sale to the students, at a moderate +advance on the cost, wines, liquors, groceries, stationery, and, +in general, such articles as it was proper and necessary for them +to have occasionally, and which for the most part were not +included in the Commons' fare. The Buttery was also an office, +where, among other things, records were kept of the times when the +scholars were present and absent. At their admission and +subsequent returns they entered their names in the Buttery, and +took them out whenever they had leave of absence. The Butler, who +was a graduate, had various other duties to perform, either by +himself or by his _Freshman_, as ringing the bell, seeing that the +Hall was kept clean, &c., and was allowed a salary, which, after +1765, was £60 per annum."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 220. + +With particular reference to the condition of Harvard College a +few years prior to the Revolution, Professor Sidney Willard +observes: "The Buttery was in part a sort of appendage to Commons, +where the scholars could eke out their short commons with sizings +of gingerbread and pastry, or needlessly or injuriously cram +themselves to satiety, as they had been accustomed to be crammed +at home by their fond mothers. Besides eatables, everything +necessary for a student was there sold, and articles used in the +play-grounds, as bats, balls, &c.; and, in general, a petty trade +with small profits was carried on in stationery and other matters, +--in things innocent or suitable for the young customers, and in +some things, perhaps, which were not. The Butler had a small +salary, and was allowed the service of a Freshman in the Buttery, +who was also employed to ring the college bell for prayers, +lectures, and recitations, and take some oversight of the public +rooms under the Butler's directions. The Buttery was also the +office of record of the names of undergraduates, and of the rooms +assigned to them in the college buildings; of the dates of +temporary leave of absence given to individuals, and of their +return; and of fines inflicted by the immediate government for +negligence or minor offences. The office was dropped or abolished +in the first year of the present century, I believe, long after it +ceased to be of use for most of its primary purposes. The area +before the entry doors of the Buttery had become a sort of +students' exchange for idle gossip, if nothing worse. The rooms +were now redeemed from traffic, and devoted to places of study, +and other provision was made for the records which had there been +kept. The last person who held the office of Butler was Joseph +Chickering, a graduate of 1799."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +1855, Vol. I. pp. 31, 32. + +President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before +the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, makes the +following remarks on this subject: "The original motives for +setting up a buttery in colleges seem to have been, to put the +trade in articles which appealed to the appetite into safe hands; +to ascertain how far students were expensive in their habits, and +prevent them from running into debt; and finally, by providing a +place where drinkables of not very stimulating qualities were +sold, to remove the temptation of going abroad after spirituous +liquors. Accordingly, laws were passed limiting the sum for which +the Butler might give credit to a student, authorizing the +President to inspect his books, and forbidding him to sell +anything except permitted articles for ready money. But the whole +system, as viewed from our position as critics of the past, must +be pronounced a bad one. It rather tempted the student to +self-indulgence by setting up a place for the sale of things to +eat and drink within the College walls, than restrained him by +bringing his habits under inspection. There was nothing to prevent +his going abroad in quest of stronger drinks than could be bought +at the buttery, when once those which were there sold ceased to +allay his thirst. And a monopoly, such as the Butler enjoyed of +certain articles, did not tend to lower their price, or to remove +suspicion that they were sold at a higher rate than free +competition would assign to them."--pp. 44, 45. + +"When," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "the 'punishment +obscene,' as Cowper, the poet, very properly terms it, of +_flagellation_, was enforced at our University, it appears that +the Buttery was the scene of action. In The Poor Scholar, a +comedy, written by Robert Nevile, Fellow of King's College in +Cambridge, London, 1662, one of the students having lost his gown, +which is picked up by the President of the College, the tutor +says, 'If we knew the owner, we 'd take him down to th' Butterie, +and give him due correction.' To which the student, (_aside_,) +'Under correction, Sir; if you're for the Butteries with me, I'll +lie as close as Diogenes in dolio. I'll creep in at the bunghole, +before I'll _mount a barrel_,' &c. (Act II. Sc. 6.)--Again: 'Had I +been once i' th' Butteries, they'd have their rods about me. But +let us, for joy that I'm escaped, go to the Three Tuns and drink +a pint of wine, and laugh away our cares.--'T is drinking at the +Tuns that keeps us from ascending Buttery barrels,' &c." By a +reference to the word PUNISHMENT, it will be seen that, in the +older American colleges, corporal punishment was inflicted upon +disobedient students in a manner much more solemn and imposing, +the students and officers usually being present. + +The effect of _crossing the name in the buttery_ is thus stated in +the Collegian's Guide. "To keep a term requires residence in the +University for a certain number of days within a space of time +known by the calendar, and the books of the buttery afford the +appointed proof of residence; it being presumed that, if neither +bread, butter, pastry, beer, or even toast and water (which is +charged one farthing), are entered on the buttery books in a given +name, the party could not have been resident that day. Hence the +phrase of 'eating one's way into the church or to a doctor's +degree.' Supposing, for example, twenty-one days' residence is +required between the first of May and the twenty-fourth inclusive, +then there will be but three days to spare; consequently, should +our names be crossed for more than three days in all in that term, +--say for four days,--the other twenty days would not count, and +the term would be irrecoverably lost. Having our names crossed in +the buttery, therefore, is a punishment which suspends our +collegiate existence while the cross remains, besides putting an +embargo on our pudding, beer, bread and cheese, milk, and butter; +for these articles come out of the buttery."--p. 157. + +These remarks apply both to the Universities of Oxford and +Cambridge; but in the latter the phrase _to be put out of commons_ +is used instead of the one given above, yet with the same meaning. +See _Gradus ad Cantabrigiam_, p. 32. + +The following extract from the laws of Harvard College, passed in +1734, shows that this term was formerly used in that institution: +"No scholar shall be _put in or out of Commons_, but on Tuesdays +or Fridays, and no Bachelor or Undergraduate, but by a note from +the President, or one of the Tutors (if an Undergraduate, from his +own Tutor, if in town); and when any Bachelors or Undergraduates +have been out of Commons, the waiters, at their respective tables, +shall, on the first Tuesday or Friday after they become obliged by +the preceding law to be in Commons, _put them into Commons_ again, +by note, after the manner above directed. And if any Master +neglects to put himself into Commons, when, by the preceding law, +he is obliged to be in Commons, the waiters on the Masters' table +shall apply to the President or one of the Tutors for a note to +put him into Commons, and inform him of it." + + Be mine each morn, with eager appetite + And hunger undissembled, to repair + To friendly _Buttery_; there on smoking Crust + And foaming Ale to banquet unrestrained, + Material breakfast! + _The Student_, 1750, Vol. I. p. 107. + + +BUTTERY-BOOK. In colleges, a book kept at the _buttery_, in which +was charged the prices of such articles as were sold to the +students. There was also kept a list of the fines imposed by the +president and professors, and an account of the times when the +students were present and absent, together with a register of the +names of all the members of the college. + + My name in sure recording page + Shall time itself o'erpower, + If no rude mice with envious rage + The _buttery-books_ devour. + _The Student_, Vol. I. p. 348. + + +BUTTERY-HATCH. A half-door between the buttery or kitchen and the +hall, in colleges and old mansions. Also called a +_buttery-bar_.--_Halliwell's Arch. and Prov. Words_. + +If any scholar or scholars at any time take away or detain any +vessel of the colleges, great or small, from the hall out of the +doors from the sight of the _buttery-hatch_ without the butler's +or servitor's knowledge, or against their will, he or they shall +be punished three pence.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Coll._, Vol. I. p. +584. + +He (the college butler) domineers over Freshmen, when they first +come to the _hatch_.--_Earle's Micro-cosmographie_, 1628, Char. +17. + +There was a small ledging or bar on this hatch to rest the +tankards on. + +I pray you, bring your hand to the _buttery-bar_, and let it +drink.--_Twelfth Night_, Act I. Sc. 3. + + +BYE-FELLOW. In England, a name given in certain cases to a fellow +in an inferior college. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +bye-fellow can be elected to one of the regular fellowships when a +vacancy occurs. + + +BYE-FELLOWSHIP. An inferior establishment in a college for the +nominal maintenance of what is called a _bye-fellow_, or a fellow +out of the regular course. + +The emoluments of the fellowships vary from a merely nominal +income, in the case of what are called _Bye-fellowships_, to +$2,000 per annum.--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +BYE-FOUNDATION. In the English universities, a foundation from +which an insignificant income and an inferior maintenance are +derived. + + +BYE-TERM. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., students who take +the degree of B.A. at any other time save January, are said to +"_go out in a bye-term_." + +Bristed uses this word, as follows: "I had a double +disqualification exclusive of illness. First, as a Fellow +Commoner.... Secondly, as a _bye-term man_, or one between two +years. Although I had entered into residence at the same time with +those men who were to go out in 1844, my name had not been placed +on the College Books, like theirs, previously to the commencement +of 1840. I had therefore lost a term, and for most purposes was +considered a Freshman, though I had been in residence as long as +any of the Junior Sophs. In fact, I was _between two +years_."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 97, 98. + + + +_C_. + + +CAD. A low fellow, nearly equivalent to _snob_. Used among +students in the University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + + +CAHOOLE. At the University of North Carolina, this word in its +application is almost universal, but generally signifies to +cajole, to wheedle, to deceive, to procure. + + +CALENDAR. At the English universities the information which in +American colleges is published in a catalogue, is contained in a +similar but far more comprehensive work, called a _calendar_. +Conversation based on the topics of which such a volume treats is +in some localities denominated _calendar_. + +"Shop," or, as it is sometimes here called, "_Calendar_," +necessarily enters to a large extent into the conversation of the +Cantabs.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 82. + +I would lounge about into the rooms of those whom I knew for +general literary conversation,--even to talk _Calendar_ if there +was nothing else to do.--_Ibid._, p. 120. + + +CALVIN'S FOLLY. At the University of Vermont, "this name," writes +a correspondent, "is given to a door, four inches thick and +closely studded with spike-nails, dividing the chapel hall from +the staircase leading to the belfry. It is called _Calvin's +Folly_, because it was planned by a professor of that (Christian) +name, in order to keep the students out of the belfry, which +dignified scheme it has utterly failed to accomplish. It is one of +the celebrities of the Old Brick Mill,[04] and strangers always +see it and hear its history." + + +CAMEL. In Germany, a student on entering the university becomes a +_Kameel_,--a camel. + + +CAMPUS. At the College of New Jersey, the college yard is +denominated the _Campus_. _Back Campus_, the privies. + + +CANTAB. Abridged for CANTABRIGIAN. + +It was transmitted to me by a respectable _Cantab_ for insertion. +--_Hone's Every-day Book_, Vol. I. p. 697. + +Should all this be a mystery to our uncollegiate friends, or even +to many matriculated _Cantabs_, we advise them not to attempt to +unriddle it.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 39. + + +CANTABRIGIAN. A student or graduate of the University of +Cambridge, Eng. Used also at Cambridge, Mass., of the students and +inhabitants. + + +CANTABRIGICALLY. According to Cambridge. + +To speak _Cantabrigically_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 28. + + +CAP. The cap worn by students at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., is described by Bristed in the following passage: "You must +superadd the academical costume. This consists of a gown, varying +in color and ornament according to the wearer's college and rank, +but generally black, not unlike an ordinary clerical gown, and a +square-topped cap, which fits close to the head like a truncated +helmet, while the covered board which forms the crown measures +about a foot diagonally across."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 4. + +A similar cap is worn at Oxford and at some American colleges on +particular occasions. + +See OXFORD. + + +CAP. To uncover the head in reverence or civility. + +The youth, ignorant who they were, had omitted to _cap_ +them.--_Gent. Mag._, Vol. XXIV. p. 567. + +I could not help smiling, when, among the dignitaries whom I was +bound to make obeisance to by _capping_ whenever I met them, Mr. +Jackson's catalogue included his all-important self in the number. +--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 217. + +The obsequious attention of college servants, and the more +unwilling "_capping_" of the undergraduates, to such a man are +real luxuries.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LVI. p. 572. + +Used in the English universities. + + +CAPTAIN OF THE POLL. The first of the Polloi. + +He had moreover been _Captain_ (Head) _of the Poll_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 96. + + +CAPUT SENATUS. Latin; literally, _the head of the Senate_. In +Cambridge, Eng., a council of the University by which every grace +must be approved, before it can be submitted to the senate. The +Caput Senatus is formed of the vice-chancellor, a doctor in each +of the faculties of divinity, law, and medicine, and one regent +M.A., and one non-regent M.A. The vice-chancellor's five +assistants are elected annually by the heads of houses and the +doctors of the three faculties, out of fifteen persons nominated +by the vice-chancellor and the proctors.--_Webster. Cam. Cal. Lit. +World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +See GRACE. + + +CARCER. Latin. In German schools and universities, a +prison.--_Adler's Germ, and Eng. Dict._ + + Wollten ihn drauf die Nürnberger Herren + Mir nichts, dir nichts ins _Carcer_ sperren. + _Wallenstein's Lager_. + + And their Nur'mberg worships swore he should go + To _jail_ for his pains,--if he liked it, or no. + _Trans. Wallenstein's Camp, in Bohn's Stand. Lib._, p. 155. + + +CASTLE END. At Cambridge, Eng., a noted resort for Cyprians. + + +CATHARINE PURITANS. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +members of St. Catharine's Hall are thus designated, from the +implied derivation of the word Catharine from the Greek [Greek: +katharos], pure. + + +CAUTION MONEY. In the English universities, a deposit in the hands +of the tutor at entrance, by way of security. + +With reference to Oxford, De Quincey says of _caution money_: +"This is a small sum, properly enough demanded of every student, +when matriculated, as a pledge for meeting any loss from unsettled +arrears, such as his sudden death or his unannounced departure +might else continually be inflicting upon his college. In most +colleges it amounts to £25; in one only it was considerably less." +--_Life and Manners_, p. 249. + +In American colleges, a bond is usually given by a student upon +entering college, in order to secure the payment of all his +college dues. + + +CENSOR. In the University of Oxford, Eng., a college officer whose +duties are similar to those of the Dean. + + +CEREVIS. From Latin _cerevisia_, beer. Among German students, a +small, round, embroidered cap, otherwise called a beer-cap. + +Better authorities ... have lately noted in the solitary student +that wends his way--_cerevis_ on head, note-book in hand--to the +professor's class-room,... a vast improvement on the _Bursche_ of +twenty years ago.--_Lond. Quart. Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. +59. + + +CHAMBER. The apartment of a student at a college or university. +This word, although formerly used in American colleges, has been +of late almost entirely supplanted by the word _room_, and it is +for this reason that it is here noticed. + +If any of them choose to provide themselves with breakfasts in +their own _chambers_, they are allowed so to do, but not to +breakfast in one another's _chambers_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. II. p. 116. + +Some ringleaders gave up their _chambers_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. +116. + + +CHAMBER-MATE. One who inhabits the same room or chamber with +another. Formerly used at our colleges. The word CHUM is now very +generally used in its place; sometimes _room-mate_ is substituted. + +If any one shall refuse to find his proportion of furniture, wood, +and candles, the President and Tutors shall charge such +delinquent, in his quarter bills, his full proportion, which sum +shall be paid to his _chamber-mate_.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +35. + + +CHANCELLOR. The chancellor of a university is an officer who seals +the diplomas, or letters of degree, &c. The Chancellor of Oxford +is usually one of the prime nobility, elected by the students in +convocation; and he holds the office for life. He is the chief +magistrate in the government of the University. The Chancellor of +Cambridge is also elected from among the prime nobility. The +office is biennial, or tenable for such a length of time beyond +two years as the tacit consent of the University may choose to +allow.--_Webster. Cam. Guide_. + +"The Chancellor," says the Oxford Guide, "is elected by +convocation, and his office is for life; but he never, according +to usage, is allowed to set foot in this University, excepting on +the occasion of his installation, or when he is called upon to +accompany any royal visitors."--Ed. 1847, p. xi. + +At Cambridge, the office of Chancellor is, except on rare +occasions, purely honorary, and the Chancellor himself seldom +appears at Cambridge. He is elected by the Senate. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Chancellor_ is the Bishop of +the Diocese of Connecticut, and is also the Visitor of the +College. He is _ex officio_ the President of the +Corporation.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, pp. 6, 7. + + +CHAPEL. A house for public worship, erected separate from a +church. In England, chapels in the universities are places of +worship belonging to particular colleges. The chapels connected +with the colleges in the United States are used for the same +purpose. Religious exercises are usually held in them twice a day, +morning and evening, besides the services on the Sabbath. + + +CHAPEL. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the attendance at +daily religious services in the chapel of each college at morning +and evening is thus denominated. + +Some time ago, upon an endeavor to compel the students of one +college to increase their number of "_chapels_," as the attendance +is called, there was a violent outcry, and several squibs were +written by various hands.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. +p. 235. + +It is rather surprising that there should be so much shirking of +_chapel_, when the very moderate amount of attendance required is +considered.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +16. + +To _keep chapel_, is to be present at the daily religious services +of college. + +The Undergraduate is expected to go to chapel eight times, or, in +academic parlance, to _keep eight chapels_ a week, two on Sunday, +and one on every week-day, attending morning or evening _chapel_ +on week-days at his option. Nor is even this indulgent standard +rigidly enforced. I believe if a Pensioner keeps six chapels, or a +Fellow-Commoner four, and is quite regular in all other respects, +he will never be troubled by the Dean. It certainly is an argument +in favor of severe discipline, that there is more grumbling and +hanging back, and unwillingness to conform to these extremely +moderate requisitions, than is exhibited by the sufferers at a New +England college, who have to keep sixteen chapels a week, seven of +them at unreasonable hours. Even the scholars, who are literally +paid for going, every chapel being directly worth two shillings +sterling to them, are by no means invariable in attending the +proper number of times.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 16, 17. + + +CHAPEL CLERK. At Cambridge, Eng., in some colleges, it is the duty +of this officer to _mark_ the students as they enter chapel; in +others, he merely sees that the proper lessons are read, by the +students appointed by the Dean for that purpose.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + +The _chapel clerk_ is sent to various parties by the deans, with +orders to attend them after chapel and be reprimanded, but the +_chapel clerk_ almost always goes to the wrong +person.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 235. + + +CHAPLAIN. In universities and colleges, the clergyman who performs +divine service, morning and evening. + + +CHAW. A deception or trick. + +To say, "It's all a gum," or "a regular _chaw_" is the same thing. +--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +CHAW. To use up. + +Yesterday a Junior cracked a joke on me, when all standing round +shouted in great glee, "Chawed! Freshman chawed! Ha! ha! ha!" "No +I a'n't _chawed_," said I, "I'm as whole as ever." But I didn't +understand, when a fellow is _used up_, he is said to be _chawed_; +if very much used up, he is said to be _essentially chawed_.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + +The verb _to chaw up_ is used with nearly the same meaning in some +of the Western States. + +Miss Patience said she was gratified to hear Mr. Cash was a +musician; she admired people who had a musical taste. Whereupon +Cash fell into a chair, as he afterwards observed, _chawed +up_.--_Thorpe's Backwoods_, p. 28. + + +CHIP DAY. At Williams College a day near the beginning of spring +is thus designated, and is explained in the following passage. +"They give us, near the close of the second term, what is called +'_chip day_,' when we put the grounds in order, and remove the +ruins caused by a winter's siege on the woodpiles."--_Sketches of +Williams College_, 1847, p. 79. + +Another writer refers to the day, in a newspaper paragraph. +"'_Chip day_,' at the close of the spring term, is still observed +in the old-fashioned way. Parties of students go off to the hills, +and return with brush, and branches of evergreen, with which the +chips, which have accumulated during the winter, are brushed +together, and afterwards burnt."--_Boston Daily Evening +Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + +About college there had been, in early spring, the customary +cleaning up of "_chip day_."--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. +186. + + +CHOPPING AT THE TREE. At University College in the University of +Oxford, "a curious and ancient custom, called '_chopping at the +tree_,' still prevails. On Easter Sunday, every member, as he +leaves the hall after dinner, chops with a cleaver at a small tree +dressed up for the occasion with evergreens and flowers, and +placed on a turf close to the buttery. The cook stands by for his +accustomed largess."--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 144, note. + + +CHORE. In the German universities, a club or society of the +students is thus designated. + +Duels between members of different _chores_ were once +frequent;--sometimes one man was obliged to fight the members of a +whole _chore_ in succession.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 5. + + +CHRISTIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of +Christ's College. + + +CHUM. Armenian, _chomm_, or _chommein_, or _ham_, to dwell, stay, +or lodge; French, _chômer_, to rest; Saxon, _ham_, home. A +chamber-fellow; one who lodges or resides in the same +room.--_Webster_. + +This word is used at the universities and colleges, both in +England and the United States. + +A young student laid a wager with his _chum_, that the Dean was at +that instant smoking his pipe.--_Philip's Life and Poems_, p. 13. + + But his _chum_ + Had wielded, in his just defence, + A bowl of vast circumference.--_Rebelliad_, p. 17. + +Every set of chambers was possessed by two co-occupants; they had +generally the same bedroom, and a common study; and they were +called _chums_.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 251. + +I am again your petitioner in behalf of that great _chum_ of +literature, Samuel Johnson.--_Smollett, in Boswell_. + +In this last instance, the word _chum_ is used either with the +more extended meaning of companion, friend, or, as the sovereign +prince of Tartary is called the _Cham_ or _Khan_, so Johnson is +called the _chum_ (cham) or prince of literature. + + +CHUM. To occupy a chamber with another. + + +CHUMMING. Occupying a room with another. + +Such is one of the evils of _chumming_.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. I. p. +324. + + +CHUMSHIP. The state of occupying a room in company with another; +chumming. + +In the seventeenth century, in Milton's time, for example, (about +1624,) and for more than sixty years after that era, the practice +of _chumship_ prevailed.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 251. + + +CIVILIAN. A student of the civil law at the university.--_Graves. +Webster_. + + +CLARIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Clare +Hall. + + +CLASS. A number of students in a college or school, of the same +standing, or pursuing the same studies. In colleges, the students +entering or becoming members the same year, and pursuing the same +studies.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Oxford, _class_ is the division of the +candidates who are examined for their degrees according to their +rate of merit. Those who are entitled to this distinction are +denominated _Classmen_, answering to the _optimes_ and _wranglers_ +in the University of Cambridge.--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + +See an interesting account of "reading for a first class," in the +Collegian's Guide, Chap. XII. + + +CLASS. To place in ranks or divisions students that are pursuing +the same studies; to form into a class or classes.--_Webster_. + + +CLASS BOOK. Within the last thirty or forty years, a custom has +arisen at Harvard College of no small importance in an historical +point of view, but which is principally deserving of notice from +the many pleasing associations to which its observance cannot fail +to give rise. Every graduating class procures a beautiful and +substantial folio of many hundred pages, called the _Class Book_, +and lettered with the year of the graduation of the class. In this +a certain number of pages is allotted to each individual of the +class, in which he inscribes a brief autobiography, paying +particular attention to names and dates. The book is then +deposited in the hands of the _Class Secretary_, whose duty it is +to keep a faithful record of the marriage, birth of children, and +death of each of his classmates, together with their various +places of residence, and the offices and honors to which each may +have attained. This information is communicated to him by letter +by his classmates, and he is in consequence prepared to answer any +inquiries relative to any member of the class. At his death, the +book passes into the hands of one of the _Class Committee_, and at +their death, into those of some surviving member of the class; and +when the class has at length become extinct, it is deposited on +the shelves of the College Library. + +The Class Book also contains a full list of all persons who have +at any time been members of the class, together with such +information as can be gathered in reference to them; and an +account of the prizes, deturs, parts at Exhibitions and +Commencement, degrees, etc., of all its members. Into it are also +copied the Class Oration, Poem, and Ode, and the Secretary's +report of the class meeting, at which the officers were elected. +It is also intended to contain the records of all future class +meetings, and the accounts of the Class Secretary, who is _ex +officio_ Class Treasurer and Chairman of the Class Committee. By +virtue of his office of Class Treasurer, he procures the _Cradle_ +for the successful candidate, and keeps in his possession the +Class Fund, which is sometimes raised to defray the accruing +expenses of the Class in future times. + +In the Harvardiana, Vol. IV., is an extract from the Class Book of +1838, which is very curious and unique. To this is appended the +following note:--"It may be necessary to inform many of our +readers, that the _Class Book_ is a large volume, in which +autobiographical sketches of the members of each graduating class +are recorded, and which is left in the hands of the Class +Secretary." + + +CLASS CANE. At Union College, as a mark of distinction, a _class +cane_ was for a time carried by the members of the Junior Class. + +The Juniors, although on the whole a clever set of fellows, lean +perhaps with too nonchalant an air on their _class +canes_.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +They will refer to their _class cane_, that mark of decrepitude +and imbecility, for old men use canes.--_Ibid._ + + +CLASS CAP. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the Sophomores +to appear in a _class cap_ on the Junior Exhibition day, which is +worn generally during part of the third term. + +In American colleges, students frequently endeavor to adopt +distinctive dresses, but the attempt is usually followed by +failure. One of these attempts is pleasantly alluded to in the +Williams Monthly Miscellany. "In a late number, the ambition for +whiskers was made the subject of a remark. The ambition of college +has since taken a somewhat different turn. We allude to the class +caps, which have been introduced in one or two of the classes. The +Freshmen were the first to appear in this species of uniform, a +few days since at evening prayers; the cap which they have adopted +is quite tasteful. The Sophomores, not to be outdone, have voted +to adopt the tarpaulin, having, no doubt, become proficients in +navigation, as lucidly explained in one of their text-books. The +Juniors we understand, will follow suit soon. We hardly know what +is left for the Seniors, unless it be to go bare-headed."--1845, +p. 464. + + +CLASS COMMITTEE. At Harvard College a committee of two persons, +joined with the _Class Secretary_, who is _ex officio_ its +chairman, whose duty it is, after the class has graduated, during +their lives to call class meetings, whenever they deem it +advisable, and to attend to all other business relating to the +class. + +See under CLASS BOOK. + + +CLASS CRADLE. For some years it has been customary at Harvard +College for the Senior Class, at the meeting for the election of +the officers of Class Day, &c., to appropriate a certain sum of +money, usually not exceeding fifty dollars, for the purchase of a +cradle, to be given to the first member of the class to whom a +child is born in lawful wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. +This sum is intrusted to the hands of the _Class Secretary_, who +is expected to transmit the present to the successful candidate +upon the receipt of the requisite information. In one instance a +_Baby-jumper_ was voted by the class, to be given to the second +member who should be blessed as above stated. + + +CLASS CUP. It is a theory at Yale College, that each class +appropriates at graduating a certain amount of money for the +purchase of a silver cup, to be given, in the name of the class, +to the first member to whom a child shall be born in lawful +wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. Although the +presentation of the _class cup_ is often alluded to, yet it is +believed that the gift has in no instance been bestowed. It is to +be regretted that a custom so agreeable in theory could not be +reduced to practice. + + Each man's mind was made up + To obtain the "_Class Cup_." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +See SILVER CUP. + + +CLASS DAY. The custom at Harvard College of observing with +appropriate exercises the day on which the Senior Class finish +their studies, is of a very early date. The first notice which +appears in reference to this subject is contained in an account of +the disorders which began to prevail among the students about the +year 1760. Among the evils to be remedied are mentioned the +"disorders upon the day of the Senior Sophisters meeting to choose +the officers of the class," when "it was usual for each scholar to +bring a bottle of wine with him, which practice the committee +(that reported upon it) apprehend has a natural tendency to +produce disorders." But the disturbances were not wholly confined +to the _meeting_ when the officers of Class Day were chosen; they +occurred also on Class Day, and it was for this reason that +frequent attempts were made at this period, by the College +government, to suppress its observance. How far their efforts +succeeded is not known, but it is safe to conclude that greater +interruptions were occasioned by the war of the Revolution, than +by the attempts to abolish what it would have been wiser to have +reformed. + +In a MS. Journal, under date of June 21st, 1791, is the following +entry: "Neither the valedictory oration by Ward, nor poem by +Walton, was delivered, on account of a division in the class, and +also because several were gone home." How long previous to this +the 21st of June had been the day chosen for the exercises of the +class, is uncertain; but for many years after, unless for special +reasons, this period was regularly selected for that purpose. +Another extract from the MS. above mentioned, under date of June +21st, 1792, reads: "A valedictory poem was delivered by Paine 1st, +and a valedictory Latin oration by Abiel Abbott." + +The biographer of Mr. Robert Treat Paine, referring to the poem +noticed in the above memorandum, says: "The 21st of every June, +till of late years, has been the day on which the members of the +Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to make +preparations for the ensuing Commencement. On this day it was +usual for one member to deliver an oration, and another a poem; +such members being appointed by their classmates. The Valedictory +Poem of Mr. Paine, a tender, correct, and beautiful effusion of +feeling and taste, was received by the audience with applause and +tears." In another place he speaks on the same subject, as +follows: "The solemnity which produced this poem is extremely +interesting; and, being of ancient date, it is to be hoped that it +may never fall into disuse. His affection for the University Mr. +Paine cherished as one of his most sacred principles. Of this +poem, Mr. Paine always spoke as one of his happiest efforts. +Coming from so young a man, it is certainly very creditable, and +promises more, I fear, than the untoward circumstances of his +after life would permit him to perform."--_Paine's Works_, Ed. +1812, pp. xxvii., 439. + +It was always customary, near the close of the last century, for +those who bore the honors of Class Day, to treat their friends +according to the style of the time, and there was scarcely a +graduate who did not provide an entertainment of such sort as he +could afford. An account of the exercises of the day at this +period may not be uninteresting. It is from the Diary which is +above referred to. + +"20th (Thursday). This day for special reasons the valedictory +poem and oration were performed. The order of the day was this. At +ten, the class walked in procession to the President's, and +escorted him, the Professors, and Tutors, to the Chapel, preceded +by the band playing solemn music. + +"The President began with a short prayer. He then read a chapter +in the Bible; after this he prayed again; Cutler then delivered +his poem. Then the singing club, accompanied by the band, +performed Williams's _Friendship_. This was succeeded by a +valedictory Latin Oration by Jackson. We then formed, and waited +on the government to the President's, where we were very +respectably treated with wine, &c. + +"We then marched in procession to Jackson's room, where we drank +punch. At one we went to Mr. Moore's tavern and partook of an +elegant entertainment, which cost 6/4 a piece. Marching then to +Cutler's room, we shook hands, and parted with expressing the +sincerest tokens of friendship." June, 1793. + +The incidents of Class Day, five years subsequent to the last +date, are detailed by Professor Sidney Willard, and may not be +omitted in this connection. + +"On the 21st of June, 1798, the day of the dismission of the +Senior Class from all academic exercises, the class met in the +College chapel to attend the accustomed ceremonies of the +occasion, and afterwards to enjoy the usual festivities of the +day, since called, for the sake of a name, and for brevity's sake, +Class Day. There had been a want of perfect harmony in the +previous proceedings, which in some degree marred the social +enjoyments of the day; but with the day all dissension closed, +awaiting the dawn of another day, the harbinger of the brighter +recollections of four years spent in pleasant and peaceful +intercourse. There lingered no lasting alienations of feeling. +Whatever were the occasions of the discontent, it soon expired, +was buried in the darkest recesses of discarded memories, and +there lay lost and forgotten. + +"After the exercises of the chapel, and visiting the President, +Professors, and Tutors at the President's house, according to the +custom still existing, we marched in procession round the College +halls, to another hall in Porter's tavern, (which some dozen or +fifteen of the oldest living graduates may perhaps remember as +Bradish's tavern, of ancient celebrity,) where we dined. After +dining, we assembled at the Liberty Tree, (according to another +custom still existing,) and in due time, having taken leave of +each other, we departed, some of us to our family homes, and +others to their rooms to make preparations for their +departure."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. pp. 1, 3. + +Referring to the same event, he observes in another place: "In +speaking of the leave-taking of the College by my class, on the +21st of June, 1798,--Class Day, as it is now called,--I +inadvertently forgot to mention, that according to custom, at that +period, [Samuel P.P.] Fay delivered a Latin Valedictory Oration in +the Chapel, in the presence of the Immediate Government, and of +the students of other classes who chose to be present. Speaking to +him on the subject some time since, he told me that he believed +[Judge Joseph] Story delivered a Poem on the same occasion.... +There was no poetical performance in the celebration of the day in +the class before ours, on the same occasion; Dr. John C. Warren's +Latin oration being the only performance, and his class counting +as many reputed poets as ours did."--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 320. + +Alterations were continually made in the observances of Class Day, +and in twenty years after the period last mentioned, its character +had in many particulars changed. Instead of the Latin, an English +oration of a somewhat sportive nature had been introduced; the +Poem was either serious or comic, at the writer's option; usually, +however, the former. After the exercises in the Chapel, the class +commonly repaired to Porter's Hall, and there partook of a dinner, +not always observing with perfect strictness the rules of +temperance either in eating or drinking. This "cenobitical +symposium" concluded, they again returned to the college yard, +where, scattered in groups under the trees, the rest of the day +was spent in singing, smoking, and drinking, or pretending to +drink, punch; for the negroes who supplied it in pails usually +contrived to take two or more glasses to every one glass that was +drank by those for whom it was provided. The dance around the +Liberty Tree, + "Each hand in comrade's hand," +closed the regular ceremonies of the day; but generally the +greater part of the succeeding night was spent in feasting and +hilarity. + +The punch-drinking in the yard increased to such an extent, that +it was considered by the government of the college as a matter +which demanded their interference; and in the year 1842, on one of +these occasions, an instructor having joined with the students in +their revellings in the yard, the Faculty proposed that, instead +of spending the afternoon in this manner, dancing should be +introduced, which was accordingly done, with the approbation of +both parties. + +The observances of the day, which in a small way may be considered +as a rival of Commencement, are at present as follows. The Orator, +Poet, Odist, Chaplain, and Marshals having been previously chosen, +on the morning of Class Day the Seniors assemble in the yard, and, +preceded by the band, walk in procession to one of the halls of +the College, where a prayer is offered by the Class Chaplain. They +then proceed to the President's house, and escort him to the +Chapel where the following order is observed. A prayer by one of +the College officers is succeeded by the Oration, in which the +transactions of the class from their entrance into College to the +present time are reviewed with witty and appropriate remarks. The +Poem is then pronounced, followed by the Ode, which is sung by the +whole class to the tune of "Fair Harvard." Music is performed at +intervals by the band. The class then withdraw to Harvard Hall, +accompanied by their friends and invited guests, where a rich +collation is provided. + +After an interval of from one to two hours, the dancing commences +in the yard. Cotillons and the easier dances are here performed, +but the sport closes in the hall with the Polka and other +fashionable steps. The Seniors again form, and make the circuit of +the yard, cheering the buildings, great and small. They then +assemble under the Liberty Tree, around which with hands joined +they run and dance, after singing the student's adopted song, +"Auld Lang Syne." At parting, each member takes a sprig or a +flower from the beautiful "Wreath" which surrounds the "farewell +tree," which is sacredly treasured as a last memento of college +scenes and enjoyments. Thus close the exercises of the day, after +which the class separate until Commencement. + +The more marked events in the observance of Class Day have been +graphically described by Grace Greenwood, in the accompanying +paragraphs. + +"The exercises on this occasion were to me most novel and +interesting. The graduating class of 1848 are a fine-looking set +of young men certainly, and seem to promise that their country +shall yet be greater and better for the manly energies, the talent +and learning, with which they are just entering upon life. + +"The spectators were assembled in the College Chapel, whither the +class escorted the Faculty, headed by President Everett, in his +Oxford hat and gown. + +"The President is a man of most imperial presence; his figure has +great dignity, and his head is grand in form and expression. But +to me he looks the governor, the foreign minister and the +President, more than the orator or the poet. + +"After a prayer from the Chaplain, we listened to an eloquent +oration from the class orator, Mr. Tiffany, of Baltimore and to a +very elegant and witty poem from the class poet Mr. Clarke, of +Boston. The 'Fair Harvard' having been sung by the class, all +adjourned to the College green, where such as were so disposed +danced to the music of a fine band. From the green we repaired to +Harvard Hall, where an excellent collation was served, succeeded +by dancing. From the hall the students of 1848 marched and cheered +successively every College building, then formed a circle round a +magnificent elm, whose trunk was beautifully garlanded will +flowers, and, with hands joined in a peculiar manner, sung 'Auld +Lang Syne.' The scene was in the highest degree touching and +impressive, so much of the beauty and glory of life was there, so +much of the energy, enthusiasm, and proud unbroken strength of +manhood. With throbbing hearts and glowing lips, linked for a few +moments with strong, fraternal grasps, they stood, with one deep, +common feeling, thrilling like one pulse through all. An +involuntary prayer sprang to my lips, that they might ever prove +true to _Alma Mater_, to one another, to their country, and to +Heaven. + +"As the singing ceased, the students began running swiftly around +the tree, and at the cry, 'Harvard!' a second circle was formed by +the other students, which gave a tumultuous excitement to the +scene. It broke up at last with a perfect storm of cheers, and a +hasty division among the class of the garland which encircled the +elm, each taking a flower in remembrance of the day."--_Greenwood +Leaves_, Ed. 3d, 1851, pp. 350, 351. + +In the poem which was read before the class of 1851, by William C. +Bradley, the comparisons of those about to graduate with the youth +who is attaining to his majority, and with the traveller who has +stopped a little for rest and refreshment, are so genial and +suggestive, that their insertion in this connection will not be +deemed out of place. + + "'T is a good custom, long maintained, + When the young heir has manhood gained, + To solemnize the welcome date, + Accession to the man's estate, + With open house and rousing game, + And friends to wish him joy and fame: + So Harvard, following thus the ways + Of careful sires of older days, + Directs her children till they grow + The strength of ripened years to know, + And bids their friends and kindred, then, + To come and hail her striplings--men. + + "And as, about the table set, + Or on the shady grass-plat met, + They give the youngster leave to speak + Of vacant sport, and boyish freak, + So now would we (such tales have power + At noon-tide to abridge the hour) + Turn to the past, and mourn or praise + The joys and pains of boyhood's days. + + "Like travellers with their hearts intent + Upon a distant journey bent, + We rest upon the earliest stage + Of life's laborious pilgrimage; + But like the band of pilgrims gay + (Whom Chaucer sings) at close of day, + That turned with mirth, and cheerful din, + To pass their evening at the inn, + Hot from the ride and dusty, we, + But yet untired and stout and free, + And like the travellers by the door, + Sit down and talk the journey o'er." + +As a specimen of the character of the Ode which is always sung on +Class Day to the tune "Fair Harvard,"--which is the name by which +the melody "Believe me, if all those endearing young charms" has +been adopted at Cambridge,--that which was written by Joshua +Danforth Robinson for the class of 1851 is here inserted. + + "The days of thy tenderly nurture are done, + We call for the lance and the shield; + There's a battle to fight and a crown to be won, + And onward we press to the field! + But yet, Alma Mater, before we depart, + Shall the song of our farewell be sung, + And the grasp of the hand shall express for the heart + Emotions too deep for the tongue. + + "This group of thy sons, Alma Mater, no more + May gladden thine ear with their song, + For soon we shall stand upon Time's crowded shore, + And mix in humanity's throng. + O, glad be the voices that ring through thy halls + When the echo of ours shall have flown, + And the footsteps that sound when no longer thy walls + Shall answer the tread of our own! + + "Alas! our dear Mother, we see on thy face + A shadow of sorrow to-day; + For while we are clasped in thy farewell embrace, + And pass from thy bosom away, + To part with the living, we know, must recall + The lost whom thy love still embalms, + That one sigh must escape and one tear-drop must fall + For the children that died in thy arms. + + "But the flowers of affection, bedewed by the tears + In the twilight of Memory distilled, + And sunned by the love of our earlier years, + When the soul with their beauty was thrilled, + Untouched by the frost of life's winter, shall blow, + And breathe the same odor they gave + When the vision of youth was entranced by their glow, + Till, fadeless, they bloom o'er the grave." + +A most genial account of the exercises of the Class Day of the +graduates of the year 1854 may be found in Harper's Magazine, Vol. +IX. pp. 554, 555. + + +CLASSIC. One learned in classical literature; a student of the +ancient Greek and Roman authors of the first rank. + +These men, averaging about twenty-three years of age, the best +_Classics_ and Mathematicians of their years, were reading for +Fellowships.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +35. + +A quiet Scotchman irreproachable as a _classic_ and a +whist-player.--_Ibid._, p. 57. + +The mathematical examination was very difficult, and made great +havoc among the _classics_.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + + +CLASSIC SHADES. A poetical appellation given to colleges and +universities. + + He prepares for his departure,--but he must, ere he repair + To the "_classic shades_," et cetera,--visit his "ladye fayre." + _Poem before Iadma_, Harv. Coll., 1850. + +I exchanged the farm-house of my father for the "_classic shades_" +of Union.--_The Parthenon_, Union Coll., 1851, p. 18. + + +CLASSIS. Same meaning as Class. The Latin for the English. + +[They shall] observe the generall hours appointed for all the +students, and the speciall houres for their own _classis_.--_New +England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 243. + + +CLASS LIST. In the University of Oxford, a list in which are +entered the names of those who are examined for their degrees, +according to their rate of merit. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the names of those who are +examined at stated periods are placed alphabetically in the class +lists, but the first eight or ten individual places are generally +known. + +There are some men who read for honors in that covetous and +contracted spirit, and so bent upon securing the name of +scholarship, even at the sacrifice of the reality, that, for the +pleasure of reading their names at the top of the _class list_, +they would make the examiners a present of all their Latin and +Greek the moment they left the schools.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. +327. + + +CLASSMAN. See CLASS. + + +CLASS MARSHAL. In many colleges in the United States, a _class +marshal_ is chosen by the Senior Class from their own number, for +the purpose of regulating the procession on the day of +Commencement, and, as at Harvard College, on Class Day also. + +"At Union College," writes a correspondent, "the class marshal is +elected by the Senior Class during the third term. He attends to +the order of the procession on Commencement Day, and walks into +the church by the side of the President. He chooses several +assistants, who attend to the accommodation of the audience. He is +chosen from among the best-looking and most popular men of the +class, and the honor of his office is considered next to that of +the Vice-President of the Senate for the third term." + + +CLASSMATE. A member of the same class with another. + +The day is wound up with a scene of careless laughter and +merriment, among a dozen of joke-loving _classmates_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 202. + + +CLASS MEETING. A meeting where all the class are assembled for the +purpose of carrying out some measure, appointing class officers, +or transacting business of interest to the whole class. + +In Harvard College, no class, or general, or other meeting of +students can be called without an application in writing of three +students, and no more, expressing the purpose of such meeting, nor +otherwise than by a printed notice, signed by the President, +expressing the time, the object, and place of such meeting, and +the three students applying for such meeting are held responsible +for any proceedings at it contrary to the laws of the +College.--_Laws Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, Appendix. + +Similar regulations are in force at all other American colleges. +At Union College the statute on this subject was formerly in these +words: "No class meetings shall be held without special license +from the President; and for such purposes only as shall be +expressed in the license; nor shall any class meeting be continued +by adjournment or otherwise, without permission; and all class +meetings held without license shall be considered as unlawful +combinations, and punished accordingly."--_Laws Union Coll._, +1807, pp. 37, 38. + + While one, on fame alone intent, + Seek to be chosen President + Of clubs, or a _class meeting_. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 247. + + +CLASSOLOGY. That science which treats of the members of the +classes of a college. This word is used in the title of a pleasant +_jeu d'esprit_ by Mr. William Biglow, on the class which graduated +at Harvard College in 1792. It is called, "_Classology_: an +Anacreontic Ode, in Imitation of 'Heathen Mythology.'" + +See under HIGH GO. + + +CLASS SECRETARY. For an account of this officer, see under CLASS +BOOK. + + +CLASS SUPPER. In American colleges, a supper attended only by the +members of a collegiate class. Class suppers are given in some +colleges at the close of each year; in others, only at the close +of the Sophomore and Senior years, or at one of these periods. + + +CLASS TREES. At Bowdoin College, "immediately after the annual +examination of each class," says a correspondent, "the members +that compose it are accustomed to form a ring round a tree, and +then, not dance, but run around it. So quickly do they revolve, +that every individual runner has a tendency 'to go off in a +tangent,' which it is difficult to resist for any length of time. +The three lower classes have a tree by themselves in front of +Massachusetts Hall. The Seniors have one of their own in front of +King Chapel." + +For an account of a similar and much older custom, prevalent at +Harvard College, see under CLASS DAY and LIBERTY TREE. + + +CLIMBING. In reference to this word, a correspondent from +Dartmouth College writes: "At the commencement of this century, +the Greek, Latin, and Philosophical Orations were assigned by the +Faculty to the best scholars, while the Valedictorian was chosen +from the remainder by his classmates. It was customary for each +one of these four to treat his classmates, which was called +'_Climbing_,' from the effect which the liquor would have in +elevating the class to an equality with the first scholars." + + +CLIOSOPHIC. A word compounded from _Clio_, the Muse who presided +over history, and [Greek: sophos], intelligent. At Yale College, +this word was formerly used to designate an oration on the arts +and sciences, which was delivered annually at the examination in +July. + +Having finished his academic course, by the appointment of the +President he delivered the _cliosophic_ oration in the College +Hall.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 13. + + +COACH. In the English universities, this term is variously +applied, as will be seen by a reference to the annexed examples. +It is generally used to designate a private tutor. + +Everything is (or used to be) called a "_coach_" at Oxford: a +lecture-class, or a club of men meeting to take wine, luncheon, or +breakfast alternately, were severally called a "wine, luncheon, or +breakfast _coach_"; so a private tutor was called a "private +_coach_"; and one, like Hilton of Worcester, very famed for +getting his men safe through, was termed "a Patent Safety."--_The +Collegian's Guide_, p. 103. + +It is to his private tutors, or "_coaches_," that he looks for +instruction.--_Household Words_, Vol. II. p. 160. + +He applies to Mr. Crammer. Mr. Crammer is a celebrated "_coach_" +for lazy and stupid men, and has a system of his own which has met +with decided success.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 162. + + +COACH. To prepare a student to pass an examination; to make use of +the aid of a private tutor. + +He is putting on all steam, and "_coaching_" violently for the +Classical Tripos.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d. p. 10. + +It is not every man who can get a Travis to _coach_ him.--_Ibid._, +p. 69. + + +COACHING. A cant term, in the British universities, for preparing +a student, by the assistance of a private tutor, to pass an +examination. + +Whether a man shall throw away every opportunity which a +university is so eminently calculated to afford, and come away +with a mere testamur gained rather by the trickery of private +_coaching_ (tutoring) than by mental improvement, depends, +&c.--_The Collegian's Guide_, p. 15. + + +COAX. This word was formerly used at Yale College in the same +sense as the word _fish_ at Harvard, viz. to seek or gain the +favor of a teacher by flattery. One of the Proverbs of Solomon was +often changed by the students to read as follows: "Surely the +churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the +nose bringeth forth blood; so the _coaxing_ of tutors bringeth +forth parts."--_Prov._ xxx. 33. + + +COCHLEAUREATUS, _pl._ COCHLEAUREATI. Latin, _cochlear_, a spoon, +and _laureatus_, laurelled. A free translation would be, _one +honored with a spoon_. + +At Yale College, the wooden spoon is given to the one whose name +comes last on the list of appointees for the Junior Exhibition. +The recipient of this honor is designated _cochleaureatus_. + + Now give in honor of the spoon + Three cheers, long, loud, and hearty, + And three for every honored June + In _coch-le-au-re-a-ti_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 37. + +See WOODEN SPOON. + + +COFFIN. At the University of Vermont, a boot, especially a large +one. A companion to the word HUMMEL, q.v. + + +COLLAR. At Yale College, "to come up with; to seize; to lay hold +on; to appropriate."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. 144. + +By that means the oration marks will be effectually _collared_, +with scarce an effort.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + + +COLLECTION. In the University of Oxford, a college examination, +which takes place at the end of every term before the Warden and +Tutor. + +Read some Herodotus for _Collections_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +348. + +The College examinations, called _collections_, are strictly +private.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 139. + + +COLLECTOR. A Bachelor of Arts in the University of Oxford, who is +appointed to superintend some scholastic proceedings in +Lent.--_Todd_. + +The Collectors, who are two in number, Bachelors of Arts, are +appointed to collect the names of _determining_ bachelors, during +Lent. Their office begins and ends with that season.--_Guide to +Oxford_. + + +COLLECTORSHIP. The office of a _collector_ in the University of +Oxford.--_Todd_. + +This Lent the _collectors_ ceased from entertaining the Bachelors +by advice and command of the proctors; so that now they got by +their _collectorships_, whereas before they spent about 100_l._, +besides their gains, on clothes or needless entertainments.--_Life +of A. Wood_, p. 286. + + +COLLEGE. Latin, _collegium_; _con_ and _lego_, to gather. In its +primary sense, a collection or assembly; hence, in a general +sense, a collection, assemblage, or society of men, invested with +certain powers and rights, performing certain duties, or engaged +in some common employment or pursuit. + +1. An establishment or edifice appropriated to the use of students +who are acquiring the languages and sciences. + +2. The society of persons engaged in the pursuits of literature, +including the officers and students. Societies of this kind are +incorporated, and endowed with revenues. + +"A college, in the modern sense of that word, was an institution +which arose within a university, probably within that of Paris or +of Oxford first, being intended either as a kind of +boarding-school, or for the support of scholars destitute of +means, who were here to live under particular supervision. By +degrees it became more and more the custom that teachers should be +attached to these establishments. And as they grew in favor, they +were resorted to by persons of means, who paid for their board; +and this to such a degree, that at one time the colleges included +nearly all the members of the University of Paris. In the English +universities the colleges may have been first established by a +master who gathered pupils around him, for whose board and +instruction he provided. He exercised them perhaps in logic and +the other liberal arts, and repeated the university lectures, as +well as superintended their morals. As his scholars grew in +number, he associated with himself other teachers, who thus +acquired the name of _fellows_. Thus it naturally happened that +the government of colleges, even of those which were founded by +the benevolence of pious persons, was in the hands of a principal +called by various names, such as rector, president, provost, or +master, and of fellows, all of whom were resident within the walls +of the same edifices where the students lived. Where charitable +munificence went so far as to provide for the support of a greater +number of fellows than were needed, some of them were intrusted, +as tutors, with the instruction of the undergraduates, while +others performed various services within their college, or passed +a life of learned leisure."--_Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, New +Haven, Aug. 14, 1850, p. 8. + +3. In _foreign universities_, a public lecture.--_Webster_. + + +COLLEGE BIBLE. The laws of a college are sometimes significantly +called _the College Bible_. + + He cons _the College Bible_ with eager, longing eyes, + And wonders how poor students at six o'clock can rise. + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + +COLLEGER. A member of a college. + +We stood like veteran _Collegers_ the next day's +screw.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 9. [_Little used_.] + +2. The name by which a member of a certain class of the pupils of +Eton is known. "The _Collegers_ are educated gratuitously, and +such of them as have nearly but not quite reached the age of +nineteen, when a vacancy in King's College, Cambridge, occurs, are +elected scholars there forthwith and provided for during life--or +until marriage."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +pp. 262, 263. + +They have nothing in lieu of our seventy _Collegers_.--_Ibid._, p. +270. + +The whole number of scholars or "_Collegers_" at Eton is seventy. +--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +COLLEGE YARD. The enclosure on or within which the buildings of a +college are situated. Although college enclosures are usually open +for others to pass through than those connected with the college, +yet by law the grounds are as private as those connected with +private dwellings, and are kept so, by refusing entrance, for a +certain period, to all who are not members of the college, at +least once in twenty years, although the time differs in different +States. + + But when they got to _College yard_, + With one accord they all huzza'd.--_Rebelliad_, p. 33. + + Not ye, whom science never taught to roam + Far as a _College yard_ or student's home. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 232. + + +COLLEGIAN. A member of a college, particularly of a literary +institution so called; an inhabitant of a college.--_Johnson_. + + +COLLEGIATE. Pertaining to a college; as, _collegiate_ studies. + +2. Containing a college; instituted after the manner of a college; +as, a _collegiate_ society.--_Johnson_. + + +COLLEGIATE. A member of a college. + + +COMBINATION. An agreement, for effecting some object by joint +operation; in _an ill sense_, when the purpose is illegal or +iniquitous. An agreement entered into by students to resist or +disobey the Faculty of the College, or to do any unlawful act, is +a _combination_. When the number concerned is so great as to +render it inexpedient to punish all, those most culpable are +usually selected, or as many as are deemed necessary to satisfy +the demands of justice.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 27. _Laws +Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 23. + + +COMBINATION ROOM. In the University of Cambridge Eng., a room into +which the fellows, and others in authority withdraw after dinner, +for wine, dessert, and conversation.--_Webster_. + +In popular phrase, the word _room_ is omitted. + +"There will be some quiet Bachelors there, I suppose," thought I, +"and a Junior Fellow or two, some of those I have met in +_combination_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 52. + + +COMITAT. In the German universities, a procession formed to +accompany a departing fellow-student with public honor out of the +city.--_Howitt_. + + +COMMEMORATION DAY. At the University of Oxford, Eng., this day is +an annual solemnity in honor of the benefactors of the University, +when orations are delivered, and prize compositions are read in +the theatre. It is the great day of festivity for the +year.--_Huber_. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., there is always a sermon on +this day. The lesson which is read in the course of the service is +from Ecclus. xliv.: "Let us now praise famous men," &c. It is "a +day," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "devoted to prayers, and +good living." It was formerly called _Anniversary Day_. + + +COMMENCE. To take a degree, or the first degree, in a university +or college.--_Bailey_. + +Nine Bachelors _commenced_ at Cambridge; they were young men of +good hope, and performed their acts so as to give good proof of +their proficiency in the tongues and arts.--_Winthrop's Journal, +by Mr. Savage_, Vol. II. p. 87. + +Four Senior Sophisters came from Saybrook, and received the Degree +of Bachelor of Arts, and several others _commenced_ +Masters.--_Clap's Hist. Yale Coll._, p. 20. + + A scholar see him now _commence_, + Without the aid of books or sense. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, 1794, p. 12. + +Charles Chauncy ... was afterwards, when qualified, sent to the +University of Cambridge, where he _commenced_ Bachelor of +Divinity.--_Hist. Sketch of First Ch. in Boston_, 1812, p. 211. + + +COMMENCEMENT. The time when students in colleges _commence_ +Bachelors; a day in which degrees are publicly conferred in the +English and American universities.--_Webster_. + +At Harvard College, in its earliest days, Commencements were +attended, as at present, by the highest officers in the State. At +the first Commencement, on the second Tuesday of August, 1642, we +are told that "the Governour, Magistrates, and the Ministers, from +all parts, with all sorts of schollars, and others in great +numbers, were present."--_New England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. +Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 246. + +In the MS. Diary of Judge Sewall, under date of July 1, 1685, +Commencement Day, is this remark: "Gov'r there, whom I accompanied +to Charlestown"; and again, under date of July 2, 1690, is the +following entry respecting the Commencement of that year: "Go to +Cambridge by water in ye Barge wherein the Gov'r, Maj. Gen'l, +Capt. Blackwell, and others." In the Private Journal of Cotton +Mather, under the dates of 1708 and 1717, there are notices of the +Boston troops waiting on the Governor to Cambridge on Commencement +Day. During the presidency of Wadsworth, which continued from 1725 +to 1737, "it was the custom," says Quincy, "on Commencement Day, +for the Governor of the Province to come from Boston through +Roxbury, often by the way of Watertown, attended by his body +guards, and to arrive at the College about ten or eleven o'clock +in the morning. A procession was then formed of the Corporation, +Overseers, magistrates, ministers, and invited gentlemen, and +immediately moved from Harvard Hall to the Congregational church." +After the exercises of the day were over, the students escorted +the Governor, Corporation, and Overseers, in procession, to the +President's house. This description would answer very well for the +present day, by adding the graduating class to the procession, and +substituting the Boston Lancers as an escort, instead of the "body +guards." + +The exercises of the first Commencement are stated in New +England's First Fruits, above referred to, as follows:--"Latine +and Greeke Orations, and Declamations, and Hebrew Analysis, +Grammaticall, Logicall, and Rhetoricall of the Psalms: And their +answers and disputations in Logicall, Ethicall, Physicall, and +Metaphysicall questions." At Commencement in 1685, the exercises +were, besides Disputes, four Orations, one Latin, two Greek, and +one Hebrew In the presidency of Wadsworth, above referred to, "the +exercises of the day," says Quincy, "began with a short prayer by +the President; a salutatory oration in Latin, by one of the +graduating class, succeeded; then disputations on theses or +questions in Logic, Ethics, and Natural Philosophy commenced. When +the disputation terminated, one of the candidates pronounced a +Latin 'gratulatory oration.' The graduating class were then +called, and, after asking leave of the Governor and Overseers, the +President conferred the Bachelor's degree, by delivering a book to +the candidates (who came forward successively in parties of four), +and pronouncing a form of words in Latin. An adjournment then took +place to dinner, in Harvard Hall; thence the procession returned +to the church, and, after the Masters' disputations, usually three +in number, were finished, their degrees were conferred, with the +same general forms as those of the Bachelors. An occasional +address was then made by the President. A Latin valedictory +oration by one of the Masters succeeded, and the exercises +concluded with a prayer by the President." + +Similar to this is the account given by the Hon. Paine Wingate, a +graduate of the class of 1759, of the exercises of Commencement as +conducted while he was in College. "I do not recollect now," he +says, "any part of the public exercises on Commencement Day to be +in English, excepting the President's prayers at opening and +closing the services. Next after the prayer followed the +Salutatory Oration in Latin, by one of the candidates for the +first degree. This office was assigned by the President, and was +supposed to be given to him who was the best orator in the class. +Then followed a Syllogistic Disputation in Latin, in which four or +five or more of those who were distinguished as good scholars in +the class were appointed by the President as Respondents, to whom +were assigned certain questions, which the Respondents maintained, +and the rest of the class severally opposed, and endeavored to +invalidate. This was conducted wholly in Latin, and in the form of +Syllogisms and Theses. At the close of the Disputation, the +President usually added some remarks in Latin. After these +exercises the President conferred the degrees. This, I think, may +be considered as the summary of the public performances on a +Commencement Day. I do not recollect any Forensic Disputation, or +a Poem or Oration spoken in English, whilst I was in +College."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, pp. 307, 308. + +As far back as the year 1685, it was customary for the President +to deliver an address near the close of the exercises. Under this +date, in the MS. Diary of Judge Sewall, are these words: "Mr. +President after giving ye Degrees made an Oration in Praise of +Academical Studies and Degrees, Hebrew tongue." In 1688, at the +Commencement, according to the same gentleman, Mr. William +Hubbard, then acting as President under the appointment of Sir +Edmund Andros, "made an oration." + +The disputations were always in Latin, and continued to be a part +of the exercises of Commencement until the year 1820. The orations +were in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and sometimes French; in 1818 a +Spanish oration was delivered at the Commencement for that year by +Mr. George Osborne. The first English oration was made by Mr. +Jedidiah Huntington, in the year 1763, and the first English poem +by Mr. John Davis, in 1781. The last Latin syllogisms were in +1792, on the subjects, "Materia cogitare non potest," and "Nil +nisi ignis naturâ est fluidum." The first year in which the +performers spoke without a prompter was 1837. There were no +Master's exercises for the first time in 1844. To prevent +improprieties, in the year 1760, "the duty of inspecting the +performances on the day," says Quincy, "and expunging all +exceptionable parts, was assigned to the President; on whom it was +particularly enjoined 'to put an end to the practice of addressing +the female sex.'" At a later period, in 1792, by referring to the +"Order of the Exercises of Commencement," we find that in the +concluding oration "honorable notice is taken, from year to year, +of those who have been the principal Benefactors of the +University." The practice is now discontinued. + +At the first Commencement, all the magistrates, elders, and +invited guests who were present "dined," says Winthrop in his +Journal, Vol. II. pp. 87, 88, "at the College with the scholars' +ordinary commons, which was done on purpose for the students' +encouragement, &c., and it gave good content to all." After +dinner, a Psalm was usually sung. In 1685, at Commencement, Sewall +says: "After dinner ye 3d part of ye 103d Ps. was sung in ye +Hall." The seventy-eighth Psalm was the one usually sung, an +account of which will be found under that title. The Senior Class +usually waited on the table on Commencement Day. After dinner, +they were allowed to take what provisions were left, and eat them +at their rooms, or in the hall. This custom was not discontinued +until the year 1812. + +In 1754, owing to the expensive habits worn on Commencement Day, a +law was passed, ordering that on that day "every candidate for his +degree appear in black, or dark blue, or gray clothes; and that no +one wear any silk night-gowns; and that any candidate, who shall +appear dressed contrary to such regulations, may not expect his +degree." At present, on Commencement Day, every candidate for a +first degree wears, according to the law, "a black dress and the +usual black gown." + +It was formerly customary, on this day, for the students to +provide entertainment in their rooms. But great care was taken, as +far as statutory enactments were concerned, that all excess should +be avoided. During the presidency of Increase Mather was developed +among the students a singular phase of gastronomy, which was +noticed by the Corporation in their records, under the date of +June 22, 1693, in these words: "The Corporation, having been +informed that the custom taken up in the College, not used in any +other Universities, for the commencers [graduating class] to have +plumb-cake, is dishonorable to the College, not grateful to wise +men, and chargeable to the parents of the commencers, do therefore +put an end to that custom, and do hereby order that no commencer, +or other scholar, shall have any such cakes in their studies or +chambers; and that, if any scholar shall offend therein, the cakes +shall be taken from him, and he shall moreover pay to the College +twenty shillings for each such offence." This stringent regulation +was, no doubt, all-sufficient for many years; but in the lapse of +time the taste for the forbidden delicacy, which was probably +concocted with a skill unknown to the moderns, was again revived, +accompanied with confessions to a fondness for several kinds of +expensive preparations, the recipes for which preparations, it is +to be feared, are inevitably lost. In 1722, in the latter part of +President Leverett's administration, an act was passed "for +reforming the Extravagancys of Commencements," and providing "that +henceforth no preparation nor provision of either Plumb Cake, or +Roasted, Boyled, or Baked Meates or Pyes of any kind shal be made +by any Commencer," and that no "such have any distilled Lyquours +in his Chamber or any composition therewith," under penalty of +being "punished twenty shillings, to be paid to the use of the +College," and of forfeiture of the provisions and liquors, "_to be +seized by the tutors_." The President and Corporation were +accustomed to visit the rooms of the Commencers, "to see if the +laws prohibiting certain meats and drinks were not violated." +These restrictions not being sufficient, a vote passed the +Corporation in 1727, declaring, that "if any, who now doe, or +hereafter shall, stand for their degrees, presume to doe any thing +contrary to the act of 11th June, 1722, or _go about to evade it +by plain cake_, they shall not be admitted to their degree, and if +any, after they have received their degree, shall presume to make +any forbidden provisions, their names shall be left or rased out +of the Catalogue of the Graduates." + +In 1749, the Corporation strongly recommended to the parents and +guardians of such as were to take degrees that year, "considering +the awful judgments of God upon the land," to "retrench +Commencement expenses, so as may best correspond with the frowns +of Divine Providence, and that they take effectual care to have +their sons' chambers cleared of company, and their entertainments +finished, on the evening of said Commencement Day, or, at +furthest, by next morning." In 1755, attempts were made to prevent +those "who proceeded Bachelors of Arts from having entertainments +of any kind, either in the College or any house in Cambridge, +after the Commencement Day." This and several other propositions +of the Overseers failing to meet with the approbation of the +Corporation, a vote finally passed both boards in 1757, by which +it was ordered, that, on account of the "distressing drought upon +the land," and "in consideration of the dark state of Providence +with respect to the war we are engaged in, which Providences call +for humiliation and fasting rather than festival entertainments," +the "first and second degrees be given to the several candidates +without their personal attendance"; a general diploma was +accordingly given, and Commencement was omitted for that year. +Three years after, "all unnecessary expenses were forbidden," and +also "dancing in any part of Commencement week, in the Hall, or in +any College building; nor was any undergraduate allowed to give +any entertainment, after dinner, on Thursday of that week, under +severe penalties." But the laws were not always so strict, for we +find that, on account of a proposition made by the Overseers to +the Corporation in 1759, recommending a "repeal of the law +prohibiting the drinking of _punch_," the latter board voted, that +"it shall be no offence if any scholar shall, at Commencement, +make and entertain guests at his chamber with _punch_," which they +afterwards declare, "as it is now usually made, is no intoxicating +liquor." + +To prevent the disturbances incident to the day, an attempt was +made in 1727 to have the "Commencements for time to come more +private than has been usual," and for several years after, the +time of Commencement was concealed; "only a short notice," says +Quincy, "being given to the public of the day on which it was to +be held." Friday was the day agreed on, for the reason, says +President Wadsworth in his Diary, "that there might be a less +remaining time of the week spent in frolicking." This was very ill +received by the people of Boston and the vicinity, to whom +Commencement was a season of hilarity and festivity; the ministers +were also dissatisfied, not knowing the day in some cases, and in +others being subjected to great inconvenience on account of their +living at a distance from Cambridge. The practice was accordingly +abandoned in 1736, and Commencement, as formerly, was held on +Wednesday, to general satisfaction. In 1749, "three gentlemen," +says Quincy, "who had sons about to be graduated, offered to give +the College a thousand pounds old tenor, provided 'a trial was +made of Commencements this year, in a more private manner.'" The +proposition, after much debate, was rejected, and "public +Commencements were continued without interruption, except during +the period of the Revolutionary war, and occasionally, from +temporary causes, during the remainder of the century, +notwithstanding their evils, anomalies, and inconsistencies."[05] + +The following poetical account of Commencement at Harvard College +is supposed to have been written by Dr. Mather Byles, in the year +1742 or thereabouts. Of its merits, this is no place to speak. As +a picture of the times it is valuable, and for this reason, and to +show the high rank which Commencement Day formerly held among +other days, it is here presented. + + "COMMENCEMENT. + + "I sing the day, bright with peculiar charms, + Whose rising radiance ev'ry bosom warms; + The day when _Cambridge_ empties all the towns, + And youths commencing, take their laurel crowns: + When smiling joys, and gay delights appear, + And shine distinguish'd, in the rolling year. + + "While the glad theme I labour to rehearse, + In flowing numbers, and melodious verse, + Descend, immortal nine, my soul inspire, + Amid my bosom lavish all your fire, + While smiling _Phoebus_, owns the heavenly layes + And shades the poet with surrounding bayes. + But chief ye blooming nymphs of heavenly frame, + Who make the day with double glory flame, + In whose fair persons, art and nature vie, + On the young muse cast an auspicious eye: + Secure of fame, then shall the goddess sing, + And rise triumphant with a tow'ring wing, + Her tuneful notes wide-spreading all around, + The hills shall echo, and the vales resound. + + "Soon as the morn in crimson robes array'd + With chearful beams dispels the flying shade, + While fragrant odours waft the air along, + And birds melodious chant their heavenly song, + And all the waste of heav'n with glory spread, + Wakes up the world, in sleep's embraces dead. + Then those whose dreams were on th' approaching day, + Prepare in splendid garbs to make their way + To that admired solemnity, whose date, + Tho' late begun, will last as long as fate. + And now the sprightly Fair approach the glass + To heighten every feature of the face. + They view the roses flush their glowing cheeks, + The snowy lillies towering round their necks, + Their rustling manteaus huddled on in haste, + They clasp with shining girdles round their waist. + Nor less the speed and care of every beau, + To shine in dress and swell the solemn show. + Thus clad, in careless order mixed by chance, + In haste they both along the streets advance: + 'Till near the brink of _Charles's_ beauteous stream, + They stop, and think the lingering boat to blame. + Soon as the empty skiff salutes the shore, + In with impetuous haste they clustering pour, + The men the head, the stern the ladies grace, + And neighing horses fill the middle space. + Sunk deep, the boat floats slow the waves along, + And scarce contains the thickly crowded throng; + A gen'ral horror seizes on the fair, + While white-look'd cowards only not despair. + 'Till rowed with care they reach th' opposing side, + Leap on the shore, and leave the threat'ning tide. + While to receive the pay the boatman stands, + And chinking pennys jingle in his hands. + Eager the sparks assault the waiting cars, + Fops meet with fops, and clash in civil wars. + Off fly the wigs, as mount their kicking heels, + The rudely bouncing head with anguish swells, + A crimson torrent gushes from the nose, + Adown the cheeks, and wanders o'er the cloaths. + Taunting, the victor's strait the chariots leap, + While the poor batter'd beau's for madness weep. + + "Now in calashes shine the blooming maids, + Bright'ning the day which blazes o'er their heads; + The seats with nimble steps they swift ascend, + And moving on the crowd, their waste of beauties spend. + So bearing thro' the boundless breadth of heav'n, + The twinkling lamps of light are graceful driv'n; + While on the world they shed their glorious rays, + And set the face of nature in a blaze. + + "Now smoak the burning wheels along the ground, + While rapid hoofs of flying steeds resound, + The drivers by no vulgar flame inspir'd, + But with the sparks of love and glory fir'd, + With furious swiftness sweep along the way, + And from the foremost chariot snatch the day. + So at Olympick games when heros strove, + In rapid cars to gain the goal of love. + If on her fav'rite youth the goddess shone + He left his rival and the winds out-run. + + "And now thy town, _O Cambridge_! strikes the sight + Of the beholders with confus'd delight; + Thy green campaigns wide open to the view, + And buildings where bright youth their fame pursue. + Blest village! on whose plains united glows, + A vast, confus'd magnificence of shows. + Where num'rous crowds of different colours blend, + Thick as the trees which from the hills ascend: + Or as the grass which shoots in verdant spires, + Or stars which dart thro' natures realms their fires. + + "How am I fir'd with a profuse delight, + When round the yard I roll my ravish'd sight! + From the high casements how the ladies show! + And scatter glory on the crowds below. + From sash to sash the lovely lightening plays + And blends their beauties in a radiant blaze. + So when the noon of night the earth invades + And o'er the landskip spreads her silent shades. + In heavens high vault the twinkling stars appear, + And with gay glory's light the gleemy sphere. + From their bright orbs a flame of splendors shows, + And all around th' enlighten'd ether glows. + + "Soon as huge heaps have delug'd all the plains, + Of tawny damsels, mixt with simple swains, + Gay city beau's, grave matrons and coquats, + Bully's and cully's, clergymen and wits. + The thing which first the num'rous crowd employs, + Is by a breakfast to begin their joys. + While wine, which blushes in a crystal glass, + Streams down in floods, and paints their glowing face. + And now the time approaches when the bell, + With dull continuance tolls a solemn knell. + Numbers of blooming youth in black array + Adorn the yard, and gladden all the day. + In two strait lines they instantly divide, + While each beholds his partner on th' opposing side, + Then slow, majestick, walks the learned _head_, + The _senate_ follow with a solemn tread, + Next _Levi's_ tribe in reverend order move, + Whilst the uniting youth the show improve. + They glow in long procession till they come, + Near to the portals of the sacred dome; + Then on a sudden open fly the doors, + The leader enters, then the croud thick pours. + The temple in a moment feels its freight, + And cracks beneath its vast unwieldy weight, + So when the threatning Ocean roars around + A place encompass'd with a lofty mound, + If some weak part admits the raging waves, + It flows resistless, and the city laves; + Till underneath the waters ly the tow'rs, + Which menac'd with their height the heav'nly pow'rs. + + "The work begun with pray'r, with modest pace, + A youth advancing mounts the desk with grace, + To all the audience sweeps a circling bow, + Then from his lips ten thousand graces flow. + The next that comes, a learned thesis reads, + The question states, and then a war succeeds. + Loud major, minor, and the consequence, + Amuse the crowd, wide-gaping at their fence. + Who speaks the loudest is with them the best, + And impudence for learning is confest. + + "The battle o'er, the sable youth descend, + And to the awful chief, their footsteps bend. + With a small book, the laurel wreath he gives + Join'd with a pow'r to use it all their lives. + Obsequious, they return what they receive, + With decent rev'rence, they his presence leave. + Dismiss'd, they strait repeat their back ward way + And with white napkins grace the sumptuous day.[06] + + "Now plates unnumber'd on the tables shine, + And dishes fill'd invite the guests to dine. + The grace perform'd, each as it suits him best, + Divides the sav'ry honours of the feast, + The glasses with bright sparkling wines abound + And flowing bowls repeat the jolly round. + Thanks said, the multitude unite their voice, + In sweetly mingled and melodious noise. + The warbling musick floats along the air, + And softly winds the mazes of the ear; + Ravish'd the crowd promiscuously retires, + And each pursues the pleasure he admires. + + "Behold my muse far distant on the plains, + Amidst a wrestling ring two jolly swains; + Eager for fame, they tug and haul for blood, + One nam'd _Jack Luby_, t' other _Robin Clod_, + Panting they strain, and labouring hard they sweat, + Mix legs, kick shins, tear cloaths, and ply their feet. + Now nimbly trip, now stiffly stand their ground, + And now they twirl, around, around, around; + Till overcome by greater art or strength, + _Jack Luby_ lays along his lubber length. + A fall! a fall! the loud spectators cry, + A fall! a fall! the echoing hills reply. + + "O'er yonder field in wild confusion runs, + A clam'rous troop of _Affric's_ sable sons, + Behind the victors shout, with barbarous roar, + The vanquish'd fly with hideous yells before, + The gloomy squadron thro' the valley speeds + Whilst clatt'ring cudgels rattle o'er their heads. + + "Again to church the learned tribe repair, + Where syllogisms battle in the air, + And then the elder youth their second laurels wear. + Hail! Happy laurels! who our hopes inspire, + And set our ardent wishes all on fire. + By you the pulpit and the bar will shine + In future annals; while the ravish'd nine + Will in your bosom breathe cælestial flames, + And stamp _Eternity_ upon your names. + Accept my infant muse, whose feeble wings + Can scarce sustain her flight, while you she sings. + With candour view my rude unfinish'd praise + And see my _Ivy_ twist around your _bayes_. + So _Phidias_ by immortal _Jove_ inspir'd, + His statue carv'd, by all mankind admir'd. + Nor thus content, by his approving nod, + He cut himself upon the shining god. + That shaded by the umbrage of his name, + Eternal honours might attend his fame." + +In his almanacs, Nathaniel Ames was wont to insert, opposite the +days of Commencement week, remarks which he deemed appropriate to +that period. His notes for the year 1764 were these:-- + +"Much talk and nothing said." + +"The loquacious more talkative than ever, and fine Harangues +preparing." + + "Much Money sunk, + Much Liquor drunk." + +His only note for the year 1765 was this:-- + + "Many Crapulæ to Day + Give the Head-ach to the Gay." + +Commencement Day was generally considered a holiday throughout the +Province, and in the metropolis the shops were usually closed, and +little or no business was done. About ten days before this period, +a body of Indians from Natick--men, women, and pappooses--commonly +made their appearance at Cambridge, and took up their station +around the Episcopal Church, in the cellar of which they were +accustomed to sleep, if the weather was unpleasant. The women sold +baskets and moccasons; the boys gained money by shooting at it, +while the men wandered about and spent the little that was earned +by their squaws in rum and tobacco. Then there would come along a +body of itinerant negro fiddlers, whose scraping never intermitted +during the time of their abode. + +The Common, on Commencement week, was covered with booths, erected +in lines, like streets, intended to accommodate the populace from +Boston and the vicinity with the amusements of a fair. In these +were carried on all sorts of dissipation. Here was a knot of +gamblers, gathered around a wheel of fortune, or watching the +whirl of the ball on a roulette-table. Further along, the jolly +hucksters displayed their tempting wares in the shape of cooling +beverages and palate-tickling confections. There was dancing on +this side, auction-selling on the other; here a pantomimic show, +there a blind man, led by a dog, soliciting alms; organ-grinders +and hurdy-gurdy grinders, bears and monkeys, jugglers and +sword-swallowers, all mingled in inextricable confusion. + +In a neighboring field, a countryman had, perchance, let loose a +fox, which the dogs were worrying to death, while the surrounding +crowd testified their pleasure at the scene by shouts of +approbation. Nor was there any want of the spirituous; pails of +punch, guarded by stout negroes, bore witness to their own subtle +contents, now by the man who lay curled up under the adjoining +hedge, "forgetting and forgot," and again by the drunkard, +reeling, cursing, and fighting among his comrades. + +The following observations from the pen of Professor Sidney +Willard, afford an accurate description of the outward +manifestations of Commencement Day at Harvard College, during the +latter part of the last century. "Commencement Day at that time +was a widely noted day, not only among men and women of all +characters and conditions, but also among boys. It was the great +literary and mob anniversary of Massachusetts, surpassed only in +its celebrities by the great civil and mob anniversary, namely, +the Fourth of July, and the last Wednesday of May, Election day, +so called, the anniversary of the organization of the government +of the State for the civil year. But Commencement, perhaps most of +all, exhibited an incongruous mixture of men and things. Besides +the academic exercises within the sanctuary of learning and +religion, followed by the festivities in the College dining-hall, +and under temporary tents and awnings erected for the +entertainments given to the numerous guests of wealthy parents of +young men who had come out successful competitors for prizes in +the academic race, the large common was decked with tents filled +with various refreshments for the hungry and thirsty multitudes, +and the intermediate spaces crowded with men, women, and boys, +white and black, many of them gambling, drinking, swearing, +dancing, and fighting from morning to midnight. Here and there the +scene was varied by some show of curiosities, or of monkeys or +less common wild animals, and the gambols of mountebanks, who by +their ridiculous tricks drew a greater crowd than the abandoned +group at the gaming-tables, or than the fooleries, distortions, +and mad pranks of the inebriates. If my revered uncle[07] took a +glimpse at these scenes, he did not see there any of our red +brethren, as Mr. Jefferson kindly called them, who formed a +considerable part of the gathering at the time of his graduation, +forty-two years before; but he must have seen exhibitions of +depravity which would disgust the most untutored savage. Near the +close of the last century these outrages began to disappear, and +lessened from year to year, until by public opinion, enforced by +an efficient police, they were many years ago wholly suppressed, +and the vicinity of the College halls has become, as it should be, +a classic ground."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. +251, 252. + +It is to such scenes as these that Mr. William Biglow refers, in +his poem recited before the Phi Beta Kappa Society, in their +dining-hall, August 29th, 1811. + + "All hail, Commencement! when all classes free + Throng learning's fount, from interest, taste, or glee; + When sutlers plain in tents, like Jacob, dwell, + Their goods distribute, and their purses swell; + When tipplers cease on wretchedness to think, + Those born to sell, as well as these to drink; + When every day each merry Andrew clears + More cash than useful men in many years; + When men to business come, or come to rake, + And modest women spurn at Pope's mistake.[08] + + "All hail, Commencement! when all colors join, + To gamble, riot, quarrel, and purloin; + When Afric's sooty sons, a race forlorn, + Play, swear, and fight, like Christians freely born; + And Indians bless our civilizing merit, + And get dead drunk with truly _Christian spirit_; + When heroes, skilled in pocket-picking sleights, + Of equal property and equal rights, + Of rights of man and woman, boldest friends, + Believing means are sanctioned by their ends, + Sequester part of Gripus' boundless store, + While Gripus thanks god Plutus he has more; + And needy poet, from this ill secure, + Feeling his fob, cries, 'Blessed are the poor.'" + +On the same subject, the writer of Our Chronicle of '26, a +satirical poem, versifies in the following manner:-- + + "Then comes Commencement Day, and Discord dire + Strikes her confusion-string, and dust and noise + Climb up the skies; ladies in thin attire, + For 't is in August, and both men and boys, + Are all abroad, in sunshine and in glee + Making all heaven rattle with their revelry! + + "Ah! what a classic sight it is to see + The black gowns flaunting in the sultry air, + Boys big with literary sympathy, + And all the glories of this great affair! + More classic sounds!--within, the plaudit shout, + While Punchinello's rabble echoes it without." + +To this the author appends a note, as follows:-- + +"The holiday extends to thousands of those who have no particular +classical pretensions, further than can be recognized in a certain +_penchant_ for such jubilees, contracted by attending them for +years as hangers-on. On this devoted day these noisy do-nothings +collect with mummers, monkeys, bears, and rope-dancers, and hold +their revels just beneath the windows of the tabernacle where the +literary triumph is enacting. + + 'Tum sæva sonare + Verbera, tum stridor ferri tractæque catenæ.'" + +A writer in Buckingham's New England Magazine, Vol. III., 1832, in +an article entitled "Harvard College Forty Years ago," thus +describes the customs which then prevailed:-- + +"As I entered Cambridge, what were my 'first impressions'? The +College buildings 'heaving in sight and looming up,' as the +sailors say. Pyramids of Egypt! can ye surpass these enormous +piles? The Common covered with tents and wigwams, and people of +all sorts, colors, conditions, nations, and tongues. A country +muster or ordination dwindles into nothing in comparison. It was a +second edition of Babel. The Governor's life-guard, in splendid +uniform, prancing to and fro, + 'Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum.' +Horny-hoofed, galloping quadrupeds make all the common to tremble. + +"I soon steered for the meeting-house, and obtained a seat, or +rather standing, in the gallery, determined to be an eyewitness of +all the sport of the day. Presently music was heard approaching, +such as I had never heard before. It must be 'the music of the +spheres.' Anon, three enormous white wigs, supported by three +stately, venerable men, yclad in black, flowing robes, were +located in the pulpit. A platform of wigs was formed in the body +pews, on which one might apparently walk as securely as on the +stage. The _candidates_ for degrees seemed to have made a mistake +in dressing themselves in _black togas_ instead of _white_ ones, +_pro more Romanorum_. The musicians jammed into their pew in the +gallery, very near to me, with enormous fiddles and fifes and +ramshorns. _Terribile visu_! They sounded. I stopped my ears, and +with open mouth and staring eyes stood aghast with wonderment. The +music ceased. The performances commenced. English, Latin, Greek, +Hebrew, French! These scholars knew everything." + +More particular is the account of the observances, at this period, +of the day, at Harvard College, as given by Professor Sidney +Willard:-- + +"Commencement Day, in the year 1798, was a day bereft, in some +respects, of its wonted cheerfulness. Instead of the serene +summer's dawn, and the clear rising of the sun, + 'The dawn was overcast, the morning lowered, + And heavily in clouds brought on the day.' +In the evening, from the time that the public exercises closed +until twilight, the rain descended in torrents. The President[09] +lay prostrate on his bed from the effects of a violent disease, +from which it was feared he could not recover.[10] His house, +which on all occasions was the abode of hospitality, and on +Commencement Day especially so, (being the great College +anniversary,) was now a house of stillness, anxiety, and watching. +For seventeen successive years it had been thronged on this +anniversary from morn till night, by welcome visitors, cheerfully +greeted and cared for, and now it was like a house of mourning for +the dead. + +"After the literary exercises of the day were closed, the officers +in the different branches of the College government and +instruction, Masters of Arts, and invited guests, repaired to the +College dining-hall without the ceremony of a procession formed +according to dignity or priority of right. This the elements +forbade. Each one ran the short race as he best could. But as the +Alumni arrived, they naturally avoided taking possession of the +seats usually occupied by the government of the College. The +Governor, Increase Sumner, I suppose, was present, and no doubt +all possible respect was paid to the Overseers as well as to the +Corporation. I was not present, but dined at my father's house +with a few friends, of whom the late Hon. Moses Brown of Beverly +was one. We went together to the College hall after dinner; but +the honorable and reverend Corporation and Overseers had retired, +and I do not remember whether there was any person presiding. If +there were, a statue would have been as well. The age of wine and +wassail, those potent aids to patriotism, mirth, and song, had not +wholly passed away. The merry glee was at that time outrivalled by +_Adams and Liberty_, the national patriotic song, so often and on +so many occasions sung, and everywhere so familiarly known that +all could join in grand chorus."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +Vol. II. pp. 4, 5. + +The irregularities of Commencement week seem at a very early +period to have attracted the attention of the College government; +for we find that in 1728, to prevent disorder, a formal request +was made by the President, at the suggestion of the immediate +government, to Lieutenant-Governor Dummer, praying him to direct +the sheriff of Middlesex to prohibit the setting up of booths and +tents on those public days. Some years after, in 1732, "an +interview took place between the Corporation and three justices of +the peace in Cambridge, to concert measures to keep order at +Commencement, and under their warrant to establish a constable +with six men, who, by watching and walking towards the evening on +these days, and also the night following, and in and about the +entry at the College Hall at dinner-time, should prevent +disorders." At the beginning of the present century, it was +customary for two special justices to give their attendance at +this period, in order to try offences, and a guard of twenty +constables was usually present to preserve order and attend on the +justices. Among the writings of one, who for fifty years was a +constant attendant on these occasions, are the following +memoranda, which are in themselves an explanation of the customs +of early years. "Commencement, 1828; no tents on the Common for +the first time." "Commencement, 1836; no persons intoxicated in +the hall or out of it; the first time." + +The following extract from the works of a French traveller will be +read with interest by some, as an instance of the manner in which +our institutions are sometimes regarded by foreigners. "In a free +country, everything ought to bear the stamp of patriotism. This +patriotism appears every year in a solemn feast celebrated at +Cambridge in honor of the sciences. This feast, which takes place +once a year in all the colleges of America, is called +_Commencement_. It resembles the exercises and distribution of +prizes in our colleges. It is a day of joy for Boston; almost all +its inhabitants assemble in Cambridge. The most distinguished of +the students display their talents in the presence of the public; +and these exercises, which are generally on patriotic subjects, +are terminated by a feast, where reign the freest gayety and the +most cordial fraternity."--_Brissot's Travels in U.S._, 1788. +London, 1794, Vol. I. pp. 85, 86. + +For an account of the _chair_ from which the President delivers +diplomas on Commencement Day, see PRESIDENT'S CHAIR. + +At Yale College, the first Commencement was held September 13th, +1702, while that institution was located at Saybrook, at which +four young men who had before graduated at Harvard College, and +one whose education had been private, received the degree of +Master of Arts. This and several Commencements following were held +privately, according to an act which had been passed by the +Trustees, in order to avoid unnecessary expense and other +inconveniences. In 1718, the year in which the first College +edifice was completed, was held at New Haven the first public +Commencement. The following account of the exercises on this +occasion was written at the time by one of the College officers, +and is cited by President Woolsey in his Discourse before the +Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850. "[We were] favored +and honored with the presence of his Honor, Governor Saltonstall, +and his lady, and the Hon. Col. Taylor of Boston, and the +Lieutenant-Governor, and the whole Superior Court, at our +Commencement, September 10th, 1718, where the Trustees +present,--those gentlemen being present,--in the hall of our new +College, first most solemnly named our College by the name of Yale +College, to perpetuate the memory of the honorable Gov. Elihu +Yale, Esq., of London, who had granted so liberal and bountiful a +donation for the perfecting and adorning of it. Upon which the +honorable Colonel Taylor represented Governor Yale in a speech +expressing his great satisfaction; which ended, we passed to the +church, and there the Commencement was carried on. In which +affair, in the first place, after prayer an oration was had by the +saluting orator, James Pierpont, and then the disputations as +usual; which concluded, the Rev. Mr. Davenport [one of the +Trustees and minister of Stamford] offered an excellent oration in +Latin, expressing their thanks to Almighty God, and Mr. Yale under +him, for so public a favor and so great regard to our languishing +school. After which were graduated ten young men, whereupon the +Hon. Gov. Saltonstall, in a Latin speech, congratulated the +Trustees in their success and in the comfortable appearance of +things with relation to their school. All which ended, the +gentlemen returned to the College Hall, where they were +entertained with a splendid dinner, and the ladies, at the same +time, were also entertained in the Library; after which they sung +the four first verses in the 65th Psalm, and so the day +ended."--p. 24. + +The following excellent and interesting account of the exercises +and customs of Commencement at Yale College, in former times, is +taken from the entertaining address referred to +above:--"Commencements were not to be public, according to the +wishes of the first Trustees, through fear of the attendant +expense; but another practice soon prevailed, and continued with +three or four exceptions until the breaking out of the war in +1775. They were then private for five years, on account of the +times. The early exercises of the candidates for the first degree +were a 'saluting' oration in Latin, succeeded by syllogistic +disputations in the same language; and the day was closed by the +Masters' exercises,--disputations and a valedictory. According to +an ancient academical practice, theses were printed and +distributed upon this occasion, indicating what the candidates for +a degree had studied, and were prepared to defend; yet, contrary +to the usage still prevailing at universities which have adhered +to the old method of testing proficiency, it does not appear that +these theses were ever defended in public. They related to a +variety of subjects in Technology, Logic, Grammar, Rhetoric, +Mathematics, Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, and afterwards +Theology. The candidates for a Master's degree also published +theses at this time, which were called _Quæstiones magistrales_. +The syllogistic disputes were held between an affirmant and +respondent, who stood in the side galleries of the church opposite +to one another, and shot the weapons of their logic over the heads +of the audience. The saluting Bachelor and the Master who +delivered the valedictory stood in the front gallery, and the +audience huddled around below them to catch their Latin eloquence +as it fell. It seems also to have been usual for the President to +pronounce an oration in some foreign tongue upon the same +occasion.[11] + +"At the first public Commencement under President Stiles, in 1781, +we find from a particular description which has been handed down, +that the original plan, as above described, was subjected for the +time to considerable modifications. The scheme, in brief, was as +follows. The salutatory oration was delivered by a member of the +graduating class, who is now our aged and honored townsman, Judge +Baldwin. This was succeeded by the syllogistic disputations, and +these by a Greek oration, next to which came an English colloquy. +Then followed a forensic disputation, in which James Kent was one +of the speakers. Then President Stiles delivered an oration in +Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Arabic,--it being an extraordinary occasion. +After which the morning was closed with an English oration by one +of the graduating class. In the afternoon, the candidates for the +second degree had the time, as usual, to themselves, after a Latin +discourse by President Stiles. The exhibiters appeared in +syllogistic disputes, a dissertation, a poem, and an English +oration. Among these performers we find the names of Noah Webster, +Joel Barlow, and Oliver Wolcott. Besides the Commencements there +were exhibitions upon quarter-days, as they were called, in +December and March, as well as at the end of the third term, when +the younger classes performed; and an exhibition of the Seniors in +July, at the time of their examination for degrees, when the +valedictory orator was one of their own choice. This oration was +transferred to the Commencement about the year 1798, when the +Masters' valedictories had fallen into disuse; and being in +English, gave a new interest to the exercises of the day. + +"Commencements were long occasions of noisy mirth, and even of +riot. The older records are full of attempts, on the part of the +Corporation, to put a stop to disorder and extravagance at this +anniversary. From a document of 1731, it appears that cannons had +been fired in honor of the day, and students were now forbidden to +have a share in this on pain of degradation. The same prohibition +was found necessary again in 1755, at which time the practice had +grown up of illuminating the College buildings upon Commencement +eve. But the habit of drinking spirituous liquor, and of +furnishing it to friends, on this public occasion, grew up into +more serious evils. In the year 1737, the Trustees, having found +that there was a great expense in spirituous distilled liquors +upon Commencement occasions, ordered that for the future no +candidate for a degree, or other student, should provide or allow +any such liquors to be drunk in his chamber during Commencement +week. And again, it was ordered in 1746, with the view of +preventing several extravagant and expensive customs, that there +should be 'no kind of public treat but on Commencement, +quarter-days, and the day on which the valedictory oration was +pronounced; and on that day the Seniors may provide and give away +a barrel of metheglin, and nothing more.' But the evil continued a +long time. In 1760, it appears that it was usual for the +graduating class to provide a pipe of wine, in the payment of +which each one was forced to join. The Corporation now attempted +by very stringent law to break up this practice; but the Senior +Class having united in bringing large quantities of rum into +College, the Commencement exercises were suspended, and degrees +were withheld until after a public confession of the class. In the +two next years degrees were given at the July examination, with a +view to prevent such disorders, and no public Commencement was +celebrated. Similar scenes are not known to have occurred +afterwards, although for a long time that anniversary wore as much +the aspect of a training-day as of a literary festival. + +"The Commencement Day in the modern sense of the term--that is, a +gathering of graduated members and of others drawn together by a +common interest in the College, and in its young members who are +leaving its walls--has no counterpart that I know of in the older +institutions of Europe. It arose by degrees out of the former +exercises upon this occasion, with the addition of such as had +been usual before upon quarter-days, or at the presentation in +July. For a time several of the commencing Masters appeared on the +stage to pronounce orations, as they had done before. In process +of time, when they had nearly ceased to exhibit, this anniversary +began to assume a somewhat new feature; the peculiarity of which +consists in this, that the graduates have a literary festival more +peculiarly their own, in the shape of discourses delivered before +their assembled body, or before some literary +society."--_Woolsey's Historical Discourse_, pp. 65-68. + +Further remarks concerning the observance of Commencement at Yale +College may be found in Ebenezer Baldwin's "Annals" of that +institution, pp. 189-197. + +An article "On the Date of the First Public Commencement at Yale +College, in New Haven," will be read with pleasure by those who +are interested in the deductions of antiquarian research. It is +contained in the "Yale Literary Magazine," Vol. XX. pp. 199, 200. + +The following account of Commencement at Dartmouth College, on +Wednesday, August 24th, 1774, written by Dr. Belknap, may not +prove uninteresting. + +"About eleven o'clock, the Commencement began in a large tent +erected on the east side of the College, and covered with boards; +scaffolds and seats being prepared. + +"The President began with a prayer in the usual _strain_. Then an +English oration was spoken by one of the Bachelors, complimenting +the Trustees, &c. A syllogistic disputation on this question: +_Amicitia vera non est absque amore divina_. Then a cliosophic +oration. Then an anthem, 'The voice of my beloved sounds,' &c. +Then a forensic dispute, _Whether Christ died for all men_? which +was well supported on both sides. Then an anthem, 'Lift up your +heads, O ye gates,' &c. + +"The company were invited to dine at the President's and the hall. +The Connecticut lads and lasses, I observed, walked about hand in +hand in procession, as 't is said they go to a wedding. + +"Afternoon. The exercises began with a Latin oration on the state +of society by Mr. Kipley. Then an English _Oration on the +Imitative Arts_, by Mr. J. Wheelock. The degrees were then +conferred, and, in addition to the usual ceremony of the book, +diplomas were delivered to the candidates, with this form of +words: 'Admitto vos ad primum (vel secundum) gradum in artibus pro +more Academiarum in Anglia, vobisque trado hunc librum, una cum +potestate publice prelegendi ubicumque ad hoc munus avocati +fueritis (to the masters was added, fuistis vel fueritis), cujus +rei hæc diploma membrana scripta est testimonium.' Mr. Woodward +stood by the President, and held the book and parchments, +delivering and exchanging them as need required. Rev. Mr. Benjamin +Pomeroy, of Hebron, was admitted to the degree of Doctor in +Divinity. + +"After this, McGregore and Sweetland, two Bachelors, spoke a +dialogue of Lord Lyttleton's between Apicius and Darteneuf, upon +good eating and drinking. The Mercury (who comes in at the close +of the piece) performed his part but clumsily; but the two +epicures did well, and the President laughed as heartily as the +rest of the audience; though considering the circumstances, it +might admit of some doubt, whether the dialogue were really a +burlesque, or a compliment to the College. + +"An anthem and prayer concluded the public exercises. Much decency +and regularity were observable through the day, in the numerous +attending concourse of people."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, +pp. 69-71. + +At Shelby College, Ky., it is customary at Commencement to perform +plays, with appropriate costumes, at stated intervals during the +exercises. + +An account of the manner in which Commencement has been observed +at other colleges would only be a repetition of what has been +stated above, in reference to Harvard and Yale. These being, the +former the first, and the latter the third institution founded in +our country, the colleges which were established at a later period +grounded, not only their laws, but to a great extent their +customs, on the laws and customs which prevailed at Cambridge and +New Haven. + + +COMMENCEMENT CARD. At Union College, there is issued annually at +Commencement a card containing a programme of the exercises of the +day, signed with the names of twelve of the Senior Class, who are +members of the four principal college societies. These cards are +worded in the form of invitations, and are to be sent to the +friends of the students. To be "_on the Commencement card_" is +esteemed an honor, and is eagerly sought for. At other colleges, +invitations are often issued at this period, usually signed by the +President. + + +COMMENCER. In American colleges, a member of the Senior Class, +after the examination for degrees; generally, one who _commences_. + +These exercises were, besides an oration usually made by the +President, orations both salutatory and valedictory, made by some +or other of the _commencers_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 128. + +The Corporation with the Tutors shall visit the chambers of the +_commencers_ to see that this law be well observed.--_Peirce's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 137. + +Thirty _commencers_, besides Mr. Rogers, &c.--_Ibid._, App., p. +150. + + +COMMERS. In the German universities, a party of students assembled +for the purpose of making an excursion to some place in the +country for a day's jollification. On such an occasion, the +students usually go "in a long train of carriages with outriders"; +generally, a festive gathering of the students.--_Howitt's Student +Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 56; see also Chap. XVI. + + +COMMISSARY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., an officer under +the Chancellor, and appointed by him, who holds a court of record +for all privileged persons and scholars under the degree of M.A. +In this court, all causes are tried and determined by the civil +and statute law, and by the custom of the University.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +COMMON. To board together; to eat at a table in common. + + +COMMONER. A student of the second rank in the University of +Oxford, Eng., who is not dependent on the foundation for support, +but pays for his board or _commons_, together with all other +charges. Corresponds to a PENSIONER at Cambridge. See GENTLEMAN +COMMONER. + +2. One who boards in commons. + +In all cases where those who do damage to the table furniture, or +in the steward's kitchen, cannot be detected, the amount shall be +charged to the _commoners_.--_Laws Union Coll._, 1807, p. 34. + +The steward shall keep an accurate list of the +_commoners_.--_Ibid._, 1807, p. 34. + + +COMMON ROOM. The room to which all the members of the college have +access. There is sometimes one _common room_ for graduates, and +another for undergraduates.--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + + Oh, could the days once more but come, + When calm I smoak'd in _common room_. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., 1750, Vol. I. p. 237. + + +COMMONS. Food provided at a common table, as in colleges, where +many persons eat at the same table, or in the same +hall.--_Webster_. + +Commons were introduced into Harvard College at its first +establishment, in the year 1636, in imitation of the English +universities, and from that time until the year 1849, when they +were abolished, seem to have been a never-failing source of +uneasiness and disturbance. While the infant College with the +title only of "school," was under the superintendence of Mr. +Nathaniel Eaton, its first "master," the badness of commons was +one of the principal causes of complaint. "At no subsequent period +of the College history," says Mr. Quincy, "has discontent with +commons been more just and well founded, than under the huswifery +of Mrs. Eaton." "It is perhaps owing," Mr. Winthrop observes in +his History of New England, "to the gallantry of our fathers, that +she was not enjoined in the perpetual malediction they bestowed on +her husband." A few years after, we read, in the "Information +given by the Corporation and Overseers to the General Court," a +proposition either to make "the scholars' charges less, or their +commons better." For a long period after this we have no account +of the state of commons, "but it is not probable," says Mr. +Peirce, "they were materially different from what they have been +since." + +During the administration of President Holyoke, from 1737 to 1769, +commons were the constant cause of disorders among the students. +There appears to have been a very general permission to board in +private families before the year 1737: an attempt was then made to +compel the undergraduates to board in commons. After many +resolutions, a law was finally passed, in 1760, prohibiting them +"from dining or supping in any house in town, except on an +invitation to dine or sup _gratis_." "The law," says Quincy, "was +probably not very strictly enforced. It was limited to one year, +and was not renewed." + +An idea of the quality of commons may be formed from the following +accounts furnished by Dr. Holyoke and Judge Wingate. According to +the former of these gentlemen, who graduated in 1746, the +"breakfast was two sizings of bread and a cue of beer"; and +"evening commons were a pye." The latter, who graduated thirteen +years after, says: "As to the commons, there were in the morning +none while I was in College. At dinner, we had, of rather ordinary +quality, a sufficiency of meat of some kind, either baked or +boiled; and at supper, we had either a pint of milk and half a +biscuit, or a meat pye of some other kind. Such were the commons +in the hall in my day. They were rather ordinary; but I was young +and hearty, and could live comfortably upon them. I had some +classmates who paid for their commons and never entered the hall +while they belonged to the College. We were allowed at dinner a +cue of beer, which was a half-pint, and a sizing of bread, which I +cannot describe to you. It was quite sufficient for one dinner." +By a vote of the Corporation in 1750, a law was passed, declaring +"that the quantity of commons be as hath been usual, viz. two +sizes of bread in the morning; one pound of meat at dinner, with +sufficient sauce" (vegetables), "and a half a pint of beer; and at +night that a part pie be of the same quantity as usual, and also +half a pint of beer; and that the supper messes be but of four +parts, though the dinner messes be of six." This agrees in +substance with the accounts given above. The consequence of such +diet was, "that the sons of the rich," says Mr. Quincy, +"accustomed to better fare, paid for commons, which they would not +eat, and never entered the hall; while the students whose +resources did not admit of such an evasion were perpetually +dissatisfied." + +About ten years after, another law was made, "to restrain scholars +from breakfasting in the houses of town's people," and provision +was made "for their being accommodated with breakfast in the hall, +either milk, chocolate, tea, or coffee, as they should +respectively choose." They were allowed, however, to provide +themselves with breakfasts in their own chambers, but not to +breakfast in one another's chambers. From this period breakfast +was as regularly provided in commons as dinner, but it was not +until about the year 1807 that an evening meal was also regularly +provided. + +In the year 1765, after the erection of Hollis Hall, the +accommodations for students within the walls were greatly +enlarged; and the inconvenience being thus removed which those had +experienced who, living out of the College buildings, were +compelled to eat in commons, a system of laws was passed, by which +all who occupied rooms within the College walls were compelled to +board constantly in common, "the officers to be exempted only by +the Corporation, with the consent of the Overseers; the students +by the President only when they were about to be absent for at +least one week." Scarcely a year had passed under this new +_régime_ "before," says Quincy, "an open revolt of the students +took place on account of the provisions, which it took more than a +month to quell." "Although," he continues, "their proceedings were +violent, illegal, and insulting, yet the records of the immediate +government show unquestionably, that the disturbances, in their +origin, were not wholly without cause, and that they were +aggravated by want of early attention to very natural and +reasonable complaints." + +During the war of the American Revolution, the difficulty of +providing satisfactory commons was extreme, as may be seen from +the following vote of the Corporation, passed Aug. 11th, 1777. + +"Whereas by law 9th of Chap. VI. it is provided, 'that there shall +always be chocolate, tea, coffee, and milk for breakfast, with +bread and biscuit and butter,' and whereas the foreign articles +above mentioned are now not to be procured without great +difficulty, and at a very exorbitant price; therefore, that the +charge of commons may be kept as low as possible,-- + +"_Voted_, That the Steward shall provide at the common charge only +bread or biscuit and milk for breakfast; and, if any of the +scholars choose tea, coffee, or chocolate for breakfast, they +shall procure those articles for themselves, and likewise the +sugar and butter to be used with them; and if any scholars choose +to have their milk boiled, or thickened with flour, if it may be +had, or with meal, the Steward, having reasonable notice, shall +provide it; and further, as salt fish alone is appointed by the +aforesaid law for the dinner on Saturdays, and this article is now +risen to a very high price, and through the scarcity of salt will +probably be higher, the Steward shall not be obliged to provide +salt fish, but shall procure fresh fish as often as he +can."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 541. + +Many of the facts in the following account of commons prior to, +and immediately succeeding, the year 1800, have been furnished by +Mr. Royal Morse of Cambridge. + +The hall where the students took their meals was usually provided +with ten tables; at each table were placed two messes, and each +mess consisted of eight persons. The tables where the Tutors and +Seniors sat were raised eighteen or twenty inches, so as to +overlook the rest. It was the duty of one of the Tutors or of the +Librarian to "ask a blessing and return thanks," and in their +absence, the duty devolved on "the senior graduate or +undergraduate." The waiters were students, chosen from the +different classes, and receiving for their services suitable +compensation. Each table was waited on by members of the class +which occupied it, with the exception of the Tutor's table, at +which members of the Senior Class served. Unlike the _sizars_ and +_servitors_ at the English universities, the waiters were usually +much respected, and were in many cases the best scholars in their +respective classes. + +The breakfast consisted of a specified quantity of coffee, a +_size_ of baker's biscuit, which was one biscuit, and a _size_ of +butter, which was about an ounce. If any one wished for more than +was provided, he was obliged to _size_ it, i.e. order from the +kitchen or buttery, and this was charged as extra commons or +_sizings_ in the quarter-bill. + +At dinner, every mess was served with eight pounds of meat, +allowing a pound to each person. On Monday and Thursday the meat +was boiled; these days were on this account commonly called +"boiling days." On the other days the meat was roasted; these were +accordingly named "roasting days." Two potatoes were allowed to +each person, which he was obliged to pare for himself. On _boiling +days_, pudding and cabbage were added to the bill of fare, and in +their season, greens, either dandelion or the wild pea. Of bread, +a _size_ was the usual quantity apiece, at dinner. Cider was the +common beverage, of which there was no stated allowance, but each +could drink as much as he chose. It was brought, on in pewter +quart cans, two to a mess, out of which they drank, passing them +from mouth to mouth like the English wassail-bowl. The waiters +replenished them as soon as they were emptied. + +No regular supper was provided, but a bowl of milk, and a size of +bread procured at the kitchen, supplied the place of the evening +meal. + +Respecting the arrangement of the students at table, before +referred to, Professor Sidney Willard remarks: "The intercourse +among students at meals was not casual or promiscuous. Generally, +the students of the same class formed themselves into messes, as +they were called, consisting each of eight members; and the length +of one table was sufficient to seat two messes. A mess was a +voluntary association of those who liked each other's company; and +each member had his own place. This arrangement was favorable for +good order; and, where the members conducted themselves with +propriety, their cheerful conversation, and even exuberant spirits +and hilarity, if not too boisterous, were not unpleasant to that +portion of the government who presided at the head table. But the +arrangement afforded opportunities also for combining in factious +plans and organizations, tending to disorders, which became +infectious, and terminated unhappily for all +concerned."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. pp. 192, +193. + +A writer in the New England Magazine, referring to the same +period, says: "In commons, we fared as well as one half of us had +been accustomed to at home. Our breakfast consisted of a +good-sized biscuit of wheaten flour, with butter and coffee, +chocolate, or milk, at our option. Our dinner was served up on +dishes of pewter, and our drink, which was cider, in cans of the +same material. For our suppers, we went with our bowls to the +kitchen, and received our rations of milk, or chocolate, and +bread, and returned with them to our rooms."--Vol. III. p. 239. + +Although much can be said in favor of the commons system, on +account of its economy and its suitableness to health and study, +yet these very circumstances which were its chief recommendation +were the occasion also of all the odium which it had to encounter. +"That simplicity," says Peirce, "which makes the fare cheap, and +wholesome, and philosophical, renders it also unsatisfactory to +dainty palates; and the occasional appearance of some unlucky +meat, or other food, is a signal for a general outcry against the +provisions." In the plain but emphatic words of one who was +acquainted with the state of commons, as they once were at Harvard +College, "the butter was sometimes so bad, that a farmer would not +take it to grease his cart-wheels with." It was the usual practice +of the Steward, when veal was cheap, to furnish it to the students +three, four, and sometimes five times in the week; the same with +reference to other meats when they could be bought at a low price, +and especially with lamb. The students, after eating this latter +kind of meat for five or six successive weeks would often assemble +before the Steward's house, and, as if their natures had been +changed by their diet, would bleat and blatter until he was fain +to promise them a change of food, upon which they would separate +until a recurrence of the same evil compelled them to the same +measures. + +The annexed account of commons at Yale College, in former times, +is given by President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse, +pronounced at New Haven, August 14th, 1850. + +"At first, a college without common meals was hardly conceived of; +and, indeed, if we trace back the history of college as they grew +up at Paris, nothing is more of their essence than that students +lived and ate together in a kind of conventual system. No doubt, +also, when the town of New Haven was smaller, it was far more +difficult to find desirable places for boarding than at present. +But however necessary, the Steward's department was always beset +with difficulties and exposed to complaints which most gentlemen +present can readily understand. The following rations of commons, +voted by the Trustees in 1742, will show the state of college fare +at that time. 'Ordered, that the Steward shall provide the commons +for the scholars as follows, viz.: For breakfast, one loaf of +bread for four, which [the dough] shall weigh one pound. For +dinner for four, one loaf of bread as aforesaid, two and a half +pounds beef, veal, or mutton, or one and three quarter pounds salt +pork about twice a week in the summer time, one quart of beer, two +pennyworth of sauce [vegetables]. For supper for four, two quarts +of milk and one loaf of bread, when milk can conveniently be had, +and when it cannot, then apple-pie, which shall be made of one and +three fourth pounds dough, one quarter pound hog's fat, two ounces +sugar, and half a peck apples.' In 1759 we find, from a vote +prohibiting the practice, that beer had become one of the articles +allowed for the evening meal. Soon after this, the evening meal +was discontinued, and, as is now the case in the English colleges, +the students had supper in their own rooms, which led to +extravagance and disorder. In the Revolutionary war the Steward +was quite unable once or twice to provide food for the College, +and this, as has already appeared, led to the dispersion of the +students in 1776 and 1777, and once again in 1779 delayed the +beginning of the winter term several weeks. Since that time, +nothing peculiar has occurred with regard to commons, and they +continued with all their evils of coarse manners and wastefulness +for sixty years. The conviction, meanwhile, was increasing, that +they were no essential part of the College, that on the score of +economy they could claim no advantage, that they degraded the +manners of students and fomented disorder. The experiment of +suppressing them has hitherto been only a successful one. No one, +who can retain a lively remembrance of the commons and the manners +as they were both before and since the building of the new hall in +1819, will wonder that this resolution was adopted by the +authorities of the College."--pp. 70-72. + +The regulations which obtained at meal-time in commons were at one +period in these words: "The waiters in the hall, appointed by the +President, are to put the victuals on the tables spread with +decent linen cloths, which are to be washed every week by the +Steward's procurement, and the Tutors, or some of the senior +scholars present, are to ask a blessing on the food, and to return +thanks. All the scholars at mealtime are required to behave +themselves decently and gravely, and abstain from loud talking. No +victuals, platters, cups, &c. may be carried out of the hall, +unless in case of sickness, and with liberty from one of the +Tutors. Nor may any scholar go out before thanks are returned. And +when dinner is over, the waiters are to carry the platters and +cloths back into the kitchen. And if any one shall offend in +either of these things, or carry away anything belonging to the +hall without leave, he shall be fined sixpence."--_Laws of Yale +Coll._, 1774, p. 19. + +From a little work by a graduate at Yale College of the class of +1821, the accompanying remarks, referring to the system of commons +as generally understood, are extracted. + +"The practice of boarding the students in commons was adopted by +our colleges, naturally, and perhaps without reflection, from the +old universities of Europe, and particularly from those of +England. At first those universities were without buildings, +either for board or lodging; being merely rendezvous for such as +wished to pursue study. The students lodged at inns, or at private +houses, defraying out of their own pockets, and in their own way, +all charges for board and education. After a while, in consequence +of the exorbitant demands of landlords, _halls_ were built, and +common tables furnished, to relieve them from such exactions. +Colleges, with chambers for study and lodging, were erected for a +like reason. Being founded, in many cases, by private munificence, +for the benefit of indigent students, they naturally included in +their economy both lodging-rooms and board. There was also a +_police_ reason for the measure. It was thought that the students +could be better regulated as to their manners and behavior, being +brought together under the eye of supervisors." + +Omitting a few paragraphs, we come to a more particular account of +some of the jocose scenes which resulted from the commons system +as once developed at Yale College. + +"The Tutors, who were seated at raised tables, could not, with all +their vigilance, see all that passed, and they winked at much they +did see. Boiled potatoes, pieces of bread, whole loaves, balls of +butter, dishes, would be flung back and forth, especially between +Sophomores and Freshmen; and you were never sure, in raising a cup +to your lips, that it would not be dashed out of your hands, and +the contents spilt upon your clothes, by one of these flying +articles slyly sent at random. Whatever damage was done was +averaged on our term-bills; and I remember a charge of six hundred +tumblers, thirty coffee-pots, and I know not how many other +articles of table furniture, destroyed or carried off in a single +term. Speaking of tumblers, it may be mentioned as an instance of +the progress of luxury, even there, that down to about 1815 such a +thing was not known, the drinking-vessels at dinner being +capacious pewter mugs, each table being furnished with two. We +were at one time a good deal incommoded by the diminutive size of +the milk-pitchers, which were all the while empty and gone for +more. A waiter mentioned, for our patience, that, when these were +used up, a larger size would be provided. 'O, if that's the case, +the remedy is easy.' Accordingly the hint was passed through the +room, the offending pitchers were slyly placed upon the floor, +and, as we rose from the tables, were crushed under foot. The next +morning the new set appeared. One of the classes being tired of +_lamb, lamb, lamb_, wretchedly cooked, during the season of it, +expressed their dissatisfaction by entering the hall bleating; no +notice of which being taken, a day or two after they entered in +advance of the Tutors, and cleared the tables of it, throwing it +out of the windows, platters and all, and immediately retired. + +"In truth, not much could be said in commendation of our Alma +Mater's table. A worse diet for sedentary men than that we had +during the last days of the _old_ hall, now the laboratory, cannot +be imagined. I will not go into particulars, for I hate to talk +about food. It was absolutely destructive of health. I know it to +have ruined, permanently, the health of some, and I have not the +least doubt of its having occasioned, in certain instances which I +could specify, incurable debility and premature death."--_Scenes +and Characters in College_, New Haven, 1847, pp. 113-117. + +See INVALID'S TABLE. SLUM. + +That the commons at Dartmouth College were at times of a quality +which would not be called the best, appears from the annexed +paragraph, written in the year 1774. "He [Eleazer Wheelock, +President of the College] has had the mortification to lose two +cows, and the rest were greatly hurt by a contagious distemper, so +that they _could not have a full supply of milk_; and once the +pickle leaked out of the beef-barrel, so that the _meat was not +sweet_. He had also been ill-used with respect to the purchase of +some wheat, so that they had smutty bread for a while, &c. The +scholars, on the other hand, say they scarce ever have anything +but pork and greens, without vinegar, and pork and potatoes; that +fresh meat comes but very seldom, and that the victuals are very +badly dressed."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, pp. 68, 69. + +The above account of commons applies generally to the system as it +was carried out in the other colleges in the United States. In +almost every college, commons have been abolished, and with them +have departed the discords, dissatisfactions, and open revolts, of +which they were so often the cause. + +See BEVER. + + +COMMORANTES IN VILLA. Latin; literally, _those abiding in town_. +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the designation of Masters +of Arts, and others of higher degree, who, residing within the +precincts of the University, enjoy the privilege of being members +of the Senate, without keeping their names on the college boards. +--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +To have a vote in the Senate, the graduate must keep his name on +the books of some college, or on the list of the _commorantes in +villâ_.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + + +COMPOSITION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., translating +English into Greek or Latin is called _composition_.--_Bristed_. + +In _composition_ and cram I was yet untried.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + +You will have to turn English prose into Greek and Latin prose, +English verse into Greek Iambic Trimeters, and part of some chorus +in the Agamemnon into Latin, and possibly also into English verse. +This is the "_composition_," and is to be done, remember, without +the help of books or any other assistance.--_Ibid._, p. 68. + +The term _Composition_ seems in itself to imply that the +translation is something more than a translation.--_Ibid._, p. +185. + +Writing a Latin Theme, or original Latin verses, is designated +_Original Composition_.--_Bristed_. + + +COMPOSUIST. A writer; composer. "This extraordinary word," says +Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "has been much used at some of +our colleges, but very seldom elsewhere. It is now rarely heard +among us. A correspondent observes, that 'it is used in England +among _musicians_.' I have never met with it in any English +publications upon the subject of music." + +The word is not found, I believe, in any dictionary of the English +tongue. + + +COMPOUNDER. One at a university who pays extraordinary fees, +according to his means, for the degree he is to take. A _Grand +Compounder_ pays double fees. See the _Customs and Laws of Univ. +of Cam., Eng._, p. 297. + + +CONCIO AD CLERUM. A sermon to the clergy. In the English +universities, an exercise or Latin sermon, which is required of +every candidate for the degree of D.D. Used sometimes in America. + +In the evening the "_concio ad clerum_" will be preached.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 426. + + +CONDITION. A student on being examined for admission to college, +if found deficient in certain studies, is admitted on _condition_ +he will make up the deficiency, if it is believed on the whole +that he is capable of pursuing the studies of the class for which +he is offered. The branches in which he is deficient are called +_conditions_. + + Talks of Bacchus and tobacco, short sixes, sines, transitions, + And Alma Mater takes him in on ten or twelve _conditions_. + _Poem before Y.H. Soc., Harv. Coll._ + + Praying his guardian powers + To assist a poor Sub Fresh at the dread Examination, + And free from all _conditions_ to insure his first vacation. + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._ + + +CONDITION. To admit a student as member of a college, who on being +examined has been found deficient in some particular, the +provision of his admission being that he will make up the +deficiency. + +A young man shall come down to college from New Hampshire, with no +preparation save that of a country winter-school, shall be +examined and "_conditioned_" in everything, and yet he shall come +out far ahead of his city Latin-school classmate.--_A Letter to a +Young Man who has just entered College_, 1849, p. 8. + +They find themselves _conditioned_ on the studies of the term, and +not very generally respected.--_Harvard Mag._, Vol. I. p. 415. + + +CONDUCT. The title of two clergymen appointed to read prayers at +Eton College, in England.--_Mason. Webster_. + + +CONFESSION. It was formerly the custom in the older American +colleges, when a student had rendered himself obnoxious to +punishment, provided the crime was not of an aggravated nature, to +pardon and restore him to his place in the class, on his +presenting a confession of his fault, to be read publicly in the +hall. The Diary of President Leverett, of Harvard College, under +date of the 20th of March, 1714, contains an interesting account +of the confession of Larnel, an Indian student belonging to the +Junior Sophister class, who had been guilty of some offence for +which he had been dismissed from college. + +"He remained," says Mr. Leverett, "a considerable time at Boston, +in a state of penance. He presented his confession to Mr. +Pemberton, who thereupon became his intercessor, and in his letter +to the President expresses himself thus: 'This comes by Larnel, +who brings a confession as good as Austin's, and I am charitably +disposed to hope it flows from a like spirit of penitence.' In the +public reading of his confession, the flowing of his passions was +extraordinarily timed, and his expressions accented, and most +peculiarly and emphatically those of the grace of God to him; +which indeed did give a peculiar grace to the performance itself, +and raised, I believe, a charity in some that had very little I am +sure, and ratified wonderfully that which I had conceived of him. +Having made his public confession, he was restored to his standing +in the College."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 443, +444. + + +CONGREGATION. At Oxford, the house of _congregation_ is one of the +two assemblies in which the business of the University, as such, +is carried on. In this house the Chancellor, or his vicar the +Vice-Chancellor, or in his absence one of his four deputies, +termed Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and the two Proctors, either by +themselves or their deputies, always preside. The members of this +body are regents, "either regents '_necessary_' or '_ad +placitum_,' that is, on the one hand, all doctors and masters of +arts, during the first year of their degree; and on the other, all +those who have gone through the year of their necessary regency, +and which includes all resident doctors, heads of colleges and +halls, professors and public lecturers, public examiners, masters +of the schools, or examiners for responsions or 'little go,' deans +and censors of colleges, and all other M.A.'s during the second +year of their regency." The business of the house of congregation, +which may be regarded as the oligarchical body, is chiefly to +grant degrees, and pass graces and dispensations.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +CONSERVATOR. An officer who has the charge of preserving the +rights and privileges of a city, corporation, or community, as in +Roman Catholic universities.--_Webster_. + + +CONSILIUM ABEUNDI. Latin; freely, _the decree of departure_. In +German universities, the _consilium abeundi_ "consists in +expulsion out of the district of the court of justice within which +the university is situated. This punishment lasts a year; after +the expiration of which, the banished student can renew his +matriculation."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +33. + + +CONSISTORY COURT. In the University of Cambridge, England, there +is a _consistory court_ of the Chancellor and of the Commissary. +"For the former," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "the +Chancellor, and in his absence the Vice-Chancellor, assisted by +some of the heads of houses, and one or more doctors of the civil +law, administers justice desired by any member of the University, +&c. In the latter, the Commissary acts by authority given him +under the seal of the Chancellor, as well in the University as at +Stourbridge and Midsummer fairs, and takes cognizance of all +offences, &c. The proceedings are the same in both courts." + + +CONSTITUTIONAL. Among students at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., a walk for exercise. + +The gallop over Bullington, and the "_constitutional_" up +Headington.--_Lond. Quart. Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. 53. + +Instead of boots he [the Cantab] wears easy low-heeled shoes, for +greater convenience in fence and ditch jumping, and other feats of +extempore gymnastics which diversify his +"_constitutionals_".--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 4. + +Even the mild walks which are dignified with the name of exercise +there, how unlike the Cantab's _constitutional_ of eight miles in +less than two hours.--_Ibid._, p. 45. + +Lucky is the man who lives a mile off from his private tutor, or +has rooms ten minutes' walk from chapel: he is sure of that much +_constitutional_ daily.--_Ibid._, p. 224. + +"_Constitutionals_" of eight miles in less than two hours, varied +with jumping hedges, ditches, and gates; "pulling" on the river, +cricket, football, riding twelve miles without drawing bridle,... +are what he understands by his two hours' exercise.--_Ibid._, p. +328. + + +CONSTITUTIONALIZING. Walking. + +The most usual mode of exercise is walking,--_constitutionalizing_ +is the Cantab for it.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 19. + + +CONVENTION. In the University of Cambridge, England, a court +consisting of the Master and Fellows of a college, who sit in the +_Combination Room_, and pass sentence on any young offender +against the laws of soberness and chastity.--_Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam_. + + +CONVICTOR. Latin, _a familiar acquaintance_. In the University of +Oxford, those are called _convictores_ who, although not belonging +to the foundation of any college or hall, have at any time been +regents, and have constantly kept their names on the books of some +college or hall, from the time of their admission to the degree of +M.A., or Doctors in either of the three faculties.--_Oxf. Cal._ + + +CONVOCATION. At Oxford, the house of _convocation_ is one of the +two assemblies in which the business of the University, as such, +is transacted. It consists both of regents and non-regents, "that +is, in brief, all masters of arts not 'honorary,' or 'ad eundems' +from Cambridge or Dublin, and of course graduates of a higher +order." In this house, the Chancellor, or his vicar the +Vice-Chancellor, or in his absence one of his four deputies, +termed Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and the two Proctors, either by +themselves or their deputies, always preside. The business of this +assembly--which may be considered as the house of commons, +excepting that the lords have a vote here equally as in their own +upper house, i.e. the house of congregation--is unlimited, +extending to all subjects connected with the well-being of the +University, including the election of Chancellor, members of +Parliament, and many of the officers of the University, the +conferring of extraordinary degrees, and the disposal of the +University ecclesiastical patronage. It has no initiative power, +this resting solely with the hebdomadal board, but it can debate, +and accept or refuse, the measures which originate in that +board.--_Oxford Guide. Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 223. + +In the University of Cambridge, England, an assembly of the Senate +out of term time is called a _convocation_. In such a case a grace +is immediately passed to convert the convocation into a +congregation, after which the business proceeds as usual.--_Cam. +Cal._ + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the house of _convocation_ +consists of the Fellows and Professors, with all persons who have +received any academic degree whatever in the same, except such as +may be lawfully deprived of their privileges. Its business is such +as may from time to time be delegated by the Corporation, from +which it derives its existence; and is, at present, limited to +consulting and advising for the good of the College, nominating +the Junior Fellows, and all candidates for admissions _ad eundem_; +making laws for its own regulation; proposing plans, measures, or +counsel to the Corporation; and to instituting, endowing, and +naming with concurrence of the same, professorships, scholarships, +prizes, medals, and the like. This and the _Corporation_ compose +the _Senatus Academicus_.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, pp. 6, 7. + + +COPE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the ermined robe worn +by a Doctor in the Senate House, on Congregation Day, is called a +_cope_. + + +COPUS. "Of mighty ale, a large quarte."--_Chaucer_. + +The word _copus_ and the beverage itself are both extensively used +among the _men_ of the University of Cambridge, England. "The +conjecture," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "is surely +ridiculous and senseless, that _Copus_ is contracted from +_Epis_copus, a bishop, 'a mixture of wine, oranges, and sugar.' A +copus of ale is a common fine at the student's table in hall for +speaking Latin, or for some similar impropriety." + + +COPY. At Cambridge, Eng., this word is applied exclusively to +papers of verse composition. It is a public-school term +transplanted to the University.--_Bristed_. + + +CORK, CALK. In some of the Southern colleges, this word, with a +derived meaning, signifies a _complete stopper_. Used in the sense +of an entire failure in reciting; an utter inability to answer an +instructor's interrogatories. + + +CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. In the older American colleges, corporal +punishment was formerly sanctioned by law, and several instances +remain on record which show that its infliction was not of rare +occurrence. + +Among the laws, rules, and scholastic forms established between +the years 1642 and 1646, by Mr. Dunster, the first President of +Harvard College, occurs the following: "Siquis scholarium ullam +Dei et hujus Collegii legem, sive animo perverso, seu ex supinâ +negligentiâ, violârit, postquam fuerit bis admonitus, si non +adultus, _virgis coërceatur_, sin adultus, ad Inspectores Collegii +deferendus erit, ut publicè in eum pro merÃtis animadversio fiat." +In the year 1656, this law was strengthened by another, recorded +by Quincy, in these words: "It is hereby ordered that the +President and Fellows of Harvard College, for the time being, or +the major part of them, are hereby empowered, according to their +best discretion, to punish all misdemeanors of the youth in their +society, either by fine, or _whipping in the Hall openly_, as the +nature of the offence shall require, not exceeding ten shillings +or _ten stripes_ for one offence; and this law to continue in +force until this Court or the Overseers of the College provide +some other order to punish such offences."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 578, 513. + +A knowledge of the existence of such laws as the above is in some +measure a preparation for the following relation given by Mr. +Peirce in his History of Harvard University. + +"At the period when Harvard College was founded," says that +gentleman, "one of the modes of punishment in the great schools of +England and other parts of Europe was corporal chastisement. It +was accordingly introduced here, and was, no doubt, frequently put +in practice. An instance of its infliction, as part of the +sentence upon an offender, is presented in Judge Sewall's MS. +Diary, with the particulars of a ceremonial, which was reserved +probably for special occasions. His account will afford some idea +of the manners and spirit of the age:-- + +"'June 15, 1674, Thomas Sargeant was examined by the Corporation +finally. The advice of Mr. Danforth, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Thacher, +Mr. Mather (the present), was taken. This was his sentence: + +"'That being convicted of speaking blasphemous words concerning +the H.G., he should be therefore publickly whipped before all the +scholars. + +"'2. That he should be suspended as to taking his degree of +Bachelor. (This sentence read before him twice at the President's +before the Committee and in the Library, before execution.) + +"'3. Sit alone by himself in the Hall uncovered at meals, during +the pleasure of the President and Fellows, and be in all things +obedient, doing what exercise was appointed him by the President, +or else be finally expelled the College. The first was presently +put in execution in the Library (Mr. Danforth, Jr. being present) +before the scholars. He kneeled down, and the instrument, Goodman +Hely, attended the President's word as to the performance of his +part in the work. Prayer was had before and after by the +President, July 1, 1674.'" + +"Men's ideas," continues Mr. Peirce, "must have been very +different from those of the present day, to have tolerated a law +authorizing so degrading a treatment of the members of such a +society. It may easily be imagined what complaints and uneasiness +its execution must frequently have occasioned among the friends +and connections of those who were the subjects of it. In one +instance, it even occasioned the prosecution of a Tutor; but this +was as late as 1733, when old rudeness had lost much of the +people's reverence. The law, however, was suffered, with some +modification, to continue more than a century. In the revised body +of Laws made in the year 1734, we find this article: +'Notwithstanding the preceding pecuniary mulcts, it shall be +lawful for the President, Tutors, and Professors, to punish +Undergraduates by Boxing, when they shall judge the nature or +circumstances of the offence call for it.' This relic of +barbarism, however, was growing more and more repugnant to the +general taste and sentiment. The late venerable Dr. Holyoke, who +was of the class of 1746, observed, that in his day 'corporal +punishment was going out of use'; and at length it was expunged +from the code, never, we trust, to be recalled from the rubbish of +past absurdities."--pp. 227, 228. + +The last movements which were made in reference to corporal +punishment are thus stated by President Quincy, in his History of +Harvard University. "In July, 1755, the Overseers voted, that it +[the right of boxing] should be 'taken away.' The Corporation, +however, probably regarded it as too important an instrument of +authority to be for ever abandoned, and voted, 'that it should be +suspended, as to the execution of it, for one year.' When this +vote came before the Overseers for their sanction, the board +hesitated, and appointed a large committee 'to consider and make +report what punishments they apprehend proper to be substituted +instead of boxing, in case it be thought expedient to repeal or +suspend the law which allows or establishes the same.' From this +period the law disappeared, and the practice was +discontinued."--Vol. II. p. 134. + +The manner in which corporal punishment was formerly inflicted at +Yale College is stated by President Woolsey, in his Historical +Discourse, delivered at New Haven, August, 1850. After speaking of +the methods of punishing by fines and degradation, he thus +proceeds to this topic: "There was a still more remarkable +punishment, as it must strike the men of our times, and which, +although for some reason or other no traces of it exist in any of +our laws so far as I have discovered, was in accordance with the +'good old plan,' pursued probably ever since the origin of +universities. I refer--'horresco referens'--to the punishment of +boxing or cuffing. It was applied before the Faculty to the +luckless offender by the President, towards whom the culprit, in a +standing position, inclined his head, while blows fell in quick +succession upon either ear. No one seems to have been served in +this way except Freshmen and commencing 'Sophimores.'[12] I do not +find evidence that this usage much survived the first jubilee of +the College. One of the few known instances of it, which is on +other accounts remarkable, was as follows. A student in the first +quarter of his Sophomore year, having committed an offence for +which he had been boxed when a Freshman, was ordered to be boxed +again, and to have the additional penalty of acting as butler's +waiter for one week. On presenting himself, _more academico_, for +the purpose of having his ears boxed, and while the blow was +falling, he dodged and fled from the room and the College. The +beadle was thereupon ordered to try to find him, and to command +him to keep himself out of College and out of the yard, and to +appear at prayers the next evening, there to receive further +orders. He was then publicly admonished and suspended; but in four +days after submitted to the punishment adjudged, which was +accordingly inflicted, and upon his public confession his +suspension was taken off. Such public confessions, now unknown, +were then exceedingly common." + +After referring to the instance mentioned above, in which corporal +punishment was inflicted at Harvard College, the author speaks as +follows, in reference to the same subject, as connected with the +English universities. "The excerpts from the body of Oxford +statutes, printed in the very year when this College was founded, +threaten corporal punishment to persons of the proper age,--that +is, below the age of eighteen,--for a variety of offences; and +among the rest for disrespect to Seniors, for frequenting places +where 'vinum aut quivis alius potus aut herba Nicotiana ordinarie +venditur,' for coming home to their rooms after the great Tom or +bell of Christ's Church had sounded, and for playing football +within the University precincts or in the city streets. But the +statutes of Trinity College, Cambridge, contain more remarkable +rules, which are in theory still valid, although obsolete in fact. +All the scholars, it is there said, who are absent from +prayers,--Bachelors excepted,--if over eighteen years of age, +'shall be fined a half-penny, but if they have not completed the +year of their age above mentioned, they shall be chastised with +rods in the hall on Friday.' At this chastisement all +undergraduates were required to be lookers on, the Dean having the +rod of punishment in his hand; and it was provided also, that +whosoever should not answer to his name on this occasion, if a +boy, should be flogged on Saturday. No doubt this rigor towards +the younger members of the society was handed down from the +monastic forms which education took in the earlier schools of the +Middle Ages. And an advance in the age of admission, as well as a +change in the tone of treatment of the young, may account for this +system being laid aside at the universities; although, as is well +known, it continues to flourish at the great public schools of +England."--pp. 49-51. + + +CORPORATION. The general government of colleges and universities +is usually vested in a corporation aggregate, which is preserved +by a succession of members. "The President and Fellows of Harvard +College," says Mr. Quincy in his History of Harvard University, +"being the only Corporation in the Province, and so continuing +during the whole of the seventeenth century, they early assumed, +and had by common usage conceded to them, the name of "_The +Corporation_," by which they designate themselves in all the early +records. Their proceedings are recorded as being done 'at a +meeting of _the Corporation_,' or introduced by the formula, 'It +is ordered by _the Corporation_,' without stating the number or +the names of the members present, until April 19th, 1675, when, +under President Oakes, the names of those present were first +entered on the records, and afterwards they were frequently, +though not uniformly, inserted."--Vol. I. p. 274. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Corporation_, on which the +_House of Convocation_ is wholly dependent, and to which, by law, +belongs the supreme control of the College, consists of not more +than twenty-four Trustees, resident within the State of +Connecticut; the Chancellor and President of the College being _ex +officio_ members, and the Chancellor being _ex officio_ President +of the same. They have authority to fill their own vacancies; to +appoint to offices and professorships; to direct and manage the +funds for the good of the College; and, in general, to exercise +the powers of a collegiate society, according to the provisions of +the charter.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 6. + + +COSTUME. At the English universities there are few objects that +attract the attention of the stranger more than the various +academical dresses worn by the members of those institutions. The +following description of the various costumes assumed in the +University of Cambridge is taken from "The Cambridge Guide," Ed. +1845. + +"A _Doctor in Divinity_ has three robes: the _first_, a gown made +of scarlet cloth, with ample sleeves terminating in a point, and +lined with rose-colored silk, which is worn in public processions, +and on all state and festival days;--the _second_ is the cope, +worn at Great St. Mary's during the service on Litany-days, in the +Divinity Schools during an Act, and at Conciones ad Clerum; it is +made of scarlet cloth, and completely envelops the person, being +closed down the front, which is trimmed with an edging of ermine; +at the back of it is affixed a hood of the same costly fur;--the +_third_ is a gown made of black silk or poplin, with full, round +sleeves, and is the habit commonly worn in public by a D.D.; +Doctors, however, sometimes wear a Master of Arts' gown, with a +silk scarf. These several dresses are put over a black silk +cassock, which covers the entire body, around which it is fastened +by a broad sash, and has sleeves coming down to the wrists, like a +coat. A handsome scarf of the same materials, which hangs over the +shoulders, and extends to the feet, is always worn with the +scarlet and black gowns. A square black cloth cap, with silk +tassel, completes the costume. + +"_Doctors in the Civil Law and in Physic_ have two robes: the +_first_ is the scarlet gown, as just described, and the _second_, +or ordinary dress of a D.C.L., is a black silk gown, with a plain +square collar, the sleeves hanging down square to the feet;--the +ordinary gown of an M.D. is of the same shape, but trimmed at the +collar, sleeves, and front with rich black silk lace. + +"A _Doctor in Music_ commonly wears the same dress as a D.C.L.; +but on festival and scarlet-days is arrayed in a gown made of rich +white damask silk, with sleeves and facings of rose-color, a hood +of the same, and a round black velvet cap with gold tassel. + +"_Bachelors in Divinity_ and _Masters of Arts_ wear a black gown, +made of bombazine, poplin, or silk. It has sleeves extending to +the feet, with apertures for the arms just above the elbow, and +may be distinguished by the shape of the sleeves, which hang down +square, and are cut out at the bottom like the section of a +horseshoe. + +"_Bachelors in the Civil Law and in Physic_ wear a gown of the +same shape as that of a Master of Arts. + +"All Graduates of the above ranks are entitled to wear a hat, +instead of the square black cloth cap, with their gowns, and the +custom of doing so is generally adopted, except by the HEADS, +_Tutors_, and _University_ and _College Officers_, who consider it +more correct to appear in the full academical costume. + +"A _Bachelor of Arts'_ gown is made of bombazine or poplin, with +large sleeves terminating in a point, with apertures for the arms, +just below the shoulder-joint.[13] _Bachelor Fellow-Commoners_ +usually wear silk gowns, and square velvet caps. The caps of other +Bachelors are of cloth. + +"All the above, being _Graduates_, when they use surplices in +chapel wear over them their _hoods_, which are peculiar to the +several degrees. The hoods of _Doctors_ are made of scarlet cloth, +lined with rose-colored silk; those of _Bachelors in Divinity_, +and _Non-Regent Masters of Arts_, are of black silk; those of +_Regent Masters of Arts_ and _Bachelors in the Civil Law and in +Physic_, of black silk lined with white; and those of _Bachelors +of Arts_, of black serge, trimmed with a border of white +lamb's-wool. + +"The dresses of the _Undergraduates_ are the following:-- + +"A _Nobleman_ has two gowns: the _first_ in shape like that of the +Fellow-Commoners, is made of purple Ducape, very richly +embroidered with gold lace, and is worn in public processions, and +on festival-days: a square black velvet cap with a very large gold +tassel is worn with it;--the _second_, or ordinary gown, is made +of black silk, with full round sleeves, and a hat is worn with it. +The latter dress is worn also by the Bachelor Fellows of King's +College. + +"A _Fellow-Commoner_ wears a black prince's stuff gown, with a +square collar, and straight hanging sleeves, which are decorated +with gold lace; and a square black velvet cap with a gold tassel. + +"The Fellow-Commoners of Emmanuel College wear a similar gown, +with the addition of several gold-lace buttons attached to the +trimmings on the sleeves;--those of Trinity College have a purple +prince's stuff gown, adorned with silver lace,[14] and a silver +tassel is attached to the cap;--at Downing the gown is made of +black silk, of the same shape, ornamented with tufts and silk +lace; and a square cap of velvet with a gold tassel is worn. At +Jesus College, a Bachelor's silk gown is worn, plaited up at the +sleeve, and with a gold lace from the shoulder to the bend of the +arm. At Queen's a Bachelor's silk gown, with a velvet cap and gold +tassel, is worn: the same at Corpus and Magdalene; at the latter +it is gathered and looped up at the sleeve,--at the former +(Corpus) it has velvet facings. Married Fellow-Commoners usually +wear a black silk gown, with full, round sleeves, and a square +velvet cap with silk tassel.[15] + +"The _Pensioner's_ gown and cap are mostly of the same material +and shape as those of the Bachelor's: the gown differs only in the +mode of trimming. At Trinity and Caius Colleges the gown is +purple, with large sleeves, terminating in a point. At St. Peter's +and Queen's, the gown is precisely the same as that of a Bachelor; +and at King's, the same, but made of fine black woollen cloth. At +Corpus Christi is worn a B.A. gown, with black velvet facings. At +Downing and Trinity Hall the gown is made of black bombazine, with +large sleeves, looped up at the elbows.[16] + +"_Students in the Civil Law and in Physic_, who have kept their +Acts, wear a full-sleeved gown, and are entitled to use a B.A. +hood. + +"Bachelors of Arts and Undergraduates are obliged by the statutes +to wear their academical costume constantly in public, under a +penalty of 6s. 8d. for every omission.[17] + +"Very few of the _University Officers_ have distinctive dresses. + +"The _Chancellor's_ gown is of black damask silk, very richly +embroidered with gold. It is worn with a broad, rich lace band, +and square velvet cap with large gold tassel. + +"The _Vice-Chancellor_ dresses merely as a Doctor, except at +Congregations in the Senate-House, when he wears a cope. When +proceeding to St. Mary's, or elsewhere, in his official capacity, +he is preceded by the three Esquire-Bedells with their silver +maces, which were the gift of Queen Elizabeth. + +"The _Regius Professors of the Civil Law and of Physic_, when they +preside at Acts in the Schools, wear copes, and round black velvet +caps with gold tassels. + +"The _Proctors_ are not distinguishable from other Masters of +Arts, except at St. Mary's Church and at Congregations, when they +wear cassocks and black silk ruffs, and carry the Statutes of the +University, being attended by two servants, dressed in large blue +cloaks, ornamented with gold-lace buttons. + +"The _Yeoman-Bedell_, in processions, precedes the +Esquire-Bedells, carrying an ebony mace, tipped with silver; his +gown, as well as those of the _Marshal_ and _School-Keeper_, is +made of black prince's stuff, with square collar, and square +hanging sleeves."--pp. 28-33. + +At the University of Oxford, Eng., the costume of the Graduates is +as follows:-- + +"The Doctor in Divinity has three dresses: the first consists of a +gown of scarlet cloth, with black velvet sleeves and facings, a +cassock, sash, and scarf. This dress is worn on all public +occasions in the Theatre, in public processions, and on those +Sundays and holidays marked (*) in the _Oxford Calendar_. The +second is a habit of scarlet cloth, and a hood of the same color +lined with black, and a black silk scarf: the Master of Arts' gown +is worn under this dress, the sleeves appearing through the +arm-holes of the habit. This is the dress of business; it is used +in Convocation, Congregation, at Morning Sermons at St. Mary's +during the term, and at Afternoon Sermons at St. Peter's during +Lent, with the exception of the Morning Sermon on Quinquagesima +Sunday, and the Morning Sermons in Lent. The third, which is the +usual dress in which a Doctor of Divinity appears, is a Master of +Arts' gown, with cassock, sash, and scarf. The Vice-Chancellor and +Heads of Colleges and Halls have no distinguishing dress, but +appear on all occasions as Doctors in the faculty to which they +belong. + +"The dresses worn by Graduates in Law and Physic are nearly the +same. The Doctor has three. The first is a gown of scarlet cloth, +with sleeves and facings of pink silk, and a round black velvet +cap. This is the dress of state. The second consists of a habit +and hood of scarlet cloth, the habit faced and the hood lined with +pink silk. This habit, which is perfectly analogous to the second +dress of the Doctor in Divinity, has lately grown into disuse; it +is, however, retained by the Professors, and is always used in +presenting to Degrees. The third or common dress of a Doctor in +Law or Physic nearly resembles that of the Bachelor in these +faculties; it is a black silk gown richly ornamented with black +lace; the hood of the Bachelor of Laws (worn as a dress) is of +purple silk, lined with white fur. + +"The dress worn by the Doctor of Music on public occasions is a +rich white damask silk gown, with sleeves and facings of crimson +satin, a hood of the same material, and a round black velvet cap. +The usual dresses of the Doctor and of the Bachelor in Music are +nearly the same as those of Law and Physic. + +"The Master of Arts wears a black gown, usually made of prince's +stuff or crape, with long sleeves which are remarkable for the +circular cut at the bottom. The arm comes through an aperture in +the sleeve, which hangs down. The hood of a Master of Arts is +black silk lined with crimson. + +"The gown of a Bachelor of Arts is also usually made of prince's +stuff or crape. It has a full sleeve, looped up at the elbow, and +terminating in a point; the dress hood is black, trimmed with +white fur. In Lent, at the time of _determining_ in the Schools, a +strip of lamb's-wool is worn in addition to the hood. Noblemen and +Gentlemen-Commoners, who take the Degrees of Bachelor and Master +of Arts, wear their gowns of silk." + +The costume of the Undergraduates is thus described:-- + +"The Nobleman has two dresses; the first, which is worn in the +Theatre, in processions, and on all public occasions, is a gown of +purple damask silk, richly ornamented with gold lace. The second +is a black silk gown, with full sleeves; it has a tippet attached +to the shoulders. With both these dresses is worn a square cap of +black velvet, with a gold tassel. + +"The Gentleman-Commoner has two gowns, _both of black silk_; the +first, which is considered as a dress gown, although worn on all +occasions, at pleasure, is richly ornamented with tassels. The +second, or undress gown, is ornamented with plaits at the sleeves. +A square black velvet cap with a silk tassel, is worn with both. + +"The dress of Commoners is a gown of black prince's stuff, without +sleeves; from each shoulder is appended a broad strip, which +reaches to the bottom of the dress, and towards the top is +gathered into plaits. Square cap of black cloth and silk tassel. + +"The student in Civil Law, or Civilian, wears a plain black silk +gown, and square cloth cap, with silk tassel. + +"Scholars and Demies of Magdalene, and students of Christ Church +who have not taken a degree, wear a plain black gown of prince's +stuff, with round, full sleeves half the length of the gown, and a +square black cap, with silk tassel. + +"The dress of the Servitor is the same as that of the Commoner, +but it has no plaits at the shoulder, and the cap is without a +tassel." + +The costume of those among the University Officers who are +distinguished by their dress, may be thus noted:-- + +"The dress of the Chancellor is of black damask silk, richly +ornamented with gold embroidery, a rich lace band, and square +velvet cap, with a large gold tassel. + +"The Proctors wear gowns of prince's stuff, the sleeves and +facings of black velvet; to the left shoulder is affixed a small +tippet. To this is added, as a dress, a large ermine hood. + +"The Pro-Proctor wears a Master of Arts' gown, faced with velvet, +with a tippet attached to the left shoulder." + +The Collectors wear the same dress as the Proctors, with the +exception of the hood and tippet. + +The Esquire Bedels wear silk gowns, similar to those of Bachelors +of Law, and round velvet caps. The Yeoman Bedels have black stuff +gowns, and round silk caps. + +The dress of the Verger is nearly the same as that of the Yeoman +Bedel. + +"Bands at the neck are considered as necessary appendages to the +academic dress, particularly on all public occasions."--_Guide to +Oxford_. + +See DRESS. + + +COURTS. At the English universities, the squares or acres into +which each college is divided. Called also quadrangles, +abbreviated quads. + +All the colleges are constructed in quadrangles or _courts_; and, +as in course of years the population of every college, except +one,[18] has outgrown the original quadrangle, new courts have +been added, so that the larger foundations have three, and one[19] +has four courts.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 2. + + +CRACKLING. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., in common +parlance, the three stripes of velvet which a member of St. John's +College wears on his sleeve, are designated by this name. + +Various other gowns are to be discerned, the Pembroke looped at +the sleeve, the Christ's and Catherine curiously crimped in front, +and the Johnian with its unmistakable "_Crackling_"--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 73. + + +CRAM. To prepare a student to pass an examination; to study in +view of examination. In the latter sense used in American +colleges. + +In the latter [Euclid] it is hardly possible, at least not near so +easy as in Logic, to present the semblance of preparation by +learning questions and answers by rote:--in the cant phrase of +undergraduates, by getting _crammed_.--_Whalely's Logic, Preface_. + + For many weeks he "_crams_" him,--daily does he rehearse. + _Poem before the Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + +A class of men arose whose business was to _cram_ the candidates. +--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 246. + +In a wider sense, to prepare another, or one's self, by study, for +any occasion. + +The members of the bar were lounging about that tabooed precinct, +some smoking, some talking and laughing, some poring over long, +ill-written papers or large calf-bound books, and all big with the +ponderous interests depending upon them, and the eloquence and +learning with which they were "_crammed_" for the +occasion.--_Talbot and Vernon_. + +When he was to write, it was necessary to _cram_ him with the +facts and points.--_F.K. Hunt's Fourth Estate_, 1850. + + +CRAM. All miscellaneous information about Ancient History, +Geography, Antiquities, Law, &c.; all classical matter not +included under the heads of TRANSLATION and COMPOSITION, which can +be learned by CRAMMING. Peculiar to the English +Universities.--_Bristed_. + +2. The same as CRAMMING, which see. + +I have made him promise to give me four or five evenings of about +half an hour's _cram_ each.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 240. + +It is not necessary to practise "_cram_" so outrageously as at +some of the college examinations.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., +Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + +3. A paper on which is written something necessary to be learned, +previous to an examination. + +"Take care what you light your cigars with," said Belton, "you'll +be burning some of Tufton's _crams_: they are stuck all about the +pictures."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 223. + +He puzzled himself with his _crams_ he had in his pocket, and +copied what he did not understand.--_Ibid._, p. 279. + + +CRAMBAMBULI. A favorite drink among the students in the German +universities, composed of burnt rum and sugar. + + _Crambambuli_, das ist der Titel + Des Tranks, der sich bei uns bewährt. + _Drinking song_. + +To the next! let's have the _crambambuli_ first, however.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 117. + + +CRAM BOOK. A book in which are laid down such topics as constitute +an examination, together with the requisite answers to the +questions proposed on that occasion. + +He in consequence engages a private tutor, and buys all the _cram +books_ published for the occasion.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 128. + + +CRAMINATION. A farcical word, signifying the same as _cramming_; +the termination _tion_ being suffixed for the sake of mock +dignity. + +The ---- scholarship is awarded to the student in each Senior +Class who attends most to _cramination_ on the College +course.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 28. + + +CRAM MAN. One who is cramming for an examination. + +He has read all the black-lettered divinity in the Bodleian, and +says that none of the _cram men_ shall have a chance with +him.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 274. + + +CRAMMER. One who prepares another for an examination. + +The qualifications of a _crammer_ are given in the following +extract from the Collegian's Guide. + +"The first point, therefore, in which a crammer differs from other +tutors, is in the selection of subjects. While another tutor would +teach every part of the books given up, he virtually reduces their +quantity, dwelling chiefly on the 'likely parts.' + +"The second point in which a crammer excels is in fixing the +attention, and reducing subjects to the comprehension of +ill-formed and undisciplined minds. + +"The third qualification of a crammer is a happy manner and +address, to encourage the desponding, to animate the idle, and to +make the exertions of the pupil continually increase in such a +ratio, that he shall be wound up to concert pitch by the day of +entering the schools."--pp. 231, 232. + + +CRAMMING. A cant term, in the British universities, for the act of +preparing a student to pass an examination, by going over the +topics with him beforehand, and furnishing him with the requisite +answers.--_Webster_. + +The author of the Collegian's Guide, speaking of examinations, +says: "First, we must observe that all examinations imply the +existence of examiners, and examiners, like other mortal beings, +lie open to the frauds of designing men, through the uniformity +and sameness of their proceedings. This uniformity inventive men +have analyzed and reduced to a system, founding thereon a certain +science, and corresponding art, called _Cramming_."--p. 229. + +The power of "_cramming_"--of filling the mind with knowledge +hastily acquired for a particular occasion, and to be forgotten +when that occasion is past--is a power not to be despised, and of +much use in the world, especially at the bar.--_Westminster Rev._, +Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + +I shall never forget the torment I suffered in _cramming_ long +lessons in Greek Grammar.--_Dickens's Household Words_, Vol. I. p. +192. + + +CRAM PAPER. A paper in which are inserted such questions as are +generally asked at an examination. The manner in which these +questions are obtained is explained in the following extract. +"Every pupil, after his examination, comes to thank him as a +matter of course; and as every man, you know, is loquacious enough +on such occasions, Tufton gets out of him all the questions he was +asked in the schools; and according to these questions, he has +moulded his _cram papers_."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 239. + +We should be puzzled to find any questions more absurd and +unreasonable than those in the _cram papers_ in the college +examination.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + + +CRIB. Probably a translation; a pony. + +Of the "Odes and Epodes of Horace, translated literally and +rhythmically" by W. Sewell, of Oxford, the editor of the Literary +World remarks: "Useful as a '_crib_,' it is also poetical."--Vol. +VIII. p. 28. + + +CROW'S-FOOT. At Harvard College a badge formerly worn on the +sleeve, resembling a crow's foot, to denote the class to which a +student belongs. In the regulations passed April 29, 1822, for +establishing the style of dress among the students at Harvard +College, we find the following. A part of the dress shall be +"three crow's-feet, made of black silk cord, on the lower part of +the sleeve of a Senior, two on that of a Junior, and one on that +of a Sophomore." The Freshmen were not allowed to wear the +crow's-foot, and the custom is now discontinued, although an +unsuccessful attempt was made to revive it a few years ago. + +The Freshman scampers off at the first bell for the chapel, where, +finding no brother student of a higher class to encourage his +punctuality, he crawls back to watch the starting of some one +blessed with a _crow's-foot_, to act as vanguard.--_Harv. Reg._, +p. 377. + + The corded _crow's-feet_, and the collar square, + The change and chance of earthly lot must share. + _Class Poem at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 18. + + What if the creature should arise,-- + For he was stout and tall,-- + And swallow down a Sophomore, + Coat, _crow's-foot_, cap, and all. + _Holmes's Poems_, 1850, p. 109. + + +CUE, KUE, Q. A small portion of bread or beer; a term formerly +current in both the English universities, the letter q being the +mark in the buttery books to denote such a piece. Q would seem to +stand for _quadrans_, a farthing; but Minsheu says it was only +half that sum, and thus particularly explains it: "Because they +set down in the battling or butterie bookes in Oxford and +Cambridge, the letter q for half a farthing; and in Oxford when +they make that cue or q a farthing, they say, _cap my q_, and make +it a farthing, thus, [Symbol: small q with a line over]. But in +Cambridge they use this letter, a little f; thus, f, or thus, s, +for a farthing." He translates it in Latin _calculus panis_. Coles +has, "A _cue_ [half a farthing] minutum."--_Nares's Glossary_. + +"A cue of bread," says Halliwell, "is the fourth part of a +half-penny crust. A cue of beer, one draught." + +J. Woods, under-butler of Christ Church, Oxon, said he would never +sitt capping of _cues_.--_Urry's MS._ add. to Ray. + +You are still at Cambridge with size _kue_.--_Orig. of Dr._, III. +p. 271. + +He never drank above size _q_ of Helicon.--_Eachard, Contempt of +Cl._, p. 26. + +"_Cues_ and _cees_," says Nares, "are generally mentioned +together, the _cee_ meaning a small measure of beer; but why, is +not equally explained." From certain passages in which they are +used interchangeably, the terms do not seem to have been well +defined. + +Hee [the college butler] domineers over freshmen, when they first +come to the hatch, and puzzles them with strange language of +_cues_ and _cees_, and some broken Latin, which he has learnt at +his bin.--_Earle's Micro-cosmographie_, (1628,) Char. 17. + +The word _cue_ was formerly used at Harvard College. Dr. Holyoke, +who graduated in 1746, says, the "breakfast was two sizings of +bread and a _cue_ of beer." Judge Wingate, who graduated thirteen +years after, says: "We were allowed at dinner a _cue_ of beer, +which was a half-pint." + +It is amusing to see, term after term, and year after year, the +formal votes, passed by this venerable body of seven ruling and +teaching elders, regulating the price at which a _cue_ (a +half-pint) of cider, or a _sizing_ (ration) of bread, or beef, +might be sold to the student by the butler.--_Eliot's Sketch of +Hist. Harv. Coll._, p. 70. + + +CUP. Among the English Cantabs, "an odious mixture ... compounded +of spice and cider."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +239. + + +CURL. In the University of Virginia, to make a perfect recitation; +to overwhelm a Professor with student learning. + + +CUT. To be absent from; to neglect. Thus, a person is said to +"_cut_ prayers," to "_cut_ lecture," &c. Also, to "_cut_ Greek" or +"Latin"; i.e. to be absent from the Greek or Latin recitation. +Another use of the word is, when one says, "I _cut_ Dr. B----, or +Prof. C----, this morning," meaning that he was absent from their +exercises. + +Prepare to _cut_ recitations, _cut_ prayers, _cut_ lectures,--ay, +to _cut_ even the President himself.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. +of O.F._ 1848. + +Next morn he _cuts_ his maiden prayer, to his last night's text +abiding.--_Poem before Y.H. of Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + As soon as we were Seniors, + We _cut_ the morning prayers, + We showed the Freshmen to the door, + And helped them down the stairs. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 15, 1854. + +We speak not of individuals but of majorities, not of him whose +ambition is to "_cut_" prayers and recitations so far as possible. +--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 15. + +The two rudimentary lectures which he was at first forced to +attend, are now pressed less earnestly upon his notice. In fact, +he can almost entirely "_cut_" them, if he likes, and does _cut_ +them accordingly, as a waste of time,--_Household Words_, Vol. II. +p. 160. + +_To cut dead_, in student use, to neglect entirely. + +I _cut_ the Algebra and Trigonometry papers _dead_ my first year, +and came out seventh.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 51. + +This word is much used in the University of Cambridge, England, as +appears from the following extract from a letter in the +Gentleman's Magazine, written with reference to some of the +customs there observed:--"I remarked, also, that they frequently +used the words _to cut_, and to sport, in senses to me totally +unintelligible. A man had been cut in chapel, cut at afternoon +lectures, cut in his tutor's rooms, cut at a concert, cut at a +ball, &c. Soon, however, I was told of men, _vice versa_, who cut +a figure, _cut_ chapel, _cut_ gates, _cut_ lectures, _cut_ hall, +_cut_ examinations, cut particular connections; nay, more, I was +informed of some who _cut_ their tutors!"--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. +1085. + +The instances in which the verb _to cut_ is used in the above +extract without Italics, are now very common both in England and +America. + +_To cut Gates_. To enter college after ten o'clock,--the hour of +shutting them.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 40. + + +CUT. An omission of a recitation. This phrase is frequently heard: +"We had a cut to-day in Greek," i.e. no recitation in Greek. +Again, "Prof. D---- gave us a cut," i.e. he had no recitation. A +correspondent from Bowdoin College gives, in the following +sentence, the manner in which this word is there used:--"_Cuts_. +When a class for any reason become dissatisfied with one of the +Faculty, they absent themselves from his recitation, as an +expression of their feelings" + + + +_D_. + + +D.C.L. An abbreviation for _Doctor Civilis Legis_, Doctor in Civil +Law. At the University of Oxford, England, this degree is +conferred four years after receiving the degree of B.C.L. The +exercises are three lectures. In the University of Cambridge, +England, a D.C.L. must be a B.C.L. of five years' standing, or an +M.A. of seven years' standing, and must have kept two acts. + + +D.D. An abbreviation of _Divinitatis Doctor_, Doctor in Divinity. +At the University of Cambridge, England, this degree is conferred +on a B.D. of five, or an M.A. of twelve years' standing. The +exercises are one act, two opponencies, a clerum, and an English +sermon. At Oxford it is given to a B.D. of four, or a regent M.A. +of eleven years' standing. The exercises are three lectures. In +American colleges this degree is honorary, and is conferred _pro +meritis_ on those who are distinguished as theologians. + + +DEAD. To be unable to recite; to be ignorant of the lesson; to +declare one's self unprepared to recite. + +Be ready, in fine, to cut, to drink, to smoke, to +_dead_.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + +I see our whole lodge desperately striving to _dead_, by doing +that hardest of all work, nothing.--_Ibid._, 1849. + +_Transitively_; to cause one to fail in reciting. Said of a +teacher who puzzles a scholar with difficult questions, and +thereby causes him to fail. + + Have I been screwed, yea, _deaded_ morn and eve, + Some dozen moons of this collegiate life, + And not yet taught me to philosophize? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 255. + + +DEAD. A complete failure; a declaration that one is not prepared +to recite. + +One must stand up in the singleness of his ignorance to understand +all the mysterious feelings connected with a _dead_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 378. + + And fearful of the morrow's screw or _dead_, + Takes book and candle underneath his bed. + _Class Poem, by B.D. Winslow, at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 10. + + He, unmoved by Freshman's curses, + Loves the _deads_ which Freshmen make.--_MS. Poem_. + + But oh! what aching heads had they! + What _deads_ they perpetrated the succeeding day.--_Ibid._ + +It was formerly customary in many colleges, and is now in a few, +to talk about "taking a dead." + + I have a most instinctive dread + Of getting up to _take a dead_, + Unworthy degradation!--_Harv. Reg._, p. 312. + + +DEAD-SET. The same as a DEAD, which see. + + Now's the day and now's the hour; + See approach Old Sikes's power; + See the front of Logic lower; + Screws, _dead-sets_, and fines.--_Rebelliad_, p. 52. + +Grose has this word in his Slang Dictionary, and defines it "a +concerted scheme to defraud a person by gaming." "This phrase," +says Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, "seems to be +taken from the lifeless attitude of a pointer in marking his +game." + +"The lifeless attitude" seems to be the only point of resemblance +between the above definitions, and the appearance of one who is +_taking a dead set_. The word has of late years been displaced by +the more general use of the word _dead_, with the same meaning. + +The phrase _to be at a dead-set_, implying a fixed state or +condition which precludes further progress, is in general use. + + +DEAN. An officer in each college of the universities in England, +whose duties consist in the due preservation of the college +discipline. + +"Old Holingshed," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "in his +Chronicles, describing Cambridge, speaks of 'certain censors, or +_deanes_, appointed to looke to the behaviour and manner of the +Students there, whom they punish _very severely_, if they make any +default, according to the quantitye and qualitye of their +trespasses.' When _flagellation_ was enforced at the universities, +the Deans were the ministers of vengeance." + +At the present time, a person applying for admission to a college +in the University of Cambridge, Eng., is examined by the Dean and +the Head Lecturer. "The Dean is the presiding officer in chapel, +and the only one whose presence there is indispensable. He +oversees the markers' lists, pulls up the absentees, and receives +their excuses. This office is no sinecure in a large college." At +Oxford "the discipline of a college is administered by its head, +and by an officer usually called Dean, though, in some colleges, +known by other names."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 12, 16. _Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 223. + +In the older American colleges, whipping and cuffing were +inflicted by a tutor, professor, or president; the latter, +however, usually employed an agent for this purpose. + +See under CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. + +2. In the United States, a registrar of the faculty in some +colleges, and especially in medical institutions.--_Webster_. + +A _dean_ may also be appointed by the Faculty of each Professional +School, if deemed expedient by the Corporation.--_Laws Univ. at +Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 8. + +3. The head or president of a college. + +You rarely find yourself in a shop, or other place of public +resort, with a Christ-Church-man, but he takes occasion, if young +and frivolous, to talk loudly of the _Dean_, as an indirect +expression of his own connection with this splendid college; the +title of _Dean_ being exclusively attached to the headship of +Christ Church.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 245. + + +DEAN OF CONVOCATION. At Trinity College, Hartford, this officer +presides in the _House of Convocation_, and is elected by the +same, biennially.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 7. + + +DEAN'S BOUNTY. In 1730, the Rev. Dr. George Berkeley, then Dean of +Derry, in Ireland, came to America, and resided a year or two at +Newport, Rhode Island, "where," says Clap, in his History of Yale +College, "he purchased a country seat, with about ninety-six acres +of land." On his return to London, in 1733, he sent a deed of his +farm in Rhode Island to Yale College, in which it was ordered, +"that the rents of the farm should be appropriated to the +maintenance of the three best scholars in Greek and Latin, who +should reside at College at least nine months in a year, in each +of the three years between their first and second degrees." +President Clap further remarks, that "this premium has been a +great incitement to a laudable ambition to excel in the knowledge +of the classics." It was commonly known as the _Dean's +bounty_.--_Clap's Hist. of Yale Coll._, pp. 37, 38. + +The Dean afterwards conveyed to it [Yale College], by a deed +transmitted to Dr. Johnson, his Rhode Island farm, for the +establishment of that _Dean's bounty_, to which sound classical +learning in Connecticut has been much indebted.--_Hist. Sketch of +Columbia Coll._, p. 19. + + +DEAN SCHOLAR. The person who received the money appropriated by +Dean Berkeley was called the _Dean scholar_. + +This premium was formerly called the Dean's bounty, and the person +who received it the _Dean scholar_.--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. +87. + + +DECENT. Tolerable; pretty good. He is a _decent_ scholar; a +_decent_ writer; he is nothing more than _decent_. "This word," +says Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "has been in common use at +some of our colleges, but only in the language of conversation. +The adverb _decently_ (and possibly the adjective also) is +sometimes used in a similar manner in some parts of Great +Britain." + +The greater part of the pieces it contains may be said to be very +_decently_ written.--_Edinb. Rev._, Vol. I. p. 426. + + +DECLAMATION. The word is applied especially to the public speaking +and speeches of students in colleges, practised for exercises in +oratory.--_Webster_. + +It would appear by the following extract from the old laws of +Harvard College, that original declamations were formerly required +of the students. "The Undergraduates shall in their course declaim +publicly in the hall, in one of the three learned languages; and +in no other without leave or direction from the President, and +immediately give up their declamations fairly written to the +President. And he that neglects this exercise shall be punished by +the President or Tutor that calls over the weekly bill, not +exceeding five shillings. And such delinquent shall within one +week after give in to the President a written declamation +subscribed by himself."--_Laws 1734, in Peirce's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, App., p. 129. + +2. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an essay upon a given +subject, written in view of a prize, and publicly recited in the +chapel of the college to which the writer belongs. + + +DECLAMATION BOARDS. At Bowdoin College, small establishments in +the rear of each building, for urinary purposes. + + +DEDUCTION. In some of the American colleges, one of the minor +punishments for non-conformity with laws and regulations is +deducting from the marks which a student receives for recitations +and other exercises, and by which his standing in the class is +determined. + +Soften down the intense feeling with which he relates heroic +Rapid's _deductions_.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 267. + +2. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an original proposition +in geometry. + +"How much Euclid did you do? Fifteen?" + +"No, fourteen; one of them was a _deduction_."--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 75. + +With a mathematical tutor, the hour of tuition is a sort of +familiar examination, working out examples, _deductions_, +&c.--_Ibid._, pp. 18, 19. + + +DEGRADATION. In the older American colleges, it was formerly +customary to arrange the members of each class in an order +determined by the rank of the parent. "Degradation consisted in +placing a student on the list, in consequence of some offence, +below the level to which his father's condition would assign him; +and thus declared that he had disgraced his family." + +In the Immediate Government Book, No. IV., of Harvard College, +date July 20th, 1776, is the following entry: "Voted, that +Trumbal, a Middle Bachelor, who was degraded to the bottom of his +class for his misdemeanors when an undergraduate, having presented +an humble confession of his faults, with a petition to be restored +to his place in the class in the Catalogue now printing, be +restored agreeable to his request." The Triennial Catalogue for +that year was the first in which the names of the students +appeared in an alphabetical order. The class of 1773 was the first +in which the change was made. + +"The punishment of degradation," says President Woolsey, in his +Historical Discourse before the Graduates of Yale College, "laid +aside not very long before the beginning of the Revolutionary war, +was still more characteristic of the times. It was a method of +acting upon the aristocratic feelings of family; and we at this +day can hardly conceive to what extent the social distinctions +were then acknowledged and cherished. In the manuscript laws of +the infant College, we find the following regulation, which was +borrowed from an early ordinance of Harvard under President +Dunster. 'Every student shall be called by his surname, except he +be the son of a nobleman, or a knight's eldest son.' I know not +whether such a 'rara avis in terris' ever received the honors of +the College; but a kind of colonial, untitled aristocracy grew up, +composed of the families of chief magistrates, and of other +civilians and ministers. In the second year of college life, +precedency according to the aristocratic scale was determined, and +the arrangement of names on the class roll was in accordance. This +appears on our Triennial Catalogue until 1768, when the minds of +men began to be imbued with the notion of equality. Thus, for +instance, Gurdon Saltonstall, son of the Governor of that name, +and descendant of Sir Richard, the first emigrant of the family, +heads the class of 1725, and names of the same stock begin the +lists of 1752 and 1756. It must have been a pretty delicate matter +to decide precedence in a multitude of cases, as in that of the +sons of members of the Council or of ministers, to which class +many of the scholars belonged. The story used to circulate, as I +dare say many of the older graduates remember, that a shoemaker's +son, being questioned as to the quality of his father, replied, +that _he was upon the bench_, which gave him, of course, a high +place."--pp. 48, 49. + +See under PLACE. + + +DEGRADE. At the English universities to go back a year. + +"'_Degrading_,' or going back a year," says Bristed, "is not +allowed except in case of illness (proved by a doctor's +certificate). A man _degrading_ for any other reason cannot go out +afterwards in honors."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +98. + +I could choose the year below without formally +_degrading_.--_Ibid._, p. 157. + + +DEGREE. A mark of distinction conferred on students, as a +testimony of their proficiency in arts and sciences; giving them a +kind of rank, and entitling them to certain privileges. This is +usually evidenced by a diploma. Degrees are conferred _pro +meritis_ on the alumni of a college; or they are honorary tokens +of respect, conferred on strangers of distinguished reputation. +The _first degree_ is that of _Bachelor of Arts_; the _second_, +that _of Master of Arts_. Honorary degrees are those of _Doctor of +Divinity_, _Doctor of Laws_, &c. Physicians, also, receive the +degree of _Doctor of Medicine_.--_Webster_. + + +DEGREE EXAMINATION. At the English universities, the final +university examination, which must be passed before the B.A. +degree is conferred. + +The Classical Tripos is generally spoken of as _the_ Tripos, the +Mathematical one as _the Degree Examination_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 170. + + +DELTA. A piece of land in Cambridge, which belongs to Harvard +College, where the students kick football, and play at cricket, +and other games. The shape of the land is that of the Greek +Delta, whence its name. + +What was unmeetest of all, timid strangers as we were, it was +expected on the first Monday eventide after our arrival, that we +should assemble on a neighboring green, the _Delta_, since devoted +to the purposes of a gymnasium, there to engage in a furious +contest with those enemies, the Sophs, at kicking football and +shins.--_A Tour through College_, 1823-1827, p. 13. + +Where are the royal cricket-matches of old, the great games of +football, when the obtaining of victory was a point of honor, and +crowds assembled on the _Delta_ to witness the all-absorbing +contest?--_Harvardiana_, Vol. I. p. 107. + +I must have another pair of pantaloons soon, for I have burst the +knees of two, in kicking football on the _Delta_.--_Ibid._, Vol. +III. p. 77. + + The _Delta_ can tell of the deeds we've done, + The fierce-fought fields we've lost and won, + The shins we've cracked, + And noses we've whacked, + The eyes we've blacked, and all in fun. + _Class Poem, 1849, Harv. Coll._ + +A plat at Bowdoin College, of this shape, and used for similar +purposes, is known by the same name. + + +DEMI, DEMY. The name of a scholar at Magdalene College, Oxford, +where there are thirty _demies_ or half-fellows, as it were, who, +like scholars in other colleges, succeed to +fellowships.--_Johnson_. + + +DEN. One of the buildings formerly attached to Harvard College, +which was taken down in the year 1846, was for more than a +half-century known by the name of the _Den_. It was occupied by +students during the greater part of that period, although it was +originally built for private use. In later years, from its +appearance, both externally and internally, it fully merited its +cognomen; but this is supposed to have originated from the +following incident, which occurred within its walls about the year +1770, the time when it was built. The north portion of the house +was occupied by Mr. Wiswal (to whom it belonged) and his family. +His wife, who was then ill, and, as it afterwards proved, fatally, +was attended by a woman who did not bear a very good character, to +whom Mr. Wiswal seemed to be more attentive than was consistent +with the character of a true and loving husband. About six weeks +after Mrs. Wiswal's death, Mr. Wiswal espoused the nurse, which, +circumstance gave great offence to the good people of Cambridge, +and was the cause of much scandal among the gossips. One Sunday, +not long after this second marriage, Mr. Wiswal having gone to +church, his wife, who did not accompany him, began an examination +of her predecessor's wardrobe and possessions, with the intention, +as was supposed, of appropriating to herself whatever had been +left by the former Mrs. Wiswal to her children. On his return from +church, Mr. Wiswal, missing his wife, after searching for some +time, found her at last in the kitchen, convulsively clutching the +dresser, her eyes staring wildly, she herself being unable to +speak. In this state of insensibility she remained until her +decease, which occurred shortly after. Although it was evident +that she had been seized with convulsions, and that these were the +cause of her death, the old women were careful to promulgate, and +their daughters to transmit the story, that the Devil had appeared +to her _in propria persona_, and shaken her in pieces, as a +punishment for her crimes. The building was purchased by Harvard +College in the year 1774. + +In the Federal Orrery, March 26, 1795, is an article dated +_Wiswal-Den_, Cambridge, which title it also bore, from the name +of its former occupant. + +In his address spoken at the Harvard Alumni Festival, July 22, +1852, Hon. Edward Everett, with reference to this mysterious +building as it appeared in the year 1807, said:-- + +"A little further to the north, and just at the corner of Church +Street (which was not then opened), stood what was dignified in +the annual College Catalogue--(which was printed on one side of a +sheet of paper, and was a novelty)--as 'the College House.' The +cellar is still visible. By the students, this edifice was +disrespectfully called 'Wiswal's Den,' or, for brevity, 'the Den.' +I lived in it in my Freshman year. Whence the name of 'Wiswal's +Den' I hardly dare say: there was something worse than 'old fogy' +about it. There was a dismal tradition that, at some former +period, it had been the scene of a murder. A brutal husband had +dragged his wife by the hair up and down the stairs, and then +killed her. On the anniversary of the murder,--and what day that +was no one knew,--there were sights and sounds,--flitting garments +daggled in blood, plaintive screams,--_stridor ferri tractæque +catenæ_,--enough to appall the stoutest Sophomore. But for +myself, I can truly say, that I got through my Freshman year +without having seen the ghost of Mr. Wiswal or his lamented lady. +I was not, however, sorry when the twelvemonth was up, and I was +transferred to that light, airy, well-ventilated room, No. 20 +Hollis; being the inner room, ground floor, north entry of that +ancient and respectable edifice."--_To-Day_, Boston, Saturday, +July 31, 1852, p. 66. + +Many years ago there emigrated to this University, from the wilds +of New Hampshire, an odd genius, by the name of Jedediah Croak, +who took up his abode as a student in the old _Den_.--_Harvard +Register_, 1827-28, _A Legend of the Den_, pp. 82-86. + + +DEPOSITION. During the first half of the seventeenth century, in +the majority of the German universities, Catholic as well as +Protestant, the matriculation of a student was preceded by a +ceremony called the _deposition_. See _Howitt's Student Life in +Germany_, Am. ed., pp. 119-121. + + +DESCENDAS. Latin; literally, _you may descend_. At the University +of Cambridge, Eng., when a student who has been appointed to +declaim in chapel fails in eloquence, memory, or taste, his +harangue is usually cut short "by a testy _descendas_."--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +DETERMINING. In the University of Oxford, a Bachelor is entitled +to his degree of M.A. twelve terms after the regular time for +taking his first degree, having previously gone through the +ceremony of _determining_, which exercise consists in reading two +dissertations in Latin prose, or one in prose and a copy of Latin +verses. As this takes place in Lent, it is commonly called +_determining in Lent_.--_Oxf. Guide_. + + +DETUR. Latin; literally, _let it be given_. + +In 1657, the Hon. Edward Hopkins, dying, left, among other +donations to Harvard College, one "to be applied to the purchase +of books for presents to meritorious undergraduates." The +distribution of these books is made, at the commencement of each +academic year, to students of the Sophomore Class who have made +meritorious progress in their studies during their Freshman year; +also, as far as the state of the funds admits, to those members of +the Junior Class who entered as Sophomores, and have made +meritorious progress in their studies during the Sophomore year, +and to such Juniors as, having failed to receive a _detur_ at the +commencement of the Sophomore year, have, during that year, made +decided improvement in scholarship.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., +Mass._, 1848, p. 18. + +"From the first word in the short Latin label," Peirce says, +"which is signed by the President, and attached to the inside of +the cover, a book presented from this fund is familiarly called a +_Detur_."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 103. + + Now for my books; first Bunyan's Pilgrim, + (As he with thankful pleasure will grin,) + Tho' dogleaved, torn, in bad type set in, + 'T will do quite well for classmate B----, + And thus with complaisance to treat her, + 'T will answer for another _Detur_. + _The Will of Charles Prentiss_. + +Be not, then, painfully anxious about the Greek particles, and sit +not up all night lest you should miss prayers, only that you may +have a "_Detur_," and be chosen into the Phi Beta Kappa among the +first eight. Get a "_Detur_" by all means, and the square medal +with its cabalistic signs, the sooner the better; but do not +"stoop and lie in wait" for them.--_A Letter to a Young Man who +has just entered College_, 1849, p. 36. + + Or yet,--though 't were incredible, + --say hast obtained a _detur_! + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850. + + +DIG. To study hard; to spend much time in studying. + + Another, in his study chair, + _Digs_ up Greek roots with learned care,-- + Unpalatable eating.--_Harv. Reg._, 1827-28, p. 247. + +Here the sunken eye and sallow countenance bespoke the man who +_dug_ sixteen hours "per diem."--_Ibid._, p. 303. + +Some have gone to lounge away an hour in the libraries,--some to +ditto in the grove,--some to _dig_ upon the afternoon +lesson.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 77. + + +DIG. A diligent student; one who learns his lessons by hard and +long-continued exertion. + + A clever soul is one, I say, + Who wears a laughing face all day, + Who never misses declamation, + Nor cuts a stupid recitation, + And yet is no elaborate _dig_, + Nor for rank systems cares a fig. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 283. + +I could see, in the long vista of the past, the many honest _digs_ +who had in this room consumed the midnight oil.--_Collegian_, p. +231. + +And, truly, the picture of a college "_dig_" taking a walk--no, I +say not so, for he never "takes a walk," but "walking for +exercise"--justifies the contemptuous estimate.--_A Letter to a +Young Man who has just entered College_, 1849, p. 14. + +He is just the character to enjoy the treadmill, which perhaps +might be a useful appendage to a college, not as a punishment, but +as a recreation for "_digs_."--_Ibid._, p. 14. + + Resolves that he will be, in spite of toil or of fatigue, + That humbug of all humbugs, the staid, inveterate "_dig_." + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + There goes the _dig_, just look! + How like a parson he eyes his book! + _The Jobsiad_, in _Lit. World_, Oct. 11, 1851. + +The fact that I am thus getting the character of a man of no +talent, and a mere "_dig_," does, I confess, weigh down my +spirits.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 224. + + By this 't is that we get ahead of the _Dig_, + 'T is not we that prevail, but the wine that we swig. + _Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 252. + + +DIGGING. The act of studying hard; diligent application. + + I find my eyes in doleful case, + By _digging_ until midnight.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 312. + +I've had an easy time in College, and enjoyed well the "otium cum +dignitate,"--the learned leisure of a scholar's life,--always +despised _digging_, you know.--_Ibid._, p. 194. + +How often after his day of _digging_, when he comes to lay his +weary head to rest, he finds the cruel sheets giving him no +admittance.--_Ibid._, p. 377. + + Hopes to hit the mark + By _digging_ nightly into matters dark. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1835. + + He "makes up" for past "_digging_." + _Iadma Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + +DIGNITY. At Bowdoin College, "_Dignity_," says a correspondent, +"is the name applied to the regular holidays, varying from one +half-day per week, during the Freshman year, up to four in the +Senior." + + +DIKED. At the University of Virginia, one who is dressed with more +than ordinary elegance is said to be _diked out_. Probably +corrupted from the word _decked_, or the nearly obsolete +_dighted_. + + +DIPLOMA. Greek, [Greek: diploma], from [Greek: diploo], to +_double_ or fold. Anciently, a letter or other composition written +on paper or parchment, and folded; afterward, any letter, literary +monument, or public document. A letter or writing conferring some +power, authority, privilege, or honor. Diplomas are given to +graduates of colleges on their receiving the usual degrees; to +clergymen who are licensed to exercise the ministerial functions; +to physicians who are licensed to practise their profession; and +to agents who are authorized to transact business for their +principals. A diploma, then, is a writing or instrument, usually +under seal, and signed by the proper person or officer, conferring +merely honor, as in the case of graduates, or authority, as in the +case of physicians, agents, &c.--_Webster_. + + +DISCIPLINE. The punishments which are at present generally adopted +in American colleges are warning, admonition, the letter home, +suspension, rustication, and expulsion. Formerly they were more +numerous, and their execution was attended with great solemnity. +"The discipline of the College," says President Quincy, in his +History of Harvard University, "was enforced and sanctioned by +daily visits of the tutors to the chambers of the students, fines, +admonitions, confession in the hall, publicly asking pardon, +degradation to the bottom of the class, striking the name from the +College list, and expulsion, according to the nature and +aggravation of the offence."--Vol. I. p. 442. + +Of Yale College, President Woolsey in his Historical Discourse +says: "The old system of discipline may be described in general as +consisting of a series of minor punishments for various petty +offences, while the more extreme measure of separating a student +from College seems not to have been usually adopted until long +forbearance had been found fruitless, even in cases which would +now be visited in all American colleges with speedy dismission. +The chief of these punishments named in the laws are imposition of +school exercises,--of which we find little notice after the first +foundation of the College, but which we believe yet exists in the +colleges of England;[20] deprivation of the privilege of sending +Freshmen upon errands, or extension of the period during which +this servitude should be required beyond the end of the Freshman +year; fines either specified, of which there are a very great +number in the earlier laws, or arbitrarily imposed by the +officers; admonition and degradation. For the offence of +mischievously ringing the bell, which was very common whilst the +bell was in an exposed situation over an entry of a college +building, students were sometimes required to act as the butler's +waiters in ringing the bell for a certain time."--pp. 46, 47. + +See under titles ADMONITION, CONFESSION, CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, +DEGRADATION, FINES, LETTER HOME, SUSPENSION, &c. + + +DISCOMMUNE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., to prohibit an +undergraduate from dealing with any tradesman or inhabitant of the +town who has violated the University privileges or regulations. +The right to exercise this power is vested in the Vice-Chancellor. + +Any tradesman who allows a student to run in debt with him to an +amount exceeding $25, without informing his college tutor, or to +incur any debt for wine or spirituous liquors without giving +notice of it to the same functionary during the current quarter, +or who shall take any promissory note from a student without his +tutor's knowledge, is liable to be _discommuned_.--_Lit. World_, +Vol. XII. p. 283. + +In the following extracts, this word appears under a different +orthography. + +There is always a great demand for the rooms in college. Those at +lodging-houses are not so good, while the rules are equally +strict, the owners being solemnly bound to report all their +lodgers who stay out at night, under pain of being +"_discommonsed_," a species of college +excommunication.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 81. + +Any tradesman bringing a suit against an Undergraduate shall be +"_discommonsed_"; i.e. all the Undergraduates are forbidden to +deal with him.--_Ibid._, p. 83. + +This word is allied to the law term "discommon," to deprive of the +privileges of a place. + + +DISMISS. To separate from college, for an indefinite or limited +time. + + +DISMISSION. In college government, dismission is the separation of +a student from a college, for an indefinite or for a limited time, +at the discretion of the Faculty. It is required of the dismissed +student, on applying for readmittance to his own or any other +class, to furnish satisfactory testimonials of good conduct during +his separation, and to appear, on examination, to be well +qualified for such readmission.--_College Laws_. + +In England, a student, although precluded from returning to the +university whence he has been dismissed, is not hindered from +taking a degree at some other university. + + +DISPENSATION. In universities and colleges, the granting of a +license, or the license itself, to do what is forbidden by law, or +to omit something which is commanded. Also, an exemption from +attending a college exercise. + +The business of the first of these houses, or the oligarchal +portion of the constitution [the House of Congregation], is +chiefly to grant degrees, and pass graces and +_dispensations_.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xi. + +All the students who are under twenty-one years of age may be +excused from attending the private Hebrew lectures of the +Professor, upon their producing to the President a certificate +from their parents or guardians, desiring a _dispensation_.--_Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 12. + + +DISPERSE. A favorite word with tutors and proctors; used when +speaking to a number of students unlawfully collected. This +technical use of the word is burlesqued in the following passages. + +Minerva conveys the Freshman to his room, where his cries make +such a disturbance, that a proctor enters and commands the +blue-eyed goddess "_to disperse_." This order she reluctantly +obeys.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 23. + + And often grouping on the chains, he hums his own sweet verse, + Till Tutor ----, coming up, commands him to _disperse_. + _Poem before Y.H. Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + +DISPUTATION. An exercise in colleges, in which parties reason in +opposition to each other, on some question proposed.--_Webster_. + +Disputations were formerly, in American colleges, a part of the +exercises on Commencement and Exhibition days. + + +DISPUTE. To contend in argument; to reason or argue in opposition. +--_Webster_. + +The two Senior classes shall _dispute_ once or twice a week before +the President, a Professor, or the Tutor.--_Laws Yale Coll._, +1837, p. 15. + + +DIVINITY. A member of a theological school is often familiarly +called a _Divinity_, abbreviated for a Divinity student. + + One of the young _Divinities_ passed + Straight through the College yard. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 40. + + +DIVISION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., each of the three +terms is divided into two parts. _Division_ is the time when this +partition is made. + +After "_division_" in the Michaelmas and Lent terms, a student, +who can assign a good plea for absence to the college authorities, +may go down and take holiday for the rest of the time.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 63. + + +DOCTOR. One who has passed all the degrees of a faculty, and is +empowered to practise and teach it; as, a _doctor_ in divinity, in +physic, in law; or, according to modern usage, a person who has +received the highest degree in a faculty. The degree of _doctor_ +is conferred by universities and colleges, as an honorary mark of +literary distinction. It is also conferred on physicians as a +professional degree.--_Webster_. + + +DOCTORATE. The degree of a doctor.--_Webster_. + +The first diploma for a doctorate in divinity given in America was +presented under the seal of Harvard College to Mr. Increase +Mather, the President of that institution, in the year +1692.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 68. + + +DODGE. A trick; an artifice or stratagem for the purpose of +deception. Used often with _come_; as, "_to come a dodge_ over +him." + + No artful _dodge_ to leave my school could I just then prepare. + _Poem before Iadma, Harv. Coll._, 1850. + +Agreed; but I have another _dodge_ as good as yours.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 240. + +We may well admire the cleverness displayed by this would-be +Chatterton, in his attempt to sell the unwary with an Ossian +_dodge_.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 191. + + +DOMINUS. A title bestowed on Bachelors of Arts, in England. +_Dominus_ Nokes; _Dominus_ Stiles.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +DON. In the English universities, a short generic term for a +Fellow or any college authority. + +He had already told a lie to the _Dons_, by protesting against the +justice of his sentence.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 169. + +Never to order in any wine from an Oxford merchant, at least not +till I am a _Don_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 288. + + Nor hint how _Dons_, their untasked hours to pass, + Like Cato, warm their virtues with the glass.[21] + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +DONKEY. At Washington College, Penn., students of a religious +character are vulgarly called _donkeys_. + +See LAP-EAR. + + +DORMIAT. Latin; literally, _let him sleep_. To take out a +_dormiat_, i.e. a license to sleep. The licensed person is excused +from attending early prayers in the Chapel, from a plea of being +indisposed. Used in the English universities.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +DOUBLE FIRST. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student who +attains high honors in both the classical and the mathematical +tripos. + +The Calendar does not show an average of two "_Double Firsts_" +annually for the last ten years out of one hundred and +thirty-eight graduates in Honors.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 91. + +The reported saying of a distinguished judge,... "that the +standard of a _Double First_ was getting to be something beyond +human ability," seems hardly an exaggeration.--_Ibid._, p. 224. + + +DOUBLE MAN. In the English universities, a student who is a +proficient in both classics and mathematics. + +"_Double men_," as proficients in both classics and mathematics +are termed, are very rare.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 91. + +It not unfrequently happens that he now drops the intention of +being a "_double man_," and concentrates himself upon mathematics. +--_Ibid._, p. 104. + +To one danger mathematicians are more exposed than either +classical or _double men_,--disgust and satiety arising from +exclusive devotion to their unattractive studies.--_Ibid._, p. +225. + + +DOUBLE MARKS. It was formerly the custom in Harvard College with +the Professors in Rhetoric, when they had examined and corrected +the _themes_ of the students, to draw a straight line on the back +of each one of them, under the name of the writer. Under the names +of those whose themes were of more than ordinary correctness or +elegance, _two_ lines were drawn, which were called _double +marks_. + +They would take particular pains for securing the _double mark_ of +the English Professor to their poetical compositions.--_Monthly +Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 104. + +Many, if not the greater part of Paine's themes, were written in +verse; and his vanity was gratified, and his emulation roused, by +the honor of constant _double marks_.--_Works of R.T. Paine, +Biography_, p. xxii., Ed. 1812. + +See THEME. + + +DOUBLE SECOND. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., one who +obtains a high place in the second rank, in both mathematical and +classical honors. + +A good _double second_ will make, by his college scholarship, two +fifths or three fifths of his expenses during two thirds of the +time he passes at the University.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 427. + + +DOUGH-BALL. At the Anderson Collegiate Institute, Indiana, a name +given by the town's people to a student. + + +DRESS. A uniformity in dress has never been so prevalent in +American colleges as in the English and other universities. About +the middle of the last century, however, the habit among the +students of Harvard College of wearing gold lace attracted the +attention of the Overseers, and a law was passed "requiring that +on no occasion any of the scholars wear any gold or silver lace, +or any gold or silver brocades, in the College or town of +Cambridge," and "that no one wear any silk night-gowns." "In +1786," says Quincy, "in order to lessen the expense of dress, a +uniform was prescribed, the color and form of which were minutely +set forth, with a distinction of the classes by means of frogs on +the cuffs and button-holes; silk was prohibited, and home +manufactures were recommended." This system of uniform is fully +described in the laws of 1790, and is as follows:-- + +"All the Undergraduates shall be clothed in coats of blue-gray, +and with waistcoats and breeches of the same color, or of a black, +a nankeen, or an olive color. The coats of the Freshmen shall have +plain button-holes. The cuffs shall be without buttons. The coats +of the Sophomores shall have plain button-holes like those of the +Freshmen, but the cuffs shall have buttons. The coats of the +Juniors shall have cheap frogs to the button-holes, except the +button-holes of the cuffs. The coats of the Seniors shall have +frogs to the button-holes of the cuffs. The buttons upon the coats +of all the classes shall be as near the color of the coats as they +can be procured, or of a black color. And no student shall appear +within the limits of the College, or town of Cambridge, in any +other dress than in the uniform belonging to his respective class, +unless he shall have on a night-gown or such an outside garment as +may be necessary over a coat, except only that the Seniors and +Juniors are permitted to wear black gowns, and it is recommended +that they appear in them on all public occasions. Nor shall any +part of their garments be of silk; nor shall they wear gold or +silver lace, cord, or edging upon their hats, waistcoats, or any +other parts of their clothing. And whosoever shall violate these +regulations shall be fined a sum not exceeding ten shillings for +each offence."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1790, pp. 36, 37. + +It is to this dress that the poet alludes in these lines:-- + + "In blue-gray coat, with buttons on the cuffs, + First Modern Pride your ear with fustian stuffs; + 'Welcome, blest age, by holy seers foretold, + By ancient bards proclaimed the age of gold,'" &c.[22] + +But it was by the would-be reformers of that day alone that such +sentiments were held, and it was only by the severity of the +punishment attending non-conformity with these regulations that +they were ever enforced. In 1796, "the sumptuary law relative to +dress had fallen into neglect," and in the next year "it was found +so obnoxious and difficult to enforce," says Quincy, "that a law +was passed abrogating the whole system of distinction by 'frogs on +the cuffs and button-holes,' and the law respecting dress was +limited to prescribing a blue-gray or dark-blue coat, with +permission to wear a black gown, and a prohibition of wearing gold +or silver lace, cord, or edging."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. II. p. 277. + +A writer in the New England Magazine, in an article relating to +the customs of Harvard College at the close of the last century, +gives the following description of the uniform ordered by the +Corporation to be worn by the students:-- + +"Each head supported a three-cornered cocket hat. Yes, gentle +reader, no man or boy was considered in full dress, in those days, +unless his pericranium was thus surmounted, with the forward peak +directly over the right eye. Had a clergyman, especially, appeared +with a hat of any other form, it would have been deemed as great a +heresy as Unitarianism is at the present day. Whether or not the +three-cornered hat was considered as an emblem of Trinitarianism, +I am not able to determine. Our hair was worn in a _queue_, bound +with black ribbon, and reached to the small of the back, in the +shape of the tail of that motherly animal which furnishes +ungrateful bipeds of the human race with milk, butter, and cheese. +Where nature had not bestowed a sufficiency of this ornamental +appendage, the living and the dead contributed of their +superfluity to supply the deficiency. Our ear-locks,--_horresco +referens_!--my ears tingle and my countenance is distorted at the +recollection of the tortures inflicted on them by the heated +curling-tongs and crimping-irons. + +"The bosoms of our shirts were ruffled with lawn or cambric, and + 'Our fingers' ends were seen to peep + From ruffles, full five inches deep.' +Our coats were double-breasted, and of a black or priest-gray +color. The directions were not so particular respecting our +waistcoats, breeches,--I beg pardon,--small clothes, and +stockings. Our shoes ran to a point at the distance of two or +three inches from the extremity of the foot, and turned upward, +like the curve of a skate. Our dress was ornamented with shining +stock, knee, and shoe buckles, the last embracing at least one +half of the foot of ordinary dimensions. If any wore boots, they +were made to set as closely to the leg as its skin; for a handsome +calf and ankle were esteemed as great beauties as any portion of +the frame, or point in the physiognomy."--Vol. III. pp. 238, 239. + +In his late work, entitled, "Memories of Youth and Manhood," +Professor Sidney Willard has given an entertaining description of +the style of dress which was in vogue at Harvard College near the +close of the last century, in the following words:-- + +"Except on special occasions, which required more than ordinary +attention to dress, the students, when I was an undergraduate, +were generally very careless in this particular. They were obliged +by the College laws to wear coats of blue-gray; but as a +substitute in warm weather, they were allowed to wear gowns, +except on public occasions; and on these occasions they were +permitted to wear black gowns. Seldom, however, did any one avail +himself of this permission. In summer long gowns of calico or +gingham were the covering that distinguished the collegian, not +only about the College grounds, but in all parts of the village. +Still worse, when the season no longer tolerated this thin outer +garment, many adopted one much in the same shape, made of +colorless woollen stuff called lambskin. These were worn by many +without any under-coat in temperate weather, and in some cases for +a length of time in which they had become sadly soiled. In other +respects there was nothing peculiar in the common dress of the +young men and boys of College to distinguish it from that of +others of the same age. Breeches were generally worn, buttoned at +the knees, and tied or buckled a little below; not so convenient a +garment for a person dressing in haste as trousers or pantaloons. +Often did I see a fellow-student hurrying to the Chapel to escape +tardiness at morning prayers, with this garment unbuttoned at the +knees, the ribbons dangling over his legs, the hose refusing to +keep their elevation, and the calico or woollen gown wrapped about +him, ill concealing his dishabille. + +"Not all at once did pantaloons gain the supremacy as the nether +garment. About the beginning of the present century they grew +rapidly in favor with the young; but men past middle age were more +slow to adopt the change. Then, last, the aged very gradually were +converted to the fashion by the plea of convenience and comfort; +so that about the close of the first quarter of the present +century it became almost universal. In another particular, more +than half a century ago, the sons adopted a custom of their wiser +fathers. The young men had for several years worn shoes and boots +shaped in the toe part to a point, called peaked toes, while the +aged adhered to the shape similar to the present fashion; so that +the shoemaker, in a doubtful case, would ask his customer whether +he would have square-toed or peaked-toed. The distinction between +young and old in this fashion was so general, that sometimes a +graceless youth, who had been crossed by his father or guardian in +some of his unreasonable humors, would speak of him with the title +of _Old Square-toes_. + +"Boots with yellow tops inverted, and coming up to the knee-band, +were commonly worn by men somewhat advanced in years; but the +younger portion more generally wore half-boots, as they were +called, made of elastic leather, cordovan. These, when worn, left +a space of two or three inches between the top of the boot and the +knee-band. The great beauty of this fashion, as it was deemed by +many, consisted in restoring the boots, which were stretched by +drawing them on, to shape, and bringing them as nearly as possible +into contact with the legs; and he who prided himself most on the +form of his lower limbs would work the hardest in pressure on the +leather from the ankle upward in order to do this most +effectually."--Vol. I. pp. 318-320. + +In 1822 was passed the "Law of Harvard University, regulating the +dress of the students." The established uniform was as follows. +"The coat of black-mixed, single-breasted, with a rolling cape, +square at the end, and with pocket flaps; waist reaching to the +natural waist, with lapels of the same length; skirts reaching to +the bend of the knee; three crow's-feet, made of black-silk cord, +on the lower part of the sleeve of a Senior, two on that of a +Junior, and one on that of a Sophomore. The waistcoat of +black-mixed or of black; or when of cotton or linen fabric, of +white, single-breasted, with a standing collar. The pantaloons of +black-mixed or of black bombazette, or when of cotton or linen +fabric, of white. The surtout or great coat of black-mixed, with +not more than two capes. The buttons of the above dress must be +flat, covered with the same cloth as that of the garments, not +more than eight nor less than six on the front of the coat, and +four behind. A surtout or outside garment is not to be substituted +for the coat. But the students are permitted to wear black gowns, +in which they may appear on all public occasions. Night-gowns, of +cotton or linen or silk fabric, made in the usual form, or in that +of a frock coat, may be worn, except on the Sabbath, on exhibition +and other occasions when an undress would be improper. The +neckcloths must be plain black or plain white." + +No student, while in the State of Massachusetts, was allowed, +either in vacation or term time, to wear any different dress or +ornament from those above named, except in case of mourning, when +he could wear the customary badges. Although dismission was the +punishment for persisting in the violation of these regulations, +they do not appear to have been very well observed, and gradually, +like the other laws of an earlier date on this subject, fell into +disuse. The night-gowns or dressing-gowns continued to be worn at +prayers and in public until within a few years. The black-mixed, +otherwise called OXFORD MIXED cloth, is explained under the latter +title. + +The only law which now obtains at Harvard College on the subject +of dress is this: "On Sabbath, Exhibition, Examination, and +Commencement days, and on all other public occasions, each +student, in public, shall wear a black coat, with buttons of the +same color, and a black hat or cap."--_Orders and Regulations of +the Faculty of Harv. Coll._, July, 1853, p. 5. + +At one period in the history of Yale College, a passion for +expensive dress having become manifest among the students, the +Faculty endeavored to curb it by a direct appeal to the different +classes. The result was the establishment of the Lycurgan Society, +whose object was the encouragement of plainness in apparel. The +benefits which might have resulted from this organization were +contravened by the rashness of some of its members. The shape +which this rashness assumed is described in a work entitled +"Scenes and Characters in College," written by a Yale graduate of +the class of 1821. + +"Some members were seized with the notion of a _distinctive +dress_. It was strongly objected to; but the measure was carried +by a stroke of policy. The dress proposed was somewhat like that +of the Quakers, but less respectable,--a rustic cousin to it, or +rather a caricature; namely, a close coatee, with stand-up collar, +and _very_ short skirts,--_skirtees_, they might be called,--the +color gray; pantaloons and vest the same;--making the wearer a +monotonous gray man throughout, invisible at twilight. The +proposers of this metamorphosis, to make it go, selected an +individual of small and agreeable figure, and procuring a suit of +fine material, and a good fit, placed him on a platform as a +specimen. On _him_ it appeared very well, as a belted blouse does +on a graceful child; and all the more so, as he was a favorite +with the class, and lent to it the additional effect of agreeable +association. But it is bad logic to derive a general conclusion +from a single fact: it did not follow that the dress would be +universally becoming because it was so on him. However, majorities +govern; the dress was voted. The tailors were glad to hear of it, +expecting a fine run of business. + +"But when a tall son of Anak appeared in the little bodice of a +coat, stuck upon the hips; and still worse, when some very clumsy +forms assumed the dress, and one in particular, that I remember, +who was equally huge in person and coarse in manners, whose taste, +or economy, or both,--the one as probably as the other,--had led +him to the choice of an ugly pepper-and-salt, instead of the true +Oxford mix, or whatever the standard gray was called, and whose +tailor, or tailoress, probably a tailoress, had contrived to +aggravate his natural disproportions by the most awkward fit +imaginable,--then indeed you might have said that 'some of +nature's journeymen had made men, and not made them well, they +imitated humanity so abominably.' They looked like David's +messengers, maltreated and sent back by Hanun.[23] + +"The consequence was, the dress was unpopular; very few adopted +it; and the society itself went quietly into oblivion. +Nevertheless it had done some good; it had had a visible effect in +checking extravagance; and had accomplished all it would have +done, I imagine, had it continued longer. + +"There was a time, some three or four years previous to this, when +a rakish fashion began to be introduced of wearing white-topped +boots. It was a mere conceit of the wearers, such a fashion not +existing beyond College,--except as it appeared in here and there +an antiquated gentleman, a venerable remnant of the olden time, in +whom the boots were matched with buckles at the knee, and a +powdered queue. A practical satire quickly put an end to it. Some +humorists proposed to the waiters about College to furnish them +with such boots on condition of their wearing them. The offer was +accepted; a lot of them was ordered at a boot-and-shoe shop, and, +all at once, sweepers, sawyers, and the rest, appeared in +white-topped boots. I will not repeat the profaneness of a +Southerner when he first observed a pair of them upon a tall and +gawky shoe-black striding across the yard. He cursed the 'negro,' +and the boots; and, pulling off his own, flung them from him. +After this the servants had the fashion to themselves, and could +buy the article at any discount."--pp. 127-129. + +At Union College, soon after its foundation, there was enacted a +law, "forbidding any student to appear at chapel without the +College badge,--a piece of blue ribbon, tied in the button-hole of +the coat."--_Account of the First Semi-Centennial Anniversary of +the Philomathean Society, Union College_, 1847. + +Such laws as the above have often been passed in American +colleges, but have generally fallen into disuse in a very few +years, owing to the predominancy of the feeling of democratic +equality, the tendency of which is to narrow, in as great a degree +as possible, the intervals between different ages and conditions. + +See COSTUME. + + +DUDLEIAN LECTURE. An anniversary sermon which is preached at +Harvard College before the students; supported by the yearly +interest of one hundred pounds sterling, the gift of Paul Dudley, +from whom the lecture derives its name. The following topics were +chosen by him as subjects for this lecture. First, for "the +proving, explaining, and proper use and improvement of the +principles of Natural Religion." Second, "for the confirmation, +illustration, and improvement of the great articles of the +Christian Religion." Third, "for the detecting, convicting, and +exposing the idolatry, errors, and superstitions of the Romish +Church." Fourth, "for maintaining, explaining, and proving the +validity of the ordination of ministers or pastors of the +churches, and so their administration of the sacraments or +ordinances of religion, as the same hath been practised in New +England from the first beginning of it, and so continued to this +day." + +"The instrument proceeds to declare," says Quincy, "that he does +not intend to invalidate Episcopal ordination, or that practised +in Scotland, at Geneva, and among the Dissenters in England and in +this country, all which 'I esteem very safe, Scriptural, and +valid.' He directed these subjects to be discussed in rotation, +one every year, and appointed the President of the College, the +Professor of Divinity, the pastor of the First Church in +Cambridge, the Senior Tutor of the College, and the pastor of the +First Church in Roxbury, trustees of these lectures, which +commenced in 1755, and have since been annually continued without +intermission."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 139, +140. + + +DULCE DECUS. Latin; literally, _sweet honor_. At Williams College +a name given by a certain class of students to the game of whist; +the reason for which is evident. Whether Mæcenas would have +considered it an _honor_ to have had the compliment of Horace, + "O et præsidium et dulce decus meum," +transferred as a title for a game at cards, we leave for others to +decide. + + +DUMMER JUNGE,--literally, _stupid youth_,--among German students +"is the highest and most cutting insult, since it implies a denial +of sound, manly understanding and strength of capacity to him to +whom it is applied."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., +p. 127. + + +DUN. An importunate creditor who urges for payment. A character +not wholly unknown to collegians. + + Thanks heaven, flings by his cap and gown, and shuns + A place made odious by remorseless _duns_. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + + +_E_. + + +EGRESSES. At the older American colleges, when charges were made +and excuses rendered in Latin, the student who had left before the +conclusion of any of the religious services was accused of the +misdemeanor by the proper officer, who made use of the word +_egresses_, a kind of barbarous second person singular of some +imaginary verb, signifying, it is supposed, "you went out." + + Much absence, tardes and _egresses_, + The college-evil on him seizes. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +EIGHT. On the scale of merit, at Harvard College, eight is the +highest mark which a student can receive for a recitation. +Students speak of "_getting an eight_," which is equivalent to +saying, that they have made a perfect recitation. + + But since the Fates will not grant all _eights_, + Save to some disgusting fellow + Who'll fish and dig, I care not a fig, + We'll be hard boys and mellow. + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen. + + Numberless the _eights_ he showers + Full on my devoted head.--_MS. Ibid._ + +At the same college, when there were three exhibitions in the +year, it was customary for the first eight scholars in the Junior +Class to have "parts" at the first exhibition, the second eight at +the second exhibition, and the third eight at the third +exhibition. Eight Seniors performed with them at each of these +three exhibitions, but they were taken promiscuously from the +first twenty-four in their class. Although there are now but two +exhibitions in the year, twelve performing from each of the two +upper classes, yet the students still retain the old phraseology, +and you will often hear the question, "Is he in the first or +second _eight_?" + + The bell for morning prayers had long been sounding! + She says, "What makes you look so very pale?"-- + "I've had a dream."--"Spring to 't, or you'll be late!"-- + "Don't care! 'T was worth a part among the _Second Eight_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 121. + + +ELECTIONEERING. In many colleges in the United States, where there +are rival societies, it is customary, on the admission of a +student to college, for the partisans of the different societies +to wait upon him, and endeavor to secure him as a member. An +account of this _Society Electioneering_, as it is called, is +given in _Sketches of Yale College_, at page 162. + +Society _electioneering_ has mostly gone by.--_Williams +Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 285. + + +ELEGANT EXTRACTS. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a cant +title applied to some fifteen or twenty men who have just +succeeded in passing their final examination, and who are +bracketed together, at the foot of the Polloi list.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 250. + + +EMERITUS, _pl._ EMERITI. Latin; literally, _obtained by service_. +One who has been honorably discharged from public service, as, in +colleges and universities, a _Professor Emeritus_. + + +EMIGRANT. In the English universities, one who migrates, or +removes from one college to another. + +At Christ's, for three years successively,... the first man was an +_emigrant_ from John's.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 100. + +See MIGRATION. + + +EMPTY BOTTLE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the sobriquet +of a fellow-commoner. + +Indeed they [fellow-commoners] are popularly denominated "_empty +bottles_," the first word of the appellation being an adjective, +though were it taken as a verb there would be no untruth in +it.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + + +ENCENIA, _pl._ Greek [Greek: enkainia], _a feast of dedication_. +Festivals anciently kept on the days on which cities were built or +churches consecrated; and, in later times, ceremonies renewed at +certain periods, as at Oxford, at the celebration of founders and +benefactors.--_Hook_. + + +END WOMAN. At Bowdoin College, "end women," says a correspondent, +"are the venerable females who officiate as chambermaids in the +different entries." They are so called from the entries being +placed at the _ends_ of the buildings. + + +ENGAGEMENT. At Yale College, the student, on entering, signs an +_engagement_, as it is called, in the words following: "I, A.B., +on condition of being admitted as a member of Yale College, +promise, on my faith and honor, to observe all the laws and +regulations of this College; particularly that I will faithfully +avoid using profane language, gaming, and all indecent, disorderly +behavior, and disrespectful conduct to the Faculty, and all +combinations to resist their authority; as witness my hand. A.B." +--_Yale Coll. Cat._, 1837, p. 10. + +Nearly the same formula is used at Williams College. + + +ENGINE. At Harvard College, for many years before and succeeding +the year 1800, a fire-engine was owned by the government, and was +under the management of the students. In a MS. Journal, under date +of Oct. 29, 1792, is this note: "This day I turned out to exercise +the engine. P.M." The company were accustomed to attend all the +fires in the neighboring towns, and were noted for their skill and +efficiency. But they often mingled enjoyment with their labor, nor +were they always as scrupulous as they might have been in the +means used to advance it. In 1810, the engine having been newly +repaired, they agreed to try its power on an old house, which was +to be fired at a given time. By some mistake, the alarm was given +before the house was fairly burning. Many of the town's people +endeavored to save it, but the company, dragging the engine into a +pond near by, threw the dirty water on them in such quantities +that they were glad to desist from their laudable endeavors. + +It was about this time that the Engine Society was organized, +before which so many pleasant poems and orations were annually +delivered. Of these, that most noted is the "Rebelliad," which was +spoken in the year 1819, and was first published in the year 1842. +Of it the editor has well remarked: "It still remains the +text-book of the jocose, and is still regarded by all, even the +melancholy, as a most happy production of humorous taste." Its +author was Dr. Augustus Pierce, who died at Tyngsborough, May 20, +1849. + +The favorite beverage at fires was rum and molasses, commonly +called _black-strap_, which is referred to in the following lines, +commemorative of the engine company in its palmier days. + + "But oh! let _black-strap's_ sable god deplore + Those _engine-heroes_ so renowned of yore! + Gone is that spirit, which, in ancient time, + Inspired more deeds than ever shone in rhyme! + Ye, who remember the superb array, + The deafening cry, the engine's 'maddening play,' + The broken windows, and the floating floor, + Wherewith those masters of hydraulic lore + Were wont to make us tremble as we gazed, + Can tell how many a false alarm was raised, + How many a room by their o'erflowings drenched, + And how few fires by their assistance quenched?" + _Harvard Register_, p. 235. + +The habit of attending fires in Boston, as it had a tendency to +draw the attention of the students from their college duties, was +in part the cause of the dissolution of the company. Their +presence was always welcomed in the neighboring city, and although +they often left their engine behind them on returning to +Cambridge, it was usually sent out to them soon after. The company +would often parade through the streets of Cambridge in masquerade +dresses, headed by a chaplain, presenting a most ludicrous +appearance. In passing through the College yard, it was the custom +to throw water into any window that chanced to be open. Their +fellow-students, knowing when they were to appear, usually kept +their windows closed; but the officers were not always so +fortunate. About the year 1822, having discharged water into the +room of the College regent, thereby damaging a very valuable +library of books, the government disbanded the company, and +shortly after sold the engine to the then town of Cambridge, on +condition that it should never be taken out of the place. A few +years ago it was again sold to some young men of West Cambridge, +in whose hands it still remains. One of the brakes of the engine, +a relic of its former glory, was lately discovered in the cellar +of one of the College buildings, and that perchance has by this +time been used to kindle the element which it once assisted to +extinguish. + + +ESQUIRE BEDELL. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., three +_Esquire Bedells_ are appointed, whose office is to attend the +Vice-Chancellor, whom they precede with their silver maces upon +all public occasions.--_Cam. Guide_. + +At the University of Oxford, the Esquire Bedells are three in +number. They walk before the Vice-Chancellor in processions, and +carry golden staves as the insignia of their office.--_Guide to +Oxford_. + +See BEADLE. + + +EVANGELICAL. In student phrase, a religious, orthodox man, one who +is sound in the doctrines of the Gospel, or one who is reading +theology, is called an _Evangelical_. + +He was a King's College, London, man, an +_Evangelical_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 265. + +It has been said by some of the _Evangelicals_, that nothing can +be done to improve the state of morality in the Universities so +long as the present Church system continues.--_Ibid._, p. 348. + + +EXAMINATION. An inquiry into the acquisitions of the students, in +_colleges_ and _seminaries of learning_, by questioning them in +literature and the sciences, and by hearing their +recitals.--_Webster_. + +In all colleges candidates for entrance are required to be able to +pass an examination in certain branches of study before they can +be admitted. The students are generally examined, in most +colleges, at the close of each term. + +In the revised laws of Harvard College, printed in the year 1790, +was one for the purpose of introducing examinations, the first +part of which is as follows: "To animate the students in the +pursuit of literary merit and fame, and to excite in their breasts +a noble spirit of emulation, there shall be annually a public +examination, in the presence of a joint committee of the +Corporation and Overseers, and such other gentlemen as may be +inclined to attend it." It then proceeds to enumerate the times +and text-books for each class, and closes by stating, that, +"should any student neglect or refuse to attend such examination, +he shall be liable to be fined a sum not exceeding twenty +shillings, or to be admonished or suspended." Great discontent was +immediately evinced by the students at this regulation, and as it +was not with this understanding that they entered college, they +considered it as an _ex post facto_ law, and therefore not binding +upon them. With these views, in the year 1791, the Senior and +Junior Classes petitioned for exemption from the examination, but +their application was rejected by the Overseers. When this was +declared, some of the students determined to stop the exercises +for that year, if possible. For this purpose they obtained six +hundred grains of tartar emetic, and early on the morning of April +12th, the day on which the examination was to begin, emptied it +into the great cooking boilers in the kitchen. At breakfast, 150 +or more students and officers being present, the coffee was +brought on, made with the water from the boilers. Its effects were +soon visible. One after another left the hall, some in a slow, +others in a hurried manner, but all plainly showing that their +situation was by no means a pleasant one. Out of the whole number +there assembled, only four or five escaped without being made +unwell. Those who put the drug in the coffee had drank the most, +in order to escape detection, and were consequently the most +severely affected. Unluckily, one of them was seen putting +something into the boilers, and the names of the others were soon +after discovered. Their punishment is stated in the following +memoranda from a manuscript journal. + +"Exhibition, 1791. April 20th. This morning Trapier was rusticated +and Sullivan suspended to Groton for nine months, for mingling +tartar emetic with our commons on ye morning of April 12th." + +"May 21st. Ely was suspended to Amherst for five months, for +assisting Sullivan and Trapier in mingling tartar emetic with our +commons." + +Another student, who threw a stone into the examination-room, +which struck the chair in which Governor Hancock sat, was more +severely punished. The circumstance is mentioned in the manuscript +referred to above as follows:-- + +"April 14th, 1791. Henry W. Jones of H---- was expelled from +College upon evidence of a little boy that he sent a stone into ye +Philosopher's room while a committee of ye Corporation and +Overseers, and all ye Immediate Government, were engaged in +examination of ye Freshman Class." + +Although the examination was delayed for a day or two on account +of these occurrences, it was again renewed and carried on during +that year, although many attempts were made to stop it. For +several years after, whenever these periods occurred, disturbances +came with them, and it was not until the year 1797 that the +differences between the officers and the students were +satisfactorily adjusted, and examinations established on a sure +basis. + + +EXAMINE. To inquire into the improvements or qualifications of +students, by interrogatories, proposing problems, or by hearing +their recitals; as, to _examine_ the classes in college; to +_examine_ the candidates for a degree, or for a license to preach +or to practise in a profession.--_Webster_. + + +EXAMINEE. One who is examined; one who undergoes at examination. + +What loads of cold beef and lobster vanish before the _examinees_. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 72. + + +EXAMINER. One who examines. In colleges and seminaries of +learning, the person who interrogates the students, proposes +questions for them to answer, and problems to solve. + +Coming forward with assumed carelessness, he threw towards us the +formal reply of his _examiners_.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 9. + + +EXEAT. Latin; literally, _let him depart_. Leave of absence given +to a student in the English universities.--_Webster_. + +The students who wish to go home apply for an "_Exeat_," which is +a paper signed by the Tutor, Master, and Dean.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. +I. p. 162. + +[At King's College], _exeats_, or permission to go down during +term, were never granted but in cases of life and +death.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 140. + + +EXERCISE. A task or lesson; that which is appointed for one to +perform. In colleges, all the literary duties are called +_exercises_. + +It may be inquired, whether a great part of the _exercises_ be not +at best but serious follies.--_Cotton Mather's Suggestions_, in +_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 558. + +In the English universities, certain exercises, as acts, +opponencies, &c., are required to be performed for particular +degrees. + + +EXHIBIT. To take part in an exhibition; to speak in public at an +exhibition or commencement. + +No student who shall receive any appointment to _exhibit_ before +the class, the College, or the public, shall give any treat or +entertainment to his class, or any part thereof, for or on account +of those appointments.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 29. + +If any student shall fail to perform the exercise assigned him, or +shall _exhibit_ anything not allowed by the Faculty, he may be +sent home.--_Ibid._, 1837, p. 16. + +2. To provide for poor students by an exhibition. (See EXHIBITION, +second meaning.) An instance of this use is given in the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, where one Antony Wood says of Bishop Longland, "He +was a special friend to the University, in maintaining its +privileges and in _exhibiting_ to the wants of certain scholars." +In Mr. Peirce's History of Harvard University occurs this passage, +in an account of the will of the Hon. William Stoughton: "He +bequeathed a pasture in Dorchester, containing twenty-three acres +and four acres of marsh, 'the income of both to be _exhibited_, in +the first place, to a scholar of the town of Dorchester, and if +there be none such, to one of the town of Milton, and in want of +such, then to any other well deserving that shall be most needy.'" +--p. 77. + + +EXHIBITION. In colleges, a public literary and oratorical display. +The exercises at _exhibitions_ are original compositions, prose +translations from the English into Greek and Latin, and from other +languages into the English, metrical versions, dialogues, &c. + +At Harvard College, in the year 1760, it was voted, "that twice in +a year, in the spring and fall, each class should recite to their +Tutors, in the presence of the President, Professors, and Tutors, +in the several books in which they are reciting to their +respective Tutors, and that publicly in the College Hall or +Chapel." The next year, the Overseers being informed "that the +students are not required to translate English into Latin nor +Latin into English," their committee "thought it would be +convenient that specimens of such translations and other +performances in classical and polite literature should be from +time to time laid before" their board. A vote passed the Board of +Overseers recommending to the Corporation a conformity to these +suggestions; but it was not until the year 1766 that a law was +formally enacted in both boards, "that twice in the year, viz. at +the semiannual visitation of the committee of the Overseers, some +of the scholars, at the direction of the President and Tutors, +shall publicly exhibit specimens of their proficiency, by +pronouncing orations and delivering dialogues, either in English +or in one of the learned languages, or hearing a forensic +disputation, or such other exercises as the President and Tutors +shall direct."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. +128-132. + +A few years after this, two more exhibitions were added, and were +so arranged as to fall one in each quarter of the College year. +The last year in which there were four exhibitions was 1789. After +this time there were three exhibitions during the year until 1849, +when one was omitted, since which time the original plan has been +adopted. + +In the journal of a member of the class which graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1793, under the date of December 23d, 1789, +Exhibition, is the following memorandum: "Music was intermingled +with elocution, which (we read) has charms to soothe even a savage +breast." Again, on a similar occasion, April 13th, 1790, an +account of the exercises of the day closes with this note: "Tender +music being interspersed to enliven the audience." Vocal music was +sometimes introduced. In the same Journal, date October 1st, 1790, +Exhibition, the writer says: "The performances were enlivened with +an excellent piece of music, sung by Harvard Singing Club, +accompanied with a band of music." From this time to the present +day, music, either vocal or instrumental, has formed a very +entertaining part of the Exhibition performances.[24] + +The exercises for exhibitions are assigned by the Faculty to +meritorious students, usually of the two higher classes. The +exhibitions are held under the direction of the President, and a +refusal to perform the part assigned is regarded as a high +offence.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 19. _Laws Yale +Coll._, 1837, p. 16. + +2. Allowance of meat and drink; pension; benefaction settled for +the maintenance of scholars in the English Universities, not +depending on the foundation.--_Encyc._ + + What maintenance he from his friends receives, + Like _exhibition_ thou shalt have from me. + _Two Gent. Verona_, Act. I. Sc. 3. + +This word was formerly used in American colleges. + +I order and appoint ... ten pounds a year for one _exhibition_, to +assist one pious young man.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. +p. 530. + +As to the extending the time of his _exhibitions_, we agree to it. +--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 532. + +In the yearly "Statement of the Treasurer" of Harvard College, the +word is still retained. + +"A _school exhibition_," says a writer in the Literary World, with +reference to England, "is a stipend given to the head boys of a +school, conditional on their proceeding to some particular college +in one of the universities."--Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +EXHIBITIONER. One who has a pension or allowance, granted for the +encouragement of learning; one who enjoys an exhibition. Used +principally in the English universities. + +2. One who performs a part at an exhibition in American colleges +is sometimes called an _exhibitioner_. + + +EXPEL. In college government, to command to leave; to dissolve the +connection of a student; to interdict him from further connection. +--_Webster_. + + +EXPULSION. In college government, expulsion is the highest +censure, and is a final separation from the college or university. +--_Coll. Laws_. + +In the Diary of Mr. Leverett, who was President of Harvard College +from 1707 to 1724, is an account of the manner in which the +punishment of expulsion was then inflicted. It is as follows:--"In +the College Hall the President, after morning prayers, the +Fellows, Masters of Art, and the several classes of Undergraduates +being present, after a full opening of the crimes of the +delinquents, a pathetic admonition of them, and solemn obtestation +and caution to the scholars, pronounced the sentence of expulsion, +ordered their names to be rent off the tables, and them to depart +the Hall."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 442. + +In England, "an expelled man," says Bristed, "is shut out from the +learned professions, as well as from all Colleges at either +University."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 131. + + + +_F_. + + +FACILITIES. The means by which the performance of anything is +rendered easy.--_Webster_. + +Among students, a general name for what are technically called +_ponies_ or translations. + +All such subsidiary helps in learning lessons, he classed ... +under the opprobrious name of "_facilities_," and never scrupled +to seize them as contraband goods.--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, +D.D._, p. lxxvii. + + +FACULTY. In colleges, the masters and professors of the several +sciences.--_Johnson_. + +In America, the _faculty_ of a college or university consists of +the president, professors, and tutors.--_Webster_. + +The duties of the faculty are very extended. They have the general +control and direction of the studies pursued in the college. They +have cognizance of all offences committed by undergraduates, and +it is their special duty to enforce the observance of all the laws +and regulations for maintaining discipline, and promoting good +order, virtue, piety, and good learning in the institution with +which they are connected. The faculty hold meetings to communicate +and compare their opinions and information, respecting the conduct +and character of the students and the state of the college; to +decide upon the petitions or requests which may be offered them by +the members of college, and to consider and suggest such measures +as may tend to the advancement of learning, and the improvement of +the college. This assembly is called a _Faculty-meeting_, a word +very often in the mouths of students.--_Coll. Laws_. + +2. One of the members or departments of a university. + +"In the origin of the University of Paris," says Brande, "the +seven liberal arts (grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, +geometry, astronomy, and music) seem to have been the subjects of +academic instruction. These constituted what was afterwards +designated the Faculty of Arts. Three other faculties--those of +divinity, law, and medicine--were subsequently added. In all these +four, lectures were given, and degrees conferred by the +University. The four Faculties were transplanted to Oxford and +Cambridge, where they are still retained; although, in point of +fact, the faculty of arts is the only one in which substantial +instruction is communicated in the academical course."--_Brande's +Dict._, Art. FACULTY. + +In some American colleges, these four departments are established, +and sometimes a fifth, the Scientific, is added. + + +FAG. Scotch, _faik_, to fail, to languish. Ancient Swedish, +_wik-a_, cedere. To drudge; to labor to weariness; to become +weary. + +2. To study hard; to persevere in study. + + Place me 'midst every toil and care, + A hapless undergraduate still, + To _fag_ at mathematics dire, &c. + _Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 8. + +Dee, the famous mathematician, appears to have _fagged_ as +intensely as any man at Cambridge. For three years, he declares, +he only slept four hours a night, and allowed two hours for +refreshment. The remaining eighteen hours were spent in +study.--_Ibid._, p. 48. + + How did ye toil, and _fagg_, and fume, and fret, + And--what the bashful muse would blush to say. + But, now, your painful tremors are all o'er, + Cloath'd in the glories of a full-sleev'd gown, + Ye strut majestically up and down, + And now ye _fagg_, and now ye fear, no more! + _Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 20. + + +FAG. A laborious drudge; a drudge for another. In colleges and +schools, this term is applied to a boy of a lower form who is +forced to do menial services for another boy of a higher form or +class. + +But who are those three by-standers, that have such an air of +submission and awe in their countenances? They are +_fags_,--Freshmen, poor fellows, called out of their beds, and +shivering with fear in the apprehension of missing morning +prayers, to wait upon their lords the Sophomores in their midnight +revellings.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. II. p. 106. + + His _fag_ he had well-nigh killed by a blow. + _Wallenstein in Bohn's Stand. Lib._, p. 155. + +A sixth-form schoolboy is not a little astonished to find his +_fags_ becoming his masters.--_Lond. Quar. Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. +LXXIII, p. 53. + +Under the title FRESHMAN SERVITUDE will be found as account of the +manner in which members of that class were formerly treated in the +older American colleges. + +2. A diligent student, i.e. a _dig_. + + +FAG. Time spent in, or period of, studying. + +The afternoon's _fag_ is a pretty considerable one, lasting from +three till dark.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 248. + +After another _hard fag_ of a week or two, a land excursion would +be proposed.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 56. + + +FAGGING. Laborious drudgery; the acting as a drudge for another at +a college or school. + +2. Studying hard, equivalent to _digging, grubbing, &c._ + + Thrice happy ye, through toil and dangers past, + Who rest upon that peaceful shore, + Where all your _fagging_ is no more, + And gain the long-expected port at last. + _Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + +To _fagging_ I set to, therefore, with as keen a relish as ever +alderman sat down to turtle.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 123. + +See what I pay for liberty to leave school early, and to figure in +every ball-room in the country, and see the world, instead of +_fagging_ at college.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 307. + + +FAIR HARVARD. At the celebration of the era of the second century +from the origin of Harvard College, which was held at Cambridge, +September 8th, 1836, the following Ode, written by the Rev. Samuel +Gilman, D.D., of Charleston, S.C., was sung to the air, "Believe +me, if all those endearing young charms." + + "FAIR HARVARD! thy sons to thy Jubilee throng, + And with blessings surrender thee o'er, + By these festival-rites, from the Age that is past, + To the Age that is waiting before. + O Relic and Type of our ancestors' worth, + That hast long kept their memory warm! + First flower of their wilderness! Star of their night, + Calm rising through change and through storm! + + "To thy bowers we were led in the bloom of our youth, + From the home of our free-roving years, + When our fathers had warned, and our mothers had prayed, + And our sisters had blest, through their tears. + _Thou_ then wert our parent,--the nurse of our souls,-- + We were moulded to manhood by thee, + Till, freighted with treasure-thoughts, friendships, and hopes, + Thou didst launch us on Destiny's sea. + + "When, as pilgrims, we come to revisit thy halls, + To what kindlings the season gives birth! + Thy shades are more soothing, thy sunlight more dear, + Than descend on less privileged earth: + For the Good and the Great, in their beautiful prime, + Through thy precincts have musingly trod, + As they girded their spirits, or deepened the streams + That make glad the fair City of God. + + "Farewell! be thy destinies onward and bright! + To thy children the lesson still give, + With freedom to think, and with patience to bear, + And for right ever bravely to live. + Let not moss-covered Error moor _thee_ at its side, + As the world on Truth's current glides by; + Be the herald of Light, and the bearer of Love, + Till the stock of the Puritans die." + +Since the occasion on which this ode was sung, it has been the +practice with the odists of Class Day at Harvard College to write +the farewell class song to the tune of "Fair Harvard," the name by +which the Irish air "Believe me" has been adopted. The deep pathos +of this melody renders it peculiarly appropriate to the +circumstances with which it has been so happily connected, and +from which it is to be hoped it may never be severed. + +See CLASS DAY. + + +FAIR LICK. In the game of football, when the ball is fairly caught +or kicked beyond the bounds, the cry usually heard, is _Fair lick! +Fair lick!_ + + "_Fair lick_!" he cried, and raised his dreadful foot, + Armed at all points with the ancestral boot. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 22. + +See FOOTBALL. + + +FANTASTICS. At Princeton College, an exhibition on Commencement +evening, of a number of students on horseback, fantastically +dressed in masks, &c. + + +FAST. An epithet of one who is showy in dress, expensive or +apparently so in his mode of living, and inclined to spree. +Formerly used exclusively among students; now of more general +application. + +Speaking of the student signification of the word, Bristed +remarks: "A _fast man_ is not necessarily (like the London fast +man) a _rowing_ man, though the two attributes are often combined +in the same person; he is one who dresses flashily, talks big, and +spends, or affects to spend, money very freely."--_Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 23. + + The _Fast_ Man comes, with reeling tread, + Cigar in mouth, and swimming head. + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton. + + +FAT. At Princeton College, a letter with money or a draft is thus +denominated. + + +FATHER or PRÆLECTOR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., one of +the fellows of a college, who attends all the examinations for the +Bachelor's degree, to see that justice is done to the candidates +from his own college, who are at that time called his +_sons_.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +The _Fathers_ of the respective colleges, zealous for the credit +of the societies of which they are the guardians, are incessantly +employed in examining those students who appear most likely to +contest the palm of glory with their _sons_.--_Gent. Mag._, 1773, +p. 435. + + +FEBRUARY TWENTY-SECOND. At Shelby, Centre, and Bacon Colleges, in +Kentucky, it is customary to select the best orators and speakers +from the different literary societies to deliver addresses on the +twenty-second of February, in commemoration of the birthday of +Washington. At Bethany College, in Virginia, this day is observed +in a similar manner. + + +FEEZE. Usually spelled PHEEZE, q.v. + +Under FLOP, another, but probably a wrong or obsolete, +signification is given. + + +FELLOW. A member of a corporation; a trustee. In the English +universities, a residence at the college, engagement in +instruction, and receiving therefor a stipend, are essential +requisites to the character of a _fellow_. In American colleges, +it is not necessary that a _fellow_ should be a resident, a +stipendiary, or an instructor. In most cases the greater number of +the _Fellows of the Corporation_ are non-residents, and have no +part in the instruction at the college. + +With reference to the University of Cambridge, Eng., Bristed +remarks: "The Fellows, who form the general body from which the +other college officers are chosen, consist of those four or five +Bachelor Scholars in each year who pass the best examination in +classics, mathematics, and metaphysics. This examination being a +severe one, and only the last of many trials which they have gone +through, the inference is allowable that they are the most learned +of the College graduates. They have a handsome income, whether +resident or not; but if resident, enjoy the additional advantages +of a well-spread table for nothing, and good rooms at a very low +price. The only conditions of retaining their Fellowships are, +that they take orders after a certain time and remain unmarried. +Of those who do not fill college offices, some occupy themselves +with private pupils; others, who have property of their own, +prefer to live a life of literary leisure, like some of their +predecessors, the monks of old. The eight oldest Fellows at any +time in residence, together with the Master, have the government +of the college vested in them."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 16. + +For some remarks on the word Fellow, see under the title COLLEGE. + + +FELLOW-COMMONER. In the University of Cambridge, England, +_Fellow-Commoners_ are generally the younger sons of the nobility, +or young men of fortune, and have the privilege of dining at the +Fellows' table, whence the appellation originated. + +"Fellow-Commoners," says Bristed, "are 'young men of fortune,' as +the _Cambridge Calendar_ and _Cambridge Guide_ have it, who, in +consideration of their paying twice as much for everything as +anybody else, are allowed the privilege of sitting at the Fellows' +table in hall, and in their seats at chapel; of wearing a gown +with gold or silver lace, and a velvet cap with a metallic tassel; +of having the first choice of rooms; and as is generally believed, +and believed not without reason, of getting off with a less number +of chapels per week. Among them are included the Honorables _not_ +eldest sons,--only these wear a hat instead of the velvet cap, and +are thence popularly known as _Hat_ Fellow-Commoners."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 13. + +A _Fellow-Commoner_ at Cambridge is equivalent to an Oxford +_Gentleman-Commoner_, and is in all respects similar to what in +private schools and seminaries is called a _parlor boarder_. A +fuller account of this, the first rank at the University, will be +found in the Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 20, and in the Gradus +ad Cantabrigiam, p. 50. + +"Fellow-Commoners have been nicknamed '_Empty Bottles_'! They have +been called, likewise, 'Useless Members'! 'The licensed Sons of +Ignorance.'"--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +The Fellow-Commoners, alias _empty bottles_, (not so called +because they've let out anything during the examination,) are then +presented.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 101. + +In the old laws of Harvard College we find the following: "None +shall be admitted a _Fellow-Commoner_ unless he first pay thirteen +pounds six and eight pence to the college. And every +_Fellow-Commoner_ shall pay double tuition money. They shall have +the privilege of dining and supping with the Fellows at their +table in the hall; they shall be excused from going on errands, +and shall have the title of Masters, and have the privilege of +wearing their hats as the Masters do; but shall attend all duties +and exercises with the rest of their class, and be alike subject +to the laws and government of the College," &c. The Hon. Paine +Wingate, a graduate of the class of 1759, says in reference to +this subject: "I never heard anything about _Fellow-Commoners_ in +college excepting in this paragraph. I am satisfied there has been +no such description of scholars at Cambridge since I have known +anything about the place."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Coll._, p. 314. + +In the Appendix to "A Sketch of the History of Harvard College," +by Samuel A. Eliot, is a memorandum, in the list of donations to +that institution, under the date 1683, to this effect. "Mr. Joseph +Brown, Mr. Edward Page, Mr. Francis Wainwright, +_fellow-commoners_, gave each a silver goblet." Mr. Wainwright +graduated in 1686. The other two do not appear to have received a +degree. All things considered, it is probable that this order, +although introduced from the University of Cambridge, England, +into Harvard College, received but few members, on account of the +evil influence which such distinctions usually exert. + + +FELLOW OF THE HOUSE. See under HOUSE. + + +FELLOW, RESIDENT. At Harvard College, the tutors were formerly +called _resident fellows_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. +p. 278. + +The _resident fellows_ were tutors to the classes, and instructed +them in Hebrew, "and led them through all the liberal arts before +the four years were expired."--_Harv. Reg._, p. 249. + + +FELLOWSHIP. An establishment in colleges, for the maintenance of a +fellow.--_Webster_. + +In Harvard College, tutors were formerly called Fellows of the +House or College, and their office, _fellowships_. In this sense +that word is used in the following passage. + +Joseph Stevens was chosen "Fellow of the College, or House," and +as such was approved by that board [the Corporation], in the +language of the records, "to supply a vacancy in one of the +_Fellowships_ of the House."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. +I. p. 279. + + +FELLOWS' ORCHARD. See TUTORS' PASTURE. + + +FEMUR. Latin; _a thigh-bone_. At Yale College, a _femur_ was +formerly the badge of a medical bully. + + When hand in hand all joined in band, + With clubs, umbrellas, _femurs_, + Declaring death and broken teeth + 'Gainst blacksmiths, cobblers, seamers. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 14. + + "One hundred valiant warriors, who + (My Captain bid me say) + Three _femurs_ wield, with one to fight, + With two to run away, + + "Wait in Scull Castle, to receive, + With open gates, your men; + Their right arms nerved, their _femurs_ clenched, + Safe to protect ye then!"--_Ibid._, p. 23. + + +FERG. To lose the heat of excitement or passion; to become less +angry, ardent; to cool. A correspondent from the University of +Vermont, where this word is used, says: "If a man gets angry, we +'let him _ferg_,' and he feels better." + + +FESS. Probably abbreviated for CONFESS. In some of the Southern +Colleges, to fail in reciting; to silently request the teacher not +to put farther queries. + +This word is in use among the cadets at West Point, with the same +meaning. + + And when you and I, and Benny, and General Jackson too, + Are brought before a final board our course of life to view, + May we never "_fess_" on any "point," but then be told to go + To join the army of the blest, with Benny Havens, O! + _Song, Benny Havens, O!_ + + +FINES. In many of the colleges in the United States it was +formerly customary to impose fines upon the students as a +punishment for non-compliance with the laws. The practice is now +very generally abolished. + +About the middle of the eighteenth century, the custom of +punishing by pecuniary mulets began, at Harvard College, to be +considered objectionable. "Although," says Quincy, "little +regarded by the students, they were very annoying to their +parents." A list of the fines which were imposed on students at +that period presents a curious aggregate of offences and +punishments. + + £ s. d. +Absence from prayers, 0 0 2 +Tardiness at prayers, 0 0 1 +Absence from Professor's public lecture, 0 0 4 +Tardiness at do. 0 0 2 +Profanation of Lord's day, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Absence from public worship, 0 0 9 +Tardiness at do. 0 0 3 +Ill behavior at do. not exceeding 0 1 6 +Going to meeting before bell-ringing, 0 0 6 +Neglecting to repeat the sermon, 0 0 9 +Irreverent behavior at prayers, or public divinity + lectures, 0 1 6 +Absence from chambers, &c., not exceeding 0 0 6 +Not declaiming, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Not giving up a declamation, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Absence from recitation, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Neglecting analyzing, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Bachelors neglecting disputations, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Respondents neglecting do. from 1s. 6d. to 0 3 0 +Undergraduates out of town without leave, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town without leave, not + exceeding _per diem_, 0 1 3 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town one week without + leave, not exceeding 0 10 0 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town one month without + leave, not exceeding 2 10 0 +Lodging strangers without leave, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Entertaining persons of ill character, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Going out of College without proper garb, not exceeding 0 0 6 +Frequenting taverns, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Profane cursing, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Graduates playing cards, not exceeding 0 5 0 +Undergraduates playing cards, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Undergraduates playing any game for money, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Selling and exchanging without leave, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Lying, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Opening door by pick-locks, not exceeding 0 5 0 +Drunkenness, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Liquors prohibited under penalty, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Second offence, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Keeping prohibited liquors, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Sending for do. 0 0 6 +Fetching do. 0 1 6 +Going upon the top of the College, 0 1 6 +Cutting off the lead, 0 1 6 +Concealing the transgression of the 19th Law,[25] 0 1 6 +Tumultuous noises, 0 1 6 +Second offence, 0 3 0 +Refusing to give evidence, 0 3 0 +Rudeness at meals, 0 1 0 +Butler and cook to keep utensils clean, not + exceeding 0 5 0 +Not lodging at their chambers, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Sending Freshmen in studying time, 0 0 9 +Keeping guns, and going on skating, 0 1 0 +Firing guns or pistols in College yard, 0 2 6 +Fighting or hurting any person, not exceeding 0 1 6 + +In 1761, a committee, of which Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson was +a member, was appointed to consider of some other method of +punishing offenders. Although they did not altogether abolish +mulets, yet "they proposed that, in lieu of an increase of mulcts, +absences without justifiable cause from any exercise of the +College should subject the delinquent to warning, private +admonition, exhortation to duty, and public admonition, with a +notification to parents; when recitations had been omitted, +performance of them should be exacted at some other time; and, by +way of punishment for disorders, confinement, and the performance +of exercises during its continuance, should be +enjoined."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 135, 136. + +By the laws of 1798, fines not exceeding one dollar were imposed +by a Professor or Tutor, or the Librarian; not exceeding two +dollars, by the President; all above two dollars, by the +President, Professors, and Tutors, at a meeting. + +Upon this subject, with reference to Harvard College, Professor +Sidney Willard remarks: "For a long period fines constituted the +punishment of undergraduates for negligence in attendance at the +exercises and in the performance of the lessons assigned to them. +A fine was the lowest degree in the gradation of punishment. This +mode of punishment or disapprobation was liable to objections, as +a tax on the father rather than a rebuke of the son, (except it +might be, in some cases, for the indirect moral influence produced +upon the latter, operating on his filial feeling,) and as a +mercenary exaction, since the money went into the treasury of the +College. It was a good day for the College when this punishment +through the purse was abandoned as a part of the system of +punishments; which, not confined to neglect of study, had been +extended also to a variety of misdemeanors more or less aggravated +and aggravating."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. p. +304. + +"Of fines," says President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse +relating to Yale College, "the laws are full, and other documents +show that the laws did not sleep. Thus there was in 1748 a fine of +a penny for the absence of an undergraduate from prayers, and of a +half-penny for tardiness or coming in after the introductory +collect; of fourpence for absence from public worship; of from two +to six pence for absence from one's chamber during the time of +study; of one shilling for picking open a lock the first time, and +two shillings the second; of two and sixpence for playing at cards +or dice, or for bringing strong liquor into College; of one +shilling for doing damage to the College, or jumping out of the +windows,--and so in many other cases. + +"In the year 1759, a somewhat unfair pamphlet was written, which +gave occasion to several others in quick succession, wherein, +amidst other complaints of President Clap's administration, +mention is made of the large amount of fines imposed upon +students. The author, after mentioning that in three years' time +over one hundred and seventy-two pounds of lawful money was +collected in this way, goes on to add, that 'such an exorbitant +collection by fines tempts one to suspect that they have got +together a most disorderly set of young men training up for the +service of the churches, or that they are governed and corrected +chiefly by pecuniary punishments;--that almost all sins in that +society are purged and atoned for by money.' He adds, with +justice, that these fines do not fall on the persons of the +offenders,--most of the students being minors,--but upon their +parents; and that the practice takes place chiefly where there is +the least prospect of working a reformation, since the thoughtless +and extravagant, being the principal offenders against College +law, would not lay it to heart if their frolics should cost them a +little more by way of fine. He further expresses his opinion, that +this way of punishing the children of the College has but little +tendency to better their hearts and reform their manners; that +pecuniary impositions act only by touching the shame or +covetousness or necessities of those upon whom they are levied; +and that fines had ceased to become dishonorable at College, while +to appeal to the love of money was expelling one devil by another, +and to restrain the necessitous by fear of fine would be extremely +cruel and unequal. These and other considerations are very +properly urged, and the same feeling is manifested in the laws by +the gradual abolition of nearly all pecuniary mulcts. The +practice, it ought to be added, was by no means peculiar to Yale +College, but was transferred, even in a milder form, from the +colleges of England."--pp. 47, 48. + +In connection with this subject, it may not be inappropriate to +mention the following occurrence, which is said to have taken +place at Harvard College. + +Dr. ----, _in propria persona_, called upon a Southern student one +morning in the recitation-room to define logic. The question was +something in this form. "Mr. ----, what is logic?" Ans. "Logic, +Sir, is the art of reasoning." "Ay; but I wish you to give the +definition in the exact words of the _learned author_." "O, Sir, +he gives a very long, intricate, confused definition, with which I +did not think proper to burden my memory." "Are you aware who the +learned author is?" "O, yes! your honor, Sir." "Well, then, I fine +you one dollar for disrespect." Taking out a two-dollar note, the +student said, with the utmost _sang froid_, "If you will change +this, I will pay you on the spot." "I fine you another dollar," +said the Professor, emphatically, "for repeated disrespect." "Then +'tis just the change, Sir," said the student, coolly. + + +FIRST-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, England, the title +of _First-Year Men_, or _Freshmen_, is given to students during +the first year of their residence at the University. + + +FISH. At Harvard College, to seek or gain the good-will of an +instructor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious +civilities; to curry favor. The German word _fischen_ has a +secondary meaning, to get by cunning, which is similar to the +English word _fish_. Students speak of fishing for parts, +appointments, ranks, marks, &c. + + I give to those that _fish for parts_, + Long, sleepless nights, and aching hearts, + A little soul, a fawning spirit, + With half a grain of plodding merit, + Which is, as Heaven I hope will say, + Giving what's not my own away. + _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795. + + Who would let a Tutor knave + Screw him like a Guinea slave! + Who would _fish_ a fine to save! + Let him turn and flee.--_Rebelliad_, p. 35. + + Did I not promise those who _fished_ + And pimped most, any part they wished?--_Ibid._, p. 33. + + 'T is all well here; though 't were a grand mistake + To write so, should one "_fish_" for a "forty-eight!" + _Childe Harvard_, p. 33. + + Still achieving, still intriguing, + Learn to labor and to _fish_. + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849. + +The following passage explains more clearly, perhaps, the meaning +of this word. "Any attempt to raise your standing by ingratiating +yourself with the instructors, will not only be useless, but +dishonorable. Of course, in your intercourse with the Professors +and Tutors, you will not be wanting in that respect and courtesy +which is due to them, both as your superiors and as +gentlemen."--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 79. + +Washington Allston, who graduated at Harvard College in the year +1800, left a painting of a fishing scene, to be transmitted from +class to class. It was in existence in the year 1828, but has +disappeared of late. + + +FISH, FISHER. One who attempts to ingratiate himself with his +instructor, thereby to obtain favor or advantage; one who curries +favor. + +You besought me to respect my teachers, and to be attentive to my +studies, though it shall procure me the odious title of a +"_fisher_."--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 153. + + +FISHING. The act performed by a _fisher_. The full force of this +word is set forth in a letter from Dr. Popkin, a Professor at +Harvard College, to his brother William, dated Boston, October +17th, 1800. + +"I am sensible that the good conduct which I have advised you, and +which, I doubt not, you are inclined to preserve, may expose you +to the opprobrious epithet, _fishing_. You undoubtedly understand, +by this time, the meaning of that frightful term, which has done +more damage in college than all the bad wine, and roasted pigs, +that have ever fired the frenzy of Genius! The meaning of it, in +short, is nothing less than this, that every one who acts as a +reasonable being in the various relations and duties of a scholar +is using the basest means to ingratiate himself with the +government, and seeking by mean compliances to purchase their +honors and favors. At least, I thought this to be true when I was +in the government. If times and manners are altered, I am heartily +glad of it; but it will not injure you to hear the tales of former +times. If a scholar appeared to perform his exercises to his best +ability, if there were not a marked contempt and indifference in +his manner, I would hear the whisper run round the class, +_fishing_. If one appeared firm enough to perform an unpopular +duty, or showed common civility to his instructors, who certainly +wished him well, he was _fishing_. If he refused to join in some +general disorder, he was insulted with _fishing_. If he did not +appear to despise the esteem and approbation of his instructors, +and to disclaim all the rewards of diligence and virtue, he was +suspected of _fishing_. The fear of this suspicion or imputation +has, I believe, perverted many minds which, from good and +honorable motives, were better disposed."--_Memorial of John S. +Popkin, D.D._, pp. xxvi., xxvii. + + To those who've parts at exhibition, + Obtained by long, unwearied _fishing_, + I say, to such unlucky wretches, + I give, for wear, a brace of breeches. + _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795. + + And, since his _fishing_ on the land was vain, + To try his luck upon the azure main.--_Class Poem_, 1835. + +Whenever I needed advice or assistance, I did not hesitate, +through any fear of the charge of what, in the College cant, was +called "_fishing_," to ask it of Dr. Popkin.--_Memorial of John S. +Popkin, D.D._, p. ix. + +At Dartmouth College, the electioneering for members of the secret +societies was formerly called _fishing_. At the same institution, +individuals in the Senior Class were said to be _fishing for +appointments_, if they tried to gain the good-will of the Faculty +by any special means. + + +FIVES. A kind of play with a ball against the side of a building, +resembling tennis; so named, because three _fives_ or _fifteen_ +are counted to the game.--_Smart_. + +A correspondent, writing of Centre College, Ky., says: "Fives was +a game very much in vogue, at which the President would often take +a hand, and while the students would play for ice-cream or some +other refreshment, he would never fail to come in for his share." + + +FIZZLE. Halliwell says: "The half-hiss, half-sigh of an animal." +In many colleges in the United States, this word is applied to a +bad recitation, probably from the want of distinct articulation +which usually attends such performances. It is further explained +in the Yale Banger, November 10, 1846: "This figure of a wounded +snake is intended to represent what in technical language is +termed a _fizzle_. The best judges have decided, that to get just +one third of the meaning right constitutes a _perfect fizzle_." + +With a mind and body so nearly at rest, that naught interrupted my +inmost repose save cloudy reminiscences of a morning "_fizzle_" +and an afternoon "flunk," my tranquillity was sufficiently +enviable.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 114. + + Here he could _fizzles_ mark without a sigh, + And see orations unregarded die. + _The Tomahawk_, Nov., 1849. + + Not a wail was heard, or a "_fizzle's_" mild sigh, + As his corpse o'er the pavement we hurried. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec., 1849. + +At Princeton College, the word _blue_ is used with _fizzle_, to +render it intensive; as, he made a _blue fizzle_, he _fizzled +blue_. + + +FIZZLE. To fail in reciting; to recite badly. A correspondent from +Williams College says: "Flunk is the common word when some +unfortunate man makes an utter failure in recitation. He _fizzles_ +when he stumbles through at last." Another from Union writes: "If +you have been lazy, you will probably _fizzle_." A writer in the +Yale Literary Magazine thus humorously defines this word: +"_Fizzle_. To rise with modest reluctance, to hesitate often, to +decline finally; generally, to misunderstand the question."--Vol. +XIV. p. 144. + +My dignity is outraged at beholding those who _fizzle_ and flunk +in my presence tower above me.--_The Yale Banger_, Oct. 22, 1847. + + I "skinned," and "_fizzled_" through. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +The verb _to fizzle out_, which is used at the West, has a little +stronger signification, viz. to be quenched, extinguished; to +prove a failure.--_Bartlett's Dict. Americanisms_. + +The factious and revolutionary action of the fifteen has +interrupted the regular business of the Senate, disgraced the +actors, and _fizzled out_.--_Cincinnati Gazette_. + +2. To cause one to fail in reciting. Said of an instructor. + + _Fizzle_ him tenderly, + Bore him with care, + Fitted so slenderly, + Tutor, beware. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 321. + + +FIZZLING. Reciting badly; the act of making a poor recitation. + +Of this word, a writer jocosely remarks: "_Fizzling_ is a somewhat +_free_ translation of an intricate sentence; proving a proposition +in geometry from a wrong figure. Fizzling is caused sometimes by a +too hasty perusal of the pony, and generally by a total loss of +memory when called upon to recite."--_Sophomore Independent_, +Union College, Nov. 1854. + + Weather drizzling, + Freshmen _fizzling_. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 212. + + +FLAM. At the University of Vermont, in student phrase, to _flam_ +is to be attentive, at any time, to any lady or company of ladies. +E.g. "He spends half his time _flamming_" i.e. in the society of +the other sex. + + +FLASH-IN-THE-PAN. A student is said to make a _flash-in-the-pan_ +when he commences to recite brilliantly, and suddenly fails; the +latter part of such a recitation is a FIZZLE. The metaphor is +borrowed from a gun, which, after being primed, loaded, and ready +to be discharged, _flashes in the pan_. + + +FLOOR. Among collegians, to answer such questions as may be +propounded concerning a given subject. + + Then Olmsted took hold, but he couldn't make it go, + For we _floored_ the Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + +To _floor a paper_, is to answer every question in it.--_Bristed_. + +Somehow I nearly _floored the paper_, and came out feeling much +more comfortable than when I went in.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 12. + +Our best classic had not time to _floor_ the _paper_.--_Ibid._, p. +135. + + +FLOP. A correspondent from the University of Vermont writes: "Any +'cute' performance by which a man is sold [deceived] is a _good +flop_, and, by a phrase borrowed from the ball ground, is 'rightly +played.' The discomfited individual declares that they 'are all on +a side,' and gives up, or 'rolls over' by giving his opponent +'gowdy.'" "A man writes cards during examination to 'feeze the +profs'; said cards are 'gumming cards,' and he _flops_ the +examination if he gets a good mark by the means." One usually +_flops_ his marks by feigning sickness. + + +FLOP A TWENTY. At the University of Vermont, to _flop a twenty_ is +to make a perfect recitation, twenty being the maximum mark for +scholarship. + + +FLUMMUX. Any failure is called a _flummux_. In some colleges the +word is particularly applied to a poor recitation. At Williams +College, a failure on the play-ground is called a _flummux_. + + +FLUMMUX. To fail; to recite badly. Mr. Bartlett, in his Dictionary +of Americanisms, has the word _flummix_, to be overcome; to be +frightened; to give way to. + +Perhaps Parson Hyme didn't put it into Pokerville for two mortal +hours; and perhaps Pokerville didn't mizzle, wince, and finally +_flummix_ right beneath him.--_Field, Drama in Pokerville_. + + +FLUNK. This word is used in some American colleges to denote a +complete failure in recitation. + +This, O, [signifying neither beginning nor end,] Tutor H---- said +meant a perfect _flunk_.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + +I've made some twelve or fourteen _flunks_.--_The Gallinipper_, +Dec. 1849. + + And that bold man must bear a _flunk_, or die, + Who, when John pleased be captious, dared reply. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +The Sabbath dawns upon the poor student burdened with the thought +of the lesson, or _flunk_ of the morrow morning.--_Ibid._, Feb. +1851. + + He thought ... + First of his distant home and parents, tunc, + Of tutors' note-books, and the morrow's _flunk_. + _Ibid._, Feb. 1851. + + In moody meditation sunk, + Reflecting on my future _flunk_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 54. + + And so, in spite of scrapes and _flunks_, + I'll have a sheep-skin too. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +Some amusing anecdotes are told, such as the well-known one about +the lofty dignitary's macaronic injunction, "Exclude canem, et +shut the door"; and another of a tutor's dismal _flunk_ on +faba.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 263. + + +FLUNK. To make a complete failure when called on to recite. A +writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines it, "to decline +peremptorily, and then to whisper, 'I had it all, except that +confounded little place.'"--Vol. XIV. p. 144. + +They know that a man who has _flunked_, because too much of a +genius to get his lesson, is not in a state to appreciate joking. +--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 253. + +Nestor was appointed to deliver a poem, but most ingloriously +_flunked_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 256. + +The phrase _to flunk out_, which Bartlett, in his Dictionary of +Americanisms, defines, "to retire through fear, to back out," is +of the same nature as the above word. + +Why, little one, you must be cracked, if you _flunk out_ before we +begin.--_J.C. Neal_. + +It was formerly used in some American colleges as is now the word +_flunk_. + +We must have, at least, as many subscribers as there are students +in College, or "_flunk out."--The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 3. + + +FLUNKEY. In college parlance, one who makes a complete failure at +recitation; one who _flunks_. + + I bore him safe through Horace, + Saved him from the _flunkey's_ doom. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 76. + + +FLUNKING. Failing completely in reciting. + + _Flunking_ so gloomily, + Crushed by contumely. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 322. + + +We made our earliest call while the man first called up in the +division-room was deliberately and gracefully +"_flunking_."--_Ibid._, Vol. XIV. p. 190. + + See what a spot a _flunking_ Soph'more made! + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + +FLUNKOLOGY. A farcical word, designed to express the science _of +flunking_. + +The ---- scholarship, is awarded to the student in each Freshman +Class who passes the poorest examination in +_Flunkology_.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 28. + + +FOOTBALL. For many years, the game of football has been the +favorite amusement at some of the American colleges, during +certain seasons of the year. At Harvard and Yale, it is customary +for the Sophomore Class to challenge the Freshmen to a trial game, +soon after their entrance into College. The interest excited on +this occasion is always very great, the Seniors usually siding +with the former, and the Juniors with the latter class. The result +is generally in favor of the Sophomores. College poets and +prose-writers have often chosen the game of football as a topic on +which to exercise their descriptive powers. One invokes his muse, +in imitation of a great poet, as follows:-- + + "The Freshmen's wrath, to Sophs the direful spring + Of shins unnumbered bruised, great goddess, sing!" + +Another, speaking of the size of the ball in ancient times +compared with what it is at present, says:-- + + "A ball like this, so monstrous and so hard, + Six eager Freshmen scarce could kick a yard!" + +Further compositions on this subject are to be found in the +Harvard Register, Harvardiana, Yale Banger, &c. + +See WRESTLING-MATCH. + + +FORENSIC. A written argument, maintaining either the affirmative +or the negative side of a question. + +In Harvard College, the two senior classes are required to write +_forensics_ once in every four weeks, on a subject assigned by the +Professor of Moral Philosophy; these they read before him and the +division of the class to which they belong, on appointed days. It +was formerly customary for the teacher to name those who were to +write on the affirmative and those on the negative, but it is now +left optional with the student which side he will take. This word +was originally used as an adjective, and it was usual to speak of +a forensic dispute, which has now been shortened into _forensic_. + +For every unexcused omission of a _forensic_, or of reading a +_forensic_, a deduction shall be made of the highest number of +marks to which that exercise is entitled. Seventy-two is the +highest mark for _forensics_.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, +1848. + +What with themes, _forensics_, letters, memoranda, notes on +lectures, verses, and articles, I find myself considerably +hurried.--_Collegian_, 1830, p. 241. + + When + I call to mind _Forensics_ numberless, + With arguments so grave and erudite, + I never understood their force myself, + But trusted that my sage instructor would. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 403. + + +FORK ON. At Hamilton College, _to fork on_, to appropriate to +one's self. + + +FORTS. At Jefferson and at Washington Colleges in Pennsylvania, +the boarding-houses for the students are called _forts_. + + +FOUNDATION. A donation or legacy appropriated to support an +institution, and constituting a permanent fund, usually for a +charitable purpose.--_Webster_. + +In America it is also applied to a donation or legacy appropriated +especially to maintain poor and deserving, or other students, at a +college. + +In the selection of candidates for the various beneficiary +_foundations_, the preference will be given to those who are of +exemplary conduct and scholarship.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., +Mass._, 1848, p. 19. + +Scholars on this _foundation_ are to be called "scholars of the +house."--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. 86. + + +FOUNDATIONER. One who derives support from the funds or foundation +of a college or a great school.--_Jackson_. + +This word is not in use in the _United States_. + +See BENEFICIARY. + + +FOUNDATION SCHOLAR. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +scholar who enjoys certain privileges, and who is of that class +whence Fellows are taken. + +Of the scholars of this name, Bristed remarks: "The table nearer +the door is filled by students in the ordinary Undergraduate blue +gown; but from the better service of their table, and perhaps some +little consequential air of their own, it is plain that they have +something peculiar to boast of. They are the Foundation Scholars, +from whom the future Fellows are to be chosen, in the proportion +of about one out of three. Their Scholarships are gained by +examination in the second or third year, and entitle them to a +pecuniary allowance from the college, and also to their commons +gratis (these latter subject to certain attendance at and service +in chapel), a first choice of rooms, and some other little +privileges, of which they are somewhat proud, and occasionally +they look as if conscious that some Don may be saying to a chance +visitor at the high table, 'Those over yonder are the scholars, +the best men of their year.'"--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 20. + + +FOX. In the German universities, a student during the first +half-year is called a Fox (Fuchs), the same as Freshman. To this +the epithet _nasty_ is sometimes added. + +On this subject, Howitt remarks: "On entering the University, he +becomes a _Kameel_,--a Camel. This happy transition-state of a few +weeks gone by, he comes forth finally, on entering a Chore, a +_Fox_, and runs joyfully into the new Burschen life. During the +first _semester_ or half-year, he is a gold fox, which means, that +he has _foxes_, or rich gold in plenty yet; or he is a +_Crass-fucks_, or fat fox, meaning that he yet swells or puffs +himself up with gold."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +124. + +"Halloo there, Herdman, _fox_!" yelled another lusty tippler, and +Herdman, thus appealed to, arose and emptied the contents of his +glass.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 116. + +At the same moment, a door at the end of the hall was thrown open, +and a procession of new-comers, or _Nasty Foxes_, as they are +called in the college dialect, entered two by two, looking wild, +and green, and foolish.--_Longfellow's Hyperion_, p. 109. + +See also in the last-mentioned work the Fox song. + + +FREEZE. A correspondent from Williams College writes: "But by far +the most expressive word in use among us is _Freeze_. The meaning +of it might be felt, if, some cold morning, you would place your +tender hand upon some frosty door-latch; it would be a striking +specimen on the part of the door-latch of what we mean by +_Freeze_. Thus we _freeze_ to apples in the orchards, to fellows +whom we electioneer for in our secret societies, and alas! some +even go so far as to _freeze_ to the ladies." + +"Now, boys," said Bob, "_freeze on_," and at it they went.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 111. + + +FRESH. An abbreviation for Freshman or Freshmen; FRESHES is +sometimes used for the plural. + +When Sophs met _Fresh_, power met opposing power. _Harv. Reg._, p. +251. + +The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +_Fresh_, as they call us.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + +Listen to the low murmurings of some annihilated _Fresh_ upon the +Delta.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + + +FRESH. Newly come; likewise, awkward, like a Freshman.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + +For their behavior at table, spitting and coughing, and speaking +loud, was counted uncivil in any but a gentleman; as we say in the +university, that nothing is _fresh_ in a Senior, and to him it was +a glory.--_Archæol. Atticæ_, Edit. Oxon., 1675, B. VI. + + +FRESHMAN, _pl._ FRESHMEN. In England, a student during his first +year's residence at the university. In America, one who belongs to +the youngest of the four classes in college, called the _Freshman +Class_.--_Webster_. + + +FRESHMAN. Pertaining to a Freshman, or to the class called +_Freshman_. + + +FRESHMAN, BUTLER'S. At Harvard and Yale Colleges, a Freshman, +formerly hired by the Butler, to perform certain duties pertaining +to his office, was called by this name. + +The Butler may be allowed a Freshman, to do the foregoing duties, +and to deliver articles to the students from the Buttery, who +shall be appointed by the President and Tutors, and he shall be +allowed the same provision in the Hall as the Waiters; and he +shall not be charged in the Steward's quarter-bills under the +heads of Steward and Instruction and Sweepers, Catalogue and +Dinner.--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1793, p. 61. + +With being _butler's freshman_, and ringing the bell the first +year, waiter the three last, and keeping school in the vacations, +I rubbed through.--_The Algerine Captive_, Walpole, 1797, Vol. I. +p. 54. + +See BUTLER, BUTTERY. + + +FRESHMAN CLUB. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the new +Sophomore Class to present to the Freshmen at the commencement of +the first term a heavy cudgel, six feet long, of black walnut, +brass bound, with a silver plate inscribed "_Freshman Club_." The +club is given to the one who can hold it out at arm's length the +longest time, and the presentation is accompanied with an address +from one of the Sophomores in behalf of his class. He who receives +the club is styled the "leader." The "leader" having been +declared, after an appropriate speech from a Freshman appointed +for that purpose, "the class," writes a correspondent, "form a +procession, and march around the College yard, the leader carrying +the club before them. A trial is then made by the class of the +virtues of the club, on the Chapel door." + + +FRESHMAN, COLLEGE. In Harvard University, a member of the Freshman +Class, whose duties are enumerated below. "On Saturday, after the +exercises, any student not specially prohibited may go out of +town. If the students thus going out of town fail to return so as +to be present at evening prayers, they must enter their names with +the _College Freshman_ within the hour next preceding the evening +study bell; and all students who shall be absent from evening +prayers on Saturday must in like manner enter their +names."--_Statutes and Laws of the Univ. in Cam., Mass._, 1825, p. +42. + +The _College Freshman_ lived in No. 1, Massachusetts Hall, and was +commonly called the _book-keeper_. The duties of this office are +now performed by one of the Proctors. + + +FRESHMANHOOD. The state of a _Freshman_, or the time in which one +is a Freshman, which is in duration a year. + + But yearneth not thy laboring heart, O Tom, + For those dear hours of simple _Freshmanhood_? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 405. + + When to the college I came, + in the first dear day of _my freshhood_, + Like to the school we had left + I imagined the new situation. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 98. + + +FRESHMANIC. Pertaining to a _Freshman_; resembling a _Freshman_, +or his condition. + +The Junior Class had heard of our miraculous doings, and asserted +with that peculiar dignity which should at all times excite terror +and awe in the _Freshmanic_ breast, that they would countenance no +such proceedings.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 316. + +I do not pine for those _Freshmanic_ days.--_Ibid._, Vol. III. p. +405. + + +FRESHMAN, PARIETAL. In Harvard College, the member of the Freshman +Class who gives notice to those whom the chairman of the Parietal +Committee wishes to see, is known by the name of the _Parietal +Freshman_. For his services he receives about forty dollars per +annum, and the rent of his room. + + +FRESHMAN, PRESIDENT'S. A member of the Freshman Class who performs +the official errands of the President, for which he receives the +same compensation as the PARIETAL FRESHMAN. + + Then Bibo kicked his carpet thrice, + Which brought his _Freshman_ in a trice. + "You little rascal! go and call + The persons mentioned in this scroll." + The fellow, hearing, scarcely feels + The ground, so quickly fly his heels. + _Rebelliad_, p. 27. + + +FRESHMAN, REGENT'S. In Harvard College, a member of the Freshman +Class whose duties are given below. + +"When any student shall return to town, after having had leave of +absence for one night or more, or after any vacation, he shall +apply to the _Regent's Freshman_, at his room, to enter the time +of his return; and shall tarry till he see it entered. + +"The _Regent's Freshman_ is not charged under the heads of +Steward, Instruction, Sweepers, Catalogue, and Dinner."--_Laws of +Harv. Coll._, 1816, pp. 46, 47. + +This office is now abolished. + + +FRESHMAN'S BIBLE. Among collegians, the name by which the body of +laws, the catalogue, or the calendar of a collegiate institution +is often designated. The significancy of the word _Bible_ is seen, +when the position in which the laws are intended to be regarded is +considered. The _Freshman_ is supposed to have studied and to be +more familiar with the laws than any one else, hence the propriety +of using his name in this connection. A copy of the laws are +usually presented to each student on his entrance into college. + +Every year there issues from the warehouse of Messrs. Deighton, +the publishers to the University of Cambridge, an octavo volume, +bound in white canvas, and of a very periodical and business-like +appearance. Among the Undergraduates it is commonly known by the +name of the "_Freshman's Bible_,"--the public usually ask for the +"University Calendar."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +230. + +See COLLEGE BIBLE. + + +FRESHMAN SERVITUDE. The custom which formerly prevailed in the +older American colleges of allowing the members of all the upper +classes to send Freshmen upon errands, and in other ways to treat +them as inferiors, appears at the present day strange and almost +unaccountable. That our forefathers had reasons which they deemed +sufficient, not only for allowing, but sanctioning, this +subjection, we cannot doubt; but what these were, we are not able +to know from any accounts which have come down to us from the +past. + +"On attending prayers the first evening," says one who graduated +at Harvard College near the close of the last century, "no sooner +had the President pronounced the concluding 'Amen,' than one of +the Sophomores sung out, 'Stop, Freshmen, and hear the customs +read.'" An account of these customs is given in President Quincy's +History of Harvard University, Vol. II. p. 539. It is entitled, + +"THE ANCIENT CUSTOMS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, ESTABLISHED BY THE +GOVERNMENT OF IT." + +"1. No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, unless it +rains, hails, or snows, provided he be on foot, and have not both +hands full. + +"2. No Undergraduate shall wear his hat in the College yard when +any of the Governors of the College are there; and no Bachelor +shall wear his hat when the President is there. + +"3. Freshmen are to consider all the other classes as their +seniors. + +"4. No Freshman shall speak to a Senior[26] with his hat on, or +have it on in a Senior's chamber, or in his own, if a Senior be +there. + +"5. All the Undergraduates shall treat those in the Government of +the College with respect and deference; particularly they shall +not be seated without leave in their presence; they shall be +uncovered when they speak to them or are spoken to by them. + +"6. All Freshmen (except those employed by the Immediate +Government of the College) shall be obliged to go on any errand +(except such as shall be judged improper by some one in the +Government of the College) for any of his Seniors, Graduates or +Undergraduates, at any time, except in studying hours, or after +nine o'clock in the evening. + +"7. A Senior Sophister has authority to take a Freshman from a +Sophomore, a Middle Bachelor from a Junior Sophister, a Master +from a Senior Sophister, and any Governor of the College from a +Master. + +"8. Every Freshman before he goes for the person who takes him +away (unless it be one in the Government of the College) shall +return and inform the person from whom he is taken. + +"9. No Freshman, when sent on an errand, shall make any +unnecessary delay, neglect to make due return, or go away till +dismissed by the person who sent him. + +"10. No Freshman shall be detained by a Senior, when not actually +employed on some suitable errand. + +"11. No Freshman shall be obliged to observe any order of a Senior +to come to him, or go on any errand for him, unless he be wanted +immediately. + +"12. No Freshman, when sent on an errand, shall tell who he is +going for, unless he be asked; nor be obliged to tell what he is +going for, unless asked by a Governor of the College. + +"13. When any person knocks at a Freshman's door, except in +studying time, he shall immediately open the door, without +inquiring who is there. + +"14. No scholar shall call up or down, to or from, any chamber in +the College. + +"15. No scholar shall play football or any other game in the +College yard, or throw any thing across the yard. + +"16. The Freshmen shall furnish bats, balls, and footballs for the +use of the students, to be kept at the Buttery.[27] + +"17. Every Freshman shall pay the Butler for putting up his name +in the Buttery. + +"18. Strict attention shall be paid by all the students to the +common rules of cleanliness, decency, and politeness. + +"The Sophomores shall publish these customs to the Freshmen in the +Chapel, whenever ordered by any in the Government of the College; +at which time the Freshmen are enjoined to keep their places in +their seats, and attend with decency to the reading." + +At the close of a manuscript copy of the laws of Harvard College, +transcribed by Richard Waldron, a graduate of the class of 1738, +when a Freshman, are recorded the following regulations, which +differ from those already cited, not only in arrangement, but in +other respects. + +COLLEGE CUSTOMS, ANNO 1734-5. + +"1. No Freshman shall ware his hat in the College yard except it +rains, snows, or hails, or he be on horse back or haith both hands +full. + +"2. No Freshman shall ware his hat in his Seniors Chamber, or in +his own if his Senior be there. + +"3. No Freshman shall go by his Senior, without taking his hat of +if it be on. + +"4. No Freshman shall intrude into his Seniors company. + +"5. No Freshman shall laugh in his Seniors face. + +"6. No Freshman shall talk saucily to his Senior, or speak to him +with his hat on. + +"7. No Freshman shall ask his Senior an impertinent question. + +"8. Freshmen are to take notice that a Senior Sophister can take a +Freshman from a Sophimore,[28] a Middle Batcelour from a Junior +Sophister, a Master from a Senior Sophister, and a Fellow[29] from +a Master. + +"9. Freshmen are to find the rest of the Scholars with bats, +balls, and foot balls. + +"10. Freshmen must pay three shillings a peice to the Butler to +have there names set up in the Buttery. + +"11. No Freshman shall loiter by the [way] when he is sent of an +errand, but shall make hast and give a direct answer when he is +asked who he is going [for]. No Freshman shall use lying or +equivocation to escape going of an errand. + +"12. No Freshman shall tell who [he] is going [for] except he be +asked, nor for what except he be asked by a Fellow. + +"13. No Freshman shall go away when he haith been sent of an +errand before he be dismissed, which may be understood by saying, +it is well, I thank you, you may go, or the like. + +"14. When a Freshman knocks at his Seniors door he shall tell +[his] name if asked who. + +"15. When anybody knocks at a Freshmans door, he shall not aske +who is there, but shall immediately open the door. + +"16. No Freshman shall lean at prayrs but shall stand upright. + +"17. No Freshman shall call his classmate by the name of Freshmen. + +"18. No Freshman shall call up or down to or from his Seniors +chamber or his own. + +"19. No Freshman shall call or throw anything across the College +yard. + +"20. No Freshman shall mingo against the College wall, nor go into +the Fellows cus john.[30] + +"21. Freshmen may ware there hats at dinner and supper, except +when they go to receive there Commons of bread and bear. + +"22. Freshmen are so to carry themselves to there Seniors in all +respects so as to be in no wise saucy to them, and who soever of +the Freshmen shall brake any of these customs shall be severely +punished." + +Another manuscript copy of these singular regulations bears date +September, 1741, and is entitled, + +"THE CUSTOMS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, WHICH IF THE FRESHMEN DON'T +OBSERVE AND OBEY, THEY SHALL BE SEVERELY PUNISHED IF THEY HAVE +HEARD THEM READ." + +"1. No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, except it +rains, hails, or snows, he be on horseback, or hath both hands +full. + +"2. No Freshman shall pass by his Senior, without pulling his hat +off. + +"3. No Freshman shall be saucy to his Senior, or speak to him with +his hat on. + +"4. No Freshman shall laugh in his Senior's face. + +"5. No Freshman shall ask his Senior any impertinent question. + +"6. No Freshman shall intrude into his Senior's company. + +"7. Freshmen are to take notice that a Senior Sophister can take a +Freshman from a Sophimore, a Master from a Senior Sophister, and a +Fellow from a Master. + +"8. When a Freshman is sent of an errand, he shall not loiter by +the way, but shall make haste, and give a direct answer if asked +who he is going for. + +"9. No Freshman shall tell who he is a going for (unless asked), +or what he is a going for, unless asked by a Fellow. + +"10. No Freshman, when he is going of errands, shall go away, +except he be dismissed, which is known by saying, 'It is well,' +'You may go,' 'I thank you,' or the like. + +"11. Freshman are to find the rest of the scholars with bats, +balls, and footballs. + +"12. Freshmen shall pay three shillings to the Butler to have +their names set up in the Buttery. + +"13. No Freshman shall wear his hat in his Senior's chambers, nor +in his own if his Senior be there. + +"14. When anybody knocks at a Freshman's door, he shall not ask +who is there, but immediately open the door. + +"15. When a Freshman knocks at his Senior's door, he shall tell +his name immediately. + +"16. No Freshman shall call his classmate by the name of Freshman. + +"17. No Freshman shall call up or down, to or from his Senior's +chamber or his own. + +"18. No Freshman shall call or throw anything across the College +yard, nor go into the Fellows' Cuz-John. + +"19. No Freshman shall mingo against the College walls. + +"20. Freshmen are to carry themselves, in all respects, as to be +in no wise saucy to their Seniors. + +"21. Whatsoever Freshman shall break any of these customs, he +shall be severely punished." + + +A written copy of these regulations in Latin, of a very early +date, is still extant. They appear first in English, in the fourth +volume of the Immediate Government Books, 1781, p. 257. The two +following laws--one of which was passed soon after the +establishment of the College, the other in the year 1734--seem to +have been the foundation of these rules. "Nulli ex scholaribus +senioribus, solis tutoribus et collegii sociis exceptis, recentem +sive juniorem, ad itinerandum, aut ad aliud quodvis faciendum, +minis, verberibus, vel aliis modis impellere licebit. Et siquis +non gradatus in hanc legem peccaverit, castigatione corporali, +expulsione, vel aliter, prout præsidi cum sociis visum fuerit +punietur."--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 133. + +"None belonging to the College, except the President, Fellows, +Professors, and Tutors, shall by threats or blows compel a +Freshman or any Undergraduate to any duty or obedience; and if any +Undergraduate shall offend against this law, he shall be liable to +have the privilege of sending Freshmen taken from him by the +President and Tutors, or be degraded or expelled, according to the +aggravation of the offence. Neither shall any Senior scholars, +Graduates or Undergraduates, send any Freshman on errands in +studying hours, without leave from one of the Tutors, his own +Tutor if in College."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 141. + +That this privilege of sending Freshmen on errands was abused in +some cases, we see from an account of "a meeting of the +Corporation in Cambridge, March 27th, 1682," at which time notice +was given that "great complaints have been made and proved against +----, for his abusive carriage, in requiring some of the Freshmen +to go upon his private errands, and in striking the said +Freshmen." + +In the year 1772, "the Overseers having repeatedly recommended +abolishing the custom of allowing the upper classes to send +Freshmen on errands, and the making of a law exempting them from +such services, the Corporation voted, that, 'after deliberate +consideration and weighing all circumstances, they are not able to +project any plan in the room of this long and ancient custom, that +will not, in their opinion, be attended with equal, if not +greater, inconveniences.'" It seems, however, to have fallen into +disuse, for a time at least, after this period; for in June, 1786, +"the retaining men or boys to perform the services for which +Freshmen had been heretofore employed," was declared to be a +growing evil, and was prohibited by the Corporation.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 515; Vol. II. pp. 274, 277. + +The upper classes being thus forbidden to employ persons not +connected with the College to wait upon them, the services of +Freshmen were again brought into requisition, and they were not +wholly exempted from menial labor until after the year 1800. + +Another service which the Freshmen were called on to perform, was +once every year to shake the carpets of the library and Philosophy +Chamber in the Chapel. + +Those who refused to comply with these regulations were not +allowed to remain in College, as appears from the following +circumstance, which happened about the year 1790. A young man from +the West Indies, of wealthy and highly respectable parents, +entered Freshman, and soon after, being ordered by a member of one +of the upper classes to go upon an errand for him, refused, at the +same time saying, that if he had known it was the custom to +require the lower class to wait on the other classes, he would +have brought a slave with him to perform his share of these +duties. In the common phrase of the day, he was _hoisted_, i.e. +complained of to a tutor, and on being told that he could not +remain at College if he did not comply with its regulations, he +took up his connections and returned home. + +With reference to some of the observances which were in vogue at +Harvard College in the year 1794, the recollections of Professor +Sidney Willard are these:-- + +"It was the practice, at the time of my entrance at College, for +the Sophomore Class, by a member selected for the purpose, to +communicate to the Freshmen, in the Chapel, 'the Customs,' so +called; the Freshmen being required to 'keep their places in their +seats, and attend with decency to the reading.' These customs had +been handed down from remote times, with some modifications not +essentially changing them. Not many days after our seats were +assigned to us in the Chapel, we were directed to remain after +evening prayers and attend to the reading of the customs; which +direction was accordingly complied with, and they were read and +listened to with decorum and gravity. Whether the ancient customs +of outward respect, which forbade a Freshman 'to wear his hat in +the College yard, unless it rains, hails, or snows, provided he be +on foot, and have not both hands full,' as if the ground on which +he trod and the atmosphere around him were consecrated, and the +article which extends the same prohibition to all undergraduates, +when any of the governors of the College are in the yard, were +read, I cannot say; but I think they were not; for it would have +disturbed that gravity which I am confident was preserved during +the whole reading. These prescripts, after a long period of +obsolescence, had become entirely obsolete. + +"The most degrading item in the list of customs was that which +made Freshmen subservient to all the other classes; which obliged +those who were not employed by the Immediate Government of the +College to go on any errand, not judged improper by an officer of +the government, or in study hours, for any of the other classes, +the Senior having the prior right to the service.... The privilege +of claiming such service, and the obligation, on the other hand, +to perform it, doubtless gave rise to much abuse, and sometimes to +unpleasant conflict. A Senior having a claim to the service of a +Freshman prior to that of the classes below them, it had become a +practice not uncommon, for a Freshman to obtain a Senior, to whom, +as a patron and friend, he acknowledged and avowed a permanent +service due, and whom he called _his_ Senior by way of eminence, +thus escaping the demands that might otherwise be made upon him +for trivial or unpleasant errands. The ancient custom was never +abolished by authority, but died with the change of feeling; so +that what might be demanded as a right came to be asked as a +favor, and the right was resorted to only as a sort of defensive +weapon, as a rebuke of a supposed impertinence, or resentment of a +real injury."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. 258, +259. + +The following account of this system, as it formerly obtained at +Yale College, is from President Woolsey's Historical Discourse +before the Graduates of that Institution, Aug. 14, 1850:-- + +"Another remarkable particular in the old system here was the +servitude of Freshmen,--for such it really deserved to be called. +The new-comers--as if it had been to try their patience and +endurance in a novitiate before being received into some monastic +order--were put into the hands of Seniors, to be reproved and +instructed in manners, and were obliged to run upon errands for +the members of all the upper classes. And all this was very +gravely meant, and continued long in use. The Seniors considered +it as a part of the system to initiate the ignorant striplings +into the college system, and performed it with the decorum of +dancing-masters. And, if the Freshmen felt the burden, the upper +classes who had outlived it, and were now reaping the advantages +of it, were not willing that the custom should die in their time. + +"The following paper, printed I cannot tell when, but as early as +the year 1764, gives information to the Freshmen in regard to +their duty of respect towards the officers, and towards the older +students. It is entitled 'FRESHMAN LAWS,' and is perhaps part of a +book of customs which was annually read for the instruction of +new-comers. + +"'It being the duty of the Seniors to teach Freshmen the laws, +usages, and customs of the College, to this end they are empowered +to order the whole Freshman Class, or any particular member of it, +to appear, in order to be instructed or reproved, at such time and +place as they shall appoint; when and where every Freshman shall +attend, answer all proper questions, and behave decently. The +Seniors, however, are not to detain a Freshman more than five +minutes after study bell, without special order from the +President, Professor, or Tutor. + +"'The Freshmen, as well as all other Undergraduates, are to be +uncovered, and are forbidden to wear their hats (unless in stormy +weather) in the front door-yard of the President's or Professor's +house, or within ten rods of the person of the President, eight +rods of the Professor, and five rods of a Tutor. + +"'The Freshmen are forbidden to wear their hats in College yard +(except in stormy weather, or when they are obliged to carry +something in their hands) until May vacation; nor shall they +afterwards wear them in College or Chapel. + +"'No Freshman shall wear a gown, or walk with a cane, or appear +out of his room without being completely dressed, and with his +hat; and whenever a Freshman either speaks to a superior or is +spoken to by one, he shall keep his hat off until he is bidden to +put it on. A Freshman shall not play with any members of an upper +class, without being asked; nor is he permitted to use any acts of +familiarity with them, even in study time. + +"'In case of personal insult, a Junior may call up a Freshman and +reprehend him. A Sophomore, in like case, must obtain leave from a +Senior, and then he may discipline a Freshman, not detaining him +more than five minutes, after which the Freshman may retire, even +without being dismissed, but must retire in a respectful manner. + +"'Freshmen are obliged to perform all reasonable errands for any +superior, always returning an account of the same to the person +who sent them. When called, they shall attend and give a +respectful answer; and when attending on their superior, they are +not to depart until regularly dismissed. They are responsible for +all damage done to anything put into their hands by way of errand. +They are not obliged to go for the Undergraduates in study time, +without permission obtained from the authority; nor are they +obliged to go for a graduate out of the yard in study time. A +Senior may take a Freshman from a Sophimore, a Bachelor from a +Junior, and a Master from a Senior. None may order a Freshman in +one play time, to do an errand in another. + +"'When a Freshman is near a gate or door belonging to College or +College yard, he shall look around and observe whether any of his +superiors are coming to the same; and if any are coming within +three rods, he shall not enter without a signal to proceed. In +passing up or down stairs, or through an entry or any other narrow +passage, if a Freshman meets a superior, he shall stop and give +way, leaving the most convenient side,--if on the stairs, the +banister side. Freshmen shall not run in College yard, or up or +down stairs, or call to any one through a College window. When +going into the chamber of a superior, they shall knock at the +door, and shall leave it as they find it, whether open or shut. +Upon entering the chamber of a superior, they shall not speak +until spoken to; they shall reply modestly to all questions, and +perform their messages decently and respectfully. They shall not +tarry in a superior's room, after they are dismissed, unless asked +to sit. They shall always rise whenever a superior enters or +leaves the room where they are, and not sit in his presence until +permitted. + +"'These rules are to be observed, not only about College, but +everywhere else within the limits of the city of New Haven.' + +"This is certainly a very remarkable document, one which it +requires some faith to look on as originating in this land of +universal suffrage, in the same century with the Declaration of +Independence. He who had been moulded and reduced into shape by +such a system might soon become expert in the punctilios of the +court of Louis the Fourteenth. + +"This system, however, had more tenacity of life than might be +supposed. In 1800 we still find it laid down as the Senior's duty +to inspect the manners and customs of the lower classes, and +especially of the Freshmen; and as the duty of the latter to do +any proper errand, not only for the authorities of the College, +but also, within the limits of one mile, for Resident Graduates +and for the two upper classes. By degrees the old usage sank down +so far, that what the laws permitted was frequently abused for the +purpose of playing tricks upon the inexperienced Freshmen; and +then all evidence of its ever having been current disappeared from +the College code. The Freshmen were formally exempted from the +duty of running upon errands in 1804."--pp. 54-56. + +Among the "Laws of Yale College," published in 1774, appears the +following regulation: "Every Freshman is obliged to do any proper +Errand or Message, required of him by any one in an upper class, +which if he shall refuse to do, he shall be punished. Provided +that in Study Time no Graduate may send a Freshman out of College +Yard, or an Undergraduate send him anywhere at all without Liberty +first obtained of the President or Tutor."--pp. 14, 15. + +In a copy of the "Laws" of the above date, which formerly belonged +to Amasa Paine, who entered the Freshman Class at Yale in 1781, is +to be found a note in pencil appended to the above regulation, in +these words: "This Law was annulled when Dr. [Matthew] Marvin, Dr. +M.J. Lyman, John D. Dickinson, William Bradley, and Amasa Paine +were classmates, and [they] claimed the Honor of abolishing it." +The first three were graduated at Yale in the class of 1785; +Bradley was graduated at the same college in 1784 and Paine, after +spending three years at Yale, was graduated at Harvard College in +the class of 1785. + +As a part of college discipline, the upper classes were sometimes +deprived of the privilege of employing the services of Freshmen. +The laws on this subject were these:-- + +"If any Scholar shall write or publish any scandalous Libel about +the President, a Fellow, Professor, or Tutor, or shall treat any +one of them with any reproachful or reviling Language, or behave +obstinately, refractorily, or contemptuously towards either of +them, or be guilty of any Kind of Contempt, he may be punished by +Fine, Admonition, be deprived the Liberty of sending Freshmen for +a Time; by Suspension from all the Privileges of College; or +Expulsion, according as the Nature and Aggravation of the Crime +may require." + +"If any Freshman near the Time of Commencement shall fire the +great Guns, or give or promise any Money, Counsel, or Assistance +towards their being fired; or shall illuminate College with +Candles, either on the Inside or Outside of the Windows, or +exhibit any such Kind of Show, or dig or scrape the College Yard +otherwise than with the Liberty and according to the Directions of +the President in the Manner formerly practised, or run in the +College Yard in Company, they shall be deprived the Privilege of +sending Freshmen three Months after the End of the Year."--_Laws +Yale Coll._, 1774, pp. 13, 25, 26. + +To the latter of these laws, a clause was subsequently added, +declaring that every Freshman who should "do anything unsuitable +for a Freshman" should be deprived of the privilege "of sending +Freshmen on errands, or teaching them manners, during the first +three months of _his_ Sophomore year."--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1787, +in _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 140. + +In the Sketches of Yale College, p. 174, is the following +anecdote, relating to this subject:--"A Freshman was once +furnished with a dollar, and ordered by one of the upper classes +to procure for him pipes and tobacco, from the farthest store on +Long Wharf, a good mile distant. Being at that time compelled by +College laws to obey the unreasonable demand, he proceeded +according to orders, and returned with ninety-nine cents' worth of +pipes and one pennyworth of tobacco. It is needless to add that he +was not again sent on a similar errand." + +The custom of obliging the Freshmen to run on errands for the +Seniors was done away with at Dartmouth College, by the class of +1797, at the close of their Freshman year, when, having served +their own time out, they presented a petition to the Trustees to +have it abolished. + +In the old laws of Middlebury College are the two following +regulations in regard to Freshmen, which seem to breathe the same +spirit as those cited above. "Every Freshman shall be obliged to +do any proper errand or message for the Authority of the College." +--"It shall be the duty of the Senior Class to inspect the manners +of the Freshman Class, and to instruct them in the customs of the +College, and in that graceful and decent behavior toward +superiors, which politeness and a just and reasonable +subordination require."--_Laws_, 1804, pp. 6, 7. + + +FRESHMANSHIP. The state of a Freshman. + +A man who had been my fellow-pupil with him from the beginning of +our _Freshmanship_, would meet him there.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 150. + + +FRESHMAN'S LANDMARK. At Cambridge, Eng., King's College Chapel is +thus designated. "This stupendous edifice may be seen for several +miles on the London road, and indeed from most parts of the +adjacent country."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +FRESHMAN, TUTOR'S. In Harvard College, the _Freshman_ who occupies +a room under a _Tutor_. He is required to do the errands of the +Tutor which relate to College, and in return has a high choice of +rooms in his Sophomore year. + +The same remarks, _mutatis mutandis_, apply to the _Proctor's +Freshman_. + + +FRESH-SOPH. An abbreviation of _Freshman-Sophomore_. One who +enters college in the _Sophomore_ year, having passed the time of +the _Freshman_ year elsewhere. + +I was a _Fresh-Sophomore_ then, and a waiter in the commons' hall. +--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 114. + + +FROG. In Germany, a student while in the gymnasium, and before +entering the university, is called a _Frosch_,--a frog. + + +FUNK. Disgust; weariness; fright. A sensation sometimes +experienced by students in view of an examination. + +In Cantab phrase I was suffering examination _funk_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 61. + +A singular case of _funk_ occurred at this examination. The man +who would have been second, took fright when four of the six days +were over, and fairly ran away, not only from the examination, but +out of Cambridge, and was not discovered by his friends or family +till some time after.--_Ibid._, p. 125. + +One of our Scholars, who stood a much better chance than myself, +gave up from mere _funk_, and resolved to go out in the +Poll.--_Ibid._, p. 229. + +2. Fear or sensibility to fear. The general application of the +term. + +So my friend's first fault is timidity, which is only not +recognized as such on account of its vast proportions. I grant, +then, that the _funk_ is sublime, which is a true and friendly +admission.--_A letter to the N.Y. Tribune_, in _Lit. World_, Nov. +30, 1850. + + + +_G_. + + +GAS. To impose upon another by a consequential address, or by +detailing improbable stories or using "great swelling words"; to +deceive; to cheat. + +Found that Fairspeech only wanted to "_gas_" me, which he did +pretty effectually.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 72. + + +GATE BILL. In the English universities, the record of a pupil's +failures to be within his college at or before a specified hour of +the night. + +To avoid gate-bills, he will be out at night as late as he +pleases, and will defy any one to discover his absence; for he +will climb over the college walls, and fee his Gyp well, when he +is out all night--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 128. + + +GATED. At the English universities, students who, for +misdemeanors, are not permitted to be out of their college after +ten in the evening, are said to be _gated_. + +"_Gated_," i.e. obliged to be within the college walls by ten +o'clock at night; by this he is prevented from partaking in +suppers, or other nocturnal festivities, in any other college or +in lodgings.--Note to _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, +1849. + +The lighter college offences, such as staying out at night or +missing chapel, are punished by what they term "_gating_"; in one +form of which, a man is actually confined to his rooms: in a more +mild way, he is simply restricted to the precincts of the college. +--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 241. + + +GAUDY. In the University of Oxford, a feast or festival. The days +on which they occur are called _gaudies_ or _gaudy days_. "Blount, +in his Glossographia," says Archdeacon Nares in his Glossary, +"speaks of a foolish derivation of the word from a Judge _Gaudy_, +said to have been the institutor of such days. But _such_ days +were held in all times, and did not want a judge to invent them." + + Come, + Let's have one other _gaudy_ night: call to me + All my sad captains; fill our bowls; once more + Let's mock the midnight bell. + _Antony and Cleopatra_, Act. III. Sc. 11. + + A foolish utensil of state, + Which like old plate upon a _gaudy day_, + 's brought forth to make a show, and that is all. + _Goblins_, Old Play, X. 143. + +Edmund Riche, called of Pontigny, Archbishop of Canterbury. After +his death he was canonized by Pope Innocent V., and his day in the +calendar, 16 Nov., was formerly kept as a "_gaudy_" by the members +of the hall.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 121. + +2. An entertainment; a treat; a spree. + +Cut lectures, go to chapel as little as possible, dine in hall +seldom more than once a week, give _Gaudies_ and spreads.--_Gradus +ad Cantab._, p. 122. + + +GENTLEMAN-COMMONER. The highest class of Commoners at Oxford +University. Equivalent to a Cambridge _Fellow-Commoner_. + +Gentlemen Commoners "are eldest sons, or only sons, or men already +in possession of estates, or else (which is as common a case as +all the rest put together), they are the heirs of newly acquired +wealth,--sons of the _nouveaux riches_"; they enjoy a privilege as +regards the choice of rooms; associate at meals with the Fellows +and other authorities of the College; are the possessors of two +gowns, "an undress for the morning, and a full dress-gown for the +evening," both of which are made of silk, the latter being very +elaborately ornamented; wear a cap, covered with velvet instead of +cloth; pay double caution money, at entrance, viz. fifty guineas, +and are charged twenty guineas a year for tutorage, twice the +amount of the usual fee.--Compiled from _De Quincey's Life and +Manners_, pp. 278-280. + + +GET UP A SUBJECT. See SUBJECT. + +This was the fourth time I had begun Algebra, and essayed with no +weakness of purpose to _get_ it _up_ properly.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 157. + + +GILL. The projecting parts of a standing collar are, from their +situation, sometimes denominated _gills_. + + But, O, what rage his maddening bosom fills! + Far worse than dust-soiled coat are ruined "_gills_." + _Poem before the Class of 1828, Harv. Coll., by J.C. + Richmond_, p. 6. + + +GOBBLE. At Yale College, to seize; to lay hold of; to appropriate; +nearly the same as to _collar_, q.v. + + Alas! how dearly for the fun they paid, + Whom the Proffs _gobbled_, and the Tutors too. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + I never _gobbled_ one poor flat, + To cheer me with his soft dark eye, &c. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + I went and performed, and got through the burning, + But oh! and alas! I was _gobbled_ returning. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + +Upon that night, in the broad street, was I by one of the +brain-deficient men _gobbled_.--_Yale Battery_, Feb. 1850. + + Then shout for the hero who _gobbles_ the prize. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 39. + +At Cambridge, Eng., this word is used in the phrase _gobbling +Greek_, i.e. studying or speaking that tongue. + +Ambitious to "_gobble_" his Greek in the _haute monde_.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 79. + +It was now ten o'clock, and up stairs we therefore flew to +_gobble_ Greek with Professor ----.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 127. + +You may have seen him, traversing the grass-plots, "_gobbling +Greek_" to himself.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 210. + + +GOLGOTHA. _The place of a skull_. At Cambridge, Eng., in the +University Church, "a particular part," says the Westminster +Review, "is appropriated to the _heads_ of the houses, and is +called _Golgotha_ therefrom, a name which the appearance of its +occupants renders peculiarly fitting, independent of the +pun."--Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 236. + + +GONUS. A stupid fellow. + +He was a _gonus_; perhaps, though, you don't know what _gonus_ +means. One day I heard a Senior call a fellow a _gonus_. "A what?" +said I. "A great gonus," repeated he. "_Gonus_," echoed I, "what's +that mean?" "O," said he, "you're a Freshman and don't +understand." A stupid fellow, a dolt, a boot-jack, an ignoramus, +is called here a _gonus_. "All Freshmen," continued he gravely, +"are _gonuses_."--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 116. + +If the disquisitionist should ever reform his habits, and turn his +really brilliant talents to some good account, then future +_gonuses_ will swear by his name, and quote him in their daily +maledictions of the appointment system.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. +I. p. 76. + +The word _goney_, with the same meaning, is often used. + +"How the _goney_ swallowed it all, didn't he?" said Mr. Slick, +with great glee.--_Slick in England_, Chap. XXI. + +Some on 'em were fools enough to believe the _goney_; that's a +fact.--_Ibid._ + + +GOOD FELLOW. At the University of Vermont, this term is used with +a signification directly opposite to that which it usually has. It +there designates a soft-brained boy; one who is lacking in +intellect, or, as a correspondent observes, "an _epithetical_ +fool." + + +GOODY. At Harvard College, a woman who has the care of the +students' rooms. The word seems to be an abbreviated form of the +word _goodwife_. It has long been in use, as a low term of +civility or sport, and in some cases with the signification of a +good old dame; but in the sense above given it is believed to be +peculiar to Harvard College. In early times, _sweeper_ was in use +instead of _goody_, and even now at Yale College the word _sweep_ +is retained. The words _bed-maker_ at Cambridge, Eng., and _gyp_ +at Oxford, express the same idea. + +The Rebelliad, an epic poem, opens with an invocation to the +Goody, as follows. + + Old _Goody_ Muse! on thee I call, + _Pro more_, (as do poets all,) + To string thy fiddle, wax thy bow, + And scrape a ditty, jig, or so. + Now don't wax wrathy, but excuse + My calling you old _Goody_ Muse; + Because "_Old Goody_" is a name + Applied to every college dame. + Aloft in pendent dignity, + Astride her magic broom, + And wrapt in dazzling majesty, + See! see! the _Goody_ come!--p. 11. + + Go on, dear _Goody_! and recite + The direful mishaps of the fight.--_Ibid._, p. 20. + + The _Goodies_ hearing, cease to sweep, + And listen; while the cook-maids weep.--_Ibid._, p. 47. + + The _Goody_ entered with her broom, + To make his bed and sweep his room.--_Ibid._, p. 73. + +On opening the papers left to his care, he found a request that +his effects might be bestowed on his friend, the _Goody_, who had +been so attentive to him during his declining hours.--_Harvard +Register_, 1827-28, p. 86. + +I was interrupted by a low knock at my door, followed by the +entrance of our old _Goody_, with a bundle of musty papers in her +hand, tied round with a soiled red ribbon.--_Collegian_, 1830, p. +231. + +Were there any _Goodies_ when you were in college, father? Perhaps +you did not call them by that name. They are nice old ladies (not +so _very_ nice, either), who come in every morning, after we have +been to prayers, and sweep the rooms, and make the beds, and do +all that sort of work. However, they don't much like their title, +I find; for I called one, the other day, _Mrs. Goodie_, thinking +it was her real name, and she was as sulky as she could +be.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + + Yet these half-emptied bottles shall I take, + And, having purged them of this wicked stuff, + Make a small present unto _Goody_ Bush. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 257. + +Reader! wert ever beset by a dun? ducked by the _Goody_ from thine +own window, when "creeping like snail unwillingly" to morning +prayers?--_Ibid._, Vol. IV. p. 274. + + The crowd delighted + Saw them, like _Goodies_, clothed in gowns of satin, + Of silk or cotton.--_Childe Harvard_, p. 26, 1848. + + On the wall hangs a Horse-shoe I found in the street; + 'T is the shoe that to-day sets in motion my feet; + Though its charms are all vanished this many a year, + And not even my _Goody_ regards it with fear. + _The Horse-Shoe, a Poem, by J.B. Felton_, 1849, p. 4. + +A very clever elegy on the death of Goody Morse, who + "For forty years or more + ... contrived the while + No little dust to raise" +in the rooms of the students of Harvard College, is to be found in +Harvardiana, Vol. I. p. 233. It was written by Mr. (afterwards +Rev.) Benjamin Davis Winslow. In the poem which he read before his +class in the University Chapel at Cambridge, July 14, 1835, he +referred to her in these lines: + + "'New brooms sweep clean': 't was thine, dear _Goody_ Morse, + To prove the musty proverb hath no force, + Since fifty years to vanished centuries crept, + While thy old broom our cloisters duly swept. + All changed but thee! beneath thine aged eye + Whole generations came and flitted by, + Yet saw thee still in office;--e'en reform + Spared thee the pelting of its angry storm. + Rest to thy bones in yonder church-yard laid, + Where thy last bed the village sexton made!"--p. 19. + + +GORM. From _gormandize_. At Hamilton College, to eat voraciously. + + +GOT. In Princeton College, when a student or any one else has been +cheated or taken in, it is customary to say, he was _got_. + + +GOVERNMENT. In American colleges, the general government is +usually vested in a corporation or a board of trustees, whose +powers, rights, and duties are established by the respective +charters of the colleges over which they are placed. The immediate +government of the undergraduates is in the hands of the president, +professors, and tutors, who are styled _the Government_, or _the +College Government_, and more frequently _the Faculty_, or _the +College Faculty_.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, pp. 7, 8. +_Laws of Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 5. + +For many years he was the most conspicuous figure among those who +constituted what was formerly called "the +_Government_."--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. vii. + + [Greek: Kudiste], mighty President!!! + [Greek: Kalomen nun] the _Government_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 27. + + Did I not jaw the _Government_, + For cheating more than ten per cent?--_Ibid._, p. 32. + + They shall receive due punishment + From Harvard College _Government_.--_Ibid._, p. 44. + +The annexed production, printed from a MS. in the author's +handwriting, and in the possession of the editor of this work, is +now, it is believed, for the first time presented to the public. +The time is 1787; the scene, Harvard College. The poem was +"written by John Q. Adams, son of the President, when an +undergraduate." + + "A DESCRIPTION OF A GOVERNMENT MEETING. + + "The Government of College met, + And _Willard_[31] rul'd the stern debate. + The witty _Jennison_[32] declar'd + As how, he'd been completely scar'd; + Last night, quoth he, as I came home, + I heard a noise in _Prescott's_[33] room. + I went and listen'd at the door, + As I had often done before; + I found the Juniors in a high rant, + They call'd the President a tyrant; + And said as how I was a fool, + A long ear'd ass, a sottish mule, + Without the smallest grain of spunk; + So I concluded they were drunk. + At length I knock'd, and Prescott came: + I told him 't was a burning shame, + That he should give his classmates wine; + And he should pay a heavy fine. + Meanwhile the rest grew so outragious, + Altho' I boast of being couragious, + I could not help being in a fright, + For one of them put out the light. + I thought 't was best to come away, + And wait for vengeance 'till this day; + And he's a fool at any rate + Who'll fight, when he can RUSTICATE. + When they [had] found that I was gone, + They ran through College up and down; + And I could hear them very plain + Take the Lord's holy name in vain. + To Wier's[34] chamber they then repair'd, + And there the wine they freely shar'd; + They drank and sung till they were tir'd. + And then they peacefully retir'd. + When this Homeric speech was said, + With drolling tongue and hanging head, + The learned Doctor took his seat, + Thinking he'd done a noble feat. + Quoth Joe,[35] the crime is great I own, + Send for the Juniors one by one. + By this almighty wig I swear, + Which with such majesty I wear, + Which in its orbit vast contains + My dignity, my power and brains, + That Wier and Prescott both shall see, + That College boys must not be free. + He spake, and gave the awful nod + Like Homer's Didonean God, + The College from its centre shook, + And every pipe and wine-glass broke. + + "_Williams_,[36] with countenance humane, + While scarce from laughter could refrain, + Thought that such youthful scenes of mirth + To punishment could not give birth; + Nor could he easily divine + What was the harm of drinking wine. + + "But _Pearson_,[37] with an awful frown, + Full of his article and noun, + Spake thus: by all the parts of speech + Which I so elegantly teach, + By mercy I will never stain + The character which I sustain. + Pray tell me why the laws were made, + If they're not to be obey'd; + Besides, _that Wier_ I can't endure, + For he's a wicked rake, I'm sure. + But whether I am right or not, + I'll not recede a single jot. + + "_James_[38] saw 'twould be in vain t' oppose, + And therefore to be silent chose. + + "_Burr_,[39] who had little wit or pride, + Preferr'd to take the strongest side. + And Willard soon receiv'd commission + To give a publick admonition. + With pedant strut to prayers he came, + Call'd out the criminals by name; + Obedient to his dire command, + Prescott and Wier before him stand. + The rulers merciful and kind, + With equal grief and wonder find, + That you do drink, and play, and sing, + And make with noise the College ring. + I therefore warn you to beware + Of drinking more than you can bear. + Wine an incentive is to riot, + Disturbance of the publick quiet. + Full well your Tutors know the truth, + For sad experience taught their youth. + Take then this friendly exhortation; + The next offence is RUSTICATION." + + +GOWN. A long, loose upper garment or robe, worn by professional +men, as divines, lawyers, students, &c., who are called _men of +the gown_, or _gownmen_. It is made of any kind of cloth, worn +over ordinary clothes, and hangs down to the ankles, or nearly so. +--_Encyc._ + +From a letter written in the year 1766, by Mr. Holyoke, then +President of Harvard College, it would appear that gowns were +first worn by the members of that institution about the year 1760. +The gown, although worn by the students in the English +universities, is now seldom worn in American colleges except on +Commencement, Exhibition, or other days of a similar public +character. + +The students are permitted to wear black _gowns_, in which they +may appear on all public occasions.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +37. + +Every candidate for a first degree shall wear a black dress and +the usual black _gown_.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 20. + +The performers all wore black _gowns_ with sleeves large enough to +hold me in, and shouted and swung their arms, till they looked +like so many Methodist ministers just ordained.--_Harvardiana_, +Vol. III. p. 111. + + Saw them ... clothed in _gowns_ of satin, + Or silk or cotton, black as souls benighted.-- + All, save the _gowns_, was startling, splendid, tragic, + But gowns on men have lost their wonted magic. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 26. + + The door swings open--and--he comes! behold him + Wrapt in his mantling _gown_, that round him flows + Waving, as Cæsar's toga did enfold him.--_Ibid._, p. 36. + +On Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Saints' days, the students wear +surplices instead of their _gowns_, and very innocent and +exemplary they look in them.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + +2. One who wears a gown. + +And here, I think, I may properly introduce a very singular +gallant, a sort of mongrel between town and _gown_,--I mean a +bibliopola, or (as the vulgar have it) a bookseller.--_The +Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. II. p. 226. + + +GOWNMAN, GOWNSMAN. One whose professional habit is a gown, as a +divine or lawyer, and particularly a member of an English +university.--_Webster_. + + The _gownman_ learned.--_Pope_. + + Oft has some fair inquirer bid me say, + What tasks, what sports beguile the _gownsman's_ day. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + +For if townsmen by our influence are so enlightened, what must we +_gownsmen_ be ourselves?--_The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. +56. + +Nor must it be supposed that the _gownsmen_ are thin, study-worn, +consumptive-looking individuals.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 5. + +See CAP. + + +GRACE. In English universities, an act, vote, or decree of the +government of the institution.--_Webster_. + +"All _Graces_ (as the legislative measures proposed by the Senate +are termed) have to be submitted first to the Caput, each member +of which has an absolute veto on the grace. If it passes the +Caput, it is then publicly recited in both houses, [the regent and +non-regent,] and at a subsequent meeting voted on, first in the +Non-Regent House, and then in the other. If it passes both, it +becomes valid."--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +See CAPUT SENATUS. + + +GRADUATE. To honor with a degree or diploma, in a college or +university; to confer a degree on; as, to _graduate_ a master of +arts.--_Wotton_. + + _Graduated_ a doctor, and dubb'd a knight.--_Carew_. + +Pickering, in his Vocabulary, says of the word _graduate_: +"Johnson has it as a verb active only. But an English friend +observes, that 'the active sense of this word is rare in England.' +I have met with one instance in an English publication where it is +used in a dialogue, in the following manner: 'You, methinks, _are +graduated_.' See a review in the British Critic, Vol. XXXIV. p. +538." + +In Mr. Todd's edition of Johnson's Dictionary, this word is given +as a verb intransitive also: "To take an academical degree; to +become a graduate; as he _graduated_ at Oxford." + +In America, the use of the phrase _he was graduated_, instead of +_he graduated_, which has been of late so common, "is merely," +says Mr. Bartlett in his Dictionary of Americanisms, "a return to +former practice, the verb being originally active transitive." + +He _was graduated_ with the esteem of the government, and the +regard of his contemporaries--_Works of R.T. Paine_, p. xxix. The +latter, who _was graduated_ thirteen years after.--_Peirce's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, p. 219. + +In this perplexity the President had resolved "to yield to the +torrent, and _graduate_ Hartshorn."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 398. (The quotation was written in 1737.) + +In May, 1749, three gentlemen who had sons about _to be +graduated_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 92. + +Mr. Peirce was born in September, 1778; and, after _being +graduated_ at Harvard College, with the highest honors of his +class.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 390, and Chap. XXXVII. _passim_. + +He _was graduated_ in 1789 with distinguished honors, at the age +of nineteen.--_Mr. Young's Discourse on the Life of President +Kirkland_. + +His class when _graduated_, in 1785, consisted of thirty-two +persons.--_Dr. Palfrey's Discourse on the Life and Character of +Dr. Ware_. + +2. _Intransitively_. To receive a degree from a college or +university. + +He _graduated_ at Leyden in 1691.--_London Monthly Mag._, Oct. +1808, p. 224. + +Wherever Magnol _graduated_.--_Rees's Cyclopædia_, Art. MAGNOL. + + +GRADUATE. One who has received a degree in a college or +university, or from some professional incorporated +society.--_Webster_. + + +GRADUATE IN A SCHOOL. A degree given, in the University of +Virginia, to those who have been through a course of study less +than is required for the degree of B.A. + + +GRADUATION. The act of conferring or receiving academical degrees. +--_Charter of Dartmouth College_. + +After his _graduation_ at Yale College, in 1744, he continued his +studies at Harvard University, where he took his second degree in +1747.--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia Coll._, p. 122. + +Bachelors were called Senior, Middle, or Junior Bachelors +according to the year since _graduation_, and before taking the +degree of Master.--_Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, p. 122. + + +GRAND COMPOUNDER. At the English Universities, one who pays double +fees for his degree. + +"Candidates for all degrees, who possess certain property," says +the Oxford University Calendar, "must go out, as it is termed, +_Grand Compounders_. The property required for this purpose may +arise from two distinct sources; either from some ecclesiastical +benefice or benefices, or else from some other revenue, civil or +ecclesiastical. The ratio of computation in the first case is +expressly limited by statute to the value of the benefice or +benefices, as _rated in the King's books_, without regard to the +actual estimation at the present period; and the amount of that +value must not be _less than forty pounds_. In the second +instance, which includes all other cases, comprising +ecclesiastical as well as civil income, (academical income alone +excepted,) property to the extent of _three hundred pounds_ a year +is required; nor is any difference made between property in land +and property in money, so that a _legal_ revenue to this extent of +any description, not arising from a benefice or benefices, and not +being strictly academical, renders the qualification +complete."--Ed. 1832, p. 92. + +At Oxford "a '_grand compounder_' is one who has income to the +amount of $1,500, and is made to pay $150 for his degree, while +the ordinary fee is $42." _Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 247. + + +GRAND TRIBUNAL. The Grand Tribunal is an institution peculiar to +Trinity College, Hartford. A correspondent describes it as +follows. "The Grand Tribunal is a mock court composed of the +Senior and Junior Classes, and has for its special object the +regulation and discipline of Sophomores. The first officer of the +Tribunal is the 'Grand High Chancellor,' who presides at all +business meetings. The Tribunal has its judges, advocates, +sheriff, and his aids. According to the laws of the Tribunal, no +Sophomore can be tried who has three votes in his favor. This +regulation makes a trial a difficult matter; there is rarely more +than one trial a year, and sometimes two years elapse without +there being a session of the court. When a selection of an +offending and unlucky Soph has been made, he is arrested some time +during the day of the evening on which his trial takes place. The +court provides him with one advocate, while he has the privilege +of choosing another. These trials are often the scenes of +considerable wit and eloquence. One of the most famous of them was +held in 1853. When the Tribunal is in session, it is customary for +the Faculty of the College to act as its police, by preserving +order amongst the Sophs, who generally assemble at the door, to +disturb, if possible, the proceedings of the Court." + + +GRANTA. The name by which the University of Cambridge, Eng., was +formerly known. At present it is sometimes designated by this +title in poetry, and in addresses written in other tongues than +the vernacular. + + Warm with fond hope, and Learning's sacred flame, + To _Granta's_ bowers the youthful Poet came. + + _Lines in Memory of H.K. White, by Prof. William Smyth_, in + _Cam. Guide_. + + +GRATULATORY. Expressing gratulation; congratulatory. + +At Harvard College, while Wadsworth was President, in the early +part of the last century, it was customary to close the exercises +of Commencement day with a _gratulatory oration_, pronounced by +one of the candidates for a degree. This has now given place to +what is generally called the _valedictory oration_. + + +GRAVEL DAY. The following account of this day is given in a work +entitled Sketches of Williams College. "On the second Monday of +the first term in the year, if the weather be at all favorable, it +has been customary from time immemorial to hold a college meeting, +and petition the President for '_Gravel day_.' We did so this +morning. The day was granted, and, recitations being dispensed +with, the students turned out _en masse_ to re-gravel the college +walks. The gravel which we obtain here is of such a nature that it +packs down very closely, and renders the walks as hard and smooth +as a pavement. The Faculty grant this day for the purpose of +fostering in the students the habit of physical labor and +exercise, so essential to vigorous mental exertion."--1847, pp. +78, 79. + +The improved method of observing this day is noted in the annexed +extract. "Nearly every college has its own peculiar customs, which +have been transmitted from far antiquity; but Williams has perhaps +less than any other. Among ours are '_gravel day_,' 'chip day,' +and 'mountain day,' occurring one in each of the three terms. The +first usually comes in the early part of the Fall term. In old +times, when the students were few, and rather fonder of _work_ +than at the present, they turned out with spades, hoes, and other +implements, and spread gravel over the walks, to the College +grounds; but in later days, they have preferred to tax themselves +to a small amount and delegate the work to others, while they +spend the day in visiting the Cascade, the Natural Bridge, or +others of the numerous places of interest near us."--_Boston Daily +Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +GREAT GO. In the English universities the final and most important +examination is called the _great go_, in contradistinction to the +_little go_, an examination about the middle of the course. + +In my way back I stepped into the _Great Go_ schools.--_The +Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 287. + +Read through the whole five volumes folio, Latin, previous to +going up for his _Great Go_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 381. + + +GREEN. Inexperienced, unsophisticated, verdant. Among collegians +this term is the favorite appellation for Freshmen. + +When a man is called _verdant_ or _green_, it means that he is +unsophisticated and raw. For instance, when a man rushes to chapel +in the morning at the ringing of the first bell, it is called +_green_. At least, we were, for it. This greenness, we would +remark, is not, like the verdure in the vision of the poet, +necessarily perennial.--_Williams Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. +I. p. 463. + + +GRIND. An exaction; an oppressive action. Students speak of a very +long lesson which they are required to learn, or of any thing +which it is very unpleasant or difficult to perform, as a _grind_. +This meaning is derived from the verb _to grind_, in the sense of +to harass, to afflict; as, to _grind_ the faces of the poor +(Isaiah iii. 15). + + I must say 't is a _grind_, though + --(perchance I spoke too loud). + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 12. + + +GRINDING. Hard study; diligent application. + +The successful candidate enjoys especial and excessive _grinding_ +during the four years of his college course. _Burlesque Catalogue, +Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 28. + + +GROATS. At the English universities, "nine _groats_" says Grose, +in his Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, "are deposited in the +hands of an academic officer by every person standing for a +degree, which, if the depositor obtains with honor, are returned +to him." + +_To save his groats_; to come off handsomely.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +GROUP. A crowd or throng; a number collected without any regular +form or arrangement. At Harvard College, students are not allowed +to assemble in _groups_, as is seen by the following extract from +the laws. Three persons together are considered as a _group_. + +Collecting in _groups_ round the doors of the College buildings, +or in the yard, shall be considered a violation of decorum.--_Laws +Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, Suppl., p. 4. + + +GROUPING. Collecting together. + +It will surely be incomprehensible to most students how so large a +number as six could be suffered with impunity to horde themselves +together within the limits of the college yard. In those days the +very learned laws about _grouping_ were not in existence. A +collection of two was not then considered a sure prognostic of +rebellion, and spied out vigilantly by tutoric eyes. A _group_ of +three was not reckoned a gross outrage of the college peace, and +punished severely by the subtraction of some dozens from the +numerical rank of the unfortunate youth engaged in so high a +misdemeanor. A congregation of four was not esteemed an open, +avowed contempt of the laws of decency and propriety, prophesying +utter combustion, desolation, and destruction to all buildings and +trees in the neighborhood; and lastly, a multitude of five, though +watched with a little jealousy, was not called an intolerable, +unparalleled violation of everything approaching the name of +order, absolute, downright shamelessness, worthy capital +mark-punishment, alias the loss of 87-3/4 digits!--_Harvardiana_, +Vol. III. p. 314. + +The above passage and the following are both evidently of a +satirical nature. + + And often _grouping_ on the chains, he hums his own sweet verse, + Till Tutor ----, coming up, commands him to disperse! + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849, p. 14. + + +GRUB. A hard student. Used at Williams College, and synonymous +with DIG at other colleges. A correspondent says, writing from +Williams: "Our real delvers, midnight students, are familiarly +called _Grubs_. This is a very expressive name." + +A man must not be ashamed to be called a _grub_ in college, if he +would shine in the world.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 76. + +Some there are who, though never known to read or study, are ever +ready to debate,--not "_grubs_" or "reading men," only "wordy +men."--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 246. + + +GRUB. To study hard; to be what is denominated a _grub_, or hard +student. "The primary sense," says Dr. Webster, "is probably to +rub, to rake, scrape, or scratch, as wild animals dig by +scratching." + +I can _grub out_ a lesson in Latin or mathematics as well as the +best of them.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 223. + + +GUARDING. "The custom of _guarding_ Freshmen," says a +correspondent from Dartmouth College, "is comparatively a late +one. Persons masked would go into another's room at night, and +oblige him to do anything they commanded him, as to get under his +bed, sit with his feet in a pail of water," &c. + + +GULF. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., one who obtains the +degree of B.A., but has not his name inserted in the Calendar, is +said to be in the _gulf_. + +He now begins to ... be anxious about ... that classical +acquaintance who is in danger of the _gulf_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 95. + +Some ten or fifteen men just on the line, not bad enough to be +plucked or good enough to be placed, are put into the "_gulf_," as +it is popularly called (the Examiners' phrase is "Degrees +allowed"), and have their degrees given them, but are not printed +in the Calendar.--_Ibid._, p. 205. + + +GULFING. In the University of Cambridge, England, "those +candidates for B.A. who, but for sickness or some other sufficient +cause, might have obtained an honor, have their degree given them +without examination, and thus avoid having their names inserted in +the lists. This is called _Gulfing_." A degree taken in this +manner is called "an Ægrotat Degree."--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. pp. +60, 105. + +I discovered that my name was nowhere to be found,--that I was +_Gulfed_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 97. + + +GUM. A trick; a deception. In use at Dartmouth College. + +_Gum_ is another word they have here. It means something like +chaw. To say, "It's all a _gum_," or "a regular chaw," is the same +thing.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +GUM. At the University of Vermont, to cheat in recitation by using +_ponies_, _interliners_, &c.; e.g. "he _gummed_ in geometry." + +2. To cheat; to deceive. Not confined to college. + +He was speaking of the "moon hoax" which "_gummed_" so many +learned philosophers.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. 189. + + +GUMMATION. A trick; raillery. + +Our reception to college ground was by no means the most +hospitable, considering our unacquaintance with the manners of the +place, for, as poor "Fresh," we soon found ourselves subject to +all manner of sly tricks and "_gummations_" from our predecessors, +the Sophs.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 13. + + +GYP. A cant term for a servant at Cambridge, England, at _scout_ +is used at Oxford. Said to be a sportive application of [Greek: +gyps], a vulture.--_Smart_. + +The word _Gyp_ very properly characterizes them.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 56. + + And many a yawning _gyp_ comes slipshod in, + To wake his master ere the bells begin. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + +The Freshman, when once safe through his examination, is first +inducted into his rooms by a _gyp_, usually recommended to him by +his tutor. The gyp (from [Greek: gyps], vulture, evidently a +nickname at first, but now the only name applied to this class of +persons) is a college servant, who attends upon a number of +students, sometimes as many as twenty, calls them in the morning, +brushes their clothes, carries for them parcels and the queerly +twisted notes they are continually writing to one another, waits +at their parties, and so on. Cleaning their boots is not in his +branch of the profession; there is a regular brigade of college +shoeblacks.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +14. + +It is sometimes spelled _Jip_, though probably by mistake. + +My _Jip_ brought one in this morning; faith! and told me I was +focussed.--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. 1085. + + + +_H_. + + +HALF-LESSON. In some American colleges on certain occasions the +students are required to learn only one half of the amount of an +ordinary lesson. + +They promote it [the value of distinctions conferred by the +students on one another] by formally acknowledging the existence +of the larger debating societies in such acts as giving +"_half-lessons_" for the morning after the Wednesday night +debates.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 386. + + +HALF-YEAR. In the German universities, a collegiate term is called +a _half-year_. + +The annual courses of instruction are divided into summer and +winter _half-years_.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. Ed., +pp. 34, 35. + + +HALL. A college or large edifice belonging to a collegiate +institution.--_Webster_. + +2. A collegiate body in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. +In the former institution a hall differs from a college, in that +halls are not incorporated; consequently, whatever estate or other +property they possess is held in trust by the University. In the +latter, colleges and halls are synonymous.--_Cam. and Oxf. +Calendars_. + +"In Cambridge," says the author of the Collegian's Guide, "the +halls stand on the same footing as the colleges, but at Oxford +they did not, in my time, hold by any means so high a place in +general estimation. Certainly those halls which admit the outcasts +of other colleges, and of those alone I am now speaking, used to +be precisely what one would expect to find them; indeed, I had +rather that a son of mine should forego a university education +altogether, than that he should have so sorry a counterfeit of +academic advantages as one of these halls affords."--p. 172. + +"All the Colleges at Cambridge," says Bristed, "have equal +privileges and rights, with the solitary exception of King's, and +though some of them are called _Halls_, the difference is merely +one of name. But the Halls at Oxford, of which there are five, are +not incorporated bodies, and have no vote in University matters, +indeed are but a sort of boarding-houses at which students may +remain until it is time for them to take a degree. I dined at one +of those establishments; it was very like an officers' mess. The +men had their own wine, and did not wear their gowns, and the only +Don belonging to the Hall was not present at table. There was a +tradition of a chapel belonging to the concern, but no one present +knew where it was. This Hall seemed to be a small Botany Bay of +both Universities, its members made up of all sorts of incapables +and incorrigibles."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. +140, 141. + +3. At Cambridge and Oxford, the public eating-room. + +I went into the public "_hall_" [so is called in Oxford the public +eating-room].--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 231. + +Dinner is, in all colleges, a public meal, taken in the refectory +or "_hall_" of the society.--_Ibid._, p. 273. + +4. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., dinner, the name of the +place where the meal is taken being given to the meal itself. + +_Hall_ lasts about three quarters of an hour.--_Bristed's Five +Year in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 20. + +After _Hall_ is emphatically lounging-time, it being the wise +practice of Englishmen to attempt no hard exercise, physical or +mental, immediately after a hearty meal.--_Ibid._, p. 21. + +It is not safe to read after _Hall_ (i.e. after dinner).--_Ibid._, +p. 331. + + +HANG-OUT. An entertainment. + +I remember the date from the Fourth of July occurring just +afterwards, which I celebrated by a "_hang-out_."--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 80. + +He had kept me six hours at table, on the occasion of a dinner +which he gave ... as an appendix to and a return for some of my +"_hangings-out_."--_Ibid._, p. 198. + + +HANG OUT. To treat, to live, to have or possess. Among English +Cantabs, a verb of all-work.--_Bristed_. + +There were but few pensioners who "_hung out_" servants of their +own.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 90. + +I had become ... a man who knew and "_hung out_ to" clever and +pleasant people, and introduced agreeable lions to one +another.--_Ibid._, p. 158. + +I had gained such a reputation for dinner-giving, that men going +to "_hang out_" sometimes asked me to compose bills of fare for +them.--_Ibid._, p. 195. + + +HARRY SOPHS, or HENRY SOPHISTERS; in reality Harisophs, a +corruption of Erisophs ([Greek: erisophos], _valde eruditus_). At +Cambridge, England, students who have kept all the terms required +for a law act, and hence are ranked as Bachelors of Law by +courtesy.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +See, also, Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 818. + + +HARVARD WASHINGTON CORPS. From a memorandum on a fly leaf of an +old Triennial Catalogue, it would appear that a military company +was first established among the students of Harvard College about +the year 1769, and that its first captain was Mr. William Wetmore, +a graduate of the Class of 1770. The motto which it then assumed, +and continued to bear through every period of its existence, was, +"Tam Marti quam Mercurio." It was called at that time the Marti +Mercurian Band. The prescribed uniform was a blue coat, the skirts +turned with white, nankeen breeches, white stockings, top-boots, +and a cocked hat. This association continued for nearly twenty +years from the time of its organization, but the chivalrous spirit +which had called it into existence seems at the end of that time +to have faded away. The last captain, it is believed, was Mr. +Solomon Vose, a graduate of the class of 1787. + +Under the auspices of Governor Gerry, in December of the year +1811, it was revived, and through his influence received a new +loan of arms from the State, taking at the same time the name of +the Harvard Washington Corps. In 1812, Mr. George Thacher was +appointed its commander. The members of the company wore a blue +coat, white vest, white pantaloons, white gaiters, a common black +hat, and around the waist a white belt, which was always kept very +neat, and to which were attached a bayonet and cartridge-box. The +officers wore the same dress, with the exceptions of a sash +instead of the belt, and a chapeau in place of the hat. Soon after +this reorganization, in the fall of 1812, a banner, with the arms +of the College on one side and the arms of the State on the other, +was presented by the beautiful Miss Mellen, daughter of Judge +Mellen of Cambridge, in the name of the ladies of that place. The +presentation took place before the door of her father's house. +Appropriate addresses were made, both by the fair donor and the +captain of the company. Mr. Frisbie, a Professor in the College, +who was at that time engaged to Miss Mellen, whom he afterwards +married, recited on the occasion the following verses impromptu, +which were received with great _eclat_. + + "The standard's victory's leading star, + 'T is danger to forsake it; + How altered are the scenes of war, + They're vanquished now who take it." + +A writer in the Harvardiana, 1836, referring to this banner, says: +"The gilded banner now moulders away in inglorious quiet, in the +dusty retirement of a Senior Sophister's study. What a desecration +for that 'flag by angel hands to valor given'!"[40] Within the +last two years it has wholly disappeared from its accustomed +resting-place. Though departed, its memory will be ever dear to +those who saw it in its better days, and under its shadow enjoyed +many of the proudest moments of college life. + +At its second organization, the company was one of the finest and +best drilled in the State. The members were from the Senior and +Junior Classes. The armory was in the fifth story of Hollis Hall. +The regular time for exercise was after the evening commons. The +drum would often beat before the meal was finished, and the +students could then be seen rushing forth with the half-eaten +biscuit, and at the same time buckling on their armor for the +accustomed drill. They usually paraded on exhibition-days, when +the large concourse of people afforded an excellent opportunity +for showing off their skill in military tactics and manoeuvring. +On the arrival of the news of the peace of 1815, it appears, from +an interleaved almanac, that "the H.W. Corps paraded and fired a +salute; Mr. Porter treated the company." Again, on the 12th of +May, same year, "H.W. Corps paraded in Charlestown, saluted Com. +Bainbridge, and returned by the way of Boston." The captain for +that year, Mr. W.H. Moulton, dying, on the 6th of July, at five +o'clock, P.M., "the class," says the same authority, "attended the +funeral of Br. Moulton in Boston. The H.W. Corps attended in +uniform, without arms, the ceremony of entombing their late +Captain." + +In the year 1825, it received a third loan of arms, and was again +reorganized, admitting the members of all the classes to its +ranks. From this period until the year 1834, very great interest +was manifested in it; but a rebellion having broken out at that +time among the students, and the guns of the company having been +considerably damaged by being thrown from the windows of the +armory, which was then in University Hall, the company was +disbanded, and the arms were returned to the State. + +The feelings with which it was regarded by the students generally +cannot be better shown than by quoting from some of the +publications in which reference is made to it. "Many are the grave +discussions and entry caucuses," says a writer in the Harvard +Register, published in 1828, "to determine what favored few are to +be graced with the sash and epaulets, and march as leaders in the +martial band. Whilst these important canvassings are going on, it +behooves even the humblest and meekest to beware how he buttons +his coat, or stiffens himself to a perpendicular, lest he be more +than suspected of aspiring to some military capacity. But the +_Harvard Washington Corps_ must not be passed over without further +notice. Who can tell what eagerness fills its ranks on an +exhibition-day? with what spirit and bounding step the glorious +phalanx wheels into the College yard? with what exultation they +mark their banner, as it comes floating on the breeze from +Holworthy? And ah! who cannot tell how this spirit expires, this +exultation goes out, when the clerk calls again and again for the +assessments."--p. 378. + +A college poet has thus immortalized this distinguished band:-- + + "But see where yonder light-armed ranks advance!-- + Their colors gleaming in the noonday glance, + Their steps symphonious with the drum's deep notes, + While high the buoyant, breeze-borne banner floats! + O, let not allied hosts yon band deride! + 'T is _Harvard Corps_, our bulwark and our pride! + Mark, how like one great whole, instinct with life, + They seem to woo the dangers of the strife! + Who would not brave the heat, the dust, the rain, + To march the leader of that valiant train?" + _Harvard Register_, p. 235. + +Another has sung its requiem in the following strain:-- + + "That martial band, 'neath waving stripes and stars + Inscribed alike to Mercury and Mars, + Those gallant warriors in their dread array, + Who shook these halls,--O where, alas! are they? + Gone! gone! and never to our ears shall come + The sounds of fife and spirit-stirring drum; + That war-worn banner slumbers in the dust, + Those bristling arms are dim with gathering rust; + That crested helm, that glittering sword, that plume, + Are laid to rest in reckless faction's tomb." + _Winslow's Class Poem_, 1835. + + +HAT FELLOW-COMMONER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +popular name given to a baronet, the eldest son of a baronet, or +the younger son of a nobleman. A _Hat Fellow-Commoner_ wears the +gown of a Fellow-Commoner, with a hat instead of the velvet cap +with metallic tassel which a Fellow-Commoner wears, and is +admitted to the degree of M.A. after two years' residence. + + +HAULED UP. In many colleges, one brought up before the Faculty is +said to be _hauled up_. + + +HAZE. To trouble; to harass; to disturb. This word is used at +Harvard College, to express the treatment which Freshmen sometimes +receive from the higher classes, and especially from the +Sophomores. It is used among sailors with the meanings _to urge_, +_to drive_, _to harass_, especially with labor. In his Dictionary +of Americanisms, Mr. Bartlett says, "To haze round, is to go +rioting about." + +Be ready, in fine, to cut, to drink, to smoke, to swear, to +_haze_, to dead, to spree,--in one word, to be a +Sophomore.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848, p. 11. + + To him no orchard is unknown,--no grape-vine unappraised,-- + No farmer's hen-roost yet unrobbed,--no Freshman yet _unhazed_! + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849, p. 9. + + 'T is the Sophomores rushing the Freshmen to _haze_. + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 22. + + Never again + Leave unbolted your door when to rest you retire, + And, _unhazed_ and unmartyred, you proudly may scorn + Those foes to all Freshmen who 'gainst thee conspire. + _Ibid._, p. 23. + +Freshmen have got quietly settled down to work, Sophs have given +up their _hazing_.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 285. + +We are glad to be able to record, that the absurd and barbarous +custom of _hazing_, which has long prevailed in College, is, to a +great degree, discontinued.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 413. + +The various means which are made use of in _hazing_ the Freshmen +are enumerated in part below. In the first passage, a Sophomore +speaks in soliloquy. + + I am a man, + Have human feelings, though mistaken Fresh + Affirmed I was a savage or a brute, + When I did dash cold water in their necks, + Discharged green squashes through their window-panes, + And stript their beds of soft, luxurious sheets, + Placing instead harsh briers and rough sticks, + So that their sluggish bodies might not sleep, + Unroused by morning bell; or when perforce, + From leaden syringe, engine of fierce might, + I drave black ink upon their ruffle shirts, + Or drenched with showers of melancholy hue, + The new-fledged dickey peering o'er the stock, + Fit emblem of a young ambitious mind! + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 254. + +A Freshman writes thus on the subject:-- + +The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +Fresh, as they call us. They would come to our rooms with masks +on, and frighten us dreadfully; and sometimes squirt water through +our keyholes, or throw a whole pailful on to one of us from the +upper windows.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + + +HEAD OF THE HOUSE. The generic name for the highest officer of a +college in the English Universities. + +The Master of the College, or "_Head of the House_," is a D.D. who +has been a Fellow.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 16. + +The _heads of houses_ [are] styled, according to the usage of the +college, President, Master, Principal, Provost, Warden, or Rector. +--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xiii. + +Written often simply _Head_. + +The "_Head_," as he is called generically, of an Oxford college, +is a greater man than the uninitiated suppose.--_De Quincey's Life +and Manners_, p. 244. + +The new _Head_ was a gentleman of most commanding personal +appearance.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +87. + + +HEADSHIP. The office and place of head or president of a college. + +Most of the college _Headships_ are not at the disposal of the +Crown.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, note, p. +89, and _errata_. + +The _Headships_ of the colleges are, with the exception of +Worcester, filled by one chosen by the Fellows from among +themselves, or one who has been a Fellow.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. +1847, p. xiv. + + +HEADS OUT. At Princeton College, the cry when anything occurs in +the _Campus_. Used, also, to give the alarm when a professor or +tutor is about to interrupt a spree. + +See CAMPUS. + + +HEBDOMADAL BOARD. At Oxford, the local governing authority of the +University, composed of the Heads of colleges and the two +Proctors, and expressing itself through the Vice-Chancellor. An +institution of Charles I.'s time, it has possessed, since the year +1631, "the sole initiative power in the legislation of the +University, and the chief share in its administration." Its +meetings are held weekly, whence the name.--_Oxford Guide. +Literary World_, Vol. XII., p. 223. + + +HIGH-GO. A merry frolic, usually with drinking. + + Songs of Scholars in revelling roundelays, + Belched out with hickups at bacchanal Go, + Bellowed, till heaven's high concave rebound the lays, + Are all for college carousals too low. + Of dullness quite tired, with merriment fired, + And fully inspired with amity's glow, + With hate-drowning wine, boys, and punch all divine, boys, + The Juniors combine, boys, in friendly HIGH-GO. + _Glossology, by William Biglow_, inserted in _Buckingham's + Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. 281-284. + +He it was who broached the idea of a _high-go_, as being requisite +to give us a rank among the classes in college. _D.A. White's +Address before Soc. of the Alumni of Harv. Univ._, Aug. 27, 1844, +p. 35. + +This word is now seldom used; the words _High_ and _Go_ are, +however, often used separately, with the same meaning; as the +compound. The phrase _to get high_, i.e. to become intoxicated, +is allied with the above expression. + + Or men "_get high_" by drinking abstract toddies? + _Childe Harvard_, p. 71. + + +HIGH STEWARD. In the English universities, an officer who has +special power to hear and determine capital causes, according to +the laws of the land and the privileges of the university, +whenever a scholar is the party offending. He also holds the +university _court-leet_, according to the established charter and +custom.--_Oxf. and Cam. Cals._ + +At Cambridge, in addition to his other duties, the High Steward is +the officer who represents the University in the House of Lords. + + +HIGH TABLE. At Oxford, the table at which the Fellows and some +other privileged persons are entitled to dine. + +Wine is not generally allowed in the public hall, except to the +"_high table_."--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 278. + +I dine at the "_high table_" with the reverend deans, and hobnob +with professors.--_Household Words_, Am. ed., Vol. XI. p 521. + + +HIGH-TI. At Williams College, a term by which is designated a +showy recitation. Equivalent to the word _squirt_ at Harvard +College. + + +HILLS. At Cambridge, Eng., Gogmagog Hills are commonly called _the +Hills_. + + Or to the _Hills_ on horseback strays, + (Unasked his tutor,) or his chaise + To famed Newmarket guides. + _Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 35. + + +HISS. To condemn by hissing. + +This is a favorite method, especially among students, of +expressing their disapprobation of any person or measure. + + I'll tell you what; your crime is this, + That, Touchy, you did scrape, and _hiss_. + _Rebelliad_, p. 45. + + Who will bully, scrape, and _hiss_! + Who, I say, will do all this! + Let him follow me,--_Ibid._, p. 53. + + +HOAXING. At Princeton College, inducing new-comers to join the +secret societies is called _hoaxing_. + + +HOBBY. A translation. Hobbies are used by some students in +translating Latin, Greek, and other languages, who from this +reason are said to ride, in contradistinction to others who learn +their lessons by study, who are said to _dig_ or _grub_. + +See PONY. + + +HOBSON'S CHOICE. Thomas Hobson, during the first third of the +seventeenth century, was the University carrier between Cambridge +and London. He died January 1st, 1631. "He rendered himself famous +by furnishing the students with horses; and, making it an +unalterable rule that every horse should have an equal portion of +rest as well as labor, he would never let one out of its turn; +hence the celebrated saying, 'Hobson's Choice: _this_, or none.'" +Milton has perpetuated his fame in two whimsical epitaphs, which +may be found among his miscellaneous poems. + + +HOE IN. At Hamilton College, to strive vigorously; a metaphorical +meaning, taken from labor with the hoe. + + +HOIST. It was formerly customary at Harvard College, when the +Freshmen were used as servants, to report them to their Tutor if +they refused to go when sent on an errand; this complaint was +called a _hoisting_, and the delinquent was said to be _hoisted_. + +The refusal to perform a reasonable service required by a member +of the class above him, subjected the Freshmen to a complaint to +be brought before his Tutor, technically called _hoisting_ him to +his Tutor. The threat was commonly sufficient to exact the +service.--_Willard's Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. +p. 259. + + +HOLD INS. At Bowdoin College, "near the commencement of each +year," says a correspondent, "the Sophs are wont, on some +particular evening, to attempt to '_hold in_' the Freshmen when +coming out of prayers, generally producing quite a skirmish." + + +HOLLIS. Mr. Thomas Hollis of Lincoln's Inn, to whom, with many +others of the same name, Harvard College is so much indebted, +among other presents to its library, gave "sixty-four volumes of +valuable books, curiously bound." To these reference is made in +the following extract from the Gentleman's Magazine for September, +1781. "Mr. Hollis employed Mr. Fingo to cut a number of +emblematical devices, such as the caduceus of Mercury, the wand of +Æsculapius, the owl, the cap of liberty, &c.; and these devices +were to adorn the backs and sometimes the sides of books. When +patriotism animated a work, instead of unmeaning ornaments on the +binding, he adorned it with caps of liberty. When wisdom filled +the page, the owl's majestic gravity bespoke its contents. The +caduceus pointed out the works of eloquence, and the wand of +Æsculapius was a signal of good medicine. The different emblems +were used on the same book, when possessed of different merits, +and to express his disapprobation of the whole or parts of any +work, the figure or figures were reversed. Thus each cover +exhibited a critique on the book, and was a proof that they were +not kept for show, as he must read before he could judge. Read +this, ye admirers of gilded books, and imitate." + + +HONORARIUM, HONORARY. A term applied, in Europe, to the recompense +offered to professors in universities, and to medical or other +professional gentlemen for their services. It is nearly equivalent +to _fee_, with the additional idea of being given _honoris causa_, +as a token of respect.--_Brande. Webster_. + +There are regular receivers, quæstors, appointed for the reception +of the _honorarium_, or charge for the attendance of +lectures.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 30. + + +HONORIS CAUSA. Latin; _as an honor_. Any honorary degree given by +a college. + +Degrees in the faculties of Divinity and Law are conferred, at +present, either in course, _honoris causa_, or on admission _ad +eundem_.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 10. + + +HONORS. In American colleges, the principal honors are +appointments as speakers at Exhibitions and Commencements. These +are given for excellence in scholarship. The appointments for +Exhibitions are different in different colleges. Those of +Commencement do not vary so much. The following is a list of the +appointments at Harvard College, in the order in which they are +usually assigned: Valedictory Oration, called also _the_ English +Oration, Salutatory in Latin, English Orations, Dissertations, +Disquisitions, and Essays. The salutatorian is not always the +second scholar in the class, but must be the best, or, in case +this distinction is enjoyed by the valedictorian, the second-best +Latin scholar. Latin or Greek poems or orations or English poems +sometimes form a part of the exercises, and may be assigned, as +are the other appointments, to persons in the first part of the +class. At Yale College the order is as follows: Valedictory +Oration, Salutatory in Latin, Philosophical Orations, Orations, +Dissertations, Disputations, and Colloquies. A person who receives +the appointment of a Colloquy can either write or speak in a +colloquy, or write a poem. Any other appointee can also write a +poem. Other colleges usually adopt one or the other of these +arrangements, or combine the two. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., those who at the final +examination in the Senate-House are classed as Wranglers, Senior +Optimes, or Junior Optimes, are said to go out in _honors_. + +I very early in the Sophomore year gave up all thoughts of +obtaining high _honors_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 6. + + +HOOD. An ornamented fold that hangs down the back of a graduate, +to mark his degree.--_Johnson_. + + My head with ample square-cap crown, + And deck with _hood_ my shoulders. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. 349. + + +HORN-BLOWING. At Princeton College, the students often provide +themselves at night with horns, bugles, &c., climb the trees in +the Campus, and set up a blowing which is continued as long as +prudence and safety allow. + + +HORSE-SHEDDING. At the University of Vermont, among secret and +literary societies, this term is used to express the idea conveyed +by the word _electioneering_. + + +HOUSE. A college. The word was formerly used with this +signification in Harvard and Yale Colleges. + +If any scholar shall transgress any of the laws of God, or the +_House_, he shall be liable, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 517. + +If detriment come by any out of the society, then those officers +[the butler and cook] themselves shall be responsible to the +_House_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 583. + +A member of the college was also called a _Member of the House_. + +The steward is to see that one third part be reserved of all the +payments to him by the _members of the House_ quarterly +made.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 582. + +A college officer was called an _Officer of the House_. + +The steward shall be bound to give an account of the necessary +disbursements which have been issued out to the steward himself, +butler, cook, or any other _officer of the House_.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 582. + +Neither shall the butler or cook suffer any scholar or scholars +whatever, except the Fellows, Masters of Art, Fellow-Commoners or +_officers of the House_, to come into the butteries, &c.--_Ibid._, +Vol. I. p. 584. + +Before the year 1708, the term _Fellows of the House_ was applied, +at Harvard College, both to the members of the Corporation, and to +the instructors who did not belong to the Corporation. The +equivocal meaning of this title was noticed by President Leverett, +for, in his duplicate record of the proceedings of the Corporation +and the Overseers, he designated certain persons to whom he refers +as "Fellows of the House, i.e. of the Corporation." Soon after +this, an attempt was made to distinguish between these two classes +of Fellows, and in 1711 the distinction was settled, when one +Whiting, "who had been for several years known as Tutor and +'Fellow of the House,' but had never in consequence been deemed or +pretended to be a member of the Corporation, was admitted to a +seat in that board."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. pp. +278, 279. See SCHOLAR OF THE HOUSE. + +2. An assembly for transacting business. + +See CONGREGATION, CONVOCATION. + + +HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. At Union College, the members of the +Junior Class compose what is called the _House of +Representatives_, a body organized after the manner of the +national House, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the +forms and manner of legislation. The following account has been +furnished by a member of that College. + +"At the end of the third term, Sophomore year, when the members of +that class are looking forward to the honors awaiting them, comes +off the initiation to the House. The Friday of the tenth week is +the day usually selected for the occasion. On the afternoon of +that day the Sophomores assemble in the Junior recitation-room, +and, after organizing themselves by the appointment of a chairman, +are waited upon by a committee of the House of Representatives of +the Junior Class, who announce that they are ready to proceed with +the initiation, and occasionally dilate upon the importance and +responsibility of the future position of the Sophomores. + +"The invitation thus given is accepted, and the class, headed by +the committee, proceeds to the Representatives' Hall. On their +arrival, the members of the House retire, and the incoming +members, under the direction of the committee, arrange themselves +around the platform of the Speaker, all in the room at the same +time rising in their seats. The Speaker of the House now addresses +the Sophomores, announcing to them their election to the high +position of Representatives, and exhorting them to discharge well +all their duties to their constituents and their common country. +He closes, by stating it to be their first business to elect the +officers of the House. + +"The election of Speaker, Vice-Speaker, Clerk, and Treasurer by +ballot then follows, two tellers being appointed by the Chair. The +Speaker is elected for one year, and must be one of the Faculty; +the other officers hold only during the ensuing term. The Speaker, +however, is never expected to be present at the meetings of the +House, with the exception of that at the beginning of each term +session, so that the whole duty of presiding falls on the +Vice-Speaker. This is the only meeting of the _new_ House during +that term. + +"On the second Friday afternoon of the fall term, the Speaker +usually delivers an inaugural address, and soon after leaves the +chair to the Vice-Speaker, who then announces the representation +from the different States, and also the list of committees. The +members are apportioned by him according to population, each State +having at least one, and some two or three, as the number of the +Junior Class may allow. The committees are constituted in the +manner common to the National House, the number of each, however, +being less. Business then follows, as described in Jefferson's +Manual; petitions, remonstrances, resolutions, reports, debates, +and all the 'toggery' of legislation, come on in regular, or +rather irregular succession. The exercises, as may be well +conceived, furnish an excellent opportunity for improvement in +parliamentary tactics and political oratory." + +The House of Representatives was founded by Professor John Austin +Tates. It is not constituted by every Junior Class, and may be +regarded as intermittent in its character. + +See SENATE. + + +HUMANIST. One who pursues the study of the _humanities (literæ +humaniores)_, or polite literature; a term used in various +European universities, especially the Scotch.--_Brandt_. + + +HUMANITY, _pl._ HUMANITIES. In the plural signifying grammar, +rhetoric, the Latin and Greek languages, and poetry; for teaching +which there are professors in the English and Scotch universities. +--_Encyc._ + + +HUMMEL. At the University of Vermont, a foot, especially a large +one. + + +HYPHENUTE. At Princeton College, the aristocratic or would-be +aristocratic in dress, manners, &c., are called _Hyphenutes_. Used +both as a noun and adjective. Same as [Greek: Oi Aristoi] q.v. + + + +_I_. + + +ILLUMINATE. To interline with a translation. Students _illuminate_ +a book when they write between the printed lines a translation of +the text. _Illuminated_ books are preferred by good judges to +ponies or hobbies, as the text and translation in them are brought +nearer to one another. The idea of calling books thus prepared +_illuminated_, is taken partly from the meaning of the word +_illuminate_, to adorn with ornamental letters, substituting, +however, in this case, useful for ornamental, and partly from one +of its other meanings, to throw light on, as on obscure subjects. + + +ILLUSTRATION. That which elucidates a subject. A word used with a +peculiar application by undergraduates in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. + +I went back,... and did a few more bits of _illustration_, such as +noting down the relative resources of Athens and Sparta when the +Peloponnesian war broke out, and the sources of the Athenian +revenue.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 51. + +IMPOSITION. In the English universities, a supernumerary exercise +enjoined on students as a punishment. + +Minor offences are punished by rustication, and those of a more +trivial nature by fines, or by literary tasks, here termed +_Impositions_.--_Oxford Guide_, p. 149. + +Literary tasks called _impositions_, or frequent compulsive +attendances on tedious and unimproving exercises in a college +hall.--_T. Warton, Minor Poems of Milton_, p. 432. + +_Impositions_ are of various lengths. For missing chapel, about +one hundred lines to copy; for missing a lecture, the lecture to +translate. This is the measure for an occasional offence.... For +coming in late at night repeatedly, or for any offence nearly +deserving rustication, I have known a whole book of Thucydides +given to translate, or the Ethics of Aristotle to analyze, when +the offender has been a good scholar, while others, who could only +do mechanical work, have had a book of Euclid to write out. + +Long _impositions_ are very rarely _barberized_. When college +tutors intend to be severe, which is very seldom, they are not to +be trifled with. + +At Cambridge, _impositions_ are not always in writing, but +sometimes two or three hundred lines to repeat by heart. This is +ruin to the barber.--_Collegian's Guide_, pp. 159, 160. + +In an abbreviated form, _impos._ + +He is obliged to stomach the _impos._, and retire.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._, p. 125. + +He satisfies the Proctor and the Dean by saying a part of each +_impos._--_Ibid._, p. 128. + +See BARBER. + + +INCEPT. To take the degree of Master of Arts. + +They may nevertheless take the degree of M.A. at the usual period, +by putting their names on the _College boards_ a few days previous +to _incepting_.--_Cambridge Calendar_. + +The M.A. _incepts_ in about three years and two months from the +time of taking his first degree.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 285. + + +INCEPTOR. One who has proceeded to the degree of M.A., but who, +not enjoying all the privileges of an M.A. until the Commencement, +is in the mean time termed an Inceptor. + +Used in the English universities, and formerly at Harvard College. + +And, in case any of the Sophisters, Questionists, or _Inceptors_ +fail in the premises required at their hands ... they shall be +deferred to the following year.--_Laws of 1650, in Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +The Admissio _Inceptorum_ was as follows: "Admitto te ad secundum +gradum in artibus pro more Academiarum in Angliâ: tibique trado +hunc librum unâ cum potestate publice profitendi, ubicunque ad hoc +munus publicè evocatus fueris."--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 580. + + +INDIAN SOCIETY. At the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a society +of smokers was established, in the year 1837, by an Indian named +Zachary Colbert, and called the Indian Society. The members and +those who have been invited to join the society, to the number of +sixty or eighty, are accustomed to meet in a small room, ten feet +by eighteen; all are obliged to smoke, and he who first desists is +required to pay for the cigars smoked at that meeting. + + +INDIGO. At Dartmouth College, a member of the party called the +Blues. The same as a BLUE, which see. + +The Howes, years ago, used to room in Dartmouth Hall, though none +room there now, and so they made up some verses. Here is one:-- + + "Hurrah for Dartmouth Hall! + Success to every student + That rooms in Dartmouth Hall, + Unless he be an _Indigo_, + Then, no success at all." + _The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +INITIATION. Secret societies exist in almost all the colleges in +the United States, which require those who are admitted to pass +through certain ceremonies called the initiation. This fact is +often made use of to deceive Freshmen, upon their entrance into +college, who are sometimes initiated into societies which have no +existence, and again into societies where initiation is not +necessary for membership. + +A correspondent from Dartmouth College writes as follows: "I +believe several of the colleges have various exercises of +_initiating_ Freshmen. Ours is done by the 'United Fraternity,' +one of our library societies (they are neither of them secret), +which gives out word that the _initiation_ is a fearful ceremony. +It is simply every kind of operation that can be contrived to +terrify, and annoy, and make fun of Freshmen, who do not find out +for some time that it is not the necessary and serious ceremony of +making them members of the society." + +In the University of Virginia, students on entering are sometimes +initiated into the ways of college life by very novel and unique +ceremonies, an account of which has been furnished by a graduate +of that institution. "The first thing, by way of admitting the +novitiate to all the mysteries of college life, is to require of +him in an official communication, under apparent signature of one +of the professors, a written list, tested under oath, of the +entire number of his shirts and other necessary articles in his +wardrobe. The list he is requested to commit to memory, and be +prepared for an examination on it, before the Faculty, at some +specified hour. This the new-comer usually passes with due +satisfaction, and no little trepidation, in the presence of an +august assemblage of his student professors. He is now remanded to +his room to take his bed, and to rise about midnight bell for +breakfast. The 'Callithumpians' (in this Institution a regularly +organized company), 'Squallinaders,' or 'Masquers,' perform their +part during the livelong night with instruments 'harsh thunder +grating,' to insure to the poor youth a sleepless night, and give +him full time to con over and curse in his heart the miseries of a +college existence. Our fellow-comrade is now up, dressed, and +washed, perhaps two hours in advance of the first light of dawn, +and, under the guidance of a _posse comitatus_ of older students, +is kindly conducted to his morning meal. A long alley, technically +'Green Alley,' terminating with a brick wall, informing all, 'Thus +far shalt thou go, and no farther,' is pointed out to him, with +directions 'to follow his nose and keep straight ahead.' Of course +the unsophisticated finds himself completely nonplused, and gropes +his way back, amidst the loud vociferations of 'Go it, green un!' +With due apologies for the treatment he has received, and violent +denunciations against the former _posse_ for their unheard-of +insolence towards the gentleman, he is now placed under different +guides, who volunteer their services 'to see him through.' Suffice +it to be said, that he is again egregiously 'taken in,' being +deposited in the Rotunda or Lecture-room, and told to ring for +whatever he wants, either coffee or hot biscuit, but particularly +enjoined not to leave without special permission from one of the +Faculty. The length of his sojourn in this place, where he is +finally left, is of course in proportion to his state of +verdancy." + + +INSPECTOR OF THE COLLEGE. At Yale College, a person appointed to +ascertain, inspect, and estimate all damages done to the College +buildings and appurtenances, whenever required by the President. +All repairs, additions, and alterations are made under his +inspection, and he is also authorized to determine whether the +College chambers are fit for the reception of the students. +Formerly the inspectorship in Harvard College was held by one of +the members of the College government. His duty was to examine the +state of the College public buildings, and also at stated times to +examine the exterior and interior of the buildings occupied by the +students, and to cause such repairs to be made as were in his +opinion proper. The same duties are now performed by the +_Superintendent of Public Buildings_.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, +p. 22. _Laws Harv. Coll._, 1814, p. 58, and 1848, p 29. + +The duties of the _Inspector of the College Buildings_, at +Middlebury, are similar to those required of the inspector at +Yale.--_Laws Md. Coll._, 1839, pp. 15, 16. + +IN STATU PUPILLARI. Latin; literally, _in a state of pupilage_. In +the English universities, one who is subject to collegiate laws, +discipline, and officers is said to be _in statu pupillari_. + + And the short space that here we tarry, + At least "_in statu pupillari_," + Forbids our growing hopes to germ, + Alas! beyond the appointed term. + _Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 109. + + +INTERLINEAR. A printed book, with a written translation between +the lines. The same as an _illuminated_ book; for an account of +which, see under ILLUMINATE. + + Then devotes himself to study, with a steady, earnest zeal, + And scorns an _Interlinear_, or a Pony's meek appeal. + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 20. + + +INTERLINER. Same as INTERLINEAR. + +In the "Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," a Professor at Harvard +College, Professor Felton observes: "He was a mortal enemy to +translations, '_interliners_,' and all such subsidiary helps in +learning lessons; he classed them all under the opprobrious name +of 'facilities,' and never scrupled to seize them as contraband +goods. When he withdrew from College, he had a large and valuable +collection of this species of literature. In one of the notes to +his Three Lectures he says: 'I have on hand a goodly number of +these confiscated wares, full of manuscript innotations, which I +seized in the way of duty, and would now restore to the owners on +demand, without their proving property or paying charges.'"--p. +lxxvii. + +Ponies, _Interliners_, Ticks, Screws, and Deads (these are all +college verbalities) were all put under contribution.--_A Tour +through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 25. + + +INTONITANS BOLUS. Greek, [Greek: bolos], a lump. Latin, _bolus_, a +bit, a morsel. English, _bolus_, a mass of anything made into a +large pill. It may be translated _a thundering pill_. At Harvard +College, the _Intonitans Bolus_ was a great cane or club which was +given nominally to the strongest fellow in the graduating class; +"but really," says a correspondent, "to the greatest bully," and +thus was transmitted, as an entailed estate, to the Samsons of +College. If any one felt that he had been wronged in not receiving +this emblem of valor, he was permitted to take it from its +possessor if he could. In later years the club presented a very +curious appearance; being almost entirely covered with the names +of those who had held it, carved on its surface in letters of all +imaginable shapes and descriptions. At one period, it was in the +possession of Richard Jeffrey Cleveland, a member of the class of +1827, and was by him transmitted to Jonathan Saunderson of the +class of 1828. It has disappeared within the last fifteen or +twenty years, and its hiding-place, even if it is in existence, is +not known. + +See BULLY CLUB. + + +INVALID'S TABLE. At Yale College, in former times, a table at +which those who were not in health could obtain more nutritious +food than was supplied at the common board. A graduate at that +institution has referred to the subject in the annexed extract. +"It was extremely difficult to obtain permission to board out, and +indeed impossible except in extreme cases: the beginning of such +permits would have been like the letting out of water. To take +away all pretext for it, an '_invalid's table_' was provided, +where, if one chose to avail himself of it, having a doctor's +certificate that his health required it, he might have a somewhat +different diet."--_Scenes and Characters in College, New Haven_, +1847, pp. 117, 118. + + + +_J_. + + +JACK-KNIFE. At Harvard College it has long been the custom for the +ugliest member of the Senior Class to receive from his classmates +a _Jack-knife_, as a reward or consolation for the plainness of +his features. In former times, it was transmitted from class to +class, its possessor in the graduating class presenting it to the +one who was deemed the ugliest in the class next below. + +Mr. William Biglow, a member of the class of 1794, the recipient +for that year of the Jack-knife,--in an article under the head of +"Omnium Gatherum," published in the Federal Orrery, April 27, +1795, entitled, "A Will: Being the last words of CHARLES +CHATTERBOX, Esq., late worthy and much lamented member of the +Laughing Club of Harvard University, who departed college life, +June 21, 1794, in the twenty-first year of his age,"--presents +this _transmittendum_ to his successor, with the following +words:-- + + "_Item_. C---- P----s[41] has my knife, + During his natural college life; + That knife, which ugliness inherits, + And due to his superior merits, + And when from Harvard he shall steer, + I order him to leave it here, + That't may from class to class descend, + Till time and ugliness shall end." + +Mr. Prentiss, in the autumn of 1795, soon after graduating, +commenced the publication of the Rural Repository, at Leominster, +Mass. In one of the earliest numbers of this paper, following the +example of Mr. Biglow, he published his will, which Mr. Paine, the +editor of the Federal Orrery, immediately transferred to his +columns with this introductory note:--"Having, in the second +number of 'Omnium Gatherum' presented to our readers the last will +and testament of Charles Chatterbox, Esq., of witty memory, +wherein the said Charles, now deceased, did lawfully bequeath to +Ch----s Pr----s the celebrated 'Ugly Knife,' to be by him +transmitted, at his college demise, to the next succeeding +candidate; -------- and whereas the said Ch----s Pr----s, on the +21st of June last, departed his aforesaid college life, thereby +leaving to the inheritance of his successor the valuable legacy +which his illustrious friend had bequeathed, as an entailed +estate, to the poets of the university,--we have thought proper to +insert a full, true, and attested copy of the will of the last +deceased heir, in order that the world may be furnished with a +correct genealogy of this renowned _Jack-knife_, whose pedigree +will become as illustrious in after time as the family of the +'ROLLES,' and which will be celebrated by future wits as the most +formidable _weapon_ of modern genius." + +That part of the will only is here inserted which refers +particularly to the Knife. It is as follows:-- + + "I--I say I, now make this will; + Let those whom I assign fulfil. + I give, grant, render, and convey + My goods and chattels thus away; + That _honor of a college life, + That celebrated_ UGLY KNIFE, + Which predecessor SAWNEY[42] orders, + Descending to time's utmost borders, + To _noblest bard_ of _homeliest phiz_, + To have and hold and use, as his, + I now present C----s P----y S----r,[43] + To keep with his poetic lumber, + To scrape his quid, and make a split, + To point his pen for sharpening wit; + And order that he ne'er abuse + Said ugly knife, in dirtier use, + And let said CHARLES, that best of writers, + In prose satiric skilled to bite us, + And equally in verse delight us, + Take special care to keep it clean + From unpoetic hands,--I ween. + And when those walls, the muses' seat, + Said S----r is obliged to quit, + Let some one of APOLLO'S firing, + To such heroic joys aspiring, + Who long has borne a poet's name, + With said Knife cut his way to fame." + See _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. 281, 270. + +Tradition asserts that the original Jack-knife was terminated at +one end of the handle by a large blade, and at the other by a +projecting piece of iron, to which a chain of the same metal was +attached, and that it was customary to carry it in the pocket +fastened by this chain to some part of the person. When this was +lost, and the custom of transmitting the Knife went out of +fashion, the class, guided by no rule but that of their own fancy, +were accustomed to present any thing in the shape of a knife, +whether oyster or case, it made no difference. In one instance a +wooden one was given, and was immediately burned by the person who +received it. At present the Jack-knife is voted to the ugliest +member of the Senior Class, at the meeting for the election of +officers for Class Day, and the sum appropriated for its purchase +varies in different years from fifty cents to twenty dollars. The +custom of presenting the Jack-knife is one of the most amusing of +those which have come down to us from the past, and if any +conclusion may be drawn from the interest which is now manifested +in its observance, it is safe to infer, in the words of the poet, +that it will continue + "Till time and ugliness shall end." + +In the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a Jack-knife is given to +the greatest liar, as a reward of merit. + +See WILL. + + +JAPANNED. A cant term in use at the University of Cambridge, Eng., +explained in the following passage. "Many ... step ... into the +Church, without any pretence of other change than in the attire of +their outward man,--the being '_japanned_,' as assuming the black +dress and white cravat is called in University slang."--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 344. + + +JESUIT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Jesus +College. + + +JOBATION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a sharp reprimand +from the Dean for some offence, not eminently heinous. + +Thus dismissed the august presence, he recounts this _jobation_ to +his friends, and enters into a discourse on masters, deans, +tutors, and proctors.--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 124. + + +JOBE. To reprove; to reprimand. "In the University of Cambridge, +[Eng.,] the young scholars are wont to call chiding, +_jobing_."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +I heard a lively young man assert, that, in consequence of an +intimation from the tutor relative to his irregularities, his +father came from the country to _jobe_ him.--_Gent. Mag._, Dec. +1794. + + +JOE. A name given at several American colleges to a privy. It is +said that when Joseph Penney was President of Hamilton College, a +request from the students that the privies might be cleansed was +met by him with a denial. In consequence of this refusal, the +offices were purified by fire on the night of November 5th. The +derivation of the word, allowing the truth of this story, is +apparent. + +The following account of _Joe-Burning_ is by a correspondent from +Hamilton College:--"On the night of the 5th of November, every +year, the Sophomore Class burn 'Joe.' A large pile is made of +rails, logs, and light wood, in the form of a triangle. The space +within is filled level to the top, with all manner of +combustibles. A 'Joe' is then sought for by the class, carried +from its foundations on a rude bier, and placed on this pile. The +interior is filled with wood and straw, surrounding a barrel of +tar placed in the middle, over all of which gallons of turpentine +are thrown, and then set fire to. From the top of the lofty hill +on which the College buildings are situated, this fire can be seen +for twenty miles around. The Sophomores are all disguised in the +most odd and grotesque dresses. A ring is formed around the +burning 'Joe,' and a chant is sung. Horses of the neighbors are +obtained and ridden indiscriminately, without saddle or bridle. +The burning continues usually until daylight." + + Ponamus Convivium + _Josephi_ in locum + Et id uremus. + _Convivii Exsequiæ, Hamilton Coll._, 1850. + + +JOHNIAN. A member of St. John's College in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. + +The _Johnians_ are always known by the name of pigs; they put up a +new organ the other day, which was immediately christened "Baconi +Novum Organum."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV., p 236. + + +JUN. Abbreviated for Junior. + +The target for all the venomed darts of rowdy Sophs, magnificent +_Juns_, and lazy Senes.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + +JUNE. An abbreviation of Junior. + + I once to Yale a Fresh did come, + But now a jolly _June_, + Returning to my distant home, + I bear the wooden spoon. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 36. + + But now, when no longer a Fresh or a Soph, + Each blade is a gentleman _June_. + _Ibid._, p. 39. + + +JUNE TRAINING. The following interesting and entertaining account +of one of the distinguishing customs of the University of Vermont, +is from the pen of one of her graduates, to whom the editor of +this work is under many obligations for the valuable assistance he +has rendered in effecting the completeness of this Collection. + +"In the old time when militia trainings were in fashion, the +authorities of Burlington decided that, whereas the students of +the University of Vermont claimed and were allowed the right of +suffrage, they were to be considered citizens, and consequently +subject to military duty. The students having refused to appear on +parade, were threatened with prosecution; and at last they +determined to make their appearance. This they did on a certain +'training day,' (the year I do not recollect,) to the full +satisfaction of the authorities, who did not expect _such_ a +parade, and had no desire to see it repeated. But the students +being unwilling to expose themselves to 'the rigor of the law,' +paraded annually; and when at last the statute was repealed and +militia musters abolished, they continued the practice for the +sake of old association. Thus it passed into a custom, and the +first Wednesday of June is as eagerly anticipated by the citizens +of Burlington and the youth of the surrounding country for its +'training,' as is the first Wednesday of August for its annual +Commencement. The Faculty always smile propitiously, and in the +afternoon the performance commences. The army, or more +euphoniously the 'UNIVERSITY INVINCIBLES,' take up 'their line of +march' from the College campus, and proceed through all the +principal streets to the great square, where, in the presence of +an immense audience, a speech is delivered by the +Commander-in-chief, and a sermon by the Chaplain, the roll is +called, and the annual health report is read by the surgeon. These +productions are noted for their patriotism and fervid eloquence +rather than high literary merit. Formerly the music to which they +marched consisted solely of the good old-fashioned drum and fife; +but of late years the Invincibles have added to these a brass +band, composed of as many obsolete instruments as can be procured, +in the hands of inexperienced performers. None who have ever +handled a musical instrument before are allowed to become members +of the band, lest the music should be too sweet and regular to +comport with the general order of the parade. The uniform (or +rather the _multiform_) of the company varies from year to year, +owing to the regulation that each soldier shall consult his own +taste,--provided that no two are to have the same taste in their +equipments. The artillery consists of divers joints of rusty +stove-pipe, in each of which is inserted a toy cannon of about one +quarter of an inch calibre, mounted on an old dray, and drawn by +as many horse-apologies as can be conveniently attached to it. +When these guns are discharged, the effect--as might be +expected--is terrific. The banners, built of cotton sheeting and +mounted on a rake-handle, although they do not always exhibit +great artistic genius, often display vast originality of design. +For instance, one contained on the face a diagram (done in ink +with the wrong end of a quill) of the _pons asinorum_, with the +rather belligerent inscription, 'REMEMBER NAPOLEON AT LODI.' On +the reverse was the head of an extremely doubtful-looking +individual viewing 'his natural face in a glass.' +Inscription,--'O wad some pow'r the giftie gie us To see oursel's +as others see us.' + +"The surgeon's equipment is an ox-cart containing jars of drugs +(most of them marked 'N.E.R.' and 'O.B.J.'), boxes of homoeopathic +pills (about the size of a child's head), immense saws and knives, +skeletons of animals, &c.; over which preside the surgeon and his +assistant in appropriate dresses, with tin spectacles. This +surgeon is generally the chief feature of the parade, and his +reports are astonishing additions to the surgical lore of our +country. He is the wit of the College,--the one who above all +others is celebrated for the loudest laugh, the deepest bumper, +the best joke, and the poorest song. How well he sustains his +reputation may be known by listening to his annual reading, or by +reference to the reports of 'Trotwood,' 'Gubbins,' or 'Deppity +Sawbones,' who at different times have immortalized themselves by +their contributions to science. The cavalcade is preceded by the +'pioneers,' who clear the way for the advancing troops; which is +generally effected by the panic among the boys, occasioned by the +savage aspect of the pioneers,--their faces being hideously +painted, and their dress consisting of gleanings from every +costume, Christian, Pagan, and Turkish, known among men. As the +body passes through the different streets, the martial men receive +sundry testimonials of regard and approval in the shape of boquets +and wreaths from the fair 'Peruvians,' who of course bestow them +on those who, in their opinion, have best succeeded in the object +of the day,--uncouth appearance. After the ceremonies, the +students quietly congregate in some room in college to _count_ +these favors and to ascertain who is to be considered the hero of +the day, as having rendered himself pre-eminently ridiculous. This +honor generally falls to the lot of the surgeon. As the sun sinks +behind the Adirondacs over the lake, the parade ends; the many +lookers-on having nothing to see but the bright visions of the +next year's training, retire to their homes; while the now weary +students, gathered in knots in the windows of the upper stories, +lazily and comfortably puff their black pipes, and watch the +lessening forms of the retreating countrymen." + +Further to elucidate the peculiarities of the June Training, the +annexed account of the custom, as it was observed on the first +Wednesday in June of the current year, is here inserted, taken +from the "Daily Free Press," published at Burlington, June 8th, +1855. + +"The annual parade of the principal military body in Vermont is an +event of importance. The first Wednesday in June, the day assigned +to it, is becoming the great day of the year in Burlington. +Already it rivals, if it does not exceed, Commencement day in +glory and honor. The people crowd in from the adjoining towns, the +steamboats bring numbers from across the lake, and the inhabitants +of the town turn out in full force. The yearly recurrence of such +scenes shows the fondness of the people for a hearty laugh, and +the general acceptableness of the entertainment provided. + +"The day of the parade this year was a very favorable +one,--without dust, and neither too hot nor too cold for comfort +The performances properly--or rather _im_properly--commenced in +the small hours of the night previous by the discharge of a cannon +in front of the college buildings, which, as the cannon was +stupidly or wantonly pointed _towards_ the college buildings, blew +in several hundred panes of glass. We have not heard that anybody +laughed at this piece of heavy wit. + +"At four o'clock in the afternoon, the Invincibles took up their +line of march, with scream of fife and roll of drum, down Pearl +Street to the Square, where the flying artillery discharged a +grand national salute of one gun; thence to the Exchange, where a +halt was made and a refreshment of water partaken of by the +company, and then to the Square in front of the American, where +they were duly paraded, reviewed, exhorted, and reported upon, in +presence of two or three thousand people. + +"The scene presented was worth seeing. The windows of the American +and Wheeler's Block had all been taken out, and were filled with +bright female faces; the roofs of the same buildings were lined +with spectators, and the top of the portico of the American was a +condensed mass of loveliness and bright colors. The Town Hall +windows, steps, doors, &c. were also filled. Every good look-out +anywhere near the spot was occupied, and a dense mass of +by-standers and lookers-on in carriages crowded the southern part +of the Square. + +"Of the cortege itself, the pencil of a Hogarth only could give an +adequate idea. The valorous Colonel Brick was of course the centre +of all eyes. He was fitly supported by his two aids. The three +were in elegant uniforms, were handsomely mounted, rode well and +with gallant bearing, and presented a particularly attractive +appearance. + +"Behind them appeared a scarlet robe, surmounted by a white wig of +Brobdinagian dimensions and spectacles to match, which it is +supposed contained in the interior the physical system of the +Reverendissimus Boanerges Diogenes Lanternarius, Chaplain, the +whole mounted upon the vertebræ of a solemn-looking donkey. + +"The representative of the Church Militant was properly backed up +by the Flying Artillery. Their banner announced that they were +'for the reduction of Sebastopol,' and it is safe to say that they +will certainly take that fortress, if they get a chance. If the +Russians hold out against those four ghostly steeds, tandem, with +their bandy-legged and kettle-stomached riders,--that gun, so +strikingly like a joint of old stove-pipe in its exterior, but +which upon occasion could vomit forth your real smoke and sound +and smell of unmistakable brimstone,--and those slashed and +blood-stained artillerymen,--they will do more than anybody did on +Wednesday. + +"The T.L.N. Horn-et Band, with Sackbut, Psaltery, Dulcimer, and +Shawm, Tanglang, Locofodeon, and Hugag, marched next. They +reserved their efforts for special occasions, when they woke the +echoes with strains of altogether unearthly music, composed for +them expressly by Saufylur, the eminent self-taught New Zealand +composer. + +"Barnum's Baby-Show, on four wheels, in charge of the great +showman himself, aided by that experienced nurse, Mrs. Gamp, in +somewhat dilapidated attire, followed. The babies, from a span +long to an indefinite length, of all shapes and sizes, black, +white, and snuff-colored, twins, triplets, quartettes, and +quincunxes, in calico and sackcloth, and in a state of nature, +filled the vehicle, and were hung about it by the leg or neck or +middle. A half-starved quadruped of osseous and slightly equine +appearance drew the concern, and the shrieking axles drowned the +cries of the innocents. + +"Mr. Joseph Hiss and Mrs. Patterson of Massachusetts were not +absent. Joseph's rubicund complexion, brassy and distinctly +Know-Nothing look, and nasal organ well developed by his +experience on the olfactory committee, were just what might have +been expected. The 'make up' of Mrs. P., a bright brunette, was +capital, and she looked the woman, if not the lady, to perfection. +The two appeared in a handsome livery buggy, paid for, we suppose, +by the State of Massachusetts. + +"A wagon-load of two or three tattered and desperate looking +individuals, labelled 'Recruits for the Crimea,' with a generous +supply of old iron and brick-bats as material of war, was dragged +along by the frame and most of the skin of what was once a horse. + +"Towards the rear, but by no means least in consequence or in the +amount of attention attracted, was the army hospital, drawn by two +staid and well-fed oxen. In front appeared the snowy locks and +'fair round belly, with good _cotton_ lined' of the worthy Dr. +Esculapius Liverwort Tarand Cantchuget-urlegawa Opodeldoc, while +by his side his assistant sawbones brayed in a huge iron mortar, +with a weighty pestle, much noise, and indefatigable zeal, the +drugs and dye-stuffs. Thigh-bones, shoulder-blades, vertebræ, and +even skulls, hanging round the establishment, testified to the +numerous and successful amputations performed by the skilful +surgeon. + +"Noticeable among the cavalry were Don Quixote de la U.V.M., +Knight of the patent-leather gaiters, terrible in his bright +rectangular cuirass of tin (once a tea-chest), and his glittering +harpoon; his doughty squire, Sancho Panza; and a dashing young +lady, whose tasteful riding-dress of black cambric, wealth of +embroidered skirts and undersleeves, and bold riding, took not a +little attention. + +"Of the rank and file on foot it is useless to attempt a +description. Beards of awful size, moustaches of every shade and +length under a foot, phizzes of all colors and contortions, +four-story hats with sky-scraping feathers, costumes +ring-streaked, speckled, monstrous, and incredible, made up the +motley crew. There was a Northern emigrant just returned from +Kansas, with garments torn and water-soaked, and but half cleaned +of the adhesive tar and feathers, watched closely by a burly +Missourian, with any quantity of hair and fire-arms and +bowie-knives. There were Rev. Antoinette Brown, and Neal Dow; +there was a darky whose banner proclaimed his faith in Stowe and +Seward and Parker, an aboriginal from the prairies, an ancient +minstrel with a modern fiddle, and a modern minstrel with an +ancient hurdy- gurdy. All these and more. Each man was a study in +himself, and to all, Falstaff's description of his recruits would +apply:-- + +"'My whole charge consists of corporals, lieutenants, gentlemen of +companies, slaves as ragged as Lazarus in the painted cloth, where +the glutton's dogs licked his sores; the cankers of a calm world +and a long peace; ten times more dishonorable ragged than an +old-faced ancient: and such have I, that you would think I had a +hundred and fifty tattered prodigals lately come from +swine-keeping, from eating draff and husks. A mad fellow met me on +the way and told me I had unloaded all the gibbets and pressed the +dead bodies. No eye hath seen such scarecrows.' + +"The proceedings on the review were exciting. After the calling of +the roll, the idol of his regiment, Col. Martin Van Buren Brick, +discharged an eloquent and touching speech. + +"From the report of Dr. Opodeldoc, which was thirty-six feet in +length, we can of course give but a few extracts. He commenced by +informing the Invincibles that his cures the year past had been +more astounding than ever, and that his fame would continue to +grow brighter and brighter, until eclipsed by the advent of some +younger Dr. Esculapius Liverwort Tar Cant-ye-get-your-leg-away +Opodeldoc, who in after years would shoot up like a meteor and +reproduce his father's greatness; and went on as follows:-- + +"'The first academic that appeared after the last report was the +_desideratum graduatere_, or graduating fever. Twenty-seven were +taken down. Symptoms, morality in the head,--dignity in the walk, +--hints about graduating,--remarkable tendency to +swell,--literary movement of the superior and inferior maxillary +bones, &c., &c. Strictures on bleeding were first applied; then +treating homoeopathically _similis similibus_, applied roots +extracted, roots Latin and Greek, infinitesimal extracts of +calculus, mathematical formulas, psychological inductions, &c., +&c. No avail. Finally applied huge sheep-skin plasters under the +axilla, with a composition of printers' ink, paste, paper, +ribbons, and writing-ink besmeared thereon, and all were +despatched in one short day. + +"'Sophomore Exhibition furnished many cases. One man hit by a +Soph-bug, drove eye down into stomach, carrying with it brains and +all inside of the head. In order to draw them back to their proper +place, your Surgeon caused a leaf from Barnum's Autobiography to +be placed on patient's head, thinking that to contain more true, +genuine _suction_ than anything yet discovered. + + * * * * * + +"'Nebraska _cancers_ have appeared in our ranks, especially in +Missouri division. Surgeon recommends 385 eighty-pounders be +loaded to the muzzle, first with blank cartridges,--to wit, Frank +Pierce and Stephen A. Douglas, Free-Soil sermons, Fern Leaves, Hot +Corn, together with all the fancy literature of the day,--and +cause the same to be fired upon the disputed territory; this would +cause all the breakings out to be removed, and drive off +everybody.' + +"The close of the report was as follows. It affected many even to +tears. + +"'May you all remember your Surgeon, and may your thoracic duck +ever continue to sail peacefully down the common carrotted +arteries, under the keystone of the arch of the aorta, and not +rush madly into the abominable cavity and eclipse the semi-lunar +dandelions, nor, still worse, play the dickens with the +pneumogastric nerve and auxiliary artery, reverse the doododen, +upset the flamingo, irritate the _high-old-glossus_, and be for +ever lost in the receptaculum chyli. No, no, but, &c. Yours +feelingly, + +'Dr. E.L.T.C.O., M.D.' + +"Dr. O., we notice, has added a new branch, that of dentistry, to +his former accomplishments. By his new system, his customers are +not obliged to undergo the pain of the operations in person, but, +by merely sending their heads to him, can have everything done +with a great decrease of trouble. From a calf's head thus sent in, +the Doctor, after cutting the gums with a hay-cutter, and filing +between the teeth with a wood-saw, skilfully extracted with a pair +of blacksmith tongs a very great number of molars and incisors. + +"Miss Lucy Amazonia Crura Longa Lignea, thirteen feet high, and +Mr. Rattleshanks Don Skyphax, a swain a foot taller, advanced from +the ranks, and were made one by the chaplain. The bride promised +to own the groom, but _protested_ formally against his custody of +her person, property, and progeny. The groom pledged himself to +mend the unmentionables of his spouse, or to resign his own when +required to rock the cradle, and spank the babies. He placed no +ring upon her finger, but instead transferred his whiskers to her +face, when the chaplain pronounced them 'wife and man,' and the +happy pair stalked off, their heads on a level with the +second-story windows. + +"Music from the Keeseville Band who were present followed; the +flying artillery fired another salute; the fife and drums struck +up; and the Invincibles took their winding way to the University, +where they were disbanded in good season." + + +JUNIOR. One in the third year of his collegiate course in an +American college, formerly called JUNIOR SOPHISTER. + +See SOPHISTER. + +2. One in the first year of his course at a theological seminary. +--_Webster_. + + +JUNIOR. Noting the third year of the collegiate course in American +colleges, or the first year in the theological +seminaries.--_Webster_. + + +JUNIOR APPOINTMENTS. At Yale College, there appears yearly, in the +papers conducted by the students, a burlesque imitation of the +regular appointments of the Junior exhibition. These mock +appointments are generally of a satirical nature, referring to +peculiarities of habits, character, or manners. The following, +taken from some of the Yale newspapers, may be considered as +specimens of the subjects usually assigned. Philosophical Oration, +given to one distinguished for a certain peculiarity, subject, +"The Advantage of a Great Breadth of Base." Latin Oration, to a +vain person, subject, "Amor Sui." Dissertations: to a meddling +person, subject, "The Busybody"; to a poor punster, subject, +"Diseased Razors"; to a poor scholar, subject, "Flunk on,--flunk +ever." Colloquy, to a joker whose wit was not estimated, subject, +"Unappreciated Facetiousness." When a play upon names is +attempted, the subject "Perfect Looseness" is assigned to Mr. +Slack; Mr. Barnes discourses upon "_Stability_ of character, or +pull down and build greater"; Mr. Todd treats upon "The Student's +Manual," and incentives to action are presented, based on the line + "Lives of great men all remind us," +by students who rejoice in the Christian names, George Washington, +Patrick Henry, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, Charles James +Fox, and Henry Clay. + +See MOCK PART. + + +JUNIOR BACHELOR. One who is in his first year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. + +No _Junior Bachelor_ shall continue in the College after the +commencement in the Summer vacation.--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1798, +p. 19. + + +JUNIOR FELLOW. At Oxford, one who stands upon the foundation of +the college to which he belongs, and is an aspirant for academic +emoluments.--_De Quincey_. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, a Junior Fellow is one chosen by +the House of Convocation to be a member of the examining committee +for three years. Junior Fellows must have attained the M.A. +degree, and can only be voted for by Masters in Arts. Six Junior +Fellows are elected every three years. + + +JUNIOR FRESHMAN. The name of the first of the four classes into +which undergraduates are divided at Trinity College, Dublin. + + +JUNIOR OPTIME. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., those who +occupy the third rank in honors, at the close of the final +examination in the Senate-House, are called _Junior Optimes_. + +The third class, or that of _Junior Optimes_, is usually about at +numerous as the first [that of the Wranglers], but its limits are +more extensive, varying from twenty-five to sixty. A majority of +the Classical men are in it; the rest of its contents are those +who have broken down before the examination from ill-health or +laziness, and choose the Junior Optime as an easier pass degree +under their circumstances than the Poll, and those who break down +in the examination; among these last may be sometimes found an +expectant Wrangler.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d p. 228. + +The word is frequently abbreviated. + +Two years ago he got up enough of his low subjects to go on among +the _Junior Ops._--_Ibid._, p. 53. + +There are only two mathematical papers, and these consist almost +entirely of high questions; what a _Junior Op._ or low Senior Op. +can do in them amounts to nothing.--_Ibid._, p. 286. + + +JUNIOR SOPHISTER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student +in the second year of his residence is called Junior Soph or +Sophister. + +2. In some American colleges, a member of the Junior Class, i.e. +of the third year, was formerly designated a Junior Sophister. + +See SOPHISTER. + + + +_K_. + + +KEEP. To lodge, live, dwell, or inhabit. To _keep_ in such a +place, is to have rooms there. This word, though formerly used +extensively, is now confined to colleges and universities. + +Inquire of anybody you meet in the court of a college at Cambridge +your way to Mr. A----'s room, you will be told that he _keeps_ on +such a staircase, up so many pair of stairs, door to the right or +left.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, Vol. II. p. 178. + +He said I ought to have asked for his rooms, or inquired where he +_kept_.--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 118. + +Dr. Johnson, in his Dictionary, cites this very apposite passage +from Shakespeare: "Knock at the study where they say he keeps." +Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, says of the word: "This is noted +as an Americanism in the Monthly Anthology, Vol. V. p. 428. It is +less used now than formerly." + +_To keep an act_, in the English universities, "to perform an +exercise in the public schools preparatory to the proceeding in +degrees." The phrase was formerly in use in Harvard College. In an +account in the Mass. Hist. Coll., Vol. I. p. 245, entitled New +England's First Fruits, is the following in reference to that +institution: "The students of the first classis that have beene +these foure yeeres trained up in University learning, and are +approved for their manners, as they have _kept their publick Acts_ +in former yeeres, ourselves being present at them; so have they +lately _kept two solemn Acts_ for their Commencement." + +_To keep chapel_, in colleges, to attend Divine services, which +are there performed daily. + +"As you have failed to _make up your number_ of chapels the last +two weeks," such are the very words of the Dean, "you will, if you +please, _keep every chapel_ till the end of the term."--_Household +Words_, Vol. II. p. 161. + +_To keep a term_, in universities, is to reside during a +term.--_Webster_. + + +KEYS. Caius, the name of one of the colleges in the University of +Cambridge, Eng., is familiarly pronounced _Keys_. + + +KINGSMAN. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of King's +College. + +He came out the winner, with the _Kingsman_ and one of our three +close at his heels.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 127. + + +KITCHEN-HATCH. A half-door between the kitchen and the hall in +colleges and old mansions. At Harvard College, the students in +former times received at the _kitchen-hatch_ their food for the +evening meal, which they were allowed to eat in the yard or at +their rooms. At the same place the waiters also took the food +which they carried to the tables. + +The waiters when the bell rings at meal-time shall take the +victuals at the _kitchen-hatch_, and carry the Same to the several +tables for which they are designed.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +41. + +See BUTTERY-HATCH. + + +KNOCK IN. A phrase used at Oxford, and thus explained in the +Collegian's Guide: "_Knocking in_ late, or coming into college +after eleven or twelve o'clock, is punished frequently with being +'confined to gates,' or being forbidden to '_knock in_' or come in +after nine o'clock for a week or more, sometimes all the +term."--p. 161. + + +KNOCKS. From KNUCKLES. At some of the Southern colleges, a game at +marbles called _Knucks_ is a common diversion among the students. + + +[Greek: Kudos]. Greek; literally, _glory, fame_. Used among +students, with the meaning _credit, reputation_. + +I was actuated not merely by a desire after the promotion of my +own [Greek: kudos], but by an honest wish to represent my country +well.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 27, +28. + + + +_L_. + + +LANDSMANNSCHAFT. German. The name of an association of students in +German universities. + + +LAP-EAR. At Washington College, Penn., students of a religious +character are called _lap-ears_ or _donkeys_. The opposite class +are known by the common name of _bloods_. + + +LATIN SPOKEN AT COLLEGES. At our older American colleges, students +were formerly required to be able to speak and write Latin before +admission, and to continue the use of it after they had become +members. In his History of Harvard University, Quincy remarks on +this subject:-- + +"At a period when Latin was the common instrument of communication +among the learned, and the official language of statesmen, great +attention was naturally paid to this branch of education. +Accordingly, 'to speak true Latin, both in prose and verse,' was +made an essential requisite for admission. Among the 'Laws and +Liberties' of the College we also find the following: 'The +scholars _shall never use their mother tongue_, except that, in +public exercises of oratory or such like, they be called to make +them in English.' This law appears upon the records of the College +in the Latin as well as in the English language. The terms in the +former are indeed less restrictive and more practical: 'Scholares +vernaculâ linguâ, _intra Collegii limites_, nullo pretextu +utentur.' There is reason to believe that those educated at the +College, and destined for the learned professions, acquired an +adequate acquaintance with the Latin, and those destined to become +divines, with the Greek and Hebrew. In other respects, although +the sphere of instruction was limited, it was sufficient for the +age and country, and amply supplied all their purposes and wants." +--Vol. I. pp. 193, 194. + +By the laws of 1734, the undergraduates were required to "declaim +publicly in the hall, in one of the three learned languages; and +in no other without leave or direction from the President." The +observance of this rule seems to have been first laid aside, when, +"at an Overseers' meeting at the College, April 27th, 1756, John +Vassall, Jonathan Allen, Tristram Gilman, Thomas Toppan, Edward +Walker, Samuel Barrett, presented themselves before the Board, and +pronounced, in the respective characters assigned them, a dialogue +in _the English tongue_, translated from Castalio, and then +withdrew,"--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 240. + +The first English Oration was spoken by Mr. Jedediah Huntington in +the year 1763, and the first English Poem by Mr. John Davis in +1781. + +In reference to this subject, as connected with Yale College, +President Wholsey remarks, in his Historical Discourse:-- + +"With regard to practice in the learned languages, particularly +the Latin, it is prescribed that 'no scholar shall use the English +tongue in the College with his fellow-scholars, unless he be +called to a public exercise proper to be attended in the English +tongue, but scholars in their chambers, and when they are +together, shall talk Latin.'"--p. 59. + +"The fluent use of Latin was acquired by the great body of the +students; nay, certain phrases were caught up by the very cooks in +the kitchen. Yet it cannot be said that elegant Latin was either +spoken or written. There was not, it would appear, much practice +in writing this language, except on the part of those who were +candidates for Berkeleian prizes. And the extant specimens of +Latin discourses written by the officers of the College in the +past century are not eminently Ciceronian in their style. The +speaking of Latin, which was kept up as the College dialect in +rendering excuses for absences, in syllogistic disputes, and in +much of the intercourse between the officers and students, became +nearly extinct about the time of Dr. Dwight's accession. And at +the same period syllogistic disputes as distinguished from +forensic seem to have entirely ceased."--p. 62. + +The following story is from the Sketches of Yale College. "In +former times, the students were accustomed to assemble together to +render excuses for absence in Latin. One of the Presidents was in +the habit of answering to almost every excuse presented, 'Ratio +non sufficit' (The reason is not sufficient). On one occasion, a +young man who had died a short time previous was called upon for +an excuse. Some one answered, 'Mortuus est' (He is dead). 'Ratio +non sufficit,' repeated the grave President, to the infinite +merriment of his auditors."--p. 182. + +The story is current of one of the old Presidents of Harvard +College, that, wishing to have a dog that had strayed in at +evening prayers driven out of the Chapel, he exclaimed, half in +Latin and half in English, "Exclude canem, et shut the door." It +is also related that a Freshman who had been shut up in the +buttery by some Sophomores, and had on that account been absent +from a recitation, when called upon with a number of others to +render an excuse, not knowing how to express his ideas in Latin, +replied in as learned a manner as possible, hoping that his answer +would pass as Latin, "Shut m' up in t' Buttery." + +A very pleasant story, entitled "The Tutor's Ghost," in which are +narrated the misfortunes which befell a tutor in the olden time, +on account of his inability to remember the Latin for the word +"beans," while engaged in conversation, may be found in the "Yale +Literary Magazine," Vol. XX. pp. 190-195. + +See NON PARAVI and NON VALUI. + + +LAUREATE. To honor with a degree in the university, and a present +of a wreath of laurel.--_Warton_. + + +LAUREATION. The act of conferring a degree in the university, +together with a wreath of laurel; an honor bestowed on those who +excelled in writing verse. This was an ancient practice at Oxford, +from which, probably, originated the denomination of _poet +laureate_.--_Warton_. + +The laurel crown, according to Brande, "was customarily given at +the universities in the Middle Ages to such persons as took +degrees in grammar and rhetoric, of which poetry formed a branch; +whence, according to some authors, the term Baccalaureatus has +been derived. The academical custom of bestowing the laurel, and +the court custom, were distinct, until the former was abolished. +The last instance in which the laurel was bestowed in the +universities, was in the reign of Henry the Eighth." + + +LAWS. In early times, the laws in the oldest colleges in the +United States were as often in Latin as in English. They were +usually in manuscript, and the students were required to make +copies for themselves on entering college. The Rev. Henry Dunster, +who was the first President of Harvard College, formed the first +code of laws for the College. They were styled, "The Laws, +Liberties, and Orders of Harvard College, confirmed by the +Overseers and President of the College in the years 1642, 1643, +1644, 1645, and 1646, and published to the scholars for the +perpetual preservation of their welfare and government." Referring +to him, Quincy says: "Under his administration, the first code of +laws was formed; rules of admission, and the principles on which +degrees should be granted, were established; and scholastic forms, +similar to those customary in the English universities, were +adopted; many of which continue, with little variation, to be used +at the present time."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 15. + +In 1732, the laws were revised, and it was voted that they should +all be in Latin, and that each student should have a copy, which +he was to write out for himself and subscribe. In 1790, they were +again revised and printed in English, since which time many +editions have been issued. + +Of the laws of Yale College, President Woolsey gives the following +account, in his Historical Discourse before the Graduates of that +institution, Aug. 14, 1850:-- + +"In the very first year of the legal existence of the College, we +find the Trustees ordaining, that, 'until they should provide +further, the Rector or Tutors should make use of the orders and +institutions of Harvard College, for the instructing and ruling of +the collegiate school, so far as they should judge them suitable, +and wherein the Trustees had not at that meeting made provision.' +The regulations then made by the Trustees went no further than to +provide for the religious education of the College, and to give to +the College officers the power of imposing extraordinary school +exercises or degradation in the class. The earliest known laws of +the College belong to the years 1720 and 1726, and are in +manuscript; which is explained by the custom that every Freshman, +on his admission, was required to write off a copy of them for +himself, to which the admittatur of the officers was subscribed. +In the year 1745 a new revision of the laws was completed, which +exists in manuscript; but the first printed code was in Latin, and +issued from the press of T. Green at New London, in 1748. Various +editions, with sundry changes in them, appeared between that time +and the year 1774, when the first edition in English saw the +light. + +"It is said of this edition, that it was printed by particular +order of the Legislature. That honorable body, being importuned to +extend aid to the College, not long after the time when President +Clap's measures had excited no inconsiderable ill-will, demanded +to see the laws; and accordingly a bundle of the Latin laws--the +only ones in existence--were sent over to the State-House. Not +admiring legislation in a dead language, and being desirous to pry +into the mysteries which it sealed up from some of the members, +they ordered the code to be translated. From that time the +numberless editions of the laws have all been in the English +tongue."--pp. 45, 46. + +The College of William and Mary, which was founded in 1693, +imitated in its laws and customs the English universities, but +especially the University of Oxford. The other colleges which were +founded before the Revolution, viz. New Jersey College, Columbia +College, Pennsylvania University, Brown University, Dartmouth, and +Rutgers College, "generally imitated Harvard in the order of +classes, the course of studies, the use of text-books, and the +manner of instruction."--_Am. Quart. Reg._, Vol. XV. 1843, p. 426. + +The colleges which were founded after the Revolution compiled +their laws, in a great measure, from those of the above-named +colleges. + + +LEATHER MEDAL. At Harvard College, the _leather Medal_ was +formerly bestowed upon the _laziest_ fellow in College. He was to +be last at recitation, last at commons, seldom at morning prayers, +and always asleep in church. + + +LECTURE. A discourse _read_, as the derivation of the word +implies, by a professor to his pupils; more generally, it is +applied to every species of instruction communicated _vivâ voce_. +--_Brande_. + +In American colleges, lectures form a part of the collegiate +instruction, especially during the last two years, in the latter +part of which, in some colleges, they divide the time nearly +equally with recitations. + +2. A rehearsal of a lesson.--_Eng. Univ._ + +Of this word, De Quincey says: "But what is the meaning of a +lecture in Oxford and elsewhere? Elsewhere, it means a solemn +dissertation, read, or sometimes histrionically declaimed, by the +professor. In Oxford, it means an exercise performed orally by the +students, occasionally assisted by the tutor, and subject, in its +whole course, to his corrections, and what may be called his +_scholia_, or collateral suggestions and improvements."--_Life and +Manners_, p. 253. + + +LECTURER. At the University of Cambridge, England, the _lecturers_ +assist in tuition, and especially attend to the exercises of the +students in Greek and Latin composition, themes, declamations, +verses, &c.--_Cam. Guide_. + + +LEM. At Williams College, a privy. + +Night had thrown its mantle over earth. Sol had gone to lay his +weary head in the lap of Thetis, as friend Hudibras has it; The +horned moon, and the sweet pale stars, were looking serenely! upon +the darkened earth, when the denizens of this little village were +disturbed by the cry of fire. The engines would have been rattling +through the streets with considerable alacrity, if the fathers of +the town had not neglected to provide them; but the energetic +citizens were soon on hand. There was much difficulty in finding +where the fire was, and heads and feet were turned in various +directions, till at length some wight of superior optical powers +discovered a faint, ruddy light in the rear of West College. It +was an ancient building,--a time-honored structure,--an edifice +erected by our forefathers, and by them christened LEMUEL, which +in the vernacular tongue is called _Lem_ "for short." The +dimensions of the edifice were about 120 by 62 inches. The loss is +almost irreparable, estimated at not less than 2,000 pounds, +avoirdupois. May it rise like a Phoenix from its ashes!--_Williams +Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. I. p. 464, 465. + + +LETTER HOME. A writer in the American Literary Magazine thus +explains and remarks upon the custom of punishing students by +sending a letter to their parents:--"In some institutions, there +is what is called the '_letter home_,'--which, however, in justice +to professors and tutors in general, we ought to say, is a +punishment inflicted upon parents for sending their sons to +college, rather than upon delinquent students. A certain number of +absences from matins or vespers, or from recitations, entitles the +culprit to a heartrending epistle, addressed, not to himself, but +to his anxious father or guardian at home. The document is always +conceived in a spirit of severity, in order to make it likely to +take effect. It is meant to be impressive, less by the heinousness +of the offence upon which it is predicated, than by the pregnant +terms in which it is couched. It often creates a misery and +anxiety far away from the place wherein it is indited, not because +it is understood, but because it is misunderstood and exaggerated +by the recipient. While the student considers it a farcical +proceeding, it is a leaf of tragedy to fathers and mothers. Then +the thing is explained. The offence is sifted. The father finds +out that less than a dozen morning naps are all that is necessary +to bring about this stupendous correspondence. The moral effect of +the act of discipline is neutralized, and the parent is perhaps +too glad, at finding his anxiety all but groundless, to denounce +the puerile, infant-school system, which he has been made to +comprehend by so painful a process."--Vol. IV. p. 402. + +Avaunt, ye terrific dreams of "failures," "conditions," "_letters +home_," and "admonitions."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 407. + +The birch twig sprouts into--_letters home_ and +dismissions.--_Ibid._, Vol. XIII. p. 869. + +But if they, capricious through long indulgence, did not choose to +get up, what then? Why, absent marks and _letters home_.--_Yale +Banger_, Oct. 22, 1847. + +He thinks it very hard that the faculty write "_letters +home_."--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + + And threats of "_Letters home_, young man," + Now cause us no alarm. + _Presentation Day Song_, June 14, 1854. + + +LIBERTY TREE. At Harvard College, a tree which formerly stood +between Massachusetts and Harvard Halls received, about the year +1760, the name of the Liberty Tree, on an occasion which is +mentioned in Hutchinson's posthumous volume of the History of +Massachusetts Bay. "The spirit of liberty," says he, "spread where +it was not intended. The Undergraduates of Harvard College had +been long used to make excuses for absence from prayers and +college exercises; pretending detention at their chambers by their +parents, or friends, who come to visit them. The tutors came into +an agreement not to admit such excuses, unless the scholar came to +the tutor, before prayers or college exercises, and obtained leave +to be absent. This gave such offence, that the scholars met in a +body, under and about a great tree, to which they gave the name of +the _tree of liberty_! There they came into several resolves in +favor of liberty; one of them, that the rule or order of the +tutors was _unconstitutional_. The windows of some of the tutors +were broken soon after, by persons unknown. Several of the +scholars were suspected, and examined. One of them falsely +reported that he had been confined without victuals or drink, in +order to compel him to a confession; and another declared, that he +had seen him under this confinement. This caused an attack upon +the tutors, and brickbats were thrown into the room, where they +had met together in the evening, through the windows. Three or +four of the rioters were discovered and expelled. The three junior +classes went to the President, and desired to give up their +chambers, and to leave the college. The fourth class, which was to +remain but about three months, and then to be admitted to their +degrees, applied to the President for a recommendation to the +college in Connecticut, that they might be admitted there. The +Overseers of the College met on the occasion, and, by a vigorous +exertion of the powers with which they were intrusted, +strengthened the hands of the President and tutors, by confirming +the expulsions, and declaring their resolution to support the +subordinate government of the College; and the scholars were +brought to a sense and acknowledgment of their fault, and a stop +was put to the revolt."--Vol. III. p. 187. + +Some years after, this tree was either blown or cut down, and the +name was transferred to another. A few of the old inhabitants of +Cambridge remember the stump of the former Liberty Tree, but all +traces of it seem to have been removed before the year 1800. The +present Liberty Tree stands between Holden Chapel and Harvard +Hall, to the west of Hollis. As early as the year 1815 there were +gatherings under its branches on Class Day, and it is probable +that this was the case even at an earlier date. At present it is +customary for the members of the Senior Class, at the close of the +exercises incident to Class Day, (the day on which the members of +that class finish their collegiate studies, and retire to make +preparations for the ensuing Commencement,) after cheering the +buildings, to encircle this tree, and, with hands joined, to sing +their favorite ballad, "Auld Lang Syne." They then run and dance +around it, and afterwards cheer their own class, the other +classes, and many of the College professors. At parting, each +takes a sprig or a flower from the beautiful wreath which is hung +around the tree, and this is sacredly preserved as a last memento +of the scenes and enjoyments of college life. + +In the poem delivered before the Class of 1849, on their Class +Day, occur the following beautiful stanzas in memory of departed +classmates, in which reference is made to some of the customs +mentioned above:-- + + "They are listening now to our parting prayers; + And the farewell song that we pour + Their distant voices will echo + From the far-off spirit shore; + + "And the wreath that we break with our scattered band, + As it twines round the aged elm,-- + Its fragments we'll keep with a sacred hand, + But the fragrance shall rise to them. + + "So to-day we will dance right merrily, + An unbroken band, round the old elm-tree; + And they shall not ask for a greener shrine + Than the hearts of the class of '49." + +Its grateful shade has in later times been used for purposes +similar to those which Hutchinson records, as the accompanying +lines will show, written in commemoration of the Rebellion of +1819. + + "Wreaths to the chiefs who our rights have defended; + Hallowed and blessed be the Liberty Tree: + Where Lenox[44] his pies 'neath its shelter hath vended, + We Sophs have assembled, and sworn to be free." + _The Rebelliad_, p. 54. + +The poet imagines the spirits of the different trees in the +College yard assembled under the Liberty Tree to utter their +sorrows. + + "It was not many centuries since, + When, gathered on the moonlit green, + Beneath the Tree of Liberty, + A ring of weeping sprites was seen." + _Meeting of the Dryads,[45] Holmes's Poems_, p. 102. + +It is sometimes called "the Farewell Tree," for obvious reasons. + + "Just fifty years ago, good friends, + a young and gallant band + Were dancing round the Farewell Tree, + --each hand in comrade's hand." + _Song, at Semi-centennial Anniversary of the Class of 1798_. + +See CLASS DAY. + + +LICEAT MIGRARE. Latin; literally, _let it be permitted him to +remove_. + +At Oxford, a form of modified dismissal from College. This +punishment "is usually the consequence of mental inefficiency +rather than moral obliquity, and does not hinder the student so +dismissed from entering at another college or at +Cambridge."--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 224. + +Same as LICET MIGRARI. + + +LICET MIGRARI. Latin; literally, _it is permitted him to be +removed_. In the University of Cambridge, England, a permission to +leave one's college. This differs from the Bene Discessit, for +although you may leave with consent, it by no means follows in +this case that you have the approbation of the Master and Fellows +so to do.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +LIKE A BRICK OR A BEAN, LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE, LIKE BRICKS. Among +the students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., intensive +phrases, to express the most energetic way of doing anything. +"These phrases," observes Bristed, "are sometimes in very odd +contexts. You hear men talk of a balloon going up _like bricks_, +and rain coming down _like a house on fire_."--_Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 24. + +Still it was not in human nature for a classical man, living among +classical men, and knowing that there were a dozen and more close +to him reading away "_like bricks_," to be long entirely separated +from his Greek and Latin books.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 218. + +"_Like bricks_," is the commonest of their expressions, or used to +be. There was an old landlady at Huntingdon who said she always +charged Cambridge men twice as much as any one else. Then, "How do +you know them?" asked somebody. "O sir, they always tell us to get +the beer _like bricks_."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. +p. 231. + + +LITERÆ HUMANIORES. Latin; freely, _the humanities; classical +literature_. At Oxford "the _Literæ Humaniores_ now include Latin +and Greek Translation and Composition, Ancient History and +Rhetoric, Political and Moral Philosophy, and Logic."--_Lit. +World_, Vol. XII. p. 245. + +See HUMANITY. + + +LITERARY CONTESTS. At Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania, "there +is," says a correspondent, "an unusual interest taken in the two +literary societies, and once a year a challenge is passed between +them, to meet in an open literary contest upon an appointed +evening, usually that preceding the close of the second session. +The _contestors_ are a Debater, an Orator, an Essayist, and a +Declaimer, elected from each society by the majority, some time +previous to their public appearance. An umpire and two associate +judges, selected either by the societies or by the _contestors_ +themselves, preside over the performances, and award the honors to +those whom they deem most worthy of them. The greatest excitement +prevails upon this occasion, and an honor thus conferred is +preferable to any given in the institution." + +At Washington College, in Pennsylvania, the contest performances +are conducted upon the same principle as at Jefferson. + + +LITTLE-GO. In the English universities, a cant name for a public +examination about the middle of the course, which, being less +strict and less important in its consequences than the final one, +has received this appellation.--_Lyell_. + +Whether a regular attendance on the lecture of the college would +secure me a qualification against my first public examination; +which is here called _the Little-go_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +283. + +Also called at Oxford _Smalls_, or _Small-go_. + +You must be prepared with your list of books, your testamur for +Responsions (by Undergraduates called "_Little-go_" or +"_Smalls_"), and also your certificate of +matriculation.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 241. + +See RESPONSION. + + +LL.B. An abbreviation for _Legum Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of Laws. +In American colleges, this degree is conferred on students who +fulfil the conditions of the statutes of the law school to which +they belong. The law schools in the different colleges are +regulated on this point by different rules, but in many the degree +of LL.B. is given to a B.A. who has been a member of a law school +for a year and a half. + +See B.C.L. + + +LL.D. An abbreviation for _Legum Doctor_, Doctor of Laws. + +In American colleges, an honorary degree, conferred _pro meritis_ +on those who are distinguished as lawyers, statesmen, &c. + +See D.C.L. + + +L.M. An abbreviation for the words _Licentiate in Medicine_. At +the University of Cambridge, Eng., an L.M. must be an M.A. or M.B. +of two years' standing. No exercise, but examination by the +Professor and another Doctor in the Faculty. + + +LOAF. At Princeton College, to borrow anything, whether returning +it or not; usually in the latter sense. + + +LODGE. At the University of Cambridge, England, the technical name +given to the house occupied by the master of a +college.--_Bristed_. + +When Undergraduates were invited to the _conversaziones_ at the +_Lodge_, they were expected never to sit down in the Master's +presence.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 90. + + +LONG. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the long vacation, or, +as it is more familiarly called, "The Long," commences according +to statute in July, at the close of the Easter term, but +practically early in June, and ends October 20th, at the beginning +of the Michaelmas term. + +For a month or six weeks in the "_Long_," they rambled off to see +the sights of Paris.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 37. + +In the vacations, particularly the _Long_, there is every facility +for reading.--_Ibid._, p. 78. + +So attractive is the Vacation-College-life that the great trouble +of the Dons is to keep the men from staying up during the _Long_. +--_Ibid._, p. 79. + +Some were going on reading parties, some taking a holiday before +settling down to their work in the "_Long_."--_Ibid._, p. 104. + +See VACATION. + + +LONG-EAR. At Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, a student of a sober +or religious character is denominated a _long-ear_. The opposite +is _short-ear_. + + +LOTTERY. The method of obtaining money by lottery has at different +times been adopted in several of our American colleges. In 1747, a +new building being wanted at Yale College, the "Liberty of a +Lottery" was obtained from the General Assembly, "by which," says +Clap, "Five Hundred Pounds Sterling was raised, clear of all +Charge and Deductions."--_Hist. of Yale Coll._, p. 55. + +This sum defrayed one third of the expense of building what was +then called Connecticut Hall, and is known now by the name of "the +South Middle College." + +In 1772, Harvard College being in an embarrassed condition, the +Legislature granted it the benefit of a lottery; in 1794 this +grant was renewed, and for the purpose of enabling the College to +erect an additional building. The proceeds of the lottery amounted +to $18,400, which, with $5,300 from the general funds of the +College, were applied to the erection of Stoughton Hall, which was +completed in 1805. In 1806 the Legislature again authorized a +lottery, which enabled the Corporation in 1813 to erect a new +building, called Holworthy Hall, at an expense of about $24,500, +the lottery having produced about $29,000.--_Quincy's Hist. of +Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 162, 273, 292. + + +LOUNGE. A treat, a comfort. A word introduced into the vocabulary +of the English Cantabs, from Eton.--_Bristed_. + + +LOW. The term applied to the questions, subjects, papers, &c., +pertaining to a LOW MAN. + +The "_low_" questions were chiefly confined to the first day's +papers.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 205. + +The "_low_ subjects," as got up to pass men among the Junior +Optimes, comprise, etc.--_Ibid._, p. 205. + +The _low_ papers were longer.--_Ibid._, p. 206. + + +LOWER HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +LOW MAN. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the name given to a +Junior Optime as compared with a Senior Optime or with a Wrangler. + +I was fortunate enough to find a place in the team of a capital +tutor,... who had but six pupils, all going out this time, and +five of them "_low men_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 204. + + + +_M_. + + +M.A. An abbreviation of _Magister Artium_, Master of Arts. The +second degree given by universities and colleges. Sometimes +written A.M., which, is in accordance with the proper Latin +arrangement. + +In the English universities, every B.A. of three years' standing +may proceed to this degree on payment of certain fees. In America, +this degree is conferred, without examination, on Bachelors of +three years' standing. At Harvard, this degree was formerly +conferred only upon examination, as will be seen by the following +extract. "Every schollar that giveth up in writing a System, or +Synopsis, or summe of Logick, naturall and morall Philosophy, +Arithmetick, Geometry and Astronomy: And is ready to defend his +Theses or positions: Withall skilled in the originalls as +above-said; And of godly life and conversation; And so approved by +the Overseers and Master of the Colledge, at any publique Act, is +fit to be dignified with his 2d degree."--_New England's First +Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 246. + +Until the year 1792, it was customary for those who applied for +the degree of M.A. to defend what were called _Master's +questions_; after this time an oration was substituted in place of +these, which continued until 1844, when for the first time there +were no Master's exercises. The degree is now given to any +graduate of three or more years' standing, on the payment of a +certain sum of money. + +The degree is also presented by special vote to individuals wholly +unconnected with any college, but who are distinguished for their +literary attainments. In this case, where the honor is given, no +fee is required. + + +MAKE UP. To recite a lesson which was not recited with the class +at the regular recitation. It is properly used as a transitive +verb, but in conversation is very often used intransitively. The +following passage explains the meaning of the phrase more fully. + +A student may be permitted, on petition to the Faculty, to _make +up_ a recitation or other exercise from which he was absent and +has been excused, provided his application to this effect be made +within the term in-which the absence occurred.--_Laws of Univ. at +Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 16. + +... sleeping,--a luxury, however, which is sadly diminished by the +anticipated necessity of _making up_ back lessons.--_Harv. Reg._, +p. 202. + + +MAN. An undergraduate in a university or college. + +At Cambridge and eke at Oxford, every stripling is accounted a +_Man_ from the moment of his putting on the gown and cap.--_Gradus +ad Cantab._, p. 75. + +Sweet are the slumbers, indeed, of a Freshman, who, just escaped +the trammels of "home, sweet home," and the pedagogue's tyrannical +birch, for the first time in his life, with the academical gown, +assumes the _toga virilis_, and feels himself a _Man_.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 30. + +In College all are "_men_" from the hirsute Senior to the tender +Freshman who carries off a pound of candy and paper of raisins +from the maternal domicile weekly.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 264. + + +MANCIPLE. Latin, _manceps_; _manu capio_, to take with the hand. + +In the English universities, the person who purchases the +provisions; the college victualler. The office is now obsolete. + + Our _Manciple_ I lately met, + Of visage wise and prudent. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. 115. + + +MANDAMUS. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a special mandate +under the great seal, which enables a candidate to proceed to his +degree before the regular period.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +MANNERS. The outward observances of respect which were formerly +required of the students by college officers seem very strange to +us of the present time, and we cannot but notice the omissions +which have been made in college laws during the present century in +reference to this subject. Among the laws of Harvard College, +passed in 1734, is one declaring, that "all scholars shall show +due respect and honor in speech and behavior, as to their natural +parents, so to magistrates, elders, the President and Fellows of +the Corporation, and to all others concerned in the instruction or +government of the College, and to all superiors, keeping due +silence in their presence, and not disorderly gainsaying them; but +showing all laudable expressions of honor and reverence that are +in use; such as uncovering the head, rising up in their presence, +and the like. And particularly undergraduates shall be uncovered +in the College yard when any of the Overseers, the President or +Fellows of the Corporation, or any other concerned in the +government or instruction of the College, are therein, and +Bachelors of Arts shall be uncovered when the President is there." +This law was still further enforced by some of the regulations +contained in a list of "The Ancient Customs of Harvard College." +Those which refer particularly to this point are the following:-- + +"No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, unless it +rains, hails, or snows, provided he be on foot, and have not both +hands full. + +"No Undergraduate shall wear his hat in the College yard, when any +of the Governors of the College are there; and no Bachelor shall +wear his hat when the President is there. + +"No Freshman shall speak to a Senior with his hat on; or have it +on in a Senior's chamber, or in his own, if a Senior be there. + +"All the Undergraduates shall treat those in the government of the +College with respect and deference; particularly, they shall not +be seated without leave in their presence; they shall be uncovered +when they speak to them, or are spoken to by them." + +Such were the laws of the last century, and their observance was +enforced with the greatest strictness. After the Revolution, the +spirit of the people had become more republican, and about the +year 1796, "considering the spirit of the times and the extreme +difficulty the executive must encounter in attempting to enforce +the law prohibiting students from wearing hats in the College +yard," a vote passed repealing it.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. II. p. 278. + +On this subject, Professor Sidney Willard, with reference to the +time of the presidency of Joseph Willard at Harvard College, +during the latter part of the last century, remarks: "Outward +tokens of respect required to be paid to the immediate government, +and particularly to the President, were attended with formalities +that seemed to be somewhat excessive; such, for instance, as made +it an offence for a student to wear his hat in the College yard, +or enclosure, when the President was within it. This, indeed, in +the fulness of the letter, gradually died out, and was compromised +by the observance only when the student was so near, or in such a +position, that he was likely to be recognized. Still, when the +students assembled for morning and evening prayer, which was +performed with great constancy by the President, they were careful +to avoid a close proximity to the outer steps of the Chapel, until +the President had reached and passed within the threshold. This +was a point of decorum which it was pleasing to witness, and I +never saw it violated."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, 1855, +Vol. I. p. 132. + +"In connection with the subject of discipline," says President +Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse before the Graduates of Yale +College, "we may aptly introduce that of the respect required by +the officers of the College, and of the subordination which +younger classes were to observe towards older. The germ, and +perhaps the details, of this system of college manners, are to be +referred back to the English universities. Thus the Oxford laws +require that juniors shall show all due and befitting reverence to +seniors, that is, Undergraduates to Bachelors, they to Masters, +Masters to Doctors, as well in private as in public, by giving +them the better place when they are together, by withdrawing out +of their way when they meet, by uncovering the head at the proper +distance, and by reverently saluting and addressing them." + +After citing the law of Harvard College passed in 1734, which is +given above, he remarks as follows. "Our laws of 1745 contain the +same identical provisions. These regulations were not a dead +letter, nor do they seem to have been more irksome than many other +college restraints. They presupposed originally that the college +rank of the individual towards whom respect is to be shown could +be discovered at a distance by peculiarities of dress; the gown +and the wig of the President could be seen far beyond the point +where features and gait would cease to mark the person."--pp. 52, +53. + +As an illustration of the severity with which the laws on this +subject were enforced, it may not be inappropriate to insert the +annexed account from the Sketches of Yale College:--"The servile +requisition of making obeisance to the officers of College within +a prescribed distance was common, not only to Yale, but to all +kindred institutions throughout the United States. Some young men +were found whose high spirit would not brook the degrading law +imposed upon them without some opposition, which, however, was +always ineffectual. The following anecdote, related by Hon. +Ezekiel Bacon, in his Recollections of Fifty Years Since, although +the scene of its occurrence was in another college, yet is thought +proper to be inserted here, as a fair sample of the +insubordination caused in every institution by an enactment so +absurd and degrading. In order to escape from the requirements of +striking his colors and doffing his chapeau when within the +prescribed striking distance from the venerable President or the +dignified tutors, young Ellsworth, who afterwards rose to the +honorable rank of Chief Justice of the United States, and to many +other elevated stations in this country, and who was then a +student there, cut off entirely the brim portion of his hat, +leaving of it nothing but the crown, which he wore in the form of +a skull-cap on his head, putting it under his arm when he +approached their reverences. Being reproved for his perversity, +and told that this was not a hat within the meaning and intent of +the law, which he was required to do his obeisance with by +removing it from his head, he then made bold to wear his skull-cap +into the Chapel and recitation-room, in presence of the authority. +Being also then again reproved for wearing his hat in those +forbidden and sacred places, he replied that he had once supposed +that it was in truth a veritable hat, but having been informed by +his superiors that it was _no hat_ at all, he had ventured to come +into their presence as he supposed with his head uncovered by that +proscribed garment. But the dilemma was, as in his former +position, decided against him; and no other alternative remained +to him but to resume his full-brimmed beaver, and to comply +literally with the enactments of the collegiate pandect."--pp. +179, 180. + + +MAN WHO IS JUST GOING OUT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., +the popular name of a student who is in the last term of his +collegiate course. + + +MARK. The figure given to denote the quality of a recitation. In +most colleges, the merit of each performance is expressed by some +number of a series, in which a certain fixed number indicates the +highest value. + +In Harvard College the highest mark is eight. Four is considered +as the average, and a student not receiving this average in all +the studies of a term is not allowed to remain as a member of +college. At Yale the marks range from zero to four. Two is the +average, and a student not receiving this is obliged to leave +college, not to return until he can pass an examination in all the +branches which his class has pursued. + +In Harvard College, where the system of marks is most strictly +followed, the merit of each individual is ascertained by adding +together the term aggregates of each instructor, these "term +aggregates being the sum of all the marks given during the term, +for the current work of each month, and for omitted lessons made +up by permission, and of the marks given for examination by the +instructor and the examining committee at the close of the term." +From the aggregate of these numbers deductions are made for +delinquencies unexcused, and the result is the rank of the +student, according to which his appointment (if he receives one) +is given.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848. + + That's the way to stand in college, + High in "_marks_" and want of knowledge! + _Childe Harvard_, p. 154. + +If he does not understand his lesson, he swallows it whole, +without understanding it; his object being, not the lesson, but +the "_mark_," which he is frequently at the President's office to +inquire about.--_A Letter to a Young Man who has Just entered +College_, 1849, p. 21. + +I have spoken slightingly, too, of certain parts of college +machinery, and particularly of the system of "_marks_." I do +confess that I hold them in small reverence, reckoning them as +rather belonging to a college in embryo than to one fully grown. I +suppose it is "dangerous" advice; but I would be so intent upon my +studies as not to inquire or think about my "_marks_."--_Ibid._ p. +36. + +Then he makes mistakes in examinations also, and "loses _marks_." +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 388. + + +MARKER. In the University of Cambridge, England, three or four +persons called _markers_ are employed to walk up and down chapel +during a considerable part of the service, with lists of the names +of the members in their hands; they an required to run a pin +through the names of those present. + +As to the method adopted by the markers, Bristed says: "The +students, as they enter, are _marked_ with pins on long +alphabetical lists, by two college servants, who are so +experienced and clever at their business that they never have to +ask the name of a new-comer more than once."--_Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 15. + + His name pricked off upon the _marker's_ roll, + No twinge of conscience racks his easy soul. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +MARSHAL. In the University of Oxford, an officer who is usually in +attendance on one of the proctors.--_Collegian's Guide_. + + +MARSHAL'S TREAT. An account of the manner in which this +observance, peculiar to Williams College, is annually kept, is +given in the annexed passage from the columns of a newspaper. + +"Another custom here is the Marshal's Treat. The two gentlemen who +are elected to act as Marshals during Commencement week are +expected to _treat_ the class, and this year it was done in fine +style. The Seniors assembled at about seven o'clock in their +recitation-room, and, with Marshals Whiting and Taft at their +head, marched down to a grove, rather more than half a mile from +the Chapel, where tables had been set, and various luxuries +provided for the occasion. The Philharmonia Musical Society +discoursed sweet strains during the entertainment, and speeches, +songs, and toasts were kept up till a late hour in the evening, +when after giving cheers for the three lower classes, and three +times three for '54, they marched back to the President's. A song +written for the occasion was there performed, to which he replied +in a few words, speaking of his attachment to the class, and his +regret at the parting which must soon take place. The class then +returned to East College, and after joining hands and singing Auld +Lang Syne, separated."--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, +1854. + + +MASQUERADE. It was formerly the custom at Harvard College for the +Tutors, on leaving their office, to invite their friends to a +masquerade ball, which was held at some time during the vacation, +usually in the rooms which they occupied in the College buildings. +One of the most splendid entertainments of this kind was given by +Mr. Kirkland, afterwards President of the College, in the year +1794. The same custom also prevailed to a certain extent among the +students, and these balls were not wholly discontinued until the +year 1811. After this period, members of societies would often +appear in masquerade dresses in the streets, and would sometimes +in this garb enter houses, with the occupants of which they were +not acquainted, thereby causing much sport, and not unfrequently +much mischief. + + +MASTER. The head of a college. This word is used in the English +Universities, and was formerly in use in this country, in this +sense. + +The _Master_ of the College, or "Head of the House," is a D.D., +who has been a Fellow. He is the supreme ruler within the college +Trails, and moves about like an Undergraduate's deity, keeping at +an awful distance from the students, and not letting himself be +seen too frequently even at chapel. Besides his fat salary and +house, he enjoys many perquisites and privileges, not the least of +which is that of committing matrimony.--_Bristed's Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 16. + +Every schollar, that on proofe is found able to read the originals +of the Old and New Testament into the Latine tongue, &c. and at +any publick act hath the approbation of the Overseers and _Master_ +of the Colledge, is fit to be dignified with his first +degree.--_New England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, +Vol. I. pp. 245, 246. + +2. A title of dignity in colleges and universities; as, _Master_ +of Arts.--_Webster_. + +They, likewise, which peruse the questiones published by the +_Masters_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. pp. 131, 132. + + +MASTER OF THE KITCHEN. In Harvard College, a person who formerly +made all the contracts, and performed all the duties necessary for +the providing of commons, under the direction of the Steward. He +was required to be "discreet and capable."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, +1814, p. 42. + + +MASTER'S QUESTION. A proposition advanced by a candidate for the +degree of Master of Arts. + +In the older American colleges it seems to have been the +established custom, at a very early period, for those who +proceeded Masters, to maintain in public _questions_ or +propositions on scientific or moral topics. Dr. Cotton Mather, in +his _Magnalia_, p. 132, referring to Harvard College, speaks of +"the _questiones_ published by the Masters," and remarks that they +"now and then presume to fly as high as divinity." These questions +were in Latin, and the discussions upon them were carried on in +the same language. The earliest list of Masters' questions extant +was published at Harvard College in the year 1655. It was +entitled, "Quæstiones in Philosophia Discutiendæ ... in comitiis +per Inceptores in artib[us]." In 1669 the title was changed to +"Quæstiones pro Modulo Discutiendæ ... per Inceptores." The last +Masters' questions were presented at the Commencement in 1789. The +next year Masters' exercises were substituted, which usually +consisted of an English Oration, a Poem, and a Valedictory Latin +Oration, delivered by three out of the number of candidates for +the second degree. A few years after, the Poem was omitted. The +last Masters' exercises were performed in the year 1843. At Yale +College, from 1787 onwards, there were no Masters' valedictories, +nor syllogistic disputes in Latin, and in 1793 there were no +Master's exercises at all. + + +MATHEMATICAL SLATE. At Harvard College, the best mathematician +received in former times a large slate, which, on leaving college, +he gave to the best mathematician in the next class, and thus +transmitted it from class to class. The slate disappeared a few +years since, and the custom is no longer observed. + + +MATRICULA. A roll or register, from _matrix_. In _colleges_ +the register or record which contains the names of the students, +times of entering into college, remarks on their character, +&c. + +The remarks made in the _Matricula_ of the College respecting +those who entered the Freshman Class together with him are, of +one, that he "in his third year went to Philadelphia +College."--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia College_, p. 42. + +Similar brief remarks are found throughout the _Matricula_ of +King's College.--_Ibid._, p. 42. + +We find in its _Matricula_ the names of William Walton, +&c.--_Ibid._, p. 64. + + +MATRICULATE. Latin, _Matricula_, a roll or register, from +_matrix_. To enter or admit to membership in a body or society, +particularly in a college or university, by enrolling the name in +a register.--_Wotton_. + +In July, 1778, he was examined at that university, and +_matriculated_.--_Works of R.T. Paine, Biography_, p. xviii. + +In 1787, he _matriculated_ at St. John's College, +Cambridge.--_Household Words_, Vol. I. p. 210. + + +MATRICULATE. One enrolled in a register, and thus admitted to +membership in a society.--_Arbuthnot_. + +The number of _Matriculates_ has in every instance been greater +than that stated in the table.--_Cat. Univ. of North Carolina_, +1848-49. + + +MATRICULATION. The act of registering a name and admitting to +membership.--_Ayliffe_. + +In American colleges, students who are found qualified on +examination to enter usually join the class to which they are +admitted, on probation, and are matriculated as members of the +college in full standing, either at the close of their first or +second term. The time of probation seldom exceeds one year; and if +at the end of this time, or of a shorter, as the case may be, the +conduct of a student has not been such as is deemed satisfactory +by the Faculty, his connection with the college ceases. As a +punishment, the _matriculation certificate_ of a student is +sometimes taken from him, and during the time in which he is +unmatriculated, he is under especial probation, and disobedience +to college laws is then punished with more severity than at other +times.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 12. _Laws Yale +Coll._, 1837, p. 9. + +MAUDLIN. The name by which Magdalen College, Cambridge, Eng., is +always known and spoken of by Englishmen. + +The "_Maudlin Men_" were at one time so famous for tea-drinking, +that the Cam, which licks the very walls of the college, is said +to have been absolutely rendered unnavigable with +tea-leaves.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 202. + +MAX. Abbreviated for _maximum_, greatest. At Union College, he who +receives the highest possible number of marks, which is one +hundred, in each study, for a term, is said to _take Max_ (or +maximum); to be a _Max scholar_. On the Merit Roll all the _Maxs_ +are clustered at the top. + +A writer remarks jocosely of this word. It is "that indication of +perfect scholarship to which none but Freshmen aspire, and which +is never attained except by accident."--_Sophomore Independent_, +Union College, Nov. 1854. + +Probably not less than one third of all who enter each new class +confidently expect to "mark _max_," during their whole course, and +to have the Valedictory at Commencement.--_Ibid._ + +See MERIT ROLL. + + +MAY. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the college Easter term +examination is familiarly spoken of as _the May_. + +The "_May_" is one of the features which distinguishes Cambridge +from Oxford; at the latter there are no public College +examinations.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 64. + +As the "_May_" approached, I began to feel nervous.--_Ibid._, p. +70. + + +MAY TRAINING. A correspondent from Bowdoin College where the +farcical custom of May Training is observed writes as follows in +reference to its origin: "In 1836, a law passed the Legislature +requiring students to perform military duty, and they were +summoned to appear at muster equipped as the law directs, to be +inspected and drilled with the common militia. Great excitement +prevailed in consequence, but they finally concluded to _train_. +At the appointed time and place, they made their appearance armed +_cap-à -pie_ for grotesque deeds, some on foot, some on horse, with +banners and music appropriate, and altogether presenting as +ludicrous a spectacle as could easily be conceived of. They +paraded pretty much 'on their own hook,' threw the whole field +into disorder by their evolutions, and were finally ordered off +the ground by the commanding officer. They were never called upon +again, but the day is still commemorated." + + +M.B. An abbreviation for _Medicinæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of +Physic. At Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must +have had his name five years on the boards of some college, have +resided three years, and attended medical lectures and hospital +practice during the other two; also have attended the lectures of +the Professors of Anatomy, Chemistry, and Botany, and the Downing +Professor of Medicine, and passed an examination to their +satisfaction. At Oxford, Eng., the degree is given to an M.A. of +one year's standing, who is also a regent of the same length of +time. The exercises are disputations upon two distinct days before +the Professors of the Faculty of Medicine. The degree was formerly +given in American colleges before that of M.D., but has of late +years been laid aside. + + +M.D. An abbreviation for _Medicines Doctor_, Doctor of Physic. At +Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must be a Bachelor +of Physic of five years' standing, must have attended hospital +practice for three years, and passed an examination satisfactory +to the Medical Professors of the University, + +At Oxford, an M.D. must be an M.B. of three years' standing. The +exercises are three distinct lectures, to be read on three +different days. In American colleges the degree is usually given +to those who have pursued their studies in a medical school for +three years; but the regulations differ in different institutions. + + +MED, MEDIC. A name sometimes given to a student in medicine. + + ---- who sent + The _Medic_ to our aid. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 23. + + "The Council are among ye, Yale!" + Some roaring _Medic_ cries. + _Ibid._, p. 24. + + The slain, the _Medics_ stowed away. + _Ibid._, p. 24. + + Seniors, Juniors, Freshmen blue, + And _Medics_ sing the anthem too. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + + Take ... + Sixteen interesting "_Meds_," + With dirty hands and towzeled heads. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 16. + + +MEDALIST. In universities, colleges, &c., one who has gained a +medal as the reward of merit.--_Ed. Rev. Gradus ad Cantab._ + +These _Medalists_ then are the best scholars among the men who +have taken a certain mathematical standing; but as out of the +University these niceties of discrimination are apt to be dropped +they usually pass at home for absolutely the first and second +scholars of the year, and sometimes they are so.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 62. + + +MEDICAL FACULTY. Usually abbreviated Med. Fac. The Medical Faculty +Society was established one evening after commons, in the year +1818, by four students of Harvard College, James F. Deering, +Charles Butterfield, David P. Hall, and Joseph Palmer, members of +the class of 1820. Like many other societies, it originated in +sport, and, as in after history shows, was carried on in the same +spirit. The young men above named happening to be assembled in +Hollis Hall, No. 13, a proposition was started that Deering should +deliver a mock lecture, which having been done, to the great +amusement of the rest, he in his turn proposed that they should at +some future time initiate members by solemn rites, in order that +others might enjoy their edifying exercises. From this small +beginning sprang the renowned Med. Fac. Society. Deering, a +"fellow of infinite jest," was chosen its first President; he was +much esteemed for his talents, but died early, the victim of +melancholy madness. + +The following entertaining account of the early history of this +Society has been kindly furnished, in a letter to the editor, by a +distinguished gentleman who was its President in the year 1820, +and a graduate of the class of 1822. + +"With regard to the Medical Faculty," he writes, "I suppose that +you are aware that its object was mere fun. That object was +pursued with great diligence during the earlier period of its +history, and probably through its whole existence. I do not +remember that it ever had a constitution, or any stated meetings, +except the annual one for the choice of officers. Frequent +meetings, however, were called by the President to carry out the +object of the institution. They were held always in some student's +room in the afternoon. The room was made as dark as possible, and +brilliantly lighted. The Faculty sat round a long table, in some +singular and antique costume, almost all in large wigs, and +breeches with knee-buckles. This practice was adopted to make a +strong impression on students who were invited in for examination. +Members were always examined for admission. The strangest +questions were asked by the venerable board, and often strange +answers elicited,--no matter how remote from the purpose, provided +there was wit or drollery. Sometimes a singularly slow person +would be invited, on purpose to puzzle and tease him with +questions that he could make nothing of; and he would stand in +helpless imbecility, without being able to cover his retreat with +even the faintest suspicion of a joke. He would then be gravely +admonished of the necessity of diligent study, reminded of the +anxiety of his parents on his account, and his duty to them, and +at length a month or two would be allowed him to prepare himself +for another examination, or he would be set aside altogether. But +if he appeared again for another trial, he was sure to fare no +better. He would be set aside at last. I remember an instance in +which a member was expelled for a reason purely fictitious,--droll +enough to be worth telling, if I could remember it,--and the +secretary directed 'to write to his father, and break the matter +gently to him, that it might not bring down the gray hairs of the +old man with sorrow to the grave.' + +"I have a pleasant recollection of the mock gravity, the broad +humor, and often exquisite wit of those meetings, but it is +impossible to give you any adequate idea of them. Burlesque +lectures on all conceivable and inconceivable subjects were +frequently read or improvised by members _ad libitum_. I remember +something of a remarkable one from Dr. Alden, upon part of a +skeleton of a superannuated horse, which he made to do duty for +the remains of a great German Professor with an unspeakable name. + +"Degrees were conferred upon all the members,--M.D. or D.M.[46] +according to their rank, which is explained in the Catalogue. +Honorary degrees were liberally conferred upon conspicuous persons +at home and abroad. It is said that one gentleman, at the South, I +believe, considered himself insulted by the honor, and complained +of it to the College government, who forthwith broke up the +Society. But this was long after my time, and I cannot answer for +the truth of the tradition. Diplomas were given to the M.D.'s and +D.M.'s in ludicrous Latin, with a great seal appended by a green +ribbon. I have one, somewhere. My name is rendered _Filius +Steti_." + +A graduate of the class of 1828 writes: "I well remember that my +invitation to attend the meeting of the Med. Fac. Soc. was written +in barbarous Latin, commencing 'Domine Crux,' and I think I passed +so good an examination that I was made _Professor longis +extremitatibus_, or Professor with long shanks. It was a society +for purposes of mere fun and burlesque, meeting secretly, and +always foiling the government in their attempts to break it up." + +The members of the Society were accustomed to array themselves in +masquerade dresses, and in the evening would enter the houses of +the inhabitants of Cambridge, unbidden, though not always +unwelcome guests. This practice, however, and that of conferring +degrees on public characters, brought the Society, as is above +stated, into great disrepute with the College Faculty, by whom it +was abolished in the year 1834. + +The Catalogue of the Society was a burlesque on the Triennial of +the College. The first was printed in the year 1821, the others +followed in the years 1824, 1827, 1830, and 1833. The title on the +cover of the Catalogue of 1833, the last issued, similar to the +titles borne by the others, was, "Catalogus Senatus Facultatis, et +eorum qui munera et officia gesserunt, quique alicujus gradus +laurea donati sunt in Facultate Medicinæ in Universitate +Harvardiana constituta, Cantabrigiæ in Republica Massachusettensi. +Cantabrigiæ: Sumptibus Societatis. MDCCCXXXIII. Sanguinis +circulationis post patefactionem Anno CCV." + +The Prefaces to the Catalogues were written in Latin, the +character of which might well be denominated _piggish_. In the +following translations by an esteemed friend, the beauty and force +of the originals are well preserved. + +_Preface to the Catalogue of 1824_. + +"To many, the first edition of the Medical Faculty Catalogue was a +wonderful and extraordinary thing. Those who boasted that they +could comprehend it, found themselves at length terribly and +widely in error. Those who did not deny their inability to get the +idea of it, were astonished and struck with amazement. To certain +individuals, it seemed to possess somewhat of wit and humor, and +these laughed immoderately; to others, the thing seemed so absurd +and foolish, that they preserved a grave and serious countenance. + +"Now, a new edition is necessary, in which it is proposed to state +briefly in order the rise and progress of the Medical Faculty. It +is an undoubted matter of history, that the Medical Faculty is the +most ancient of all societies in the whole world. In fact, its +archives contain documents and annals of the Society, written on +birch-bark, which are so ancient that they cannot be read at all; +and, moreover, other writings belong to the Society, legible it is +true, but, by ill-luck, in the words of an unknown and long-buried +language, and therefore unintelligible. Nearly all the documents +of the Society have been reduced to ashes at some time amid the +rolling years since the creation of man. On this account the +Medical Faculty cannot pride itself on an uninterrupted series of +records. But many oral traditions in regard to it have reached us +from our ancestors, from which it may be inferred that this +society formerly flourished under the name of the 'Society of +Wits' (Societas Jocosorum); and you might often gain an idea of it +from many shrewd remarks that have found their way to various +parts of the world. + +"The Society, after various changes, has at length been brought to +its present form, and its present name has been given it. It is, +by the way, worthy of note, that this name is of peculiar +signification, the word 'medical' having the same force as +'sanative' (sanans), as far as relates to the mind, and not to the +body, as in the vulgar signification. To be brief, the meaning of +'medical' is 'diverting' (divertens), that is, _turning_ the mind +from misery, evil, and grief. Under this interpretation, the +Medical Faculty signifies neither more nor less than the 'Faculty +of Recreation.' The thing proposed by the Society is, to _divert_ +its immediate and honorary members from unbecoming and foolish +thoughts, and is twofold, namely, relating both to manners and to +letters. Professors in the departments appropriated to letters +read lectures; and the alumni, as the case requires, are sometimes +publicly examined and questioned. The Library at present contains +a single book, but this _one_ is called for more and more every +day. A collection of medical apparatus belongs to the Society, +beyond doubt the most grand and extensive in the whole world, +intended to sharpen the _faculties_ of all the members. + +"Honorary degrees have been conferred on illustrious and +remarkable men of all countries. + +"A certain part of the members go into all academies and literary +'gymnasia,' to act as nuclei, around which branches of this +Society may be enabled to form." + +_Preface to the Catalogue of 1830_. + +"As the members of the Medical Faculty have increased, as many +members have been distinguished by honorary degrees, and as the +former Catalogues have all been sold, the Senate orders a new +Catalogue to be printed. + +"It seemed good to the editors of the former Catalogue briefly to +state the nature and to defend the antiquity of this Faculty. +Nevertheless, some have refused their assent to the statements, +and demand some reasons for what is asserted. We therefore, once +for all, declare that, of all societies, this is the most ancient, +the most extensive, the most learned, and the most divine. We +establish its antiquity by two arguments: firstly, because +everywhere in the world there are found many monuments of our +ancestors; secondly, because all other societies derive their +origin from this. It appears from our annals, that different +curators have laid their bones beneath the Pyramids, Naples, Rome, +and Paris. These, as described by a faithful secretary, are found +at this day. + +"The obelisks of Egypt contain in hieroglyphic characters many +secrets of our Faculty. The Chinese Wall, and the Colossus at +Rhodes, were erected by our ancestors in sport. We could cite many +other examples, were it necessary. + +"All societies to whom belong either wonderful art, or nothing +except secrecy, have been founded on our pattern. It appears that +the Society of Free-Masons was founded by eleven disciples of the +Med. Fac. expelled A.D. 1425. But these ignorant fellows were +never able to raise their brotherhood to our standard of +perfection: in this respect alone they agree with us, in admitting +only the _masculine_ gender ('masc. gen.').[47] + +"Therefore we have always been Antimason. No one who has ever +gained admittance to our assembly has the slightest doubt that we +have extended our power to the farthest regions of the earth, for +we have embassies from every part of the world, and Satan himself +has learned many particulars from our Senate in regard to the +administration of affairs and the means of torture. + +"We pride ourselves in being the most learned society on earth, +for men versed in all literature and erudition, when hurried into +our presence for examination, quail and stand in silent amazement. +'Placid Death' alone is coeval with this Society, and resembles +it, for in its own Catalogue it equalizes rich and poor, great and +small, white and black, old and young. + +"Since these things are so, and you, kind reader, have been +instructed on these points, I will not longer detain you from the +book and the picture.[48] Farewell." + +_Preface to the Catalogue of_ 1833. + +"It was much less than three years since the third edition of this +Catalogue saw the light, when the most learned Med. Fac. began to +be reminded that the time had arrived for preparing to polish up +and publish a new one. Accordingly, special curators were selected +to bring this work to perfection. These curators would not neglect +the opportunity of saying a few words on matters of great moment. + +"We have carefully revised the whole text, and, as far as we +could, we have taken pains to remove typographical errors. The +duty is not light. But the number of medical men in the world has +increased, and it is becoming that the whole world should know the +true authors of its greatest blessing. Therefore we have inserted +their names and titles in their proper places. + +"Among other changes, we would not forget the creation of a new +office. Many healing remedies, foreign, rare, and wonderful, have +been brought for the use of the Faculty from Egypt and Arabia +Felix. It was proper that some worthy, capable man, of quick +discernment, should have charge of these most precious remedies. +Accordingly, the Faculty has chosen a curator to be called the +'Apothecarius.' Many quacks and cheats have desired to hold the +new office; but the present occupant has thrown all others into +the shade. The names, surnames, and titles of this excellent man +will be found in the following pages.[49] + +"We have done well, not only towards others, but also towards +ourselves. Our library contains quite a number of books; among +others, ten thousand obtained through the munificence and +liberality of great societies in the almost unknown regions of +Kamtschatka and the North Pole, and especially also through the +munificence of the Emperor of all the Russias. It has become so +immense, that, at the request of the Librarian, the Faculty have +prohibited any further donations. + +"In the next session of the General Court of Massachusetts, the +Senate of the Faculty (assisted by the President of Harvard +University) will petition for forty thousand sesterces, for the +purpose of erecting a large building to contain the immense +accumulation of books. From the well-known liberality of the +Legislature, no doubts are felt of obtaining it. + +"To say more would make a long story. And this, kind reader, is +what we have to communicate to you at the outset. The fruit will +show with how much fidelity we have performed the task imposed +upon us by the most illustrious men. Farewell." + +As a specimen of the character of the honorary degrees conferred +by the Society, the following are taken from the list given in the +Catalogues. They embrace, as will be seen, the names of +distinguished personages only, from the King and President to Day +and Martin, Sam Patch, and the world-renowned Sea-Serpent. + +"Henricus Christophe, Rex Haytiæ quondam, M.D. Med. Fac. +honorarius."[50] + +"Gulielmus Cobbett, qui ad Angliam ossa Thomæ Paine ferebat, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[51] + +"Johannes-Cleaves Symmes, qui in terræ ilia penetravissit, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[52] + +"ALEXANDER I. Russ. Imp. Illust. et Sanct. Foed. et Mass. Pac. +Soc. Socius, qui per Legat. American. claro Med. Fac., +'_curiositatem raram et archaicam_,' regie transmisit, 1825, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[53] + +"ANDREAS JACKSON, Major-General in bello ultimo Americano, et +_Nov. Orleans Heros_ fortissimus; et _ergo_ nunc Præsidis +Rerumpub. Foed, muneris _candidatus_ et 'Old Hickory,' M.D. et +M.U.D. 1827, Med. Fac. honorarius, et 1829 Præses Rerumpub. +Foed., et LL.D. 1833." + +"Gulielmus Emmons, prænominatus Pickleïus, qui orator +eloquentissimus nostræ ætatis; poma, nuces, _panem-zingiberis_, +suas orationes, '_Egg-popque_' vendit, D.M. Med. Fac. +honorarius."[54] + +"Day et Martin, Angli, qui per quinquaginta annos toto Christiano +Orbi et præcipue _Univ. Harv._ optimum _Real Japan Atramentum_ ab +'XCVII. Altâ Holborniâ' subministrârunt, M.D. et M.U.D. Med. Fac. +honorarius." + +"Samuel Patch, socius multum deploratus, qui multa experimenta, de +gravitate et 'faciles descensus' suo corpore fecit; qui gradum, +M.D. _per saltum_ consecutus est. Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Cheng et Heng, Siamesi juvenes, invicem _a mans_ et intime +attacti, Med. Fac. que honorarii." + +"Gulielmus Grimke, et quadraginta sodales qui 'omnes in uno' Conic +Sections sine Tabulis aspernati sunt, et contra Facultatem, Col. +Yal. rebellaverunt, posteaque expulsi et 'obumbrati' sunt et Med. +Fac. honorarii." + +"MARTIN VAN BUREN, _Armig._, Civitatis Scriba Reipub. Foed. apud +Aul. Brit. Legat. Extraord. sibi constitutus. Reip. Nov. Ebor. +Gub. 'Don Whiskerandos'; 'Little Dutchman'; atque 'Great +Rejected.' Nunc (1832), Rerumpub. Foed. Vice-Præses et 'Kitchen +Cabinet' Moderator, M.D. et Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Magnus Serpens Maris, suppositus, aut porpoises aut +horse-mackerel, grex; 'very like a whale' (Shak.); M.D. et +peculiariter M.U.D. Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Timotheus Tibbets et Gulielmus J. Snelling 'par nobile sed +hostile fratrum'; 'victor et victus,' unus buster et rake, alter +lupinarum cockpitsque purgator, et nuper Edit. Nov. Ang. Galax. +Med. Fac. honorarii."[55] + +"Capt. Basil Hall, Tabitha Trollope, atque _Isaacus Fiddler_ +Reverendus; semi-pay centurio, famelica transfuga, et semicoctus +grammaticaster, qui scriptitant solum ut prandere possint. Tres in +uno Mend. Munch. Prof. M.D., M.U.D. et Med. Fac. Honorarium." + +A college poet thus laments the fall of this respected society:-- + + "Gone, too, for aye, that merry masquerade, + Which danced so gayly in the evening shade, + And Learning weeps, and Science hangs her head, + To mourn--vain toil!--their cherished offspring dead. + What though she sped her honors wide and far, + Hailing as son Muscovia's haughty Czar, + Who in his palace humbly knelt to greet, + And laid his costly presents at her feet?[56] + Relentless fate her sudden fall decreed, + Dooming each votary's tender heart to bleed, + And yet, as if in mercy to atone, + That fate hushed sighs, and silenced many a _groan_." + _Winslow's Class Poem_, 1835. + + +MERIT ROLL. At Union College, "the _Merit Rolls_ of the several +classes," says a correspondent, "are sheets of paper put up in the +College post-office, at the opening of each term, containing a +list of all students present in the different classes during the +previous term, with a statement of the conduct, attendance, and +scholarship of each member of the class. The names are numbered +according to the standing of the student, all the best scholars +being clustered at the head, and the poorer following in a +melancholy train. To be at the head, or 'to head the roll,' is an +object of ambition, while 'to foot the roll' is anything but +desirable." + + +MIDDLE BACHELOR. One who is in his second year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. + +A Senior Sophister has authority to take a Freshman from a +Sophomore, a _Middle Bachelor_ from a Junior Sophister.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 540. + + +MIGRATE. In the English universities, to remove from one college +to another. + +One of the unsuccessful candidates _migrated_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 100. + + +MIGRATION. In the English universities, a removal from one college +to another. + +"_A migration_," remarks Bristed, "is generally tantamount to a +confession of inferiority, and an acknowledgment that the migrator +is not likely to become a Fellow in his own College, and therefore +takes refuge in another, where a more moderate Degree will insure +him a Fellowship. A great deal of this _migration_ goes on from +John's to the Small Colleges."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 100. + + +MIGRATOR. In the English universities, one who removes from one +college to another. + + +MILD. A student epithet of depreciation, answering nearly to the +phrases, "no great shakes," and "small potatoes."--_Bristed_. + +Some of us were very heavy men to all appearance, and our first +attempts _mild_ enough.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 169. + + +MINGO. Latin. At Harvard College, this word was formerly used to +designate a chamber-pot. + + To him that occupies my study, + I give for use of making toddy, + A bottle full of _white-face Stingo_, + Another, handy, called a _mingo_. + _Will of Charles Prentiss_, in _Rural Repository_, 1795. + +Many years ago, some of the students of Harvard College wishing to +make a present to their Tutor, Mr. Flynt, called on him, informed +him of their intention, and requested him to select a gift which +would be acceptable to him. He replied that he was a single man, +that he already had a well-filled library, and in reality wanted +nothing. The students, not all satisfied with this answer, +determined to present him with a silver chamber-pot. One was +accordingly made, of the appropriate dimensions, and inscribed +with these words: + "Mingere cum bombis + Res est saluberrima lumbis." + +On the morning of Commencement Day, this was borne in procession, +in a morocco case, and presented to the Tutor. Tradition does not +say with what feelings he received it, but it remained for many +years at a room in Quincy, where he was accustomed to spend his +Saturdays and Sundays, and finally disappeared, about the +beginning of the Revolutionary War. It is supposed to have been +carried to England. + + +MINOR. A privy. From the Latin _minor_, smaller; the word _house_ +being understood. Other derivations are given, but this seems to +be the most classical. This word is peculiar to Harvard College. + + +MISS. An omission of a recitation, or any college exercise. An +instructor is said _to give a miss_, when he omits a recitation. + +A quaint Professor of Harvard College, being once asked by his +class to omit the recitation for that day, is said to have replied +in the words of Scripture: "Ye ask and receive not, for ye ask +a-_miss_." + +In the "Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," Professor Felton has +referred to this story, and has appended to it the contradiction +of the worthy Doctor. "Amusing anecdotes, some true and many +apocryphal, were handed down in College from class to class, and, +so far from being yet forgotten, they are rather on the increase. +One of these mythical stories was, that on a certain occasion one +of the classes applied to the Doctor for what used to be called, +in College jargon, a _miss_, i.e. an omission of recitation. The +Doctor replied, as the legend run, 'Ye ask, and ye receive not, +because ye ask a-_miss_.' Many years later, this was told to him. +'It is not true,' he exclaimed, energetically. 'In the first +place, I have not wit enough; in the next place, I have too much +wit, for I mortally hate a pun. Besides, _I never allude +irreverently to the Scriptures_.'"--p. lxxvii. + + Or are there some who scrape and hiss + Because you never give a _miss_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 62. + + ---- is good to all his subjects, + _Misses_ gives he every hour.--_MS. Poem_. + + +MISS. To be absent from a recitation or any college exercise. Said +of a student. See CUT. + + Who will recitations _miss_!--_Rebelliad_, p. 53. + + At every corner let us hiss 'em; + And as for recitations,--_miss_ 'em.--_Ibid._, p. 58. + + Who never _misses_ declamation, + Nor cuts a stupid recitation. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 283. + +_Missing_ chambers will be visited with consequences more to be +dreaded than the penalties of _missing_ lecture.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 304. + + +MITTEN. At the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a student who is +expelled is said _to get the mitten_. + + +MOCK-PART. At Harvard College, it is customary, when the parts for +the first exhibition in the Junior year have been read, as +described under PART, for the part-reader to announce what are +called the _mock-parts_. These mock-parts which are burlesques on +the regular appointments, are also satires on the habits, +character, or manners of those to whom they are assigned. They are +never given to any but members of the Junior Class. It was +formerly customary for the Sophomore Class to read them in the +last term of that year when the parts were given out for the +Sophomore exhibition but as there is now no exhibition for that +class, they are read only in the Junior year. The following may do +as specimens of the subjects usually assigned:--The difference +between alluvial and original soils; a discussion between two +persons not noted for personal cleanliness. The last term of a +decreasing series; a subject for an insignificant but conceited +fellow. An essay on the Humbug, by a dabbler in natural history. A +conference on the three dimensions, length, breadth, and +thickness, between three persons, one very tall, another very +broad, and the third very fat. + + +MODERATE. In colleges and universities, to superintend the +exercises and disputations in philosophy, and the Commencements +when degrees are conferred. + +They had their weekly declamations on Friday, in the Colledge +Hall, besides publick disputations, which either the Præsident or +the Fellows _moderated_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 127. + +Mr. Mather _moderated_ at the Masters' +disputations.--_Hutchinson's Hist. of Mass._, Vol. I. p. 175, +note. + +Mr. Andrew _moderated_ at the Commencements.--_Clap's Hist. of +Yale Coll._, p. 15. + +President Holyoke was of a noble, commanding presence. He was +perfectly acquainted with academic matters, and _moderated_ at +Commencements with great dignity.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, +p. 26. + +Mr. Woodbridge _moderated_ at Commencement, 1723.--_Woolsey's +Hist. Disc._, p. 103. + + +MODERATOR. In the English universities, one who superintends the +exercises and disputations in philosophy, and the examination for +the degree of B.A.--_Cam. Cal._ + +The disputations at which the _Moderators_ presided in the English +universities "are now reduced," says Brande, "to little more than +matters of form." + +The word was formerly in use in American colleges. + +Five scholars performed public exercises; the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge +acted as _Moderator_.--_Clap's Hist. of Yale Coll._, p. 27. + +He [the President] was occasionally present at the weekly +declamations and public disputations, and then acted as +_Moderator_; an office which, in his absence, was filled by one of +the Tutors.--_Quincy's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 440. + + +MONITOR. In schools or universities, a pupil selected to look to +the scholars in the absence of the instructor, or to notice the +absence or faults of the scholars, or to instruct a division or +class.--_Webster_. + +In American colleges, the monitors are usually appointed by the +President, their duty being to keep bills of absence from, and +tardiness at, devotional and other exercises. See _Laws of Harv. +and Yale Colls._, &c. + + Let _monitors_ scratch as they please, + We'll lie in bed and take our ease. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +MOONLIGHT. At Williams College, the prize rhetorical exercise is +called by this name; the reason is not given. The students speak +of "making a rush for _moonlight_," i.e. of attempting to gain the +prize for elocution. + +In the evening comes _Moonlight_ Exhibition, when three men from +each of the three lower classes exhibit their oratorical powers, +and are followed by an oration before the Adelphic Union, by Ralph +Waldo Emerson.--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +MOONLIGHT RANGERS. At Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania, a title +applied to a band composed of the most noisy and turbulent +students, commanded by a captain and sub-officer, who, in the most +fantastic disguises, or in any dress to which the moonlight will +give most effect, appear on certain nights designated, prepared to +obey any command in the way of engaging in any sport of a pleasant +nature. They are all required to have instruments which will make +the loudest noise and create the greatest excitement. + + +MOSS-COVERED HEAD. In the German universities, students during the +sixth and last term, or _semester_, are called _Moss-covered +Heads_, or, in an abbreviated form, _Mossy Heads_. + + +MOUNTAIN DAY. The manner in which this day is observed at Williams +College is described in the accompanying extracts. + +"Greylock is to the student in his rambles, what Mecca is to the +Mahometan; and a pilgrimage to the summit is considered necessary, +at least once during the collegiate course. There is an ancient +and time-honored custom, which has existed from the establishment +of the College, of granting to the students, once a year, a +certain day of relaxation and amusement, known by the name of +'_Mountain Day_.' It usually occurs about the middle of June, when +the weather is most favorable for excursions to the mountains and +other places of interest in the vicinity. It is customary, on this +and other occasions during the summer, for parties to pass the +night upon the summit, both for the novelty of the thing, and also +to enjoy the unrivalled prospect at sunrise next +morning."--_Sketches of Will. Coll._, 1847, pp. 85-89. + +"It so happens that Greylock, in our immediate vicinity, is the +highest mountain in the Commonwealth, and gives a view from its +summit 'that for vastness and sublimity is equalled by nothing in +New England except the White Hills.' And it is an ancient +observance to go up from this valley once in the year to 'see the +world.' We were not of the number who availed themselves of this +_lex non scripta_, forasmuch as more than one visit in time past +hath somewhat worn off the novelty of the thing. But a goodly +number 'went aloft,' some in wagons, some on horseback, and some, +of a sturdier make, on foot. Some, not content with a mountain +_day_, carried their knapsacks and blankets to encamp till morning +on the summit and see the sun rise. Not in the open air, however, +for a magnificent timber observatory has been set up,--a +rough-hewn, sober, substantial 'light-house in the skies,' under +whose roof is a limited portion of infinite space shielded from +the winds."--_Williams Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. I. p. 555. + +"'_Mountain day_,' the date to which most of the imaginary _rows_ +have been assigned, comes at the beginning of the summer term, and +the various classes then ascend Greylock, the highest peak in the +State, from which may be had a very fine view. Frequently they +pass the night there, and beds are made of leaves in the old +tower, bonfires are built, and they get through it quite +comfortable."--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +MOUTH. To recite in an affected manner, as if one knew the lesson, +when in reality he does not. + +Never shall you allow yourself to think of going into the +recitation-room, and there trust to "skinning," as it is called in +some colleges, or "phrasing," as in others, or "_mouthing_ it," as +in others.--_Todd's Student's Manual_, p. 115. + + +MRS. GOFF. Formerly a cant phrase for any woman. + + But cease the touching chords to sweep, + For _Mrs. Goff_ has deigned to weep. + _Rebelliad_, p. 21. + + +MUFF. A foolish fellow. + +Many affected to sneer at him, as a "_muff_" who would have been +exceedingly flattered by his personal acquaintance.--_Blackwood's +Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 147. + + +MULE. In Germany, a student during the vacation between the time +of his quitting the gymnasium and entering the university, is +known as a mule. + + +MUS.B. An abbreviation for _Musicæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of +Music. In the English universities, a Bachelor of Music must enter +his name at some college, and compose and perform a solemn piece +of music, as an exercise before the University. + + +MUS.D. An abbreviation for _Musicæ Doctor_, Doctor of Music. A +Mus.D. is generally a Mus.B., and his exercise is the same. + + +MUSES. A college or university is often designated the _Temple, +Retreat, Seat_, &c. _of the Muses_. + +Having passed this outer court of the _Temple of the Muses_, you +are ushered into the Sanctum Sanctorum itself.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. +I. p. 87. + +Inviting ... such distinguished visitors as happen then to be on a +tour to this attractive _retreat of the Muses_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I, +p. 156. + +My instructor ventured to offer me as a candidate for admission +into that renowned _seat of the Muses_, Harvard College.--_New +England Mag._, Vol. III. p. 237. + +A student at a college or university is sometimes called a _Son of +the Muses_. + +It might perhaps suit some inveterate idlers, smokers, and +drinkers, but no true _son of the Muses_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. +XV. p. 3. + +While it was his earnest desire that the beloved _sons of the +Muses_ might leave the institutions enriched with the erudition, +&c.--_Judge Kent's Address before [Greek: Phi Beta Kappa] of Yale +Coll._, p. 39, 1831. + + + +_N_. + + +NAVY CLUB. The Navy Club, or the Navy, as it was formerly called, +originated among the students of Harvard College about the year +1796, but did not reach its full perfection until several years +after. What the primary design of the association was is not +known, nor can the causes be ascertained which led to its +formation. At a later period its object seems to have been to +imitate, as far as possible, the customs and discipline peculiar +to the flag-ship of a navy, and to afford some consolation to +those who received no appointments at Commencement, as such were +always chosen its officers. The _Lord High Admiral_ was appointed +by the admiral of the preceding class, but his election was not +known to any of the members of his class until within six weeks of +Commencement, when the parts for that occasion were assigned. It +was generally understood that this officer was to be one of the +poorest in point of scholarship, yet the jolliest of all the +"Jolly Blades." At the time designated, he broke the seal of a +package which had been given him by his predecessor in office, the +contents of which were known only to himself; but these were +supposed to be the insignia of his office, and the instructions +pertaining to the admiralty. He then appointed his assistant +officers, a vice-admiral, rear-admiral, captain, sailing-master, +boatswain, &c. To the boatswain a whistle was given, transmitted, +like the admiral's package, from class to class. + +The Flag-ship for the year 1815 was a large marquee, called "The +Good Ship Harvard," which was moored in the woods, near the place +where the residence of the Hon. John G. Palfrey now stands. The +floor was arranged like the deck of a man-of-war, being divided +into the main and quarter decks. The latter was occupied by the +admiral, and no one was allowed to be there with him without +special order or permission. In his sway he was very despotic, and +on board ship might often have been seen reclining on his couch, +attended by two of his subordinates (classmates), who made his +slumbers pleasant by guarding his sacred person from the visits of +any stray mosquito, and kept him cool by the vibrations of a fan. +The marquee stood for several weeks, during which time meetings +were frequently held in it. At the command of the admiral, the +boatswain would sound his whistle in front of Holworthy Hall, the +building where the Seniors then, as now, resided, and the student +sailors, issuing forth, would form in procession, and march to the +place of meeting, there to await further orders. If the members of +the Navy remained on board ship over night, those who had received +appointments at Commencement, then called the "Marines," were +obliged to keep guard while the members slept or caroused. + +The operations of the Navy were usually closed with an excursion +down the harbor. A vessel well stocked with certain kinds of +provisions afforded, with some assistance from the stores of old +Ocean, the requisites for a grand clam-bake or a mammoth chowder. +The spot usually selected for this entertainment was the shores of +Cape Cod. On the third day the party usually returned from their +voyage, and their entry into Cambridge was generally accompanied +with no little noise and disorder. The Admiral then appointed +privately his successor, and the Navy was disbanded for the year. + +The exercises of the association varied from year to year. Many of +the old customs gradually went out of fashion, until finally but +little of the original Navy remained. The officers were, as usual, +appointed yearly, but the power of appointing them was transferred +to the class, and a public parade was substituted for the forms +and ceremonies once peculiar to the society. The excursion down +the harbor was omitted for the first time the present year,[57] +and the last procession made its appearance in the year 1846. + +At present the Navy Club is organized after the parts for the last +Senior Exhibition have been assigned. It is composed of three +classes of persons; namely, the true NAVY, which consists of those +who have _never_ had parts; the MARINES, those who have had a +_major_ or _second_ part in the Senior year, but no _minor_ or +_first_ part in the Junior; and the HORSE-MARINES, those who have +had a _minor_ or _first_ part in the Junior year, but have +subsequently fallen off, so as not to get a _major_ or _second_ +part in the Senior. Of the Navy officers, the Lord High Admiral is +usually he who has been sent from College the greatest number of +times; the Vice-Admiral is the poorest scholar in the class; the +Rear-Admiral the laziest fellow in the class; the Commodore, one +addicted to boating; the Captain, a jolly blade; the Lieutenant +and Midshipman, fellows of the same description; the Chaplain, the +most profane; the Surgeon, a dabbler in surgery, or in medicine, +or anything else; the Ensign, the tallest member of the class; the +Boatswain, one most inclined to obscenity; the Drum Major, the +most aristocratic, and his assistants, fellows of the same +character. These constitute the Band. Such are the general rules +of choice, but they are not always followed. The remainder of the +class who have had no parts and are not officers of the Navy Club +are members, under the name of Privates. On the morning when the +parts for Commencement are assigned, the members who receive +appointments resign the stations which they have held in the Navy +Club. This resignation takes place immediately after the parts +have been read to the class. The door-way of the middle entry of +Holworthy Hall is the place usually chosen for this affecting +scene. The performance is carried on in the mock-oratorical style, +a person concealed under a white sheet being placed behind the +speaker to make the gestures for him. The names of those members +who, having received Commencement appointments, have refused to +resign their trusts in the Navy Club, are then read by the Lord +High Admiral, and by his authority they are expelled from the +society. This closes the exercises of the Club. + +The following entertaining account of the last procession, in +1846, has been furnished by a graduate of that year:-- + +"The class had nearly all assembled, and the procession, which +extended through the rooms of the Natural History Society, began +to move. The principal officers, as also the whole band, were +dressed in full uniform. The Rear-Admiral brought up the rear, as +was fitting. He was borne in a sort of triumphal car, composed of +something like a couch, elevated upon wheels, and drawn by a white +horse. On this his excellency, dressed in uniform, and enveloped +in his cloak, reclined at full length. One of the Marines played +the part of driver. Behind the car walked a colored man, with a +most fantastic head-dress, whose duty it was to carry his Honor +the Rear-Admiral's pipe. Immediately before the car walked the +other two Marines, with guns on their shoulders. The 'Digs'[58] +came immediately before the Marines, preceded by the tallest of +their number, carrying a white satin banner, bearing on it, in +gold letters, the word 'HARVARD,' with a _spade_ of gold paper +fastened beneath. The Digs were all dressed in black, with Oxford +caps on their heads, and small iron spades over their shoulders. +They walked two and two, except in one instance, namely, that of +the first three scholars, who walked together, the last of their +brethren, immediately preceding the Marines. The second and third +scholars did not carry spades, but pointed shovels, much larger +and heavier; while the first scholar, who walked between the other +two, carried an enormously great square shovel,--such as is often +seen hung out at hardware-stores for a sign,--with 'SPADES AND +SHOVELS,' or some such thing, painted on one side, and 'ALL SIZES' +on the other. This shovel was about two feet square. The idea of +carrying real, _bonâ fide_ spades and shovels originated wholly in +our class. It has always been the custom before to wear a spade, +cut out of white paper, on the lapel of the coat. The Navy +Privates were dressed in blue shirts, monkey-jackets, &c., and +presented a very sailor-like appearance. Two of them carried small +kedges over their shoulders. The Ensign bore an old and tattered +flag, the same which was originally presented by Miss Mellen of +Cambridge to the Harvard Washington Corps. The Chaplain was +dressed in a black gown, with an old-fashioned curly white wig on +his head, which, with a powdered face, gave him a very +sanctimonious look. He carried a large French Bible, which by much +use had lost its covers. The Surgeon rode a beast which might well +have been taken for the Rosinante of the world-renowned Don +Quixote. This worthy Æsculapius had an infinite number of +brown-paper bags attached to his person. He was enveloped in an +old plaid cloak, with a huge sign for _pills_ fastened upon his +shoulders, and carried before him a skull on a staff. His nag was +very spirited, so much so as to leap over the chains, posts, &c., +and put to flight the crowd assembled to see the fun. The +procession, after having cheered all the College buildings, and +the houses of the Professors, separated about seven o'clock, P.M." + + At first like a badger the Freshman dug, + Fed on Latin and Greek, in his room kept snug; + And he fondly hoped that on _Navy Club_ day + The highest spade he might bear away. + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton, Harv. Coll. + + +NECK. To _run one's neck_, at Williams College, to trust to luck +for the success of any undertaking. + + +NESCIO. Latin; literally, _I do not know_. At the University of +Cambridge, England, _to sport a nescio_, to shake the head, a +signal that one does not understand or is ignorant of the subject. +"After the Senate-House examination for degrees," says Grose, in +his Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, "the students +proceed to the schools, to be questioned by the proctor. According +to custom immemorial, the answers _must_ be _Nescio_. The +following is a translated specimen:-- + +"_Ques._ What is your, name? _Ans._ I do not know. + +"_Ques._ What is the name of this University? _Ans._ I do not +know. + +"_Ques._ Who was your father? _Ans._ I do not know. + +"The last is probably the only true answer of the three!" + + +NEWLING. In the German universities, a Freshman; one in his first +half-year. + + +NEWY. At Princeton College, a fresh arrival. + + +NIGHTGOWN. A dressing-gown; a _deshabille_. + +No student shall appear within the limits of the College, or town +of Cambridge, in any other dress than in the uniform belonging to +his respective class, unless he shall have on a _nightgown_, or +such an outside garment as may be necessary over a coat.--_Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1790. + + +NOBLEMAN. In the English universities, among the Undergraduates, +the nobleman enjoys privileges and exemptions not accorded to +others. At Oxford he wears a black-silk gown with full sleeves +"couped" at the elbows, and a velvet cap with gold tassel, except +on full-dress occasions, when his habit is of violet-figured +damask silk, richly bedight with gold lace. At Cambridge he wears +the plain black-silk gown and the hat of an M.A., except on feast +days and state occasions, when he appears in a gown still more +gorgeous than that of a Fellow-Commoner.--_Oxford Guide. Bristed_. + + +NO END OF. Bristed records this phrase as an intensive peculiar to +the English Cantabs. Its import is obvious "They have _no end of_ +tin; i.e. a great deal of money. He is _no end of_ a fool; i.e. +the greatest fool possible."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 24. + +The use of this expression, with a similar signification, is +common in some portions of the United States. + + +NON ENS. Latin; literally _not being_. At the University of +Cambridge, Eng., one who has not been matriculated, though he has +resided some time at the University; consequently is not +considered as having any being. A Freshman in embryo.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +NON PARAVI. Latin; literally, _I have not prepared_. When Latin +was spoken in the American colleges, this excuse was commonly +given by scholars not prepared for recitation. + + With sleepy eyes and countenance heavy, + With much excuse of _non paravi_. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, 1794, p. 8. + +The same excuse is now frequently given in English. + +The same individuals were also observed to be "_not prepared_" for +the morning's recitation.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. II. p. 261. + +I hear you whispering, with white lips, "_Not prepared_, +sir."--_Burial of Euclid_, 1850, p. 9. + + +NON PLACET. Latin; literally, _It is not pleasing_. In the +University of Cambridge, Eng., the term in which a _negative_ vote +is given in the Senate-House. + +To _non-placet_, with the meaning of the verb _to reject_, is +sometimes used in familiar language. + +A classical examiner, having marked two candidates belonging to +his own College much higher than the other three examiners did, +was suspected of partiality to them, and _non-placeted_ (rejected) +next year when he came up for approval.--_Bristed's Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 231. + + +NON-READING MAN. See READING MAN. + +The result of the May decides whether he will go out in honors or +not,--that is, whether he will be a reading or a _non-reading +man_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 85. + + +NON-REGENT. In the English universities, a term applied to those +Masters of Arts whose regency has ceased.--_Webster_. + +See REGENT. SENATE. + + +NON-TERM. "When any member of the Senate," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "dies within the University during term, on +application to the Vice-Chancellor, the University bell rings an +hour; from which period _Non-Term_, as to public lectures and +disputations, commences for three days." + + +NON VALUI. Latin; literally, _I was sick_. At Harvard College, +when the students were obliged to speak Latin, it was usual for +them to give the excuse _non valui_ for almost every absence or +omission. The President called upon delinquents for their excuses +in the chapel, after morning prayers, and these words were often +pronounced so broadly as to sound like _non volui_, I did not wish +[to go]. The quibble was not perceived for a long time, and was +heartily enjoyed, as may be well supposed, by those who made use +of it. + + +[Greek: Nous]. Greek; _sense_. A word adopted by, and in use +among, students. + +He is a lad of more [Greek: nous], and keeps better +company.--_Pref. to Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Getting the better of them in anything which required the smallest +exertion of [Greek: nous], was like being first in a donkey-race. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 30. + + +NUMBER FIFTY, NUMBER FORTY-NINE. At Trinity College, Hartford, the +privies are known by these names. Jarvis Hall contains forty-eight +rooms, and the numbers forty-nine and fifty follow in numerical +continuation, but with a different application. + + +NUMBER TEN. At the Wesleyan University, the names "No. 10, and, as +a sort of derivative, No. 1001, are applied to the privy." The +former title is used also at the University of Vermont, and at +Dartmouth College. + + +NUTS. A correspondent from Williams College says, "We speak of a +person whom we despise as being a _nuts_." This word is used in +the Yorkshire dialect with the meaning of a "silly fellow." Mr. +Halliwell, in his Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, +remarks: "It is not applied to an idiot, but to one who has been +doing a foolish action." + + + +_O_. + + +OAK. In the English universities, the outer door of a student's +room. + +No man has a right to attack the rooms of one with whom he is not +in the habit of intimacy. From ignorance of this axiom I had near +got a horse-whipping, and was kicked down stairs for going to a +wrong _oak_, whose tenant was not in the habit of taking jokes of +this kind.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 287. + +A pecker, I must explain, is a heavy pointed hammer for splitting +large coals; an instrument often put into requisition to force +open an _oak_ (an outer door), when the key of the spring latch +happens to be left inside, and the scout has gone away.--_The +Collegian's Guide_, p. 119. + +Every set of rooms is provided with an _oak_ or outer door, with a +spring lock, of which the master has one latch-key, and the +servant another.--_Ibid._, p. 141. + +"To _sport oak_, or a door," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "is, +in the modern phrase, to exclude duns, or other unpleasant +intruders." It generally signifies, however, nothing more than +locking or fastening one's door for safety or convenience. + +I always "_sported my oak_" whenever I went out; and if ever I +found any article removed from its usual place, I inquired for it; +and thus showed I knew where everything was last +placed.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 141. + +If you persist, and say you cannot join them, you must _sport your +oak_, and shut yourself into your room, and all intruders +out.--_Ibid._, p. 340. + +Used also in some American colleges. + +And little did they dream who knocked hard and often at his _oak_ +in vain, &c.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. X. p. 47. + + +OATHS. At Yale College, those who were engaged in the government +were formerly required to take the oaths of allegiance and +abjuration appointed by the Parliament of England. In his +Discourse before the Graduates of Yale College, President Woolsey +gives the following account of this obligation:-- + +"The charter of 1745 imposed another test in the form of a +political oath upon all governing officers in the College. They +were required before they undertook the execution of their trusts, +or within three months after, 'publicly in the College hall [to] +take the oaths, and subscribe the declaration, appointed by an act +of Parliament made in the first year of George the First, +entitled, An Act for the further security of his Majesty's person +and government, and the succession of the Crown in the heirs of +the late Princess Sophia, being Protestants, and for extinguishing +the hopes of the pretended Prince of Wales, and his open and +secret abettors.' We cannot find the motive for prescribing this +oath of allegiance and abjuration in the Protestant zeal which was +enkindled by the second Pretender's movements in England,--for, +although belonging to this same year 1745, these movements were +subsequent to the charter,--but rather in the desire of removing +suspicion of disloyalty, and conforming the practice in the +College to that required by the law in the English universities. +This oath was taken until it became an unlawful one, when the +State assumed complete sovereignty at the Revolution. For some +years afterwards, the officers took the oath of fidelity to the +State of Connecticut, and I believe that the last instance of this +occurred at the very end of the eighteenth century."--p. 40. + +In the Diary of President Stiles, under the date of July 8, 1778, +is the annexed entry, in which is given the formula of the oath +required by the State:-- + +"The oath of fidelity administered to me by the Hon. Col. Hamlin, +one of the Council of the State of Connecticut, at my +inauguration. + +"'You, Ezra Stiles, do swear by the name of the ever-living God, +that you will be true and faithful to the State of Connecticut, as +a free and independent State, and in all things do your duty as a +good and faithful subject of the said State, in supporting the +rights, liberties, and privileges of the same. So help you God.' + +"This oath, substituted instead of that of allegiance to the King +by the Assembly of Connecticut, May, 1777, to be taken by all in +this State; and so it comes into use in Yale College."--_Woolsey's +Hist. Discourse_, Appendix, p. 117. + + +[Greek: Hoi Aristoi.] Greek; literally, _the bravest_. At +Princeton College, the aristocrats, or would-be aristocrats, are +so called. + + +[Greek: Hoi Polloi.] Greek; literally, _the many_. + +See POLLOI. + + +OLD BURSCH. A name given in the German universities to a student +during his fourth term. Students of this term are also designated +_Old Ones_. + +As they came forward, they were obliged to pass under a pair of +naked swords, held crosswise by two _Old Ones_.--_Longfellow's +Hyperion_, p. 110. + + +OLD HOUSE. A name given in the German universities to a student +during his fifth term. + + +OPPONENCY. The opening of an academical disputation; the +proposition of objections to a tenet; an exercise for a +degree.--_Todd_. + +Mr. Webster remarks, "I believe not used in America." + +In the old times, the university discharged this duty [teaching] +by means of the public readings or lectures,... and by the keeping +of acts and _opponencies_--being certain _vivâ voce_ disputations +--by the students.--_The English Universities and their Reforms_, +in _Blackwood's Magazine_, Feb. 1849. + + +OPPONENT. In universities and colleges, where disputations are +carried on, the opponent is, in technical application, the person +who begins the dispute by raising objections to some tenet or +doctrine. + + +OPTIME. The title of those who stand in the second and third ranks +of honors, immediately after the Wranglers, in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. They are called respectively _Senior_ and _Junior +Optimes_. + +See JUNIOR OPTIME, POLLOI, and SENIOR OPTIME. + + +OPTIONAL. At some American colleges, the student is obliged to +pursue during a part of the course such studies as are prescribed. +During another portion of the course, he is allowed to select from +certain branches those which he desires to follow. The latter are +called _optional_ studies. In familiar conversation and writing, +the word _optional_ is used alone. + + For _optional_ will come our way, + And lectures furnish time to play, + 'Neath elm-tree shade to smoke all day. + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, Yale Coll., 1855. + + +ORIGINAL COMPOSITION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +essay or theme written by a student in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, is +termed _original_ composition. + +Composition there is of course, but more Latin than Greek, and +some _original Composition_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 137. + +_Original Composition_--that is, Composition in the true sense of +the word--in the dead languages is not much practised.--_Ibid._, +p. 185. + + +OVERSEER. The general government of the colleges in the United +States is vested in some instances in a Corporation, in others in +a Board of Trustees or Overseers, or, as in the case of Harvard +College, in the two combined. The duties of the Overseers are, +generally, to pass such orders and statutes as seem to them +necessary for the prosperity of the college whose affairs they +oversee, to dispose of its funds in such a manner as will be most +advantageous, to appoint committees to visit it and examine the +students connected with it, to ratify the appointment of +instructors, and to hear such reports of the proceedings of the +college government as require their concurrence. + + +OXFORD. The cap worn by the members of the University of Oxford, +England, is called an _Oxford_ or _Oxford cap_. The same is worn +at some American colleges on Exhibition and Commencement Days. In +shape, it is square and flat, covered with black cloth; from the +centre depends a tassel of black cord. It is further described in +the following passage. + + My back equipped, it was not fair + My head should 'scape, and so, as square + As chessboard, + A _cap_ I bought, my skull to screen, + Of cloth without, and all within + Of pasteboard. + _Terræ-Filius_, Vol. II. p. 225. + + Thunders of clapping!--As he bows, on high + "Præses" his "_Oxford_" doffs, and bows reply. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 36. + +It is sometimes called a _trencher cap_, from its shape. + +See CAP. + + +OXFORD-MIXED. Cloth such as is worn at the University of Oxford, +England. The students in Harvard College were formerly required to +wear this kind of cloth as their uniform. The color is given in +the following passage: "By black-mixed (called also +_Oxford-mixed_) is understood, black with a mixture of not more +than one twentieth, nor less than one twenty-fifth, part of +white."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1826, p. 25. + +He generally dresses in _Oxford-mixed_ pantaloons, and a brown +surtout.--_Collegian_, p. 240. + +It has disappeared along with Commons, the servility of Freshmen +and brutality of Sophomores, the _Oxford-mixed_ uniform and +buttons of the same color.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 263. + + +OXONIAN. A student or graduate of the University of Oxford, +England. + + + +_P_. + + +PANDOWDY BAND. A correspondent writing from Bowdoin College says: +"We use the word _pandowdy_, and we have a custom of +_pandowdying_. The Pandowdy Band, as it is called, has no regular +place nor time of meeting. The number of performers varies from +half a dozen and less to fifty or more. The instruments used are +commonly horns, drums, tin-kettles, tongs, shovels, triangles, +pumpkin-vines, &c. The object of the band is serenading Professors +who have rendered themselves obnoxious to students; and sometimes +others,--frequently tutors are entertained by 'heavenly music' +under their windows, at dead of night. This is regarded on all +hands as an unequivocal expression of the feelings of the +students. + +"The band corresponds to the _Calliathump_ of Yale. Its name is a +burlesque on the _Pandean Band_ which formerly existed in this +college." + +See HORN-BLOWING. + + +PAPE. Abbreviated from PAPER, q.v. + + Old Hamlen, the printer, he got out the _papes_. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + + But Soph'more "_papes_," and Soph'more scrapes, + Have long since passed away.--_Ibid._ + + +PAPER. In the English Universities, a sheet containing certain +questions, to which answers are to be given, is called _a paper_. + +_To beat a paper_, is to get more than full marks for it. In +explanation of this "apparent Hibernicism," Bristed remarks: "The +ordinary text-books are taken as the standard of excellence, and a +very good man will sometimes express the operations more neatly +and cleverly than they are worded in these books, in which case he +is entitled to extra marks for style."--_Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 238. + +2. This name is applied at Yale College to the printed scheme +which is used at the Biennial Examinations. Also, at Harvard +College, to the printed sheet by means of which the examination +for entrance is conducted. + + +PARCHMENT. A diploma, from the substance on which it is usually +printed, is in familiar language sometimes called a _parchment_. + +There are some, who, relying not upon the "_parchment_ and seal" +as a passport to favor, bear that with them which shall challenge +notice and admiration.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 365. + + The passer-by, unskilled in ancient lore, + Whose hands the ribboned _parchment_ never bore. + _Class Poem at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 7. + +See SHEEPSKIN. + + +PARIETAL. From Latin _paries_, a wall; properly, _a +partition-wall_, from the root of _part_ or _pare_. Pertaining to +a wall.--_Webster_. + +At Harvard College the officers resident within the College walls +constitute a permanent standing committee, called the Parietal +Committee. They have particular cognizance of all tardinesses at +prayers and Sabbath services, and of all offences against good +order and decorum. They are allowed to deduct from the rank of a +student, not exceeding one hundred for one offence. In case any +offence seems to them to require a higher punishment than +deduction, it is reported to the Faculty.--_Laws_, 1850, App. + + Had I forgotten, alas! the stern _pariètal_ monitions? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + +The chairman of the Parietal Committee is often called the +_Parietal Tutor_. + +I see them shaking their fists in the face of the _parietal +tutor_.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1849. + +The members of the committee are called, in common parlance, +_Parietals_. + +Four rash and inconsiderate proctors, two tutors, and five +_parietals_, each with a mug and pail in his hand, in their great +haste to arrive at the scene of conflagration, ran over the Devil, +and knocked him down stairs.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 124. + + And at the loud laugh of thy gurgling throat, + The _pariètals_ would forget themselves. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 399 et passim. + + Did not thy starting eyeballs think to see + Some goblin _pariètal_ grin at thee? + _Ibid._, Vol. IV. p. 197. + +The deductions made by the Parietal Committee are also called +_Parietals_. + + How now, ye secret, dark, and tuneless chanters, + What is 't ye do? Beware the _pariètals_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 44. + +Reckon on the fingers of your mind the reprimands, deductions, +_parietals_, and privates in store for you.--_Orat. H.L. of I.O. +of O.F._, 1848. + +The accent of this word is on the antepenult; by _poetic license_, +in four of the passages above quoted, it is placed on the penult. + + +PART. A literary appointment assigned to a student to be kept at +an Exhibition or Commencement. In Harvard College as soon as the +parts for an Exhibition or Commencement are assigned, the subjects +and the names of the performers are given to some member of one of +the higher classes, who proceeds to read them to the students from +a window of one of the buildings, after proposing the usual "three +cheers" for each of the classes, designating them by the years in +which they are to graduate. As the name of each person who has a +part assigned him is read, the students respond with cheers. This +over, the classes are again cheered, the reader of the parts is +applauded, and the crowd disperses except when the mock parts are +read, or the officers of the Navy Club resign their trusts. + +Referring to the proceedings consequent upon the announcement of +appointments, Professor Sidney Willard, in his late work, entitled +"Memories of Youth and Manhood," says of Harvard College: "The +distribution of parts to be performed at public exhibitions by the +students was, particularly for the Commencement exhibition, more +than fifty years ago, as it still is, one of the most exciting +events of College life among those immediately interested, in +which parents and near friends also deeply sympathized with them. +These parts were communicated to the individuals appointed to +perform them by the President, who gave to them, severally, a +paper with the name of the person and of the part assigned, and +the subject to be written upon. But they were not then, as in +recent times, after being thus communicated by the President, +proclaimed by a voluntary herald of stentorian lungs, mounted on +the steps of one of the College halls, to the assembled crowd of +students. Curiosity, however, was all alive. Each one's part was +soon ascertained; the comparative merits of those who obtained the +prizes were discussed in groups; prompt judgments were pronounced, +that A had received a higher prize than he could rightfully claim, +and that B was cruelly wronged; that some were unjustly passed +over, and others raised above them through partiality. But at +whatever length their discussion might have been prolonged, they +would have found it difficult in solemn conclave to adjust the +distribution to their own satisfaction, while severally they +deemed themselves competent to measure the degree in the scale of +merit to which each was entitled."--Vol. I. pp. 328, 329. + +I took but little pains with these exercises myself, lest I should +appear to be anxious for "_parts_."--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, +1804, Vol. I. p. 154. + +Often, too, the qualifications for a _part_ ... are discussed in +the fireside circles so peculiar to college.--_Harv. Reg._, p. +378. + +The refusal of a student to perform the _part_ assigned him will +be regarded as a high offence.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, +p. 19. + +Young men within the College walls are incited to good conduct and +diligence, by the system of awarding _parts_, as they are called, +at the exhibitions which take place each year, and at the annual +Commencement.--_Eliot's Sketch of Hist. Harv. Coll._, pp. 114, +115. + +It is very common to speak of _getting parts_. + + Here + Are acres of orations, and so forth, + The glorious nonsense that enchants young hearts + With all the humdrumology of "_getting parts_." + _Our Chronicle of '26_, Boston, 1827, p. 28. + +See under MOCK-PART and NAVY CLUB. + + +PASS. At Oxford, permission to receive the degree of B.A. after +passing the necessary examinations. + +The good news of the _pass_ will be a set-off against the few +small debts.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 254. + + +PASS EXAMINATION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +examination which is required for the B.A. degree. Of these +examinations there are three during a student's undergraduateship. + +Even the examinations which are disparagingly known as "_pass_" +ones, the Previous, the Poll, and (since the new regulations) the +Junior Optime, require more than half marks on their +papers.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 319. + + +PASSMAN. At Oxford, one who merely passes his examination, and +obtains testimonials for a degree, but is not able to obtain any +honors or distinctions. Opposed to CLASSMAN, q.v. + +"Have the _passmen_ done their paper work yet?" asked Whitbread. +"However, the schools, I dare say, will not be open to the +classmen till Monday."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 309. + + +PATRON. At some of the Colleges in the United States, the patron +is appointed to take charge of the funds, and to regulate the +expenses, of students who reside at a distance. Formerly, students +who came within this provision were obliged to conform to the laws +in reference to the patron; it is now left optional. + + +P.D. An abbreviation of _Philosophiæ Doctor_, Doctor of +Philosophy. "In the German universities," says Brande, "the title +'Doctor Philosophiæ' has long been substituted for Baccalaureus +Artium or Literarium." + + +PEACH. To inform against; to communicate facts by way of +accusation. + +It being rather advisable to enter college before twelve, or to +stay out all night, bribing the bed-maker next morning not to +_peach_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 190. + + When, by a little spying, I can reach + The height of my ambition, I must _peach_. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +PEMBROKER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of +Pembroke College. + +The _Pembroker_ was booked to lead the Tripos.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 158. + + +PENE. Latin, _almost, nearly_. A candidate for admission to the +Freshman Class is called a _Pene_, that is, _almost_ a Freshman. + + +PENNILESS BENCH. Archdeacon Nares, in his Glossary, says of this +phrase: "A cant term for a state of poverty. There was a public +seat so called in Oxford; but I fancy it was rather named from the +common saying, than that derived from it." + + Bid him bear up, he shall not + Sit long on _penniless bench_. + _Mass. City Mad._, IV. 1. + +That everie stool he sate on was _pennilesse bench_, that his +robes were rags.--_Euphues and his Engl._, D. 3. + + +PENSIONER. French, _pensionnaire_, one who pays for his board. In +the University of Cambridge, Eng., and in that of Dublin, a +student of the second rank, who is not dependent on the foundation +for support, but pays for his board and other charges. Equivalent +to COMMONER at Oxford, or OPPIDANT of Eton school.--_Brande. Gent. +Mag._, 1795. + + +PERUVIAN. At the University of Vermont, a name by which the +students designate a lady; e.g., "There are two hundred +_Peruvians_ at the Seminary"; or, "The _Peruvians_ are in the +observatory." As illustrative of the use of this word, a +correspondent observes: "If John Smith has a particular regard for +any one of the Burlington ladies, and Tom Brown happens to meet +the said lady in his town peregrinations, when he returns to +College, if he meets John Smith, he (Tom) says to John, 'In yonder +village I espied a _Peruvian_'; by which John understands that Tom +has had the very great pleasure of meeting John's Dulcinea." + + +PETTY COMPOUNDER. At Oxford, one who pays more than ordinary fees +for his degree. + +"A _Petty Compounder_," says the Oxford University Calendar, "must +possess ecclesiastical income of the annual value of five +shillings, or property of any other description amounting in all +to the sum of five pounds, per annum."--Ed. 1832, p. 92. + + +PHEEZE, or FEEZE. At the University of Vermont, to pledge. If a +student is pledged to join any secret society, he is said to be +_pheezed_ or _feezed_. + + +PHI BETA KAPPA. The fraternity of the [Greek: Phi Beta Kappa] "was +imported," says Allyn in his Ritual, "into this country from +France, in the year 1776; and, as it is said, by Thomas Jefferson, +late President of the United States." It was originally chartered +as a society in William and Mary College, in Virginia, and was +organized at Yale College, Nov. 13th, 1780. By virtue of a charter +formally executed by the president, officers, and members of the +original society, it was established soon after at Harvard +College, through the influence of Mr. Elisha Parmele, a graduate +of the year 1778. The first meeting in Cambridge was held Sept. +5th, 1781. The original Alpha of Virginia is now extinct. + +"Its objects," says Mr. Quincy, in his History of Harvard +University, "were the 'promotion of literature and friendly +intercourse among scholars'; and its name and motto indicate, that +'philosophy, including therein religion as well as ethics, is +worthy of cultivation as the guide of life.' This society took an +early and a deep root in the University; its exercises became +public, and admittance into it an object of ambition; but the +'discrimination' which its selection of members made among +students, became an early subject of question and discontent. In +October, 1789, a committee of the Overseers, of which John Hancock +was chairman, reported to that board, 'that there is an +institution in the University, with the nature of which the +government is not acquainted, which tends to make a discrimination +among the students'; and submitted to the board 'the propriety of +inquiring into its nature and designs.' The subject occasioned +considerable debate, and a petition, of the nature of a complaint +against the society, by a number of the members of the Senior +Class, having been presented, its consideration was postponed, and +it was committed; but it does not appear from the records, that +any further notice was taken of the petition. The influence of the +society was upon the whole deemed salutary, since literary merit +was assumed as the principle on which its members were selected; +and, so far, its influence harmonized with the honorable motives +to exertion which have ever been held out to the students by the +laws and usages of the College. In process of time, its catalogue +included almost every member of the Immediate Government, and +fairness in the selection of members has been in a great degree +secured by the practice it has adopted, of ascertaining those in +every class who stand the highest, in point of conduct and +scholarship, according to the estimates of the Faculty of the +College, and of generally regarding those estimates. Having +gradually increased in numbers, popularity, and importance, the +day after Commencement was adopted for its annual celebration. +These occasions have uniformly attracted a highly intelligent and +cultivated audience, having been marked by a display of learning +and eloquence, and having enriched the literature of the country +with some of its brightest gems."--Vol. II. p. 398. + +The immediate members of the society at Cambridge were formerly +accustomed to hold semi-monthly meetings, the exercises of which +were such as are usual in literary associations. At present, +meetings are seldom held except for the purpose of electing +members. Affiliated societies have been established at Dartmouth, +Union, and Bowdoin Colleges, at Brown and the Wesleyan +Universities, at the Western Reserve College, at the University of +Vermont, and at Amherst College, and they number among their +members many of the most distinguished men in our country. The +letters which constitute the name of the society are the initials +of its motto, [Greek: Philosophia, Biou Kubernaetaes], Philosophy, +the Guide of Life. + +A further account of this society may be found in Allyn's Ritual +of Freemasonry, ed. 1831, pp. 296-302. + + +PHILISTINE. In Germany this name, or what corresponds to it in +that country, _Philister_, is given by the students to tradesmen +and others not belonging to the university. + + Und hat der Bursch kein Geld im Beutel, + So pumpt er die Philister an. + + And has the Bursch his cash expended? + To sponge the _Philistine's_ his plan. + _The Crambambuli Song_. + +Mr. Halliwell, in his Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, +says of this word, "a cant term applied to bailiffs, sheriffs' +officers, and drunkards." The idea of narrowmindedness, a +contracted mode of thinking, and meanness, is usually connected +with it, and in some colleges in the United States the name has +been given to those whose characters correspond with this +description. + +See SNOB. + + +PHRASING. Reciting by, or giving the words or phraseology of the +book, without understanding their meaning. + +Never should you allow yourself to think of going into the +recitation-room, and there trust to "skinning it," as it is called +in some colleges, or "_phrasing_," as in others.--_Todd's Students +Manual_, p. 115. + + +PIECE. "Be it known, at Cambridge the various Commons and other +places open for the gymnastic games, and the like public +amusements, are usually denominated _Pieces_."--_Alma Mater_, +London, 1827, Vol. II. p. 49. + + +PIETAS ET GRATULATIO. On the death of George the Second, and +accession of George the Third, Mr. Bernard, Governor of +Massachusetts, suggested to Harvard College "the expediency of +expressing sympathy and congratulation on these events, in +conformity with the practice of the English universities." +Accordingly, on Saturday, March 14, 1761, there was placed in the +Chapel of Harvard College the following "Proposal for a +Celebration of the Death of the late King, and the Accession of +his present Majesty, by members of Harvard College." + +"Six guineas are given for a prize of a guinea each to the Author +of the best composition of the following several kinds:--1. A +Latin Oration. 2. A Latin Poem, in hexameters. 3. A Latin Elegy, +in hexameters and pentameters. 4 A Latin Ode. 5. An English Poem, +in long verse. 6. An English Ode. + +"Other Compositions, besides those that obtain the prizes, that +are most deserving, will be taken particular notice of. + +"The candidates are to be, all, Gentlemen who are now members of +said College, or have taken a degree within seven years. + +"Any Candidate may deliver two or more compositions of different +kinds, but not more than one of the same kind. + +"That Gentlemen may be more encouraged to try their talents upon +this occasion, it is proposed that the names of the Candidates +shall be kept secret, except those who shall be adjudged to +deserve the prizes, or to have particular notice taken of their +Compositions, and even these shall be kept secret if desired. + +"For this purpose, each Candidate is desired to send his +Composition to the President, on or before the first day of July +next, subscribed at the bottom with, a feigned name or motto, and, +in a distinct paper, to write his own name and seal it up, writing +the feigned name or motto on the outside. None of the sealed +papers containing the real names will be opened, except those that +are adjudged to obtain the prizes or to deserve particular notice; +the rest will be burned sealed." + +This proposal resulted in a work entitled, "Pietas et Gratulatio +Collegii Cantabrigiensis apud Novanglos." In January, 1762, the +Corporation passed a vote, "that the collections in prose and +verse in several languages composed by some of the members of the +College, on the motion of his Excellency our Governor, Francis +Bernard, Esq., on occasion of the death of his late Majesty, and +the accession of his present Majesty, be printed; and that his +Excellency be desired to send, if he shall judge it proper, a copy +of the same to Great Britain, to be presented to his Majesty, in +the name of the Corporation." + +Quincy thus speaks of the collection:--"Governor Bernard not only +suggested the work, but contributed to it. Five of the thirty-one +compositions, of which it consists, were from his pen. The Address +to the King is stated to have been written by him, or by +Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson. Its style and turn of thought +indicate the politician rather than the student, and savor of the +senate-chamber more than of the academy. The classical and poetic +merits of the work bear a fair comparison with those of European +universities on similar occasions, allowance being made for the +difference in the state of science and literature in the +respective countries; and it is the most creditable specimen +extant of the art of printing, at that period, in the Colonies. +The work is respectfully noticed by the 'Critical' and 'Monthly' +Reviews, and an Ode of the President is pronounced by both to be +written in a style truly Horatian. In the address prefixed, the +hope is expressed, that, as 'English colleges have had kings for +their nursing fathers, and queens for their nursing mothers, this +of North America might experience the royal munificence, and look +up to the throne for favor and patronage.' In May, 1763, letters +were received from Jasper Mauduit, agent of the Province, +mentioning 'the presentation to his Majesty of the book of verses +from the College,' but the records give no indication of the +manner in which it was received. The thoughts of George the Third +were occupied, not with patronizing learning in the Colonies, but +with deriving revenue from them, and Harvard College was indebted +to him for no act of acknowledgment or munificence."--_Quincy's +Hist. of Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 103-105. + +The Charleston Courier, in an article entitled "Literary +Sparring," says of this production:--"When, as late as 1761, +Harvard University sent forth, in Greek, Latin, and English, its +congratulations on the accession of George the Third to the +throne, it was called, in England, a curiosity."--_Buckingham's +Miscellanies from the Public Journals_, Vol. I. p. 103. + +Mr. Kendall, an English traveller, who visited Cambridge in the +year 1807-8, notices this work as follows:--"In the year 1761, on +the death of George the Second and the accession of his present +Majesty, Harvard College, or, as on this occasion it styles +itself, Cambridge College, produced a volume of tributary verses, +in English, Latin, and Greek, entitled, Pietas et Gratulatio +Collegii Cantabrigiensis apud Novanglos; and this collection, the +first received, and, as it has since appeared, the last to be +received, from this seminary, by an English king, was cordially +welcomed by the critical journals of the time."--_Kendall's +Travels_, Vol. III. p. 12. + +For further remarks, consult the Monthly Review, Vol. XXIX. p. 22; +Critical Review, Vol. X. p. 284; and the Monthly Anthology, Vol. +VI. pp. 422-427; Vol. VII. p. 67. + + +PILL. In English Cantab parlance, twaddle, platitude.--_Bristed_. + + +PIMP. To do little, mean actions for the purpose of gaining favor +with a superior, as, in college, with an instructor. The verb with +this meaning is derived from the adjective _pimping_, which +signifies _little, petty_. + + Did I not promise those who fished + And _pimped_ most, any part they wished. + _The Rebelliad_, p. 33. + + +PISCATORIAN. From the Latin _piscator_, a fisherman. One who seeks +or gains favor with a teacher by being officious toward him. + +This word was much used at Harvard College in the year 1822, and +for a few years after; it is now very seldom heard. + +See under FISH. + + +PIT. In the University of Cambridge, the place in St. Mary's +Church reserved for the accommodation of Masters of Arts and +Fellow-Commoners is jocularly styled the _pit_.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +PLACE. In the older American colleges, the situation of a student +in the class of which he was a member was formerly decided, in a +measure, by the rank and circumstances of his family; this was +called _placing_. The Hon. Paine Wingate, who graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1759, says, in one of his letters to Mr. +Peirce:-- + +"You inquire of me whether any regard was paid to a student on +account of the rank of his parent, otherwise than his being +arranged or _placed_ in the order of his class? + +"The right of precedence on every occasion is an object of +importance in the state of society. And there is scarce anything +which more sensibly affects the feelings of ambition than the rank +which a man is allowed to hold. This excitement was generally +called up whenever a class in college was _placed_. The parents +were not wholly free from influence; but the scholars were often +enraged beyond bounds for their disappointment in their _place_, +and it was some time before a class could be settled down to an +acquiescence in their allotment. The highest and the lowest in the +class was often ascertained more easily (though not without some +difficulty) than the intermediate members of the class, where +there was room for uncertainty whose claim was best, and where +partiality, no doubt, was sometimes indulged. But I must add, +that, although the honor of a _place_ in the class was chiefly +ideal, yet there were some substantial advantages. The higher part +of the class had generally the most influential friends, and they +commonly had the best chambers in College assigned to them. They +had also a right to help themselves first at table in Commons, and +I believe generally, wherever there was occasional precedence +allowed, it was very freely yielded to the higher of the class by +those who were below. + +"The Freshman Class was, in my day at college, usually _placed_ +(as it was termed) within six or nine months after their +admission. The official notice of this was given by having their +names written in a large German text, in a handsome style, and +placed in a conspicuous part of the College _Buttery_, where the +names of the four classes of undergraduates were kept suspended +until they left College. If a scholar was expelled, his name was +taken from its place; or if he was degraded (which was considered +the next highest punishment to expulsion), it was moved +accordingly. As soon as the Freshmen were apprised of their +places, each one took his station according to the new arrangement +at recitation, and at Commons, and in the Chapel, and on all other +occasions. And this arrangement was never afterward altered, +either in College or in the Catalogue, however the rank of their +parents might be varied. Considering how much dissatisfaction was +often excited by placing the classes (and I believe all other +colleges had laid aside the practice), I think that it was a +judicious expedient in Harvard to conform to the custom of putting +the names in _alphabetical_ order, and they have accordingly so +remained since the year 1772."--_Peirce's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, +pp. 308-811. + +In his "Annals of Yale College," Ebenezer Baldwin observes on the +subject: "Doctor Dwight, soon after his election to the Presidency +[1795], effected various important alterations in the collegiate +laws. The statutes of the institution had been chiefly adopted +from those of European universities, where the footsteps of +monarchical regulation were discerned even in the walks of +science. So difficult was it to divest the minds of wise men of +the influence of venerable follies, that the printed catalogues of +students, until the year 1768, were arranged according to +respectability of parentage."--p. 147. + +See DEGRADATION. + + +PLACET. Latin; literally, _it is pleasing_. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., the term in which an _affirmative_ vote is given +in the Senate-House. + + +PLUCK. In the English universities, a refusal of testimonials for +a degree. + +The origin of this word is thus stated in the Collegian's Guide: +"At the time of conferring a degree, just as the name of each man +to be presented to the Vice-Chancellor is read out, a proctor +walks once up and down, to give any person who can object to the +degree an opportunity of signifying his dissent, which is done by +plucking or pulling the proctor's gown. Hence another and more +common mode of stopping a degree, by refusing the testamur, or +certificate of proficiency, is also called plucking."--p. 203. + +On the same word, the author in another place remarks as follows: +"As long back as my memory will carry me, down to the present day, +there has been scarcely a monosyllable in our language which +seemed to convey so stinging a reproach, or to let a man down in +the general estimation half as much, as this one word PLUCK."--p. +288. + + +PLUCKED. A cant term at the English universities, applied to those +who, for want of scholarship, are refused their testimonials for a +degree.--_Oxford Guide_. + +Who had at length scrambled through the pales and discipline of +the Senate-House without being _plucked_, and miraculously +obtained the title of A.B.--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + +O what a misery is it to be _plucked_! Not long since, an +undergraduate was driven mad by it, and committed suicide.--The +term itself is contemptible: it is associated with the meanest, +the most stupid and spiritless animals of creation. When we hear +of a man being _plucked_, we think he is necessarily a +goose.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 288. + + Poor Lentulus, twice _plucked_, some happy day + Just shuffles through, and dubs himself B.A. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +POKER. At Oxford, Eng., a cant name for a _bedel_. + +If the visitor see an unusual "state" walking about, in shape of +an individual preceded by a quantity of _pokers_, or, which is the +same thing, men, that is bedels, carrying maces, jocularly called +_pokers_, he may be sure that that individual is the +Vice-Chancellor. _Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xii. + + +POLE. At Princeton and Union Colleges, to study hard, e.g. to +_pole_ out the lesson. To _pole_ on a composition, to take pains +with it. + + +POLER. One who studies hard; a close student. As a boat is +impelled with _poles_, so is the student by _poling_, and it is +perhaps from this analogy that the word _poler_ is applied to a +diligent student. + + +POLING. Close application to study; diligent attention to the +specified pursuits of college. + +A writer defines poling, "wasting the midnight oil in company with +a wine-bottle, box of cigars, a 'deck of eucre,' and three kindred +spirits," thus leaving its real meaning to be deduced from its +opposite.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov., 1854. + + +POLL. Abbreviated from POLLOI. + +Several declared that they would go out in "the _Poll_" (among the +[Greek: polloi], those not candidates for honors).--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 62. + +At Cambridge, those candidates for a degree who do not aspire to +honors are said to go out in the _poll_; this being the +abbreviated term to denote those who were classically designated +[Greek: hoi polloi].--_The English Universities and their +Reforms_, in _Blackwood's Magazine_, Feb. 1849. + + +POLLOI. [Greek: Hoi Polloi], the many. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., those who take their degree without any honor. +After residing something more than three years at this University, +at the conclusion of the tenth term comes off the final +examination in the Senate-House. He who passes this examination in +the best manner is called Senior Wrangler. "Then follow about +twenty, all called Wranglers, arranged in the order of merit. Two +other ranks of honors are there,--Senior Optimes and Junior +Optimes, each containing about twenty. The last Junior Optime is +termed the Wooden Spoon. Then comes the list of the large +majority, called the _Hoy Polloi_, the first of whom is named the +_Captain of the Poll_, and the twelve last, the Apostles."--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 3. + +2. Used by students to denote the rabble. + + On Learning's sea, his hopes of safety buoy, + He sinks for ever lost among the [Greek: hoi polloi]. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 21. + + +PONS ASINORUM. Vide ASSES' BRIDGE. + + +PONY. A translation. So called, it may be, from the fleetness and +ease with which a skilful rider is enabled to pass over places +which to a common plodder present many obstacles. + +One writer jocosely defines this literary nag as "the animal that +ambulates so delightfully through all the pleasant paths of +knowledge, from whose back the student may look down on the weary +pedestrian, and 'thank his stars' that 'he who runs may +read.'"--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854 + +And stick to the law, Tom, without a _Pony_.--_Harv. Reg._, p. +194. + + And when leaving, leave behind us + _Ponies_ for a lower class; + _Ponies_, which perhaps another, + Toiling up the College hill, + A forlorn, a "younger brother," + "Riding," may rise higher still. + _Poem before the Y.H. Soc._, 1849, p. 12. + +Their lexicons, _ponies_, and text-books were strewed round their +lamps on the table.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. +30. + +In the way of "_pony_," or translation, to the Greek of Father +Griesbach, the New Testament was wonderfully convenient.--_New +England Magazine_, Vol. III. p. 208. + +The notes are just what notes should be; they are not a _pony_, +but a guide.--_Southern Lit. Mess._ + +Instead of plodding on foot along the dusty, well-worn McAdam of +learning, why will you take nigh cuts on _ponies_?--_Yale Lit. +Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 281. + +The "board" requests that all who present themselves will bring +along the _ponies_ they have used since their first entrance into +College.--_The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + The tutors with _ponies_ their lessons were learning. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + +We do think, that, with such a team of "_ponies_" and load of +commentators, his instruction might evince more accuracy.--_Yale +Tomahawk_, Feb. 1851. + + In knowledge's road ye are but asses, + While we on _ponies_ ride before. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 7. + + +PONY. To use a translation. + +We learn that they do not _pony_ their lessons.--_Yale Tomahawk_, +May, 1852. + + If you _pony_, he will see, + And before the Faculty + You will surely summoned be. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 23. + + +POPPING. At William and Mary College, getting the advantage over +another in argument is called _popping_ him. + + +POPULARITY. In the college _use_, favor of one's classmates, or of +the members of all the classes, generally. Nowhere is this term +employed so often, and with so much significance, as among +collegians. The first wish of the Freshman is to be popular, and +the desire does not leave him during all his college life. For +remarks on this subject, see the Literary Miscellany, Vol. II. p. +56; Amherst Indicator, Vol. II. p. 123, _et passim_. + + +PORTIONIST. One who has a certain academical allowance or portion. +--_Webster_. + +See POSTMASTER. + + +POSTED. Rejected in a college examination. Term used at the +University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + +Fifty marks will prevent one from being "_posted_" but there are +always two or three too stupid as well as idle to save their +"_Post_." These drones are _posted_ separately, as "not worthy to +be classed," and privately slanged afterwards by the Master and +Seniors. Should a man be _posted_ twice in succession, he is +generally recommended to try the air of some Small College, or +devote his energies to some other walk of life.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 74. + + +POSTMASTER. In Merton College, Oxford, the scholars who are +supported on the foundation are called Postmasters, or Portionists +(_Portionistæ_).--_Oxf. Guide_. + +The _postmasters_ anciently performed the duties of choristers, +and their payment for this duty was six shillings and fourpence +per annum.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 36. + + +POW-WOW. At Yale College on the evening of Presentation Day, the +Seniors being excused from further attendance at prayers, the +classes who remain change their seats in the chapel. It was +formerly customary for the Freshmen, on taking the Sophomore +seats, to signalize the event by appearing at chapel in grotesque +dresses. The impropriety of such conduct has abolished this +custom, but on the recurrence of the day, a uniformity is +sometimes observable in the paper collars or white neck-cloths of +the in-coming Sophomores, as they file in at vespers. During the +evening, the Freshmen are accustomed to assemble on the steps of +the State-House, and celebrate the occasion by speeches, a +torch-light procession, and the accompaniment of a band of music. + +The students are forbidden to occupy the State-House steps on the +evening of Presentation Day, since the Faculty design hereafter to +have a _Pow-wow_ there, as on the last.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, +Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 35. + + +PRÆSES. The Latin for President. + + "_Præses_" his "Oxford" doffs, and bows reply. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 36. + + Did not the _Præses_ himself most kindly and oft reprimand me? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + + --the good old _Præses_ cries, + While the tears stand in his eyes, + "You have passed and are classed + With the boys of 'Twenty-Nine.'" + _Knick. Mag._, Vol. XLV. p. 195. + + +PRAYERS. In colleges and universities, the religious exercises +performed in the chapel at morning and evening, at which all the +students are required to attend. + +These exercises in some institutions were formerly much more +extended than at present, and must on some occasions have been +very onerous. Mr. Quincy, in his History of Harvard University, +writing in relation to the customs which were prevalent in the +College at the beginning of the last century, says on this +subject: "Previous to the accession of Leverett to the Presidency, +the practice of obliging the undergraduates to read portions of +the Scripture from Latin or English into Greek, at morning and +evening service, had been discontinued. But in January and May, +1708, this 'ancient and laudable practice was revived' by the +Corporation. At morning prayers all the undergraduates were +ordered, beginning with the youngest, to read a verse out of the +Old Testament from the Hebrew into Greek, except the Freshmen, who +were permitted to use their English Bibles in this exercise; and +at evening service, to read from the New Testament out of the +English or Latin translation into Greek, whenever the President +performed this service in the Hall." In less than twenty years +after the revival of these exercises, they were again +discontinued. The following was then established as the order of +morning and evening worship: "The morning service began with a +short prayer; then a chapter of the Old Testament was read, which +the President expounded, and concluded with prayer. The evening +service was the same, except that the chapter read was from the +New Testament, and on Saturday a psalm was sung in the Hall. On +Sunday, exposition was omitted; a psalm was sung morning and +evening; and one of the scholars, in course, was called upon to +repeat, in the evening, the sermons preached on that day."--Vol. +I. pp. 439, 440. + +The custom of singing at prayers on Sunday evening continued for +many years. In a manuscript journal kept during the year 1793, +notices to the following effect frequently occur. "Feb. 24th, +Sunday. The singing club performed Man's Victory, at evening +prayers." "Sund. April 14th, P.M. At prayers the club performed +Brandon." "May 19th, Sabbath, P.M. At prayers the club performed +Holden's Descend ye nine, etc." Soon after this, prayers were +discontinued on Sunday evenings. + +The President was required to officiate at prayers, but when +unable to attend, the office devolved on one of the Tutors, "they +taking their turns by course weekly." Whenever they performed this +duty "for any considerable time," they were "suitably rewarded for +their service." In one instance, in 1794, all the officers being +absent, Mr., afterwards Prof. McKean, then an undergraduate, +performed the duties of chaplain. In the journal above referred +to, under date of Feb. 22, 1793, is this note: "At prayers, I +declaimed in Latin"; which would seem to show, that this season +was sometimes made the occasion for exercises of a literary as +well as religious character. + +In a late work by Professor Sidney Willard, he says of his father, +who was President of Harvard College: "In the early period of his +Presidency, Mr. Willard not unfrequently delivered a sermon at +evening prayers on Sunday. In the year 1794, I remember he +preached once or twice on that evening, but in the next year and +onward he discontinued the service. His predecessor used to +expound passages of Scripture as a part of the religious service. +These expositions are frequently spoken of in the diary of Mr. +Caleb Gannett when he was a Tutor. On Saturday evening and Sunday +morning and evening, generally the College choir sang a hymn or an +anthem. When these Sunday services were observed in the Chapel, +the Faculty and students worshipped on Lord's day, at the stated +hours of meeting, in the Congregational or the Episcopal Church." +--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. 137, 138. + +At Yale College, one of the earliest laws ordains that "all +undergraduates shall publicly repeat sermons in the hall in their +course, and also bachelors; and be constantly examined on Sabbaths +[at] evening prayer."--_Pres. Woolsey's Discourse_, p. 59. + +Prayers at this institution were at one period regulated by the +following rule. "The President, or in his Absence, one of the +Tutors in their Turn, shall constantly pray in the Chapel every +Morning and Evening, and read a Chapter, or some suitable Portion +of Scripture, unless a Sermon, or some Theological Discourse shall +then be delivered. And every Member of College is obliged to +attend, upon the Penalty of one Penny for every Instance of +Absence, without a sufficient Reason, and a half Penny for being +tardy, i.e. when any one shall come in after the President, or go +out before him."--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 5. + +A writer in the American Literary Magazine, in noticing some of +the evils connected with the American college system, describes +very truthfully, in the following question, a scene not at all +novel in student life. "But when the young man is compelled to +rise at an unusually early hour to attend public prayers, under +all kinds of disagreeable circumstances; when he rushes into the +chapel breathless, with wet feet, half dressed, and with the +prospect of a recitation immediately to succeed the devotions,--is +it not natural that he should be listless, or drowsy, or excited +about his recitation, during the whole sacred exercise?"--Vol. IV. +p. 517. + +This season formerly afforded an excellent opportunity, for those +who were so disposed, to play off practical jokes on the person +officiating. On one occasion, at one of our colleges, a goose was +tied to the desk by some of the students, intended as emblematic +of the person who was accustomed to occupy that place. But the +laugh was artfully turned upon them by the minister, who, seeing +the bird with his head directed to the audience, remarked, that he +perceived the young gentlemen were for once provided with a parson +admirably suited to their capacities, and with these words left +them to swallow his well-timed sarcasm. On another occasion, a ram +was placed in the pulpit, with his head turned to the door by +which the minister usually entered. On opening the door, the +animal, diving between the legs of the fat shepherd, bolted down +the pulpit stairs, carrying on his back the sacred load, and with +it rushed out of the chapel, leaving the assemblage to indulge in +the reflections excited by the expressive looks of the astonished +beast, and of his more astonished rider. + +The Bible was often kept covered, when not in use, with a cloth. +It was formerly a very common trick to place under this cloth a +pewter plate obtained from the commons hall, which the minister, +on uncovering, would, if he were a shrewd man, quietly slide under +the desk, and proceed as usual with the exercises. + +At Harvard College, about the year 1785, two Indian images were +missing from their accustomed place on the top of the gate-posts +which stood in front of the dwelling of a gentleman of Cambridge. +At the same time the Bible was taken from the Chapel, and another, +which was purchased to supply its place, soon followed it, no one +knew where. One day, as a tutor was passing by the room of a +student, hearing within an uncommonly loud noise, he entered, as +was his right and office. There stood the occupant,[59] holding in +his hands one of the Chapel Bibles, while before him on the table +were placed the images, to which he appeared to be reading, but in +reality was vociferating all kinds of senseless gibberish. "What +is the meaning of this noise?" inquired the tutor in great anger. +"Propagating the _Gospel_ among the _Indians_, Sir," replied the +student calmly. + +While Professor Ashur Ware was a tutor in Harvard College, he in +his turn, when the President was absent, officiated at prayers. +Inclined to be longer in his devotions than was thought necessary +by the students, they were often on such occasions seized with +violent fits of sneezing, which generally made themselves audible +in the word "A-a-shur," "A-a-shur." + +The following lines, written by William C. Bradley when an +undergraduate at Harvard College, cannot fail to be appreciated by +those who have been cognizant of similar scenes and sentiments in +their own experience of student life. + + "Hark! the morning Bell is pealing + Faintly on the drowsy ear, + Far abroad the tidings dealing, + Now the hour of prayer is near. + To the pious Sons of Harvard, + Starting from the land of Nod, + Loudly comes the rousing summons, + Let us run and worship God. + + "'T is the hour for deep contrition, + 'T is the hour for peaceful thought, + 'T is the hour to win the blessing + In the early stillness sought; + Kneeling in the quiet chamber, + On the deck, or on the sod, + In the still and early morning, + 'T is the hour to worship God. + + "But don't _you_ stop to pray in secret, + No time for _you_ to worship there, + The hour approaches, 'Tempus fugit,' + Tear your shirt or miss a prayer. + Don't stop to wash, don't stop to button, + Go the ways your fathers trod; + Leg it, put it, rush it, streak it, + _Run_ and worship God. + + "On the staircase, stamping, tramping, + Bounding, sounding, down you go; + Jumping, bumping, crashing, smashing, + Jarring, bruising, heel and toe. + See your comrades far before you + Through the open door-way jam, + Heaven and earth! the bell is stopping! + Now it dies in silence--d**n!" + + +PRELECTION. Latin, _prælectio_. A lecture or discourse read in +public or to a select company. + +Further explained by Dr. Popkin: "In the introductory schools, I +think, _Prelections_ were given by the teachers to the learners. +According to the meaning of the word, the Preceptor went before, +as I suppose, and explained and probably interpreted the lesson or +lection; and the scholar was required to receive it in memory, or +in notes, and in due time to render it in recitation."--_Memorial +of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. 19. + + +PRELECTOR. Latin, _prælector_. One who reads an author to others +and adds explanations; a reader; a lecturer. + +Their so famous a _prelectour_ doth teach.--_Sheldon, Mir. of +Anti-Christ_, p. 38. + +If his reproof be private, or with the cathedrated authority of a +_prælector_ or public reader.--_Whitlock, Mann. of the English_, +p. 385. + +2. Same as FATHER, which see. + + +PREPOSITOR. Latin. A scholar appointed by the master to overlook +the rest. + +And when requested for the salt-cellar, I handed it with as much +trepidation as a _præposter_ gives the Doctor a list, when he is +conscious of a mistake in the excuses.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +281. + + +PRESENTATION DAY. At Yale College, Presentation Day is the time +when the Senior Class, having finished the prescribed course of +study, and passed a satisfactory examination, are _presented_ by +the examiners to the President, as properly qualified to be +admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. A distinguished +professor of the institution where this day is observed has kindly +furnished the following interesting historical account of this +observance. + +"This presentation," he writes, "is a ceremony of long standing. +It has certainly existed for more than a century. It is very early +alluded to, not as a _novelty_, but as an established custom. +There is now less formality on such occasions, but the substantial +parts of the exercises are retained. The examination is now begun +on Saturday and finished on Tuesday, and the day after, Wednesday, +six weeks before the public Commencement, is the day of +Presentation. There have sometimes been literary exercises on that +day by one or more of the candidates, and sometimes they have been +omitted. I have in my possession a Latin Oration, what, I suppose, +was called a _Cliosophic Oration_, pronounced by William Samuel +Johnson in 1744, at the presentation of his class. Sometimes a +member of the class exhibited an English Oration, which was +responded to by some one of the College Faculty, generally by one +who had been the principal instructor of the class presented. A +case of this kind occurred in 1776, when Mr., afterwards President +Dwight, responded to the class orator in an address, which, being +delivered the same July in which Independence was declared, drew, +from its patriotic allusions, as well as for other reasons, +unusual attention. It was published,--a rare thing at that period. +Another response was delivered in 1796, by J. Stebbins, Tutor, +which was likewise published. There has been no exhibition of the +kind since. For a few years past, there have been an oration and a +poem exhibited by members of the graduating class, at the time of +presentation. The appointments for these exercises are made by the +class. + +"So much of an exhibition as there was at the presentation in 1778 +has not been usual. More was then done, probably, from the fact, +that for several years, during the Revolutionary war, there was no +public Commencement. Perhaps it should be added, that, so far back +as my information extends, after the literary exercises of +Presentation Day, there has always been a dinner, or collation, at +which the College Faculty, graduates, invited guests, and the +Senior Class have been present." + +A graduate of the present year[60] writes more particularly in +relation to the observances of the day at the present time. "In +the morning the Senior Class are met in one of the lecture-rooms +by the chairman of the Faculty and the senior Tutor. The latter +reads the names of those who have passed a satisfactory +examination, and are to be recommended for degrees. The Class then +adjourn to the College Chapel, where the President and some of the +Professors are waiting to receive them. The senior Tutor reads the +names as before, after which Professor Kingsley recommends the +Class to the President and Faculty for the degree of B.A., in a +Latin discourse. The President then responds in the same tongue, +and addresses a few words of counsel to the Class. + +"These exercises are followed by the Poem and Oration, delivered +by members of the Class chosen for these offices by the Class. +Then comes the dinner, given in one of the lecture-rooms. After +this the Class meet in the College yard, and spend the afternoon +in smoking (the old clay pipe is used, but no cigars) and singing. +Thus ends the active life of our college days." + +"Presentation Day," says the writer of the preface to the "Songs +of Yale," "is the sixth Wednesday of the Summer Term, when the +graduating Class, after having passed their second 'Biennial,' are +presented to the President as qualified for the first degree, or +the B.A. After this 'presentation,' a farewell oration and poem +are pronounced by members of the Class, previously elected by +their classmates for the purpose. After a public dinner, they seat +themselves under the elms before the College, and smoke and sing +for the last time together. Each has his pipe, and 'they who +never' smoked 'before' now smoke, or seem to. The exercises are +closed with a procession about the buildings, bidding each +farewell." 1853, p. 4. + +This last smoke is referred to in the following lines:-- + + "Green elms are waving o'er us, + Green grass beneath our feet, + The ring is round, and on the ground + We sit a class complete." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + "It is a very jolly thing, + Our sitting down in this great ring, + To smoke our pipes and loudly sing."--_Ibid._ + +Pleasant reference is had to some of the more modern features of +Presentation Day, in the annexed extract from the "Yale Literary +Magazine":-- + +"There is one spot where the elms stretch their long arms, not 'in +quest of thought,' but as though they would afford their friendly +shade to make pleasant the last scene of the academic life. Seated +in a circle in this place, which has been so often trampled by the +'stag-dance' of preceding classes, and made hallowed by +associations which will cling around such places, are the present +graduates. They have met together for the last time as a body, for +they will not all be present at the closing ceremony of +Commencement, nor all answer to the muster in the future Class +reunions. It is hard to tell whether such a ceremony should be sad +or joyous, for, despite the boisterous merriment and exuberance +which arises from the prospect of freedom, there is something +tender in the thought of meeting for the last time, to break +strong ties, and lose individuality as a Class for ever. + +"In the centre of the circle are the Class band, with horns, +flutes, and violins, braying, piping, or saw-filing, at the option +of the owners,--toot,--toot,--bum,--bang,--boo-o-o,--in a most +melodious discord. Songs are distributed, pipes filled, and the +smoke cloud rises, trembles as the chorus of a hundred voices +rings out in a merry cadence, and then, breaking, soars off,--a +fit emblem of the separation of those at whose parting it received +its birth. + +"'Braxton on the history of the Class!' + +"'The Class history!--Braxton!--Braxton!' + +"'In a moment, gentlemen,'--and our hero mounts upon a cask, and +proceeds to give in burlesque a description of Class exploits and +the wonderful success of its _early_ graduates. Speeches follow, +and the joke, and song, till the lengthening shadows bring a +warning, and a preparation for the final ceremony. The ring is +spread out, the last pipes smoked in College laid down, and the +'stag-dance,' with its rush, and their destruction ended. Again +the ring forms, and each classmate moves around it to grasp each +hand for the last time, and exchange a parting blessing. + +"The band strike up, and the long procession march around the +College, plant their ivy, and return to cheer the +buildings."--Vol. XX. p. 228. + +The following song was written by Francis Miles Finch of the class +of 1849, for the Presentation Day of that year. + + "Gather ye smiles from the ocean isles, + Warm hearts from river and fountain, + A playful chime from the palm-tree clime, + From the land of rock and mountain: + And roll the song in waves along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And grand and hale are the elms of Yale, + Like fathers, bending o'er us. + + "Summon our band from the prairie land, + From the granite hills, dark frowning, + From the lakelet blue, and the black bayou, + From the snows our pine peaks crowning; + And pour the song in joy along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And grand and hale are the towers of Yale, + Like giants, watching o'er us. + + "Count not the tears of the long-gone years, + With their moments of pain and sorrow, + But laugh in the light of their memories bright, + And treasure them all for the morrow; + Then roll the song in waves along, + While the hours are bright before us, + And high and hale are the spires of Yale, + Like guardians, towering o'er us. + + "Dream of the days when the rainbow rays + Of Hope on our hearts fell lightly, + And each fair hour some cheerful flower + In our pathway blossomed brightly; + And pour the song in joy along, + Ere the moments fly before us, + While portly and hale the sires of Yale + Are kindly gazing o'er us. + + "Linger again in memory's glen, + 'Mid the tendrilled vines of feeling, + Till a voice or a sigh floats softly by, + Once more to the glad heart stealing; + And roll the song on waves along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And in cottage and vale are the brides of Yale, + Like angels, watching o'er us. + + "Clasp ye the hand 'neath the arches grand + That with garlands span our greeting, + With a silent prayer that an hour as fair + May smile on each after meeting; + And long may the song, the joyous song, + Roll on in the hours before us, + And grand and hale may the elms of Yale, + For many a year, bend o'er us." + +In the Appendix to President Woolsey's Historical Discourse +delivered before the Graduates of Yale College, is the following +account of Presentation Day, in 1778. + +"The Professor of Divinity, two ministers of the town, and another +minister, having accompanied me to the Library about 1, P.M., the +middle Tutor waited upon me there, and informed me that the +examination was finished, and they were ready for the +presentation. I gave leave, being seated in the Library between +the above ministers. Hereupon the examiners, preceded by the +Professor of Mathematics, entered the Library, and introduced +thirty candidates, a beautiful sight! The Diploma Examinatorium, +with the return and minutes inscribed upon it, was delivered to +the President, who gave it to the Vice-Bedellus, directing him to +read it. He read it and returned it to the President, to be +deposited among the College archives _in perpetuam rei memoriam_. +The senior Tutor thereupon made a very eloquent Latin speech, and +presented the candidates for the honors of the College. This +presentation the President in a Latin speech accepted, and +addressed the gentlemen examiners and the candidates, and gave the +latter liberty to return home till Commencement. Then dismissed. + +"At about 3, P.M., the afternoon exercises were appointed to +begin. At 3-1/2, the bell tolled, and the assembly convened in the +chapel, ladies and gentlemen. The President introduced the +exercises in a Latin speech, and then delivered the Diploma +Examinatorium to the Vice-Bedellus, who, standing on the pulpit +stairs, read it publicly. Then succeeded,-- + + Cliosophic Oration in Latin, by Sir Meigs. + Poetical Composition in English, by Sir Barlow. + Dialogue, English, by Sir Miller, Sir Chaplin, Sir Ely. + Cliosophic Oration, English, by Sir Webster. + Disputation, English, by Sir Wolcott, Sir Swift, Sir Smith. + Valedictory Oration, English, by Sir Tracy. + An Anthem. Exercises two hours."--p. 121. + + +PRESIDENT. In the United States, the chief officer of a college or +university. His duties are, to preside at the meetings of the +Faculty, at Exhibitions and Commencements, to sign the diplomas or +letters of degree, to carry on the official correspondence, to +address counsel and instruction to the students, and to exercise a +general superintendence in the affairs of the college over which +he presides. + +At Harvard College it was formerly the duty of the President "to +inspect the manners of the students, and unto his morning and +evening prayers to join some exposition of the chapters which they +read from Hebrew into Greek, from the Old Testament, in the +morning, and out of English into Greek, from the New Testament, in +the evening." At the same College, in the early part of the last +century, Mr. Wadsworth, the President, states, "that he expounded +the Scriptures, once eleven, and sometimes eight or nine times in +the course of a week."--_Harv. Reg._, p. 249, and _Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 440. + +Similar duties were formerly required of the President at other +American colleges. In some, at the present day, he performs the +duties of a professor in connection with those of his own office, +and presides at the daily religious exercises in the Chapel. + +The title of President is given to the chief officer in some of +the colleges of the English universities. + + +PRESIDENT'S CHAIR. At Harvard College, there is in the Library an +antique chair, venerable by age and association, which is used +only on Commencement Day, when it is occupied by the President +while engaged in delivering the diplomas for degrees. "Vague +report," says Quincy, "represents it to have been brought to the +College during the presidency of Holyoke, as the gift of the Rev. +Ebenezer Turell of Medford (the author of the Life of Dr. Colman). +Turell was connected by marriage with the Mathers, by some of whom +it is said to have been brought from England." Holyoke was +President from 1737 to 1769. The round knobs on the chair were +turned by President Holyoke, and attached to it by his own hands. +In the picture of this honored gentleman, belonging to the +College, he is painted in the old chair, which seems peculiarly +adapted by its strength to support the weight which fills it. + +Before the erection of Gore Hall, the present library building, +the books of the College were kept in Harvard Hall. In the same +building, also, was the Philosophy Chamber, where the chair +usually stood for the inspection of the curious. Over this domain, +from the year 1793 to 1800, presided Mr. Samuel Shapleigh, the +Librarian. He was a dapper little bachelor, very active and +remarkably attentive to the ladies who visited the Library, +especially the younger portion of them. When ushered into the room +where stood the old chair, he would watch them with eager eyes, +and, as soon as one, prompted by a desire of being able to say, "I +have sat in the President's Chair," took this seat, rubbing his +hands together, he would exclaim, in great glee, "A forfeit! a +forfeit!" and demand from the fair occupant a kiss, a fee which, +whether refused or not, he very seldom failed to obtain.[61] + +This custom, which seems now-a-days to be going out of fashion, is +mentioned by Mr. William Biglow, in a poem before the Phi Beta +Kappa Society, recited in their dining-hall, August 29, 1811. +Speaking of Commencement Day and its observances, he says:-- + + "Now young gallants allure their favorite fair + To take a seat in Presidential chair; + Then seize the long-accustomed fee, the bliss + Of the half ravished, half free-granted kiss." + +The editor of Mr. Peirce's History of Harvard University publishes +the following curious extracts from Horace Walpole's Private +Correspondence, giving a description of some antique chairs found +in England, exactly of the same construction with the College +chair; a circumstance which corroborates the supposition that this +also was brought from England. + +HORACE WALPOLE TO GEORGE MONTAGU, ESQ. + +"_Strawberry Hill, August_ 20, 1761. + +"Dickey Bateman has picked up a whole cloister full of old chairs +in Herefordshire. He bought them one by one, here and there in +farm-houses, for three and sixpence and a crown apiece. They are +of wood, the seats triangular, the backs, arms, and legs loaded +with turnery. A thousand to one but there are plenty up and down +Cheshire, too. If Mr. and Mrs. Wetenhall, as they ride or drive +out, would now and then pick up such a chair, it would oblige me +greatly. Take notice, no two need be of the same +pattern."--_Private Correspondence of Horace Walpole, Earl of +Orford_, Vol. II. p. 279. + +HORACE WALPOLE TO THE REV. MR. COLE. + +"_Strawberry Hill, March_ 9, 1765. + +"When you go into Cheshire, and upon your ramble, may I trouble +you with a commission? but about which you must promise me not to +go a step out of your way. Mr. Bateman has got a cloister at old +Windsor furnished with ancient wooden chairs, most of them +triangular, but all of various patterns, and carved and turned in +the most uncouth and whimsical forms. He picked them up one by +one, for two, three, five, or six shillings apiece, from different +farm-houses in Herefordshire. I have long envied and coveted them. +There may be such in poor cottages in so neighboring a county as +Cheshire. I should not grudge any expense for purchase or +carriage, and should be glad even of a couple such for my cloister +here. When you are copying inscriptions in a churchyard in any +Village, think of me, and step into the first cottage you see, but +don't take further trouble than that."--_Ibid._, Vol. III. pp. 23, +24, from _Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 312. + +An engraving of the chair is to be found in President Quincy's +History of Harvard University, Vol. I. p. 288. + + +PREVARICATOR. A sort of an occasional orator; an academical phrase +in the University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Johnson_. + +He should not need have pursued me through the various shapes of a +divine, a doctor, a head of a college, a professor, a +_prevaricator_, a mathematician.--_Bp. Wren, Monarchy Asserted_, +Pref. + +It would have made you smile to hear the _prevaricator_, in his +jocular way, give him his title and character to face.--_A. +Philips, Life of Abp. Williams_, p. 34. + +See TERRÆ-FILIUS. + + +PREVIOUS EXAMINATION. In the English universities, the University +examination in the second year. + +Called also the LITTLE-GO. + +The only practical connection that the Undergraduate usually has +with the University, in its corporate capacity, consists in his +_previous examination_, _alias_ the "Little-Go," and his final +examination for a degree, with or without honors.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 10. + + +PREX. A cant term for President. + +After examination, I went to the old _Prex_, and was admitted. +_Prex_, by the way, is the same as President.--_The Dartmouth_, +Vol. IV. p. 117. + +But take a peep with us, dear reader, into that _sanctum +sanctorum_, that skull and bones of college mysteries, the +_Prex's_ room.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + +Good old _Prex_ used to get the students together and advise them +on keeping their faces clean, and blacking their boots, +&c.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. III. p. 228. + + +PRINCE'S STUFF. In the English universities, the fabric of which +the gowns of the undergraduates are usually made. + +[Their] every-day habit differs nothing as far as the gown is +concerned, it being _prince's stuff_, or other convenient +material.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xv. + +See COSTUME. + + +PRINCIPAL. At Oxford, the president of a college or hall is +sometimes styled the Principal.--_Oxf. Cal._ + + +PRIVAT DOCENT. In German universities, a _private teacher_. "The +so-called _Privat Docenten_," remarks Howitt, "are gentlemen who +devote themselves to an academical career, who have taken the +degree of Doctor, and through a public disputation have acquired +the right to deliver lectures on subjects connected with their +particular department of science. They receive no salary, but +depend upon the remuneration derived from their +classes."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 29. + + +PRIVATE. At Harvard College, one of the milder punishments is what +is called _private admonition_, by which a deduction of thirty-two +marks is made from the rank of the offender. So called in +contradistinction to _public admonition_, when a deduction is +made, and with it a letter is sent to the parent. Often +abbreviated into _private_. + +"Reckon on the fingers of your mind the reprimands, deductions, +parietals, and _privates_ in store for you."--_Oration before H.L. +of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + + What are parietals, parts, _privates_ now, + To the still calmness of that placid brow? + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + +PRIVATISSIMUM, _pl._ PRIVATISSIMI. Literally, _most private_. In +the German universities, an especially private lecture. + +To these _Privatissimi_, as they are called, or especially private +lectures, being once agreed upon, no other auditors can be +admitted.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 35. + + Then my _Privatissimum_--(I've been thinking on it + For a long time--and in fact begun it)-- + Will cost me 20 Rix-dollars more, + Please send with the ducats I mentioned before. + _The Jobsiad_, in _Lit. World_, Vol. IX. p. 281. + + The use of a _Privatissimum_ I can't conjecture, + When one is already ten hours at lecture. + _Ibid._, Vol. IX. p. 448. + + +PRIZEMAN. In universities and colleges, one who takes a prize. + + The Wrangler's glory in his well-earned fame, + The _prizeman's_ triumph, and the plucked man's shame. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, _May_, 1849. + + +PROBATION. In colleges and universities, the examination of a +student as to his qualifications for a degree. + +2. The time which a student passes in college from the period of +entering until he is matriculated and received as a member in full +standing. In American colleges, this is usually six months, but +can be prolonged at discretion.--_Coll. Laws_. + + +PROCEED. To take a degree. Mr. Halliwell, in his Dictionary of +Archaic and Provincial Words, says, "This term is still used at +the English universities." It is sometimes used in American +colleges. + +In 1605 he _proceeded_ Master of Arts, and became celebrated as a +wit and a poet.--_Poems of Bishop Corbet_, p. ix. + +They that expect to _proceed_ Bachelors that year, to be examined +of their sufficiency,... and such that expect to _proceed_ Masters +of Arts, to exhibit their synopsis of acts. + +They, that are approved sufficient for their degrees, shall +_proceed_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +The Overseers ... recommended to the Corporation "to take +effectual measures to prevent those who _proceeded_ Bachelors of +Arts, from having entertainments of any kind."--_Ibid._, Vol. II. +p. 93. + +When he _proceeded_ Bachelor of Arts, he was esteemed one of the +most perfect scholars that had ever received the honors of this +seminary.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 14. + +Masters may _proceed_ Bachelors in either of the Faculties, at the +end of seven years, &c.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 10. + +Of the surviving graduates, the oldest _proceeded_ Bachelor of +Arts the very Commencement at which Dr. Stiles was elected to the +Presidency.--_Woolsey's Discourse, Yale Coll._, Aug. 14, 1850, p. +38. + + +PROCTOR. Contracted from the Latin _procurator_, from _procuro_; +_pro_ and _curo_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., two proctors are annually +elected, who are peace-officers. It is their especial duty to +attend to the discipline and behavior of all persons _in statu +pupillari_, to search houses of ill-fame, and to take into custody +women of loose and abandoned character, and even those _de malo +suspectcæ_. Their other duties are not so menial in their +character, and are different in different universities.--_Cam. +Cal._ + +At Oxford, "the proctors act as university magistrates; they are +appointed from each college in rotation, and remain in office two +years. They nominate four pro-proctors to assist them. Their chief +duty, in which they are known to undergraduates, is to preserve +order, and keep the town free from improper characters. When they +go out in the evening, they are usually attended by two servants, +called by the gownsmen bull-dogs.... The marshal, a chief officer, +is usually in attendance on one of the proctors.... It is also the +proctor's duty to take care that the cap and gown are worn in the +University."--_The Collegian's Guide_, Oxford, pp. 176, 177. + +At Oxford, the proctors "jointly have, as has the Vice-Chancellor +singly, the power of interposing their _veto_ or _non placet_, +upon all questions in congregation and convocation, which puts a +stop at once to all further proceedings in the matter. These are +the 'censores morum' of the University, and their business is to +see that the undergraduate members, when no longer under the ken +of the head or tutors of their own college, behave seemly when +mixing with the townsmen and restrict themselves, as far as may +be, to lawful or constitutional and harmless amusements. Their +powers extend over a circumference of three miles round the walls +of the city. The proctors are easily recognized by their full +dress gown of velvet sleeves, and bands-encircled neck."--_Oxford +Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xiii. + +At Oxford, "the two proctors were formerly nearly equal in +importance to the Vice-Chancellor. Their powers, though +diminished, are still considerable, as they administer the police +of the University, appoint the Examiners, and have a joint veto on +all measures brought before Convocation."--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. +p. 223. + +The class of officers called Proctors was instituted at Harvard +College in the year 1805, their duty being "to reside constantly +and preserve order within the walls," to preserve order among the +students, to see that the laws of the College are enforced, "and +to exercise the same inspection and authority in their particular +district, and throughout College, which it is the duty of a +parietal Tutor to exercise therein."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. II. p. 292. + +I believe this is the only college in the United States where this +class of academical police officers is established. + + +PROF, PROFF. Abbreviated for _Professor_. + +The _Proff_ thought he knew too much to stay here, and so he went +his way, and I saw him no more.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 116. + + For _Proffs_ and Tutors too, + Who steer our big canoe, + Prepare their lays. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 144. + + +PROFESSOR. One that publicly teaches any science or branch of +learning; particularly, an officer in a university, college, or +other seminary, whose business is to read lectures or instruct +students in a particular branch of learning; as a _professor_ of +theology or mathematics.--_Webster_. + + +PROFESSORIATE. The office or employment of a professor. + +It is desirable to restore the _professoriate_.--_Lit. World_, +Vol. XII. p. 246. + + +PROFESSOR OF DUST AND ASHES. A title sometimes jocosely given by +students to the person who has the care of their rooms. + +Was interrupted a moment just now, by the entrance of Mr. C------, +the gentleman who makes the beds, sweeps, takes up the ashes, and +supports the dignity of the title, "_Professor of Dust and +Ashes_."--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 77. + +The South College _Prof. of Dust and Ashes_ has a huge bill +against the Society.--_Yale Tomahawk_, Feb. 1851. + + +PROFICIENT. The degree of Proficient is conferred in the +University of Virginia, in a certificate of proficiency, on those +who have studied only in certain branches taught in some of the +schools connected with that institution. + + +PRO MERITIS. Latin; literally, _for his merits_. A phrase +customarily used in American collegiate diplomas. + + Then, every crime atoned with ease, + _Pro meritis_, received degrees. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +PRO-PROCTOR. In the English universities, an officer appointed to +assist the proctors in that part of their duty only which relates +to the discipline and behavior of those persons who are _in statu +pupillari_.--_Cam. and Oxf. Cals._ + +More familiarly, these officers are called _pro's_. + +They [the proctors] are assisted in their duties by four +pro-proctors, each principal being allowed to nominate his two +"_pro's_."--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xiii. + +The _pro's_ have also a strip of velvet on each side of the +gown-front, and wear bands.--_Ibid._, p. xiii. + + +PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR. In the English universities a deputy +appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, who exercises his power in case +of his illness or necessary absence. + + +PROVOST. The President of a college. + +Dr. Jay, on his arrival in England, found there Dr. Smith, +_Provost_ of the College in Philadelphia, soliciting aid for that +institution.--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia Coll._, p. 36. + +At Columbia College, in 1811, an officer was appointed, styled +_Provost_, who, in absence of the President, was to supply his +place, and who, "besides exercising the like general +superintendence with the President," was to conduct the classical +studies of the Senior Class. The office of Provost continued until +1816, when the Trustees determined that its powers and duties +should devolve upon the President.--_Ibid._, p. 81. + +At Oxford, the chief officer of some of the colleges bears this +title. At Cambridge, it is appropriated solely to the President of +King's College. "On the choice of a Provost," says the author of a +History of the University of Cambridge, 1753, "the Fellows are all +shut into the ante-chapel, and out of which they are not permitted +to stir on any account, nor none permitted to enter, till they +have all agreed on their man; which agreement sometimes takes up +several days; and, if I remember right, they were three days and +nights confined in choosing the present Provost, and had their +beds, close-stools, &c. with them, and their commons, &c. given +them in at the windows."--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 85. + + +PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE. In Yale College, a committee to whom the +discretionary concerns of the College are intrusted. They order +such repairs of the College buildings as are necessary, audit the +accounts of the Treasurer and Steward, make the annual report of +the state of the College, superintend the investment of the +College funds, institute suits for the recovery and preservation +of the College property, and perform various other duties which +are enumerated in the laws of Yale College. + +At Middlebury College, similar powers are given to a body bearing +the same name.--_Laws Mid. Coll._, 1839, pp. 4, 5. + + +PUBLIC. At Harvard College, the punishment next higher in order to +a _private admonition_ is called a _public admonition_, and +consists in a deduction of sixty-four marks from the rank of the +offender, accompanied by a letter to the parent or guardian. It is +often called _a public_. + +See ADMONITION, and PRIVATE. + + +PUBLIC DAY. In the University of Virginia, the day on which "the +certificates and diplomas are awarded to the successful +candidates, the results of the examinations are announced, and +addresses are delivered by one or more of the Bachelors and +Masters of Arts, and by the Orator appointed by the Society of the +Alumni."--_Cat. of Univ. of Virginia_. + +This occurs on the closing day of the session, the 29th of June. + +PUBLIC ORATOR. In the English universities, an officer who is the +voice of the university on all public occasions, who writes, +reads, and records all letters of a public nature, and presents, +with an appropriate address, those on whom honorary degrees are +conferred. At Cambridge, this it esteemed one of the most +honorable offices in the gift of the university.--_Cam. and Oxf. +Cals._ + + +PUMP. Among German students, to obtain or take on credit; to +sponge. + + Und hat der Bursch kein Geld im Beutel, + So _pumpt_ er die Philister an. + _Crambambuli Song_. + + +PUNY. A young, inexperienced person; a novice. + +Freshmen at Oxford were called _punies of the first +year_.--_Halliwell's Dict. Arch. and Prov. Words_. + + +PUT THROUGH. A phrase very general in its application. When a +student treats, introduces, or assists another, or masters a hard +lesson, he is said to _put_ him or it _through_. In a discourse by +the Rev. Dr. Orville Dewey, on the Law of Progress, referring to +these words, he said "he had heard a teacher use the +characteristic expression that his pupils should be '_put +through_' such and such studies. This, he said, is a modern +practice. We put children through philosophy,--put them through +history,--put them through Euclid. He had no faith in this plan, +and wished to see the school teachers set themselves against this +forcing process." + +2. To examine thoroughly and with despatch. + + First Thatcher, then Hadley, then Larned and Prex, + Each _put_ our class _through_ in succession. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + + +_Q_. + + +Q. See CUE. + + +QUAD. An abbreviation of QUADRANGLE, q.v. + +How silently did all come down the staircases into the chapel +_quad_, that evening!--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 88. + +His mother had been in Oxford only the week before, and had been +seen crossing the _quad_ in tears.--_Ibid._, p. 144. + + +QUADRANGLE. At Oxford and Cambridge, Eng., the rectangular courts +in which the colleges are constructed. + + Soon as the clouds divide, and dawning day + Tints the _quadrangle_ with its earliest ray. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +QUARTER-DAY. The day when quarterly payments are made. The day +that completes three months. + +At Harvard and Yale Colleges, quarter-day, when the officers and +instructors receive their quarterly salaries, was formerly +observed as a holiday. One of the evils which prevailed among the +students of the former institution, about the middle of the last +century, was the "riotous disorders frequently committed on the +_quarter-days_ and evenings," on one of which, in 1764, "the +windows of all the Tutors and divers other windows were broken," +so that, in consequence, a vote was passed that "the observation +of _quarter-days_, in distinction from other days, be wholly laid +aside, and that the undergraduates be obliged to observe the +studying hours, and to perform the college exercises, on +quarter-day, and the day following, as at other times."--_Peirce's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 216. + + +QUESTIONIST. In the English universities, a name given to those +who are in the last term of their college course, and are soon to +be examined for honors or degrees.--_Webster_. + +In the "Orders agreed upon by the Overseers, at a meeting in +Harvard College, May 6th, 1650," this word is used in the +following sentence: "And, in case any of the Sophisters, +_Questionists_, or Inceptors fail in the premises required at +their hands,... they shall be deferred to the following year"; but +it does not seem to have gained any prevalence in the College, and +is used, it is believed, only in this passage. + + +QUILLWHEEL. At the Wesleyan University, "when a student," says a +correspondent, "'knocks under,' or yields a point, he says he +_quillwheels_, that is, he acknowledges he is wrong." + + + +_R_. + + +RAG. This word is used at Union College, and is thus explained by +a correspondent: "To _rag_ and _ragging_, you will find of very +extensive application, they being employed primarily as expressive +of what is called by the vulgar thieving and stealing, but in a +more extended sense as meaning superiority. Thus, if one declaims +or composes much better than his classmates, he is said to _rag_ +all his competitors." + +The common phrase, "_to take the rag off_," i.e. to excel, seems +to be the form from which this word has been abbreviated. + + +RAKE. At Williams and at Bowdoin Colleges, used in the phrase "to +_rake_ an X," i.e. to recite perfectly, ten being the number of +marks given for the best recitation. + + +RAM. A practical joke. + + ---- in season to be just too late + A successful _ram_ to perpetrate. + _Sophomore Independent_, Union Coll., Nov. 1854. + + +RAM ON THE CLERGY. At Middlebury College, a synonyme of the slang +noun, "sell." + + +RANTERS. At Bethany College, in Virginia, there is "a band," says +a correspondent, "calling themselves '_Ranters_,' formed for the +purpose of perpetrating all kinds of rascality and +mischievousness, both on their fellow-students and the neighboring +people. The band is commanded by one selected from the party, +called the _Grand Ranter_, whose orders are to be obeyed under +penalty of expulsion of the person offending. Among the tricks +commonly indulged in are those of robbing hen and turkey roosts, +and feasting upon the fruits of their labor, of stealing from the +neighbors their horses, to enjoy the pleasure of a midnight ride, +and to facilitate their nocturnal perambulations. If detected, and +any complaint is made, or if the Faculty are informed of their +movements, they seek revenge by shaving the tails and manes of the +favorite horses belonging to the person informing, or by some +similar trick." + + +RAZOR. A writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines this word in +the following sentence: "Many of the members of this time-honored +institution, from whom we ought to expect better things, not only +do their own shaving, but actually _make their own razors_. But I +must explain for the benefit of the uninitiated. A pun, in the +elegant college dialect, is called a razor, while an attempt at a +pun is styled a _sick razor_. The _sick_ ones are by far the most +numerous; however, once in a while you meet with one in quite +respectable health."--Vol. XIII. p. 283. + +The meeting will be opened with _razors_ by the Society's jester. +--_Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + Behold how Duncia leads her chosen sons, + All armed with squibs, stale jokes, _dull razors_, puns. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +READ. To be studious; to practise much reading; e.g. at Oxford, to +_read_ for a first class; at Cambridge, to _read_ for an honor. In +America it is common to speak of "reading law, medicine," &c. + + We seven stayed at Christmas up to _read_; + We seven took one tutor. + _Tennyson, Prologue to Princess_. + +In England the vacations are the very times when you _read_ most. +_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 78. + +This system takes for granted that the students have "_read_," as +it is termed, with a private practitioner of medicine.--_Cat. +Univ. of Virginia_, 1851, p. 25. + + +READER. In the University of Oxford, one who reads lectures on +scientific subjects.--_Lyell_. + +2. At the English universities, a hard student, nearly equivalent +to READING MAN. + +Most of the Cantabs are late _readers_, so that, supposing one of +them to begin at seven, he will not leave off before half past +eleven.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +READERSHIP. In the University of Oxford, the office of a reader or +lecturer on scientific subjects.--_Lyell_. + + +READING. In the academic sense, studying. + +One would hardly suspect them to be students at all, did not the +number of glasses hint that those who carried them had impaired +their sight by late _reading_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 5. + + +READING MAN. In the English universities, a _reading man_ is a +hard student, or one who is entirely devoted to his collegiate +studies.--_Webster_. + +The distinction between "_reading men_" and "_non-reading men_" +began to manifest itself.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 169. + +We might wonder, perhaps, if in England the "[Greek: oi polloi]" +should be "_reading men_," but with us we should wonder were they +not.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 15. + + +READING PARTY. In England, a number of students who in vacation +time, and at a distance from the university, pursue their studies +together under the direction of a coach, or private tutor. + +Of this method of studying, Bristed remarks: "It is not +_impossible_ to read on a reading-party; there is only a great +chance against your being able to do so. As a very general rule, a +man works best in his accustomed place of business, where he has +not only his ordinary appliances and helps, but his familiar +associations about him. The time lost in settling down and making +one's self comfortable and ready for work in a new place is not +inconsiderable, and is all clear loss. Moreover, the very idea of +a reading-party involves a combination of two things incompatible, +--amusement and relaxation beyond the proper and necessary +quantity of daily exercise, and hard work at books. + +"Reading-parties do not confine themselves to England or the +island of Great Britain. Sometimes they have been known to go as +far as Dresden. Sometimes a party is of considerable size; when a +crack Tutor goes on one, which is not often, he takes his whole +team with him, and not unfrequently a Classical and Mathematical +Bachelor join their pupils."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, pp. 199-201. + + +READ UP. Students often speak of _reading up_, i.e. preparing +themselves to write on a subject, by reading the works of authors +who have treated of it. + + +REBELLION TREE. At Harvard College, a large elm-tree, which stands +to the east of the south entry of Hollis Hall, has long been known +by this name. It is supposed to have been planted at the request +of Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris. His son, Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, the +present Librarian of the College, says that his father has often +told him, that when he held the office of Librarian, in the year +1792, a number of trees were set out in the College yard, and that +one was planted opposite his room, No. 7 Hollis Hall, under which +he buried a pewter plate, taken from the commons hall. On this +plate was inscribed his name, the day of the month, the year, &c. +From its situation and appearance, the Rebellion Tree would seem +to be the one thus described; but it did not receive its name +until the year 1807, when the famous rebellion occurred among the +students, and perhaps not until within a few years antecedent to +the year 1819. At that time, however, this name seems to have been +the one by which it was commonly known, from the reference which +is made to it in the Rebelliad, a poem written to commemorate the +deeds of the rebellion of that year. + + And roared as loud as he could yell, + "Come on, my lads, let us rebel!" + + * * * * * + + With one accord they all agree + To dance around _Rebellion Tree_. + _Rebelliad_, p. 46. + + But they, rebellious rascals! flee + For shelter to _Rebellion Tree_. + _Ibid._, p. 60. + + Stands a tree in front of Hollis, + Dear to Harvard over all; + But than ---- desert us, + Rather let _Rebellion_ fall. + _MS. Poem_. + +Other scenes are sometimes enacted under its branches, as the +following verses show:-- + + When the old year was drawing towards its close, + And in its place the gladsome new one rose, + Then members of each class, with spirits free, + Went forth to greet her round _Rebellion Tree_. + Round that old tree, sacred to students' rights, + And witness, too, of many wondrous sights, + In solemn circle all the students passed; + They danced with spirit, until, tired, at last + A pause they make, and some a song propose. + Then "Auld Lang Syne" from many voices rose. + Now, as the lamp of the old year dies out, + They greet the new one with exulting shout; + They groan for ----, and each class they cheer, + And thus they usher in the fair new year. + _Poem before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, p. 19, 1849. + + +RECENTES. Latin for the English FRESHMEN. Consult Clap's History +of Yale College, 1766, p. 124. + + +RECITATION. In American colleges and schools, the rehearsal of a +lesson by pupils before their instructor.--_Webster_. + + +RECITATION-ROOM. The room where lessons are rehearsed by pupils +before their instructor. + +In the older American colleges, the rooms of the Tutors were +formerly the recitation-rooms of the classes. At Harvard College, +the benches on which the students sat when reciting were, when not +in use, kept in piles, outside of the Tutors' rooms. When the hour +of recitation arrived, they would carry them into the room, and +again return them to their places when the exercise was finished. +One of the favorite amusements of the students was to burn these +benches; the spot selected for the bonfire being usually the green +in front of the old meeting-house, or the common. + + +RECITE. Transitively, to rehearse, as a lesson to an instructor. + +2. Intransitively, to rehearse a lesson. The class will _recite_ +at eleven o'clock.--_Webster_. + +This word is used in both forms in American seminaries. + + +RECORD OF MERIT. At Middlebury College "a class-book is kept by +each instructor, in which the character of each student's +recitation is noted by numbers, and all absences from college +exercises are minuted. Demerit for absences and other +irregularities is also marked in like manner, and made the basis +of discipline. At the close of each term, the average of these +marks is recorded, and, when desired, communicated to parents and +guardians." This book is called the _record of merit_.--_Cat. +Middlebury Coll._, 1850-51, p. 17. + + +RECTOR. The chief elective officer of some universities, as in +France and Scotland. The same title was formerly given to the +president of a college in New England, but it is not now in +use.--_Webster_. + +The title of _Rector_ was given to the chief officer of Yale +College at the time of its foundation, and was continued until the +year 1745, when, by "An Act for the more full and complete +establishment of Yale College in New Haven," it was changed, among +other alterations, to that of _President_.--_Clap's Annals of Yale +College_, p. 47. + +The chief officer of Harvard College at the time of its foundation +was styled _Master_ or _Professor_. Mr. Dunster was chosen the +first _President_, in 1640, and those who succeeded him bore this +title until the year 1686, when Mr. Joseph Dudley, having received +the commission of President of the Colony, changed for the sake of +distinction the title of _President of the College_ to that of +_Rector_. A few years after, the title of _President_ was resumed. +--_Peirce's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, p. 63. + + +REDEAT. Latin; literally, _he may return_. "It is the custom in +some colleges," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "on coming into +residence, to wait on the Dean, and sign your name in a book, kept +for that purpose, which is called signing your _Redeat_."--p. 92. + + +REFECTORY. At Oxford, Eng., the place where the members of each +college or hall dine. This word was originally applied to an +apartment in convents and monasteries, where a moderate repast was +taken.--_Brande_. + +In Oxford there are nineteen colleges and five halls, containing +dwelling-rooms for the students, and a distinct _refectory_ or +dining-hall, library, and chapel to each college and hall.--_Oxf. +Guide_, 1847, p. xvi. + +At Princeton College, this name is given to the hall where the +students eat together in common.--Abbreviated REFEC. + + +REGENT. In the English universities, the regents, or _regentes_, +are members of the university who have certain peculiar duties of +instruction or government. At Cambridge, all resident Masters of +Arts of less than four years' standing and all Doctors of less +than two, are Regents. At Oxford, the period of regency is +shorter. At both universities, those of a more advanced standing, +who keep their names on the college books, are called +_non-regents_. At Cambridge, the regents compose the upper house, +and the non-regents the lower house of the Senate, or governing +body. At Oxford, the regents compose the _Congregation_, which +confers degrees, and does the ordinary business of the University. +The regents and non-regents, collectively, compose the +_Convocation_, which is the governing body in the last +resort.--_Webster_. + +See SENATE. + +2. In the State of New York, the member of a corporate body which +is invested with the superintendence of all the colleges, +academies, and schools in the State. This board consists of +twenty-one members, who are called _the Regents of the University +of the State of New York_. They are appointed and removable by the +legislature. They have power to grant acts of incorporation for +colleges, to visit and inspect all colleges, academies, and +schools, and to make regulations for governing the +same.--_Statutes of New York_. + +3. At Harvard College, an officer chosen from the _Faculty_, whose +duties are under the immediate direction of the President. All +weekly lists of absences, monitor's bills, petitions to the +Faculty for excuse of absences from the regular exercises and for +making up lessons, all petitions for elective studies, the returns +of the scale of merit, and returns of delinquencies and deductions +by the tutors and proctors, are left with the Regent, or deposited +in his office. The Regent also informs those who petition for +excuses, and for elective studies, of the decision of the Faculty +in regard to their petitions. Formerly, the Regent assisted in +making out the quarter or term bills, of which he kept a record, +and when students were punished by fining, he was obliged to keep +an account of the fines, and the offences for which they were +imposed. Some of his duties were performed by a Freshman, who was +appointed by the Faculty.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1814, and +_Regulations_, 1850. + +The creation of the office of Regent at Harvard College is noticed +by Professor Sidney Willard. In the year 1800 "an officer was +appointed to occupy a room in one of the halls to supply the place +of a Tutor, for preserving order in the rooms in his entry, and to +perform the duties that had been discharged by the Butler, so far +as it regarded the keeping of certain records. He was allowed the +service of a Freshman, and the offices of Butler and of Butler's +Freshman were abolished. The title of this new officer was +Regent."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 107. + +See FRESHMAN, REGENT'S. + + +REGISTER. In Union College, an officer whose duties are similar to +those enumerated under REGISTRAR. He also acts, without charge, as +fiscal guardian for all students who deposit funds in his hands. + + +REGISTRAR, REGISTRARY. In the English universities, an officer who +has the keeping of all the public records.--_Encyc._ + +At Harvard College, the Corporation appoint one of the Faculty to +the office of _Registrar_. He keeps a record of the votes and +orders passed by the latter body, gives certified copies of the +same when requisite, and performs other like duties.--_Laws Univ. +at Cam., Mass._, 1848. + + +REGIUS PROFESSOR. A name given in the British universities to the +incumbents of those professorships which have been founded by +_royal_ bounty. + + +REGULATORS. At Hamilton College, "a Junior Class affair," writes a +correspondent, "consisting of fifteen or twenty members, whose +object is to regulate college laws and customs according to their +own way. They are known only by their deeds. Who the members are, +no one out of the band knows. Their time for action is in the +night." + + +RELEGATION. In German universities, the _relegation_ is the +punishment next in severity to the _consilium abeundi_. Howitt +explains the term in these words: "It has two degrees. First, the +simple relegation. This consists in expulsion [out of the district +of the court of justice within which the university is situated], +for a period of from two to three years; after which the offender +may indeed return, but can no more be received as an academical +burger. Secondly, the sharper relegation, which adds to the simple +relegation an announcement of the fact to the magistracy of the +place of abode of the offender; and, according to the discretion +of the court, a confinement in an ordinary prison, previous to the +banishment, is added; and also the sharper relegation can be +extended to more than four years, the ordinary term,--yes, even to +perpetual expulsion."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 33. + + +RELIG. At Princeton College, an abbreviated name for a professor +of religion. + + +RENOWN. German, _renommiren_, to hector, to bully. Among the +students in German universities, to _renown_ is, in English +popular phrase, "to cut a swell."--_Howitt_. + +The spare hours of the forenoon and afternoon are spent in +fencing, in _renowning_,--that is, in doing things-which make +people stare at them, and in providing duels for the +morrow.--_Russell's Tour in Germany_, Edinburgh ed., 1825, Vol. +II. pp. 156, 157. + +We cannot be deaf to the testimony of respectable eyewitnesses, +who, in proof of these defects, tell us ... of "_renowning_," or +wild irregularities, in which "the spare hours" of the day are +spent.--_D.A. White's Address before Soc. of the Alumni of Harv. +Univ._, Aug. 27, 1844, p. 24. + + +REPLICATOR. "The first discussions of the Society, called +Forensic, were in writing, and conducted by only two members, +styled the Respondent and the Opponent. Subsequently, a third was +added, called a _Replicator_, who reviewed the arguments of the +other two, and decided upon their comparative +merits."--_Semi-centennial Anniversary of the Philomathean +Society, Union Coll._, p. 9. + + +REPORT. A word much in use among the students of universities and +colleges, in the common sense of _to inform against_, but usually +spoken in reference to the Faculty. + + Thanks to the friendly proctor who spared to _report_ me. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 79. + + If I hear again + Of such fell outrage to the college laws, + Of such loud tumult after eight o'clock, + Thou'lt be _reported_ to the Faculty.--_Ibid._, p. 257. + + +RESIDENCE. At the English universities, to be "in residence" is to +occupy rooms as a member of a college, either in the college +itself, or in the town where the college is situated. + +Trinity ... usually numbers four hundred undergraduates in +_residence_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +11. + +At Oxford, an examination, not always a very easy one, must be +passed before the student can be admitted to +_residence_.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 232. + + +RESIDENT GRADUATE. In the United States, graduates who are +desirous of pursuing their studies in a place where a college is +situated, without joining any of its departments, can do so in the +capacity of _residents_ or _resident graduates_. They are allowed +to attend the public lectures given in the institution, and enjoy +the use of its library. Like other students, they give bonds for +the payment of college dues.--_Coll. Laws_. + + +RESPONDENT. In the schools, one who maintains a thesis in reply, +and whose province is to refute objections, or overthrow +arguments.--_Watts_. + +This word, with its companion, _affirmant_, was formerly used in +American colleges, and was applied to those who engaged in the +syllogistic discussions then incident to Commencement. + +But the main exercises were disputations upon questions, wherein +the _respondents_ first made their theses.--_Mather's Magnalia_, +B. IV. p. 128. + +The syllogistic disputes were held between an _affirmant_ and +_respondent_, who stood in the side galleries of the church +opposite to one another, and shot the weapons of their logic over +the heads of the audience.--_Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc., Yale +Coll._, p. 65. + +In the public exercises at Commencement, I was somewhat remarked +as a _respondent_.--_Life and Works of John Adams_, Vol. II. p. 3. + + +RESPONSION. In the University of Oxford, an examination about the +middle of the college course, also called the +_Little-go_.--_Lyell_. + +See LITTLE-GO. + + +RETRO. Latin; literally, _back_. Among the students of the +University of Cambridge, Eng., used to designate a _behind_-hand +account. "A cook's bill of extraordinaries not settled by the +Tutor."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +REVIEW. A second or repeated examination of a lesson, or the +lesson itself thus re-examined. + + He cannot get the "advance," forgets "the _review_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 13. + + +RIDER. The meaning of this word, used at Cambridge, Eng., is given +in the annexed sentence. "His ambition is generally limited to +doing '_riders_,' which are a sort of scholia, or easy deductions +from the book-work propositions, like a link between them and +problems; indeed, the rider being, as its name imports, attached +to a question, the question is not fully answered until the rider +is answered also."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 222. + + +ROLL A WHEEL. At the University of Vermont, in student parlance, +to devise a scheme or lay a plot for an election or a college +spree, is to _roll a wheel_. E.g. "John was always _rolling a big +wheel_," i.e. incessantly concocting some plot. + + +ROOM. To occupy an apartment; to lodge; _an academic use of the +word_.--_Webster_. + +Inquire of any student at our colleges where Mr. B. lodges, and +you will be told he _rooms_ in such a building, such a story, or +up so many flights of stairs, No. --, to the right or left. + +The Rowes, years ago, used to _room_ in Dartmouth Hall.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + +_Rooming_ in college, it is convenient that they should have the +more immediate oversight of the deportment of the +students.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 133. + +Seven years ago, I _roomed_ in this room where we are now.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 114. + +When Christmas came again I came back to this room, but the man +who _roomed_ here was frightened and ran away.--_Ibid._, Vol. XII. +p. 114. + +Rent for these apartments is exacted from Sophomores, about sixty +_rooming_ out of college.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., +1852-53, p. 26. + + +ROOT. A word first used in the sense given below by Dr. Paley. "He +[Paley] held, indeed, all those little arts of underhand address, +by which patronage and preferment are so frequently pursued, in +supreme contempt. He was not of a nature to _root_; for that was +his own expressive term, afterwards much used in the University to +denote the sort of practice alluded to. He one day humorously +proposed, at some social meeting, that a certain contemporary +Fellow of his College [Christ's College, Cambridge, Eng.], at that +time distinguished for his elegant and engaging manners, and who +has since attained no small eminence in the Church of England, +should be appointed _Professor of Rooting_."--_Memoirs of Paley_. + +2. To study hard; to DIG, q.v. + +Ill-favored men, eager for his old boots and diseased raiment, +torment him while _rooting_ at his Greek.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 267. + + +ROT. Twaddle, platitude. In use among the students at the +University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + + +ROWES. The name of a party which formerly existed at Dartmouth +College. They are thus described in The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. +117: "The _Rowes_ are very liberal in their notions. The Rowes +don't pretend to say anything worse of a fellow than to call him a +_Blue_, and _vice versâ_." + +See BLUES. + + +ROWING. The making of loud and noisy disturbance; acting like a +_rowdy_. + + Flushed with the juice of the grape, + all prime and ready for _rowing_. + When from the ground I raised + the fragments of ponderous brickbat. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + +The Fellow-Commoners generally being more disposed to _rowing_ +than reading.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d. p. +34. + + +ROWING-MAN. One who is more inclined to fast living than hard +study. Among English students used in contradistinction to +READING-MAN, q.v. + +When they go out to sup, as a reading-man does perhaps once a +term, and a _rowing-man_ twice a week, they eat very moderately, +though their potations are sometimes of the deepest.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +ROWL, ROWEL. At Princeton, Union, and Hamilton Colleges, this word +is used to signify a good recitation. Used in the phrase, "to make +a _rowl_." From the second of these colleges, a correspondent +writes: "Also of the word _rowl_; if a public speaker presents a +telling appeal or passage, he would _make a perfect rowl_, in the +language of all students at least." + + +ROWL. To recite well. A correspondent from Princeton College +defines this word, "to perform any exercise well, recitation, +speech, or composition; to succeed in any branch or pursuit." + + +RUSH. At Yale College, a perfect recitation is denominated a +_rush_. + +I got my lesson perfectly, and what is more, made a perfect +_rush_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 134. + + Every _rush_ and fizzle made + Every body frigid laid. + _Ibid._, Vol. XX. p. 186. + +This mark [that of a hammer with a note, "hit the nail on the +head"] signifies that the student makes a capital hit; in other +words, a decided _rush_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + In dreams his many _rushes_ heard. + _Ibid._, Oct. 22, 1847. + +This word is much used among students with the common meaning; +thus, they speak of "a _rush_ into prayers," "a _rush_ into the +recitation-room," &c. A correspondent from Dartmouth College says: +"_Rushing_ the Freshmen is putting them out of the chapel." +Another from Williams writes: "Such a man is making a _rush_, and +to this we often add--for the Valedictory." + + The gay regatta where the Oneida led, + The glorious _rushes_, Seniors at the head. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849. + +One of the Trinity men ... was making a tremendous _rush_ for a +Fellowship.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +158. + + +RUSH. To recite well; to make a perfect recitation. + +It was purchased by the man,--who 'really did not look' at the +lesson on which he '_rushed_.'--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. +411. + +Then for the students mark flunks, even though the young men may +be _rushing_.--_Yale Banger_, Oct., 1848. + + So they pulled off their coats, and rolled up their sleeves, + And _rushed_ in Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs, Yale Coll._, June 14, 1854. + + +RUSTICATE. To send a student for a time from a college or +university, to reside in the country, by way of punishment for +some offence. + +See a more complete definition under RUSTICATION. + + And those whose crimes are very great, + Let us suspend or _rusticate_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 24. + + The "scope" of what I have to state + Is to suspend and _rusticate_.--_Ibid._, p. 28. + +The same meaning is thus paraphrastically conveyed:-- + + By my official power, I swear, + That you shall _smell the country air_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 45. + + +RUSTICATION. In universities and colleges, the punishment of a +student for some offence, by compelling him to leave the +institution, and reside for a time in the country, where he is +obliged to pursue with a private instructor the studies with which +his class are engaged during his term of separation, and in which +he is obliged to pass a satisfactory examination before he can be +reinstated in his class. + +It seems plain from his own verses to Diodati, that Milton had +incurred _rustication_,--a temporary dismission into the country, +with, perhaps, the loss of a term.--_Johnson_. + + Take then this friendly exhortation. + The next offence is _Rustication_. + _MS. Poem_, by John Q. Adams. + + +RUST-RINGING. At Hamilton College, "the Freshmen," writes a +correspondent, "are supposed to lose some of their verdancy at the +end of the last term of that year, and the 'ringing off their +rust' consists in ringing the chapel bell--commencing at midnight +--until the rope wears out. During the ringing, the upper classes +are diverted by the display of numerous fire-works, and enlivened +by most beautifully discordant sounds, called 'music,' made to +issue from tin kettle-drums, horse-fiddles, trumpets, horns, &c., +&c." + + + +_S_. + + +SACK. To expel. Used at Hamilton College. + + +SAIL. At Bowdoin College, a _sail_ is a perfect recitation. To +_sail_ is to recite perfectly. + + +SAINT. A name among students for one who pretends to particular +sanctity of manners. + +Or if he had been a hard-reading man from choice,--or a stupid +man,--or a "_saint_,"--no one would have troubled themselves about +him.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 148. + + +SALTING THE FRESHMEN. In reference to this custom, which belongs +to Dartmouth College, a correspondent from that institution +writes: "There is an annual trick of '_salting the Freshmen_,' +which is putting salt and water on their seats, so that their +clothes are injured when they sit down." The idea of preservation, +cleanliness, and health is no doubt intended to be conveyed by the +use of the wholesome articles salt and water. + + +SALUTATORIAN. The student of a college who pronounces the +salutatory oration at the annual Commencement.--_Webster_. + + +SALUTATORY. An epithet applied to the oration which introduces the +exercises of the Commencements in American colleges.--_Webster_. + +The oration is often called, simply, _The Salutatory_. + +And we ask our friends "out in the world," whenever they meet an +educated man of the class of '49, not to ask if he had the +Valedictory or _Salutatory_, but if he takes the +Indicator.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. II. p. 96. + + +SATIS. Latin; literally, _enough_. In the University of Cambridge, +Eng., the lowest honor in the schools. The manner in which this +word is used is explained in the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, as +follows: "_Satis disputasti_; which is at much as to say, in the +colloquial style, 'Bad enough.' _Satis et bene disputasti_, +'Pretty fair,--tolerable.' _Satis et optime disputasti_, 'Go thy +ways, thou flower and quintessence of Wranglers.' Such are the +compliments to be expected from the Moderator, after the _act is +kept_."--p. 95. + + +S.B. An abbreviation for _Scientiæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor in +Science. At Harvard College, this degree is conferred on those who +have pursued a prescribed course of study for at least one year in +the Scientific School, and at the end of that period passed a +satisfactory examination. The different degrees of excellence are +expressed in the diploma by the words, _cum laude_, _cum magna +laude_, _cum summa laude_. + + +SCARLET DAY. In the Church of England, certain festival days are +styled _scarlet days_. On these occasions, the doctors in the +three learned professions appear in their scarlet robes, and the +noblemen residing in the universities wear their full +dresses.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +SCHEME. The printed papers which are given to the students at Yale +College at the Biennial Examination, and which contain the +questions that are to be answered, are denominated _schemes_. They +are also called, simply, _papers_. + + See the down-cast air, and the blank despair, + That sits on each Soph'more feature, + As his bleared eyes gleam o'er that horrid _scheme_! + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 22. + + Olmsted served an apprenticeship setting up types, + For the _schemes_ of Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + Here's health to the tutors who gave us good _schemes_, + Vive la compagnie! + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, 1855. + + +SCHOLAR. Any member of a college, academy, or school. + +2. An undergraduate in English universities, who belongs to the +foundation of a college, and receives support in part from its +revenues.--_Webster_. + + +SCHOLAR OF THE HOUSE. At Yale College, those are called _Scholars +of the House_ who, by superiority in scholarship, become entitled +to receive the income arising from certain foundations established +for the purpose of promoting learning and literature. In some +cases the recipient is required to remain at New Haven for a +specified time, and pursue a course of studies under the direction +of the Faculty of the College.--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. 86. +_Laws of Yale Coll._ + +2. "The _scholar of the house_," says President Woolsey, in his +Historical Discourse,--"_scholaris ædilitus_ of the Latin +laws,--before the institution of Berkeley's scholarships which had +the same title, was a kind of ædile appointed by the President and +Tutors to inspect the public buildings, and answered in a degree +to the Inspector known to our present laws and practice. He was +not to leave town until the Friday after Commencement, because in +that week more than usual damage was done to the buildings."--p. +43. + +The duties of this officer are enumerated in the annexed passage. +"The Scholar of the House, appointed by the President, shall +diligently observe and set down the glass broken in College +windows, and every other damage done in College, together with the +time when, and the person by whom, it was done; and every quarter +he shall make up a bill of such damages, charged against every +scholar according to the laws of College, and deliver the same to +the President or the Steward, and the Scholar of the House shall +tarry at College until Friday noon after the public Commencement, +and in that time shall be obliged to view any damage done in any +chamber upon the information of him to whom the chamber is +assigned."--_Laws of Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 22. + + +SCHOLARSHIP. Exhibition or maintenance for a scholar; foundation +for the support of a student--_Ainsworth_. + + +SCHOOL. THE SCHOOLS, _pl._; the seminaries for teaching logic, +metaphysics, and theology, which were formed in the Middle Ages, +and which were characterized by academical disputations and +subtilties of reasoning; or the learned men who were engaged in +discussing nice points in metaphysics or theology.--_Webster_. + +2. In some American colleges, the different departments for +teaching law, medicine, divinity, &c. are denominated _schools_. + +3. The name given at the University of Oxford to the place of +examination. The principal exercises consist of disputations in +philosophy, divinity, and law, and are always conducted in a sort +of barbarous Latin. + +I attended the _Schools_ several times, with the view of acquiring +the tact and self-possession so requisite in these public +contests.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 39. + +There were only two sets of men there, one who fagged +unremittingly for the _Schools_, and another devoted to frivolity +and dissipation.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 141. + + +S.C.L. At the English universities, one who is pursuing law +studies and has not yet received the degree of B.C.L. or D.C.L., +is designated S.C.L., _Student_ in or of _Civil Law_. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., persons in this rank who +have kept their acts wear a full-sleeved gown, and are entitled to +use a B.A. hood. + + +SCONCE. To mulct; to fine. Used at the University of Oxford. + +A young fellow of Baliol College, having, upon some discontent cut +his throat very dangerously, the Master of the College sent his +servitor to the buttery-book to _sconce_ (i.e. fine) him 5s.; and, +says the Doctor, tell him the next time he cuts his throat I'll +_sconce_ him ten.--_Terræ-Filius_, No. 39. + +Was _sconced_ in a quart of ale for quoting Latin, a passage from +Juvenal; murmured, and the fine was doubled.--_The Etonian_, Vol. +II. p. 391. + + +SCOUT. A cant term at Oxford for a college servant or +waiter.--_Oxford Guide_. + +My _scout_, indeed, is a very learned fellow, and has an excellent +knack at using hard words. One morning he told me the gentleman in +the next room _contagious_ to mine desired to speak to me. I once +overheard him give a fellow-servant very sober advice not to go +astray, but be true to his own wife; for _idolatry_ would surely +bring a man to _instruction_ at last.--_The Student_, Oxf. and +Cam., 1750, Vol. I. p. 55. + +An anteroom, or vestibule, which serves the purpose of a _scout's_ +pantry.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 280. + +_Scouts_ are usually pretty communicative of all they +know.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 147. + +Sometimes used in American colleges. + +In order to quiet him, we had to send for his factotum or _scout_, +an old black fellow.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XI. p. 282. + + +SCRAPE. To insult by drawing the feet over the floor.--_Grose_. + + But in a manner quite uncivil, + They hissed and _scraped_ him like the devil. + _Rebelliad_, p. 37. + + "I do insist," + Quoth he, "that two, who _scraped_ and hissed, + Shall be condemned without a jury + To pass the winter months _in rure_."--_Ibid._, p. 41. + +They not unfrequently rose to open outrage or some personal +molestation, as casting missiles through his windows at night, or +"_scraping him_" by day.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, +p. 25. + + +SCRAPING. A drawing of, or the act of drawing, the feet over the +floor, as an insult to some one, or merely to cause disturbance; a +shuffling of the feet. + +New lustre was added to the dignity of their feelings by the +pathetic and impressive manner in which they expressed them, which +was by stamping and _scraping_ majestically with their feet, when +in the presence of the detested tutors.--_Don Quixotes at +College_, 1807. + +The morning and evening daily prayers were, on the next day +(Thursday), interrupted by _scraping_, whistling, groaning, and +other disgraceful noises.--_Circular, Harvard College_, 1834, p. +9. + +This word is used in the universities and colleges of both England +and America. + + +SCREW. In some American colleges, an excessive, unnecessarily +minute, and annoying examination of a student by an instructor is +called a _screw_. The instructor is often designated by the same +name. + + Haunted by day with fearful _screw_. + _Harvard Lyceum_, p. 102. + + _Screws_, duns, and other such like evils. + _Rebelliad_, p. 77. + +One must experience all the stammering and stuttering, the +unending doubtings and guessings, to understand fully the power of +a mathematical _screw_.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 378. + +The consequence was, a patient submission to the _screw_, and a +loss of college honors and patronage.--_A Tour through College_, +Boston, 1832, p. 26. + +I'll tell him a whopper next time, and astonish him so that he'll +forget his _screws_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XI. p. 336. + +What a darned _screw_ our tutor is.--_Ibid._ + +Apprehension of the severity of the examination, or what in after +times, by an academic figure of speech, was called screwing, or a +_screw_, was what excited the chief dread.--_Willard's Memories of +Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. p. 256. + +Passing such an examination is often denominated _taking a screw_. + + And sad it is to _take a screw_. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 287. + +2. At Bowdoin College, an imperfect recitation is called a +_screw_. + + You never should look blue, sir, + If you chance to take a "_screw_," sir, + To us it's nothing new, sir, + To drive dull care away. + _The Bowdoin Creed_. + + We've felt the cruel, torturing _screw_, + And oft its driver's ire. + _Song, Sophomore Supper, Bowdoin Coll._, 1850. + + +SCREW. To press with an excessive and unnecessarily minute +examination. + + Who would let a tutor knave + _Screw _him like a Guinea slave! + _Rebelliad_, p. 53. + + Have I been _screwed_, yea, deaded morn and eve, + Some dozen moons of this collegiate life? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 255. + + O, I do well remember when in college, + How we fought reason,--battles all in play,-- + Under a most portentous man of knowledge, + The captain-general in the bloodless fray; + He was a wise man, and a good man, too, + And robed himself in green whene'er he came to _screw_. + _Our Chronicle of '26_, Boston, 1827. + +In a note to the last quotation, the author says of the word +_screw_: "For the information of the inexperienced, we explain +this as a term quite rife in the universities, and, taken +substantively, signifying an intellectual nonplus." + + At last the day is ended, + The tutor _screws_ no more. + _Knick. Mag._, Vol. XLV. p. 195. + + +SCREWING UP. The meaning of this phrase, as understood by English +Cantabs, may be gathered from the following extract. "A +magnificent sofa will be lying close to a door ... bored through +from top to bottom from the _screwing up_ of some former unpopular +tenant; "_screwing up_" being the process of fastening on the +outside, with nails and screws, every door of the hapless wight's +apartments. This is done at night, and in the morning the +gentleman is leaning three-fourths out of his window, bawling for +rescue."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 239. + + +SCRIBBLING-PAPER. A kind of writing-paper, rather inferior in +quality, a trifle larger than foolscap, and used at the English +universities by mathematicians and in the lecture-room.--_Bristed. +Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Cards are commonly sold at Cambridge as +"_scribbling-paper_."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +238. + +The summer apartment contained only a big standing-desk, the +eternal "_scribbling-paper_," and the half-dozen mathematical +works required.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 218. + + +SCROUGE. An exaction. A very long lesson, or any hard or +unpleasant task, is usually among students denominated a +_scrouge_. + + +SCROUGE. To exact; to extort; said of an instructor who imposes +difficult tasks on his pupils. + +It is used provincially in England, and in America in some of the +Northern and Southern States, with the meaning _to crowd, to +squeeze_.--_Bartlett's Dict. of Americanisms_. + + +SCRUB. At Columbia College, a servant. + +2. One who is disliked for his meanness, ill-breeding, or +vulgarity. Nearly equivalent to SPOON, q.v. + + +SCRUBBY. Possessing the qualities of a scrub. Partially synonymous +with the adjective SPOONY, q.v. + + +SCRUTATOR. In the University of Cambridge, England, an officer +whose duty it is to attend all _Congregations_, to read the +_graces_ to the lower house of the Senate, to gather the votes +secretly, or to take them openly in scrutiny, and publicly to +pronounce the assent or dissent of that house.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +SECOND-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the title +of _Second-Year Men_, or _Junior Sophs_ or _Sophisters_, is given +to students during the second year of their residence at the +University. + + +SECTION COURT. At Union College, the college buildings are divided +into sections, a section comprising about fifteen rooms. Within +each section is established a court, which is composed of a judge, +an advocate, and a secretary, who are chosen by the students +resident therein from their own number, and hold their offices +during one college term. Each section court claims the power to +summon for trial any inhabitant within the bounds of its +jurisdiction who may be charged with improper conduct. The accused +may either defend himself, or select some person to plead for him, +such residents of the section as choose to do so acting as jurors. +The prisoner, if found guilty, is sentenced at the discretion of +the court,--generally, to treat the company to some specified +drink or dainty. These courts often give occasion for a great deal +of fun, and sometimes call out real wit and eloquence. + +At one of our "_section courts_," which those who expected to +enter upon the study of the law used to hold, &c.--_The Parthenon, +Union Coll._, 1851, p. 19. + + +SECTION OFFICER. At Union College, each section of the college +buildings, containing about fifteen rooms, is under the +supervision of a professor or tutor, who is styled the _section +officer_. This officer is required to see that there be no +improper noise in the rooms or corridors, and to report the +absence of students from chapel and recitation, and from their +rooms during study hours. + + +SEED. In Yale College this word is used to designate what is +understood by the common cant terms, "a youth"; "case"; "bird"; +"b'hoy"; "one of 'em." + + While tutors, every sport defeating, + And under feet-worn stairs secreting, + And each dark lane and alley beating, + Hunt up the _seeds_ in vain retreating. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1849. + + The wretch had dared to flunk a gory _seed_! + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + One tells his jokes, the other tells his beads, + One talks of saints, the other sings of _seeds_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + But we are "_seeds_," whose rowdy deeds + Make up the drunken tale. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + First Greek he enters; and with reckless speed + He drags o'er stumps and roots each hapless _seed_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + Each one a bold _seed_, well fit for the deed, + But of course a little bit flurried. + _Ibid._, May, 1852. + + +SEEDY. At Yale College, rowdy, riotous, turbulent. + + And snowballs, falling thick and fast + As oaths from _seedy_ Senior crowd. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + A _seedy_ Soph beneath a tree. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + +2. Among English Cantabs, not well, out of sorts, done up; the +sort of feeling that a reading man has after an examination, or a +rowing man after a dinner with the Beefsteak Club. Also, silly, +easy to perform.--_Bristed_. + +The owner of the apartment attired in a very old dressing-gown and +slippers, half buried in an arm-chair, and looking what some young +ladies call interesting, i.e. pale and _seedy_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 151. + +You will seldom find anything very _seedy_ set for +Iambics.--_Ibid._, p. 182. + + +SELL. An unexpected reply; a deception or trick. + +In the Literary World, March 15, 1851, is the following +explanation of this word: "Mr. Phillips's first introduction to +Curran was made the occasion of a mystification, or practical +joke, in which Irish wits have excelled since the time of Dean +Swift, who was wont (_vide_ his letters to Stella) to call these +jocose tricks 'a _sell_,' from selling a bargain." The word +_bargain_, however, which Johnson, in his Dictionary, defines "an +unexpected reply tending to obscenity," was formerly used more +generally among the English wits. The noun _sell_ has of late been +revived in this country, and is used to a certain extent in New +York and Boston, and especially among the students at Cambridge. + + I sought some hope to borrow, by thinking it a "_sell_" + By fancying it a fiction, my anguish to dispel. + _Poem before the Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850, p. 8. + + +SELL. To give an unexpected answer; to deceive; to cheat. + +For the love you bear me, never tell how badly I was +_sold_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 94. + +The use of this verb is much more common in the United States than +that of the noun of the same spelling, which is derived from it; +for instance, we frequently read in the newspapers that the Whigs +or Democrats have been _sold_, i.e. defeated in an election, or +cheated in some political affair. The phrase _to sell a bargain_, +which Bailey defines "to put a sham upon one," is now scarcely +ever heard. It was once a favorite expression with certain English +writers. + + Where _sold he bargains_, Whipstitch?--_Dryden_. + + No maid at court is less ashamed, + Howe'er for _selling bargains_ famed.--_Swift_. + +Dr. Sheridan, famous for punning, intending _to sell a bargain_, +said, he had made a very good pun.--_Swift, Bons Mots de Stella_. + + +SEMESTER. Latin, _semestris_, _sex_, six, and _mensis_, month. In +the German universities, a period or term of six months. The +course of instruction occupies six _semesters_. Class distinctions +depend upon the number of _semesters_, not of years. During the +first _semester_, the student is called _Fox_, in the second +_Burnt Fox_, and then, successively, _Young Bursch_, _Old Bursch_, +_Old House_, and _Moss-covered Head_. + + +SENATE. In the University of Cambridge, England, the legislative +body of the University. It is divided into two houses, called +REGENT and NON-REGENT. The former consists of the vice-chancellor, +proctors, taxors, moderators, and esquire-beadles, all masters of +arts of less than five years' standing, and all doctors of +divinity, civil law, and physic, of less than two, and is called +the UPPER HOUSE, or WHITE-HOOD HOUSE, from its members wearing +hoods lined with white silk. The latter is composed of masters of +arts of five years' standing, bachelors of divinity, and doctors +in the three faculties of two years' standing, and is known as the +LOWER HOUSE, or BLACK-HOOD HOUSE, its members wearing black silk +hoods. To have a vote in the Senate, the graduate must keep his +name on the books of some college (which involves a small annual +payment), or in the list of the _commorantes in villâ_.--_Webster. +Cam. Cal. Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +2. At Union College, the members of the Senior Class form what is +called the Senate, a body organized after the manner of the Senate +of the United States, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with +the forms and practice of legislation. The members of the Junior +Class compose the House of Representatives. The following account, +showing in what manner the Senate is conducted, has been furnished +by a member of Union College. + +"On the last Friday of the third term, the House of +Representatives meet in their hall, and await their initiation to +the Upper House. There soon appears a committee of three, who +inform them by their chairman of the readiness of the Senate to +receive them, and perhaps enlarge upon the importance of the +coming trust, and the ability of the House to fill it. + +"When this has been done, the House, headed by the committee, +proceed to the Senate Chamber (Senior Chapel), and are arranged by +the committee around the President, the Senators (Seniors) +meanwhile having taken the second floor. The President of the +Senate then rises and delivers an appropriate address, informing +them of their new dignities and the grave responsibilities of +their station. At the conclusion of this they take their seats, +and proceed to the election of officers, viz. a President, a +Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President must be a +member of the Faculty, and is chosen for a term; the other +officers are selected from the House, and continue in office but +half a term. The first Vice-Presidency of the Senate is considered +one of the highest honors conferred by the class, and great is the +strife to obtain it. + +"The Senate meet again on the second Friday of the next term, when +they receive the inaugural message of the President. He then +divides them into seven districts, each district including the +students residing in a Section, or Hall of College, except the +seventh, which is filled by the students lodging in town. The +Senate is also divided into a number of standing committees, as +Law, Ethics, Political Economy. Business is referred to these +committees, and reported on by them in the usual manner. The time +of the Senate is principally occupied with the discussion of +resolutions, in committee of the whole; and these discussions take +the place of the usual Friday afternoon recitation. At +Commencement the Senate have an orator of their own election, who +must, however, have been a past or honorary member of their body. +They also have a committee on the 'Commencement Card.'" + +On the same subject, another correspondent writes as follows:-- + +"The Senate is composed of the Senior Class, and is intended as a +school of parliamentary usages. The officers are a President, +Vice-President, and Secretary, who are chosen once a term. At the +close of the second term, the Junior Class are admitted into the +Senate. They are introduced by a committee of Senators, and are +expected to remain standing and uncovered during the ceremony, the +President and Senators being seated and covered. After a short +address by the President, the old Senators leave the house, and +the Juniors proceed to elect their officers for the third term. +Dr. Thomas C. Reed who was the founder of the Senate, was always +elected President during his connection with the College, but +rarely took his place in the chamber except at the introduction of +the Juniors. The Vice-President for the third term, who takes a +part in the ceremonies of commencement, is considered to hold the +highest honor of the class, and his election is attended with more +excitement than any other in the College." + +See COMMENCEMENT CARD; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. + + +SENATE-HOUSE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the building +in which the public business of the University, such as +examinations, the passing of graces, and admission to degrees, is +carried on.--_Cam. Guide_. + + +SENATUS ACADEMICUS. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Senatus +Academicus_ consists of two houses, known as the CORPORATION and +the HOUSE OF CONVOCATION, q.v.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. +6. + +SENE. An abbreviation for Senior. + + Magnificent Juns, and lazy _Senes_. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + A rare young blade is the gallant _Sene_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1850. + + +SENIOR. One in the fourth year of his collegiate course at an +American college; originally called _Senior Sophister_. Also one +in the third year of his course at a theological +seminary.--_Webster_. + +See SOPHISTER. + + +SENIOR. Noting the fourth year of the collegiate course in +American colleges, or the third year in theological +seminaries.--_Webster_. + + +SENIOR BACHELOR. One who is in his third year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. It is further explained by President +Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse: "Bachelors were called +Senior, Middle, or Junior Bachelors, according to the year since +graduation and before taking the degree of Master."--p. 122. + + +SENIOR CLASSIC. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the student +who passes best in the voluntary examination in classics, which +follows the last required examination in the Senate-House. + +No one stands a chance for _Senior Classic_ alongside of +him.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 55. + +Two men who had been rivals all the way through school and through +college were racing for _Senior Classic_.--_Ibid._, p. 253. + + +SENIOR FELLOW. At Trinity College, Hartford, the Senior Fellow is +a person chosen to attend the college examinations during the +year. + + +SENIOR FRESHMAN. The name of the second of the four classes into +which undergraduates are divided at Trinity College, Dublin. + + +SENIORITY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the eight Senior +Fellows and the Master of a college compose what is called the +_Seniority_. Their decisions in all matters are generally +conclusive. + +My duty now obliges me, however reluctantly, to bring you before +the _Seniority_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 75. + + +SENIOR OPTIME. Those who occupy the second rank in honors at the +close of the final examination at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., are denominated _Senior Optimes_. + +The Second Class, or that of _Senior Optimes_, is larger in number +[than that of the Wranglers], usually exceeding forty, and +sometimes reaching above sixty. This class contains a number of +disappointments, many who expect to be Wranglers, and some who are +generally expected to be.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 228. + +The word is frequently abbreviated. + +The Pembroker ... had the pleasant prospect of getting up all his +mathematics for a place among the _Senior Ops._--_Ibid._, p. 158. + +He would get just questions enough to make him a low _Senior Op._ +--_Ibid._, p. 222. + + +SENIOR ORATION. "The custom of delivering _Senior Orations_," says +a correspondent, "is, I think, confined to Washington and +Jefferson Colleges in Pennsylvania. Each member of the Senior +Class, taking them in alphabetical order, is required to deliver +an oration before graduating, and on such nights as the Faculty +may decide. The public are invited to attend, and the speaking is +continued at appointed times, until each member of the Class has +spoken." + + +SENIOR SOPHISTER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student +in the third year of his residence is called a Senior Soph or +Sophister. + +2. In some American colleges, a member of the Senior Class, i.e. +of the fourth year, was formerly designated a Senior Sophister. + +See SOPHISTER. + + +SENIOR WRANGLER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the Senior +Wrangler is the student who passes the best examination in the +Senate-House, and by consequence holds the first place on the +Mathematical Tripos. + +The only road to classical honors and their accompanying +emoluments in the University, and virtually in all the Colleges, +except Trinity, is through mathematical honors, all candidates for +the Classical Tripos being obliged as a preliminary to obtain a +place in that mathematical list which is headed by the _Senior +Wrangler_ and tailed by the Wooden Spoon.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + + +SEQUESTER. To cause to retire or withdraw into obscurity. In the +following passage it is used in the collegiate sense of _suspend_ +or _rusticate_. + +Though they were adulti, they were corrected in the College, and +_sequestered_, &c. for a time.--_Winthrop's Journal, by Savage_, +Vol. II. p. 88. + + +SERVITOR. In the University of Oxford, an undergraduate who is +partly supported by the college funds. _Servitors_ formerly waited +at table, but this is now dispensed with. The order similar to +that of the _servitor_ was at Cambridge styled the order of +_Sub-sizars_. This has been long extinct. The _sizar_ at Cambridge +is at present nearly equivalent to the Oxford _servitor_.--_Gent. +Mag._, 1787, p. 1146. _Brande_. + +"It ought to be known," observes De Quincey, "that the class of +'_servitors_,' once a large body in Oxford, have gradually become +practically extinct under the growing liberality of the age. They +carried in their academic dress a mark of their inferiority; they +waited at dinner on those of higher rank, and performed other +menial services, humiliating to themselves, and latterly felt as +no less humiliating to the general name and interests of +learning."--_Life and Manners_, p. 272. + +A reference to the cruel custom of "hunting the servitor" is to be +found in Sir John Hawkins's Life of Dr. Johnson, p. 12. + + +SESSION. At some of the Southern and Western colleges of the +United States, the time during which instruction is regularly +given to the students; a term. + +The _session_ commences on the 1st of October, and continues +without interruption until the 29th of June.--_Cat. of Univ. of +Virginia_, 1851, p. 15. + + +SEVENTY-EIGHTH PSALM. The recollections which cluster around this +Psalm, so well known to all the Alumni of Harvard, are of the most +pleasant nature. For more than a hundred years, it has been sung +at the dinner given on Commencement day at Cambridge, and for more +than a half-century to the tune of St. Martin's. Mr. Samuel +Shapleigh, who graduated at Harvard College in the year 1789, and +who was afterwards its Librarian, on the leaf of a hymn-book makes +a memorandum in reference to this Psalm, to the effect that it has +been sung at Cambridge on Commencement day "from _time +immemorial_." The late Rev. Dr. John Pierce, a graduate of the +class of 1793, referring to the same subject, remarks: "The +Seventy-eighth Psalm, it is supposed, has, _from the foundation of +the College_, been sung in the common version of the day." In a +poem, entitled Education, delivered at Cambridge before the Phi +Beta Kappa Society, by Mr. William Biglow, July 18th, 1799, +speaking of the conduct and manners of the students, the author +says:-- + + "Like pigs they eat, they drink an ocean dry, + They steal like France, like Jacobins they lie, + They raise the very Devil, when called to prayers, + 'To sons transmit the same, and they again to theirs'"; + +and, in explanation of the last line, adds this note: "Alluding to +the Psalm which is _always_ sung in Harvard Hall on Commencement +day." In his account of some of the exercises attendant upon the +Commencement at Harvard College in 1848, Professor Sidney Willard +observes: "At the Commencement dinner the sitting is not of long +duration; and we retired from table soon after the singing of the +Psalm, which, with some variation in the version, has been sung on +the same occasion from time immemorial."--_Memoirs of Youth and +Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 65. + +But that we cannot take these accounts as correct in their full +extent, appears from an entry in the MS. Diary of Chief Justice +Sewall relating to a Commencement in 1685, which he closes with +these words: "After Dinner ye 3d part of ye 103d Ps. was sung in +ye Hall." + +In the year 1793, at the dinner on Commencement Day, the Rev. +Joseph Willard, then President of the College, requested Mr. +afterwards Dr. John Pierce, to set the tune to the Psalm; with +which request having complied to the satisfaction of all present, +he from that period until the time of his death, in 1849, +performed this service, being absent only on one occasion. Those +who have attended Commencement dinners during the latter part of +this period cannot but associate with this hallowed Psalm the +venerable appearance and the benevolent countenance of this +excellent man. + +In presenting a list of the different versions in which this Psalm +has been sung, it must not be supposed that entire correctness has +been reached; the very scanty accounts which remain render this +almost impossible, but from these, which on a question of greater +importance might be considered hardly sufficient, it would appear +that the following are the versions in which the sons of Harvard +have been accustomed to sing the Psalm of the son of Jesse. + +1.--_The New England Version_. + +"In 1639 there was an agreement amo. ye Magistrates and Ministers +to set aside ye Psalms then printed at ye end of their Bibles, and +sing one more congenial to their ideas of religion." Rev. Mr. +Richard Mather of Dorchester, and Rev. Mr. Thomas Weld and Rev. +Mr. John Eliot of Roxbury, were selected to make a metrical +translation, to whom the Rev. Thomas Shepard of Cambridge gives +the following metrical caution:-- + + "Ye Roxbury poets, keep clear of ye crime + Of missing to give us very good rhyme, + And you of Dorchester, your verses lengthen, + But with the texts own words you will y'm strengthen." + +The version of this ministerial trio was printed in the year 1640, +at Cambridge, and has the honor of being the first production of +the North American press that rises to the dignity of _a book_. It +was entitled, "The Psalms newly turned into Metre." A second +edition was printed in 1647. "It was more to be commended, +however," says Mr. Peirce, in his History of Harvard University, +"for its fidelity to the text, than for the elegance of its +versification, which, having been executed by persons of different +tastes and talents, was not only very uncouth, but deficient in +uniformity. President Dunster, who was an excellent Oriental +scholar, and possessed the other requisite qualifications for the +task, was employed to revise and polish it; and in two or three +years, with the assistance of Mr. Richard Lyon, a young gentleman +who was sent from England by Sir Henry Mildmay to attend his son, +then a student in Harvard College, he produced a work, which, +under the appellation of the 'Bay Psalm-Book,' was, for a long +time, the received version in the New England congregations, was +also used in many societies in England and Scotland, and passed +through a great number of editions, both at home and abroad."--p. +14. + +The Seventy-eighth Psalm is thus rendered in the first edition:-- + + Give listning eare unto my law, + Yee people that are mine, + Unto the sayings of my mouth + Doe yee your eare incline. + + My mouth I'le ope in parables, + I'le speak hid things of old: + Which we have heard, and knowne: and which + Our fathers have us told. + + Them from their children wee'l not hide, + To th' after age shewing + The Lords prayses; his strength, and works + Of his wondrous doing. + + In Jacob he a witnesse set, + And put in Israell + A law, which he our fathers charg'd + They should their children tell: + + That th' age to come, and children which + Are to be borne might know; + That they might rise up and the same + Unto their children show. + + That they upon the mighty God + Their confidence might set: + And Gods works and his commandment + Might keep and not forget, + + And might not like their fathers be, + A stiffe, stout race; a race + That set not right their hearts: nor firme + With God their spirit was. + +The Bay Psalm-Book underwent many changes in the various editions +through which it passed, nor was this psalm left untouched, as +will be seen by referring to the twenty-sixth edition, published +in 1744, and to the edition of 1758, revised and corrected, with +additions, by Mr. Thomas Prince. + +2.--_Watts's Version_. + +The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Isaac Watts were first published in +this country by Dr. Franklin, in the year 1741. His version is as +follows:-- + + Let children hear the mighty deeds + Which God performed of old; + Which in our younger years we saw, + And which our fathers told. + + He bids us make his glories known, + His works of power and grace, + And we'll convey his wonders down + Through every rising race. + + Our lips shall tell them to our sons, + And they again to theirs, + That generations yet unborn + May teach them to their heirs. + + Thus shall they learn in God alone + Their hope securely stands, + That they may ne'er forget his works, + But practise his commands; + +3.--_Brady and Tate's Version_. + +In the year 1803, the Seventy-eighth Psalm was first printed on a +small sheet and placed under every plate, which practice has since +been always adopted. The version of that year was from Brady and +Tate's collection, first published in London in 1698, and in this +country about the year 1739. It was sung to the tune of St. +Martin's in 1805, as appears from a memorandum in ink on the back +of one of the sheets for that year, which reads, "Sung in the +hall, Commencement Day, tune St. Martin's, 1805." From the +statements of graduates of the last century, it seems that this +had been the customary tune for some time previous to this year, +and it is still retained as a precious legacy of the past. St. +Martin's was composed by William Tans'ur in the year 1735. The +following is the version of Brady and Tate:-- + + Hear, O my people; to my law + Devout attention lend; + Let the instruction of my mouth + Deep in your hearts descend. + + My tongue, by inspiration taught, + Shall parables unfold, + Dark oracles, but understood, + And owned for truths of old; + + Which we from sacred registers + Of ancient times have known, + And our forefathers' pious care + To us has handed down. + + We will not hide them from our sons; + Our offspring shall be taught + The praises of the Lord, whose strength + Has works of wonders wrought. + + For Jacob he this law ordained, + This league with Israel made; + With charge, to be from age to age, + From race to race, conveyed, + + That generations yet to come + Should to their unborn heirs + Religiously transmit the same, + And they again to theirs. + + To teach them that in God alone + Their hope securely stands; + That they should ne'er his works forget, + But keep his just commands. + +4.--_From Belknap's Collection_. + +This collection was first published by the Rev. Dr. Jeremy +Belknap, at Boston, in 1795. The version of the Seventy-eighth +Psalm is partly from that of Brady and Tate, and partly from Dr. +Watts's, with a few slight variations. It succeeded the version of +Brady and Tate about the year 1820, and is the one which is now +used. The first three stanzas were written by Brady and Tate; the +last three by Dr. Watts. It has of late been customary to omit the +last stanza in singing and in printing. + + Give ear, ye children;[62] to my law + Devout attention lend; + Let the instructions[63] of my mouth + Deep in your hearts descend. + + My tongue, by inspiration taught, + Shall parables unfold; + Dark oracles, but understood, + And owned for truths of old; + + Which we from sacred registers + Of ancient times have known, + And our forefathers' pious care + To us has handed down. + + Let children learn[64] the mighty deeds + Which God performed of old; + Which, in our younger years we saw, + And which our fathers told. + + Our lips shall tell them to our sons, + And they again to theirs; + That generations yet unborn + May teach them to their heirs. + + Thus shall they learn in God alone + Their hope securely stands; + That they may ne'er forget his works, + But practise his commands. + +It has been supposed by some that the version of the +Seventy-eighth Psalm by Sternhold and Hopkins, whose spiritual +songs were usually printed, as appears above, "at ye end of their +Bibles," was the first which was sung at Commencement dinners; but +this does not seem at all probable, since the first Commencement +at Cambridge did not take place until 1642, at which time the "Bay +Psalm-Book," written by three of the most popular ministers of the +day, had already been published two years. + + +SHADY. Among students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +epithet of depreciation, equivalent to MILD and SLOW.--_Bristed_. + +Some ... are rather _shady_ in Greek and Latin.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 147. + +My performances on the Latin verse paper were very +_shady_.--_Ibid._, p. 191. + + +SHARK. In student language, an absence from a recitation, a +lecture, or from prayers, prompted by recklessness rather than by +necessity, is called a _shark_. He who is absent under these +circumstances is also known as a shark. + + The Monitors' task is now quite done, + They 've pencilled all their marks, + "Othello's occupation's gone,"-- + No more look out for _sharks_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 45. + + +SHEEPSKIN. The parchment diploma received by students on taking +their degree at college. "In the back settlements are many +clergymen who have not had the advantages of a liberal education, +and who consequently have no diplomas. Some of these look upon +their more favored brethren with a little envy. A clergyman is +said to have a _sheepskin_, or to be a _sheepskin_, when educated +at college."--_Bartlett's Dict. of Americanisms_. + +This apostle of ourn never rubbed his back agin a college, nor +toted about no _sheepskins_,--no, never!... How you'd a perished +in your sins, if the first preachers had stayed till they got +_sheepskins_.--_Carlton's New Purchase_. + +I can say as well as the best on them _sheepskins_, if you don't +get religion and be saved, you'll be lost, teetotally and for +ever.--(_Sermon of an Itinerant Preacher at a Camp +Meeting_.)--_Ibid._ + +As for John Prescot, he not only lost the valedictory, but barely +escaped with his "_sheepskin_."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. X. p. 74. + +That handsome Senior ... receives his _sheepskin_ from the +dispensing hand of our worthy Prex.--_Ibid._, Vol. XIX. p. 355. + + When first I saw a "_Sheepskin_," + In Prex's hand I spied it. + _Yale Coll. Song_. + + We came to college fresh and green,-- + We go back home with a huge _sheepskin_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 43. + + +SHIN. To tease or hector a person by kicking his shins. In some +colleges this is one of the means which the Sophomores adopt to +torment the Freshmen, especially when playing at football, or +other similar games. + +We have been _shinned_, smoked, ducked, and accelerated by the +encouraging shouts of our generous friends.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. +10, 1846. + + +SHINE. At Harvard College this word was formerly used to designate +a good recitation. Used in the phrase, "_to make a shine_." + + +SHINNY. At Princeton College, the game of _Shinny_, known also by +the names of _Hawky_ and _Hurly_, is as great a favorite with the +students as is football at other colleges. "The players," says a +correspondent, "are each furnished with a stick four or five feet +in length and one and a half or two inches in diameter, curved at +one end, the object of which is to give the ball a surer blow. The +ball is about three inches in diameter, bound with thick leather. +The players are divided into two parties, arranged along from one +goal to the other. The ball is then '_bucked_' by two players, one +from each side, which is done by one of these two taking the ball +and asking his opponent which he will have, 'high or low'; if he +says 'high,' the ball is thrown up midway between them; if he says +'low,' the ball is thrown on the ground. The game is opened by a +scuffle between these two for the ball. The other players then +join in, one party knocking towards North College, which is one +'home' (as it is termed), and the other towards the fence bounding +the south side of the _Campus_, the other home. Whichever party +first gets the ball home wins the game. A grand contest takes +place annually between the Juniors and Sophomores, in this game." + + +SHIP. Among collegians, one expelled from college is said to be +_shipped_. + + For I, you know, am but a college minion, + But still, you'll all be _shipped_, in my opinion, + When brought before Conventus Facultatis. + _Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + +He may be overhauled, warned, admonished, dismissed, _shipped_, +rusticated, sent off, suspended.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, _Yale +Coll._, 1852-53, p. 25. + + +SHIPWRECK. Among students, a total failure. + +His university course has been a _shipwreck_, and he will probably +end by going out unnoticed among the [Greek: +_polloi_].--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +56. + + +SHORT-EAR. At Jefferson College, Penn., a soubriquet for a +roistering, noisy fellow; a rowdy. Opposed to _long-ear_. + + +SHORT TERM. At Oxford, Eng., the extreme duration of residence in +any college is under thirty weeks. "It is possible to keep '_short +terms_,' as the phrase is, by residence of thirteen weeks, or +ninety-one days."--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 274. + + +SIDE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the set of pupils +belonging to any one particular tutor is called his _side_. + +A longer discourse he will perhaps have to listen to with the rest +of his _side_.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 281. + +A large college has usually two tutors,--Trinity has three,--and +the students are equally divided among them,--_on their sides_ the +phrase is.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +11. + + +SILVER CUP. At Trinity College, Hartford, this is a testimonial +voted by each graduating class to the first legitimate boy whose +father is a member of the class. + +At Yale College, a theory of this kind prevails, but it has never +yet been carried into practice. + + I tell you what, my classmates, + My mind it is made up, + I'm coming back three years from this, + To take that _silver cup_. + I'll bring along the "requisite," + A little white-haired lad, + With "bib" and fixings all complete, + And I shall be his "dad." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +See CLASS CUP. + + +SIM. Abbreviated from _Simeonite_. A nickname given by the rowing +men at the University of Cambridge, Eng., to evangelicals, and to +all religious men, or even quiet men generally. + +While passing for a terribly hard reading man, and a "_Sim_" of +the straitest kind with the "empty bottles,"... I was fast lapsing +into a state of literary sensualism.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 39, 40. + + +SIR. It was formerly the fashion in the older American colleges to +call a Bachelor of Arts, Sir; this was sometimes done at the time +when the Seniors were accepted for that degree. + +Voted, Sept. 5th, 1763, "that _Sir_ Sewall, B.A., be the +Instructor in the Hebrew and other learned languages for three +years."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 234. + +December, 1790. Some time in this month, _Sir_ Adams resigned the +berth of Butler, and _Sir_ Samuel Shapleigh was chosen in his +stead.--_MS. Journal, Harv. Coll._ + +Then succeeded Cliosophic Oration in Latin, by _Sir_ Meigs. +Poetical Composition in English, by _Sir_ Barlow.--_Woolsey's +Hist. Disc._, p. 121. + +The author resided in Cambridge after he graduated. In common with +all who had received the degree of Bachelor of Arts and not that +of Master of Arts, he was called "_Sir_," and known as "_Sir_ +Seccomb." + +Some of the "_Sirs_" as well as undergraduates were arraigned +before the college government.--_Father Abbey's Will_, Cambridge, +Mass., 1854, p. 7. + + +SITTING OF THE SOLSTICES. It was customary, in the early days of +Harvard College, for the graduates of the year to attend in the +recitation-room on Mondays and Tuesdays, for three weeks, during +the month of June, subject to the examination of all who chose to +visit them. This was called the _Sitting of the Solstices_, +because it happened in midsummer, or at the time of the summer +solstice. The time was also known as the _Weeks of Visitation_. + + +SIZAR, SISAR, SIZER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +student of the third rank, or that next below that of a pensioner, +who eats at the public table after the fellows, free of expense. +It was formerly customary for _every fellow-commoner_ to have his +_sizar_, to whom he allowed a certain portion of commons, or +victuals and drink, weekly, but no money; and for this the sizar +was obliged to do him certain services daily. + +A lower order of students were called _sub-sizars_. In reference +to this class, we take the following from the Gentleman's +Magazine, 1787, p. 1146. "At King's College, they were styled +_hounds_. The situation of a sub-sizar being looked upon in so +degrading a light probably occasioned the extinction of the order. +But as the sub-sizars had certain assistances in return for their +humiliating services, and as the poverty of parents stood in need +of such assistances for their sons, some of the sizars undertook +the same offices for the same advantages. The master's sizar, +therefore, waited upon him for the sake of his commons, etc., as +the sub-sizar had done; and the other sizars did the same office +to the fellows for the advantage of the remains of their commons. +Thus the term sub-sizar became forgotten, and the sizar was +supposed to be the same as the _servitor_. But if a sizar did not +choose to accept of these assistances upon such degrading terms, +he dined in his own room, and was called a _proper sizar_. He wore +the same gown as the others, and his tutorage, etc. was no higher; +but there was nothing servile in his situation."--"Now, indeed, +all (or almost all) the colleges in Cambridge have allowed the +sizars every advantage of the remains of the fellows' commons, +etc., though they have very liberally exempted them from every +servile office." + +Another writer in the same periodical, 1795, p. 21, says: The +sizar "is very much like the _scholars_ at Westminster, Eton, &c., +who are on the _foundation_; and is, in a manner, the +_half-boarder_ in private academies. The name was derived from the +menial services in which he was occasionally engaged; being in +former days compelled to transport the plates, dishes, _sizes_, +and platters, to and from the tables of his superiors." + +A writer in the Encyclopædia Britannica, at the close of the +article SIZAR, says of this class: "But though their education is +thus obtained at a less expense, they are not now considered as a +menial order; for sizars, pensioner-scholars, and even sometimes +fellow-commoners, mix together with the utmost cordiality." + +"Sizars," says Bristed, "answer to the beneficiaries of American +colleges. They receive pecuniary assistance from the college, and +dine gratis after the fellows on the remains of their table. These +'remains' are very liberally construed, the sizar always having +fresh vegetables, and frequently fresh tarts and puddings."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 14. + + +SIZE. Food and drink from the buttery, aside from the regular +dinner at commons. + +"A _size_" says Minsheu, "is a portion of bread or drinke, it is a +farthing which schollers in Cambridge have at the buttery; it is +noted with the letter S. as in Oxford with the letter Q. for halfe +a farthing; and whereas they say in Oxford, to battle in the +Buttery Booke, i.e. to set downe on their names what they take in +bread, drinke, butter, cheese, &c.; so, in Cambridge, they say, to +_size_, i.e. to set downe their quantum, i.e. how much they take +on their name in the Buttery Booke." + +In the Poems of the Rev. Dr. Dodd, a _size_ of bread is described +as "half a half-penny 'roll.'" Grose, also, in the Provincial +Glossary, says "it signifies the half part of a halfpenny loaf, +and comes from _scindo_, I cut." + +In the Encyclopædia Britannica is the following explanation of +this term. "A _size_ of anything is the smallest quantity of that +thing which can be thus bought" [i.e. by students in addition to +their commons in the hall]; "two _sizes_, or a part of beef, being +nearly equal to what a young person will eat of that dish to his +dinner, and a _size_ of ale or beer being equal to half an English +pint." It would seem, then, that formerly a _size_ was a small +plateful of any eatable; the word now means anything had by +students at dinner over and above the usual commons. + +Of its derivation Webster remarks, "Either contracted from +_assize_, or from the Latin _scissus_. I take it to be from the +former, and from the sense of setting, as we apply the word to the +_assize_ of bread." + +This word was introduced into the older American colleges from +Cambridge, England, and was used for many years, as was also the +word _sizing_, with the same meaning. In 1750, the Corporation of +Harvard College voted, "that the quantity of commons be as hath +been usual, viz. two _sizes_ of bread in the morning; one pound of +meat at dinner, with sufficient sauce [vegetables], and a +half-pint of beer; and at night that a part pie be of the same +quantity as usual, and also half a pint of beer; and that the +supper messes be but of four parts, though the dinner messes be of +six."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Coll._, Vol. II. p. 97. + +The students of that day, if we may judge from the accounts which +we have of their poor commons, would have used far different +words, in addressing the Faculty, from King Lear, who, speaking to +his daughter Regan, says:-- + + "'T is not in thee + To grudge my pleasures,... + ... to scant my _sizes_." + + +SIZE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., to _size_ is to order +any sort of victuals from the kitchens which the students may want +in their rooms, or in addition to their commons in the hall, and +for which they pay the cooks or butchers at the end of each +quarter; a word corresponding to BATTEL at Oxford.--_Encyc. Brit._ + +In the Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 21, a writer says: "At +dinner, to _size_ is to order for yourself any little luxury that +may chance to tempt you in addition to the general fare, for which +you are expected to pay the cook at the end of the term." + +This word was formerly used in the older American colleges with +the meaning given above, as will be seen by the following extracts +from the laws of Harvard and Yale. + +"When they come into town after commons, they may be allowed to +_size_ a meal at the kitchen."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +39. + +"At the close of each quarter, the Butler shall make up his bill +against each student, in which every article _sized_ or taken up +by him at the Buttery shall be particularly charged."--_Laws Yale +Coll._, 1811, p. 31. + +"As a college term," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "it is of +very considerable antiquity. In the comedy called 'The Return from +Parnassus,' 1606, one of the character says, 'You that are one of +the Devil's Fellow-Commoners; one that _sizeth_ the Devil's +butteries,' &c. Again, in the same: 'Fidlers, I use to _size_ my +music, or go on the score for it.'" + +_For_ is often used after the verb _size_, without changing the +meaning of the expression. + +The tables of the Undergraduates, arranged according to their +respective years, are supplied with abundance of plain joints, and +vegetables, and beer and ale _ad libitum_, besides which, soup, +pastry, and cheese can be "_sized for_," that is, brought in +portions to individuals at an extra charge.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 19. + +_To size upon another_. To order extra food, and without +permission charge it to another's account. + +If any one shall _size upon another_, he shall be fined a +Shilling, and pay the Damage; and every Freshman sent [for +victuals] must declare that he who sends him is the only Person to +be charged.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 10. + + +SIZING. Extra food or drink ordered from the buttery; the act of +ordering extra food or drink from the buttery. + +Dr. Holyoke, who graduated at Harvard College in 1746, says: "The +breakfast was two _sizings_ of bread and a cue of beer." Judge +Wingate, who graduated a little later, says: "We were allowed at +dinner a cue of beer, which was a half-pint, and a _sizing_ of +bread, which I cannot describe to you. It was quite sufficient for +one dinner."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 219. + +From more definite accounts it would seem that a sizing of biscuit +was one biscuit, and a sizing of cracker, two crackers. A certain +amount of food was allowed to each mess, and if any person wanted +more than the allowance, it was the custom to tell the waiter to +bring a sizing of whatever was wished, provided it was obtained +from the commons kitchen; for this payment was made at the close +of the term. A sizing of cheese was nearly an ounce, and a sizing +of cider varied from a half-pint to a pint and a half. + +The Steward shall, at the close of every quarter, immediately fill +up the columns of commons and _sizings_, and shall deliver the +bill, &c.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 58. + +The Butler shall frequently inspect his book of +_sizings_.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + +Whereas young scholars, to the dishonor of God, hinderance of +their studies, and damage of their friends' estate, +inconsiderately and intemperately are ready to abuse their liberty +of _sizing_ besides their commons; therefore the Steward shall in +no case permit any students whatever, under the degree of Masters +of Arts, or Fellows, to expend or be provided for themselves or +any townsmen any extraordinary commons, unless by the allowance of +the President, &c., or in case of sickness.--Orders written 28th +March, 1650.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 583. + +This term, together with the verb and noun _size_, which had been +in use at Harvard and Yale Colleges since their foundation, has of +late been little heard, and with the extinction of commons has, +with the others, fallen wholly, and probably for ever, into +disuse. + +The use of this word and its collaterals is still retained in the +University of Cambridge, Eng. + +Along the wall you see two tables, which, though less carefully +provided than the Fellows', are still served with tolerable +decency, and go through a regular second course instead of the +"_sizings_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +20. + + +SIZING PARTY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., where this +term is used, a "_sizing party_" says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, +"differs from a supper in this; viz. at a sizing party every one +of the guests contributes his _part_, i.e. orders what he pleases, +at his own expense, to his friend's rooms,--'a _part_ of fowl' or +duck; a roasted pigeon; 'a _part_ of apple pie.' A sober beaker of +brandy, or rum, or hollands and water, concludes the +entertainment. In our days, a bowl of bishop, or milk punch, with +a chant, generally winds up the carousal." + + +SKIN. At Yale College, to obtain a knowledge of a lesson by +hearing it read by another; also, to borrow another's ideas and +present them as one's own; to plagiarize; to become possessed of +information in an examination or a recitation by unfair or secret +means. "In our examinations," says a correspondent, "many of the +fellows cover the palms of their hands with dates, and when called +upon for a given date, they read it off directly from their hands. +Such persons _skin_." + +The tutor employs the crescent when it is evident that the lesson +has been _skinned_, according to the college vocabulary, in which +case he usually puts a minus sign after it, with the mark which he +in all probability would have used had not the lesson been +_skinned_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1846. + +Never _skin_ a lesson which it requires any ability to +learn.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 81. + +He has passively admitted what he has _skinned_ from other +grammarians.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1846. + +Perhaps the youth who so barefacedly _skinned_ the song referred +to, fondly fancied, &c.--_The Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +He uttered that remarkable prophecy which Horace has so boldly +_skinned_ and called his own.--_Burial of Euclid_, Nov. 1850. + +A Pewter medal is awarded in the Senior Class, for the most +remarkable example of _skinned_ Composition.--_Burlesque +Catalogue, Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 29. + +Classical men were continually tempted to "_skin_" (copy) the +solutions of these examples.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 381. + +_To skin ahead_; at Hamilton College, to read a lesson over in the +class immediately before reciting. + + +SKIN. A lesson learned by hearing it read by another; borrowed +ideas; anything plagiarized. + + 'T was plenty of _skin_ with a good deal of Bohn.[65] + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee, Yale Coll._, 1855. + + +SKINNING. Learning, or the act of learning, a lesson by hearing it +read by another; plagiarizing. + +Alas for our beloved orations! acquired by _skinning_, looking on, +and ponies.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + +Barefaced copying from books and reviews in their compositions is +familiar to our students, as much so as "_skinning_" their +mathematical examples.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 394. + + +SKUNK. At Princeton College, to fail to pay a debt; used actively; +e.g. to _skunk_ a tailor, i.e. not to pay him. + + +SLANG. To scold, chide, rebuke. The use of this word as a verb is +in a measure peculiar to students. + +These drones are posted separately as "not worthy to be classed," +and privately _slanged_ afterwards by the Master and +Seniors.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 74. + +"I am afraid of going to T------," you may hear it said; "he don't +_slang_ his men enough."--_Ibid._, p. 148. + +His vanity is sure to be speedily checked, and first of all by his +private tutor, who "_slangs_" him for a mistake here or an +inelegancy there.--_Ibid._, p. 388. + + +SLANGING. Abusing, chiding, blaming. + +As he was not backward in _slanging_,--one of the requisites of a +good coach,--he would give it to my unfortunate composition right +and left.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +166. + + +SLEEPING OVER. A phrase equivalent to being absent from prayers. + +You may see some who have just arisen from their beds, where they +have enjoyed the luxury of "_sleeping over_."--_Harv. Reg._, p. +202. + + +SLOW. An epithet of depreciation, especially among students. + +Its equivalent slang is to be found in the phrases, "no great +shakes," and "small potatoes."--_Bristed_. + +One very well disposed and very tipsy man who was great upon +boats, but very _slow_ at books, endeavored to pacify +me.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 82. + + The Juniors vainly attempted to show + That Sophs and Seniors were somewhat _slow_ + In talent and ability. + _Sophomore Independent, Union College_, Nov. 1854. + + +SLOW-COACH. A dull, stupid fellow. + + +SLUM. A word once in use at Yale College, of which a graduate of +the year 1821 has given the annexed explanation. "That noted dish +to which our predecessors, of I know not what date, gave the name +of _slum_, which was our ordinary breakfast, consisting of the +remains of yesterday's boiled salt-beef and potatoes, hashed up, +and indurated in a frying-pan, was of itself enough to have +produced any amount of dyspepsia. There are stomachs, it may be, +which can put up with any sort of food, and any mode of cookery; +but they are not those of students. I remember an anecdote which +President Day gave us (as an instance of hasty generalization), +which would not be inappropriate here: 'A young physician, +commencing practice, determined to keep an account of each case he +had to do with, stating the mode of treatment and the result. His +first patient was a blacksmith, sick of a fever. After the crisis +of the disease had passed, the man expressed a hankering for pork +and cabbage. The doctor humored him in this, and it seemed to do +him good; which was duly noted in the record. Next a tailor sent +for him, whom he found suffering from the same malady. To him he +_prescribed_ pork and cabbage; and the patient died. Whereupon, he +wrote it down as a general law in such cases, that pork and +cabbage will cure a blacksmith, but will kill a tailor.' Now, +though the son of Vulcan found the pork and cabbage harmless, I am +sure that _slum_ would have been a match for him."--_Scenes and +Characters at College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 117. + + +SLUMP. German _schlump_; Danish and Swedish _slump_, a hap or +chance, an accident; that is, a fall. + +At Harvard College, a poor recitation. + + +SLUMP. At Harvard College, to recite badly; to make a poor +recitation. + + In fact, he'd rather dead than dig; + he'd rather _slump_ than squirt. + _Poem before the Y.H. of Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + _Slumping_ is his usual custom, + Deading is his road to fame.--_MS. Poem_. + + At recitations, unprepared, he _slumps_, + Then cuts a week, and feigns he has the mumps. + _MS. Poem_, by F.E. Felton. + +The usual signification of this word is given by Webster, as +follows: "To fall or sink suddenly into water or mud, when walking +on a hard surface, as on ice or frozen ground, not strong enough +to bear the person." To which he adds: "This legitimate word is in +common and respectable use in New England, and its signification +is so appropriate, that no other word will supply its place." + +From this meaning, the transfer is, by analogy, very easy and +natural, and the application very correct, to a poor recitation. + + +SMALL-COLLEGE. The name by which an inferior college in the +English universities is known. + +A "_Small-College_" man was Senior Wrangler.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 61. + + +SMALL-COLLEGER. A member of a Small-College. + +The two Latin prizes and the English poem [were carried off] by a +_Small-Colleger_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 113. + +The idea of a _Small-Colleger_ beating all Trinity was deemed +preposterous.--_Ibid._, p. 127. + + +SMALLS, or SMALL-GO. At the University of Oxford, an examination +in the second year. See LITTLE-GO; PREVIOUS EXAMINATION. + +At the _Smalls_, as the previous Examination is here called, each +examiner sends in his Greek and Latin book.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 139. + +It follows that the _Smalls_ is a more formidable examination than +the Little-Go.--_Ibid._, p. 139. + + +SMASH. At the Wesleyan University, a total failure in reciting is +called a _smash_. + + +SMILE. A small quantity of any spirituous liquor, or enough to +give one a pleasant feeling. + + Hast ta'en a "_smile_" at Brigham's. + _Poem before the Iadma_, 1850, p. 7. + + +SMOKE. In some colleges, one of the means made use of by the +Sophomores to trouble the Freshmen is to blow smoke into their +rooms until they are compelled to leave, or, in other words, until +they are _smoked out_. When assafoetida is mingled with the +tobacco, the sensation which ensues, as the foul effluvium is +gently wafted through the keyhole, is anything but pleasing to the +olfactory nerves. + + Or when, in conclave met, the unpitying wights + _Smoke_ the young trembler into "College rights": + O spare my tender youth! he, suppliant, cries, + In vain, in vain; redoubled clouds arise, + While the big tears adown his visage roll, + Caused by the smoke, and sorrow of his soul. + _College Life, by J.C. Richmond_, p. 4. + +They would lock me in if I left my key outside, _smoke me out_, +duck me, &c.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 74. + +I would not have you sacrifice all these advantages for the sake +_of smoking_ future Freshmen.--_Burial of Euclid_, 1850, p. 10. + +A correspondent from the University of Vermont gives the following +account of a practical joke, which we do not suppose is very often +played in all its parts. "They 'train' Freshmen in various ways; +the most _classic_ is to take a pumpkin, cut a piece from the top, +clean it, put in two pounds of 'fine cut,' put it on the +Freshman's table, and then, all standing round with long +pipe-stems, blow into it the fire placed in the _tobac_, and so +fill the room with smoke, then put the Freshman to bed, with the +pumpkin for a nightcap." + + +SMOUGE. At Hamilton College, to obtain without leave. + + +SMUT. Vulgar, obscene conversation. Language which obtains + + "Where Bacchus ruleth all that's done, + And Venus all that's said." + + +SMUTTY. Possessing the qualities of obscene conversation. Applied +also to the person who uses such conversation. + + +SNOB. In the English universities, a townsman, as opposed to a +student; or a blackguard, as opposed to a gentleman; a loafer +generally.--_Bristed_. + + They charged the _Snobs_ against their will, + And shouted clear and lustily. + _Gradus ad Cantab_, p. 69. + +Used in the same sense at some American colleges. + +2. A mean or vulgar person; particularly, one who apes gentility. +--_Halliwell_. + +Used both in England and the United States, "and recently," says +Webster, "introduced into books as a term of derision." + + +SNOBBESS. In the English universities, a female _snob_. + +Effeminacies like these, induced, no doubt, by the flattering +admiration of the fair _snobbesses_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. +116. + + +SNOBBISH. Belonging to or resembling a _snob_. + + +SNOBBY. Low; vulgar; resembling or pertaining to a _snob_. + + +SNUB. To reprimand; check; rebuke. Used among students, more +frequently than by any other class of persons. + + +SOPH. In the University of Cambridge, England, an abbreviation of +SOPHISTER.--_Webster_. + +On this word, Crabb, in his _Technological Dictionary_, says: "A +certain distinction or title which undergraduates in the +University at Oxford assume, previous to their examination for a +degree. It took its rise in the exercises which students formerly +had to go through, but which are now out of use." + + Three College _Sophs_, and three pert Templars came, + The same their talents, and their tastes the same. + _Pope's Dunciad_, B. II. v. 389, 390. + +2. In the American colleges, an abbreviation of Sophomore. + + _Sophs_ wha ha' in Commons fed! + _Sophs_ wha ha' in Commons bled! + _Sophs_ wha ne'er from Commons fled! + Puddings, steaks, or wines! + _Rebelliad_, p. 52. + +The _Sophs_ did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +Fresh, as they call us.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + +The _Sophs_ were victorious at every point.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. +10, 1846. + +My Chum, a _Soph_, says he committed himself too soon.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 118. + + +SOPHIC. A contraction of sophomoric. + + So then the _Sophic_ army + Came on in warlike glee. + _The Battle of the Ball_, 1853. + + +SOPHIMORE. The old manner of spelling what is now known as +SOPHOMORE. + +The President may give Leave for the _Sophimores_ to take out some +particular Books.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 23. + +His favorite researches, however, are discernible in his +observations on a comet, which appeared in the beginning of his +_Sophimore_ year.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 13. + +I aver thou hast never been a corporal in the militia, or a +_sophimore_ at college.--_The Algerine Captive_, Walpole, 1797, +Vol. I. p. 68. + + +SOPHISH GOWN. Among certain gownsmen, a gown that bears the marks +of much service; "a thing of shreds and patches."--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + + +SOPHIST. A name given to the undergraduates at Cambridge, England. +--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + + +SOPHISTER. Greek, [Greek: sophistaes]. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., the title of students who are advanced beyond the +first year of their residence. The entire course at the University +consists of three years and one term, during which the students +have the titles of First-Year Men, or Freshmen; Second-Year Men, +or Junior Sophs or Sophisters; Third-Year Men, or Senior Sophs or +Sophisters; and, in the last term, Questionists, with reference to +the approaching examination. In the older American colleges, the +Junior and Senior Classes were originally called Junior Sophisters +and Senior Sophisters. The term is also used at Oxford and Dublin. +--_Webster_. + +And in case any of the _Sophisters_ fail in the premises required +at their hands, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + + +SOPHOMORE. One belonging to the second of the four classes in an +American college. + +Professor Goodrich, in his unabridged edition of Dr. Webster's +Dictionary, gives the following interesting account of this word. +"This word has generally been considered as an 'American +barbarism,' but was probably introduced into our country, at a +very early period, from the University of Cambridge, Eng. Among +the cant terms at that University, as given in the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, we find _Soph-Mor_ as 'the next distinctive +appellation to Freshman.' It is added, that 'a writer in the +Gentlemen's Magazine thinks _mor_ an abbreviation of the Greek +[Greek: moria], introduced at a time when the _Encomium Moriæ_, +the Praise of Folly, by Erasmus, was so generally used.' The +ordinary derivation of the word, from [Greek: sofos] and [Greek: +moros] would seem, therefore, to be incorrect. The younger Sophs +at Cambridge appear, formerly, to have received the adjunct _mor_ +([Greek: moros]) to their names, either as one which they courted +for the reason mentioned above, or as one given them in sport, for +the supposed exhibition of inflated feeling in entering on their +new honors. The term, thus applied, seems to have passed, at a +very early period, from Cambridge in England to Cambridge in +America, as 'the next distinctive appellation to Freshman,' and +thus to have been attached to the second of the four classes in +our American colleges; while it has now almost ceased to be known, +even as a cant word, at the parent institution in England whence +it came. This derivation of the word is rendered more probable by +the fact, that the early spelling was, to a great extent at least, +Soph_i_more, as appears from the manuscripts of President Stiles +of Yale College, and the records of Harvard College down to the +period of the American Revolution. This would be perfectly natural +if _Soph_ or _Sophister_ was considered as the basis of the word, +but can hardly be explained if the ordinary derivation had then +been regarded as the true one." + +Some further remarks on this word may be found in the Gentleman's +Magazine, above referred to, 1795, Vol. LXV. p. 818. + + +SOPHOMORE COMMENCEMENT. At Princeton College, it has long been the +custom for the Sophomore Class, near the time of the Commencement +at the close of the Senior year, to hold a Commencement in +imitation of it, at which burlesque and other exercises, +appropriate to the occasion, are performed. The speakers chosen +are a Salutatorian, a Poet, an Historian, who reads an account of +the doings of the Class up to that period, a Valedictorian, &c., +&c. A band of music is always in attendance. After the addresses, +the Class partake of a supper, which is usually prolonged to a +very late hour. In imitation of the Sophomore Commencement, +_Burlesque Bills_, as they are called, are prepared and published +by the Juniors, in which, in a long and formal programme, such +subjects and speeches are attributed to the members of the +Sophomore Class as are calculated to expose their weak points. + + +SOPHOMORIC, SOPHOMORICAL. Pertaining to or like a Sophomore. + + Better to face the prowling panther's path, + Than meet the storm of _Sophomoric_ wrath. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 22. + +We trust he will add by his example no significancy to that pithy +word, "_Sophomoric_."--_Sketches of Williams Coll._, p. 63. + +Another meaning, derived, it would appear, from the +characteristics of the Sophomore, yet not very creditable to him, +is _bombastic, inflated in style or manner_.--_J.C. Calhoun_. + +Students are looked upon as being necessarily _Sophomorical_ in +literary matters.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 84. + +The Professor told me it was rather _Sophomorical_.--_Sketches of +Williams Coll._, p. 74. + + +SOPHRONISCUS. At Yale College, this name is given to Arnold's +Greek Prose Composition, from the fact of its repeated occurrence +in that work. + + _Sophroniscum_ relinquemus; + Et Euclidem comburemus, + Ejus vi soluti. + _Pow-wow of Class of '58, Yale Coll._ + +See BALBUS. + + +SPIRT. Among the students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +extraordinary effort of mind or body for a short time. A boat's +crew _make a spirt_, when they pull fifty yards with all the +strength they have left. A reading-man _makes_ _a spirt_ when he +crams twelve hours daily the week before examination.--_Bristed_. + +As my ... health was decidedly improving, I now attempted a +"_spirt_," or what was one for me.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 223. + +My amateur Mathematical coach, who was now making his last _spirt_ +for a Fellowship, used to accompany me.--_Ibid._, p. 288. + +He reads nine hours a day on a "_spirt_" the fortnight before +examination.--_Ibid._, p. 327. + + +SPIRTING. Making an extraordinary effort of mind or body for a +short time.--_Bristed_. + +Ants, bees, boat-crews _spirting_ at the Willows,... are but faint +types of their activity.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 224. + + +SPLURGE. In many colleges, when one is either dashy, or dressed +more than ordinarily, he is said to _cut a splurge_. A showy +recitation is often called by the same name. In his Dictionary of +Americanisms, Mr. Bartlett defines it, "a great effort, a +demonstration," which is the signification in which this word is +generally used. + + +SPLURGY. Showy; of greater surface than depth. Applied to a lesson +which is well rehearsed but little appreciated. Also to literary +efforts of a certain nature, to character, persons, &c. + +They even pronounce his speeches _splurgy_.--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, +1852. + + +SPOON. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the last of each +class of the honors is humorously denominated _The Spoon_. Thus, +the last Wrangler is called the Golden Spoon; the last Senior +Optime, the Silver Spoon; and the last Junior Optime, the Wooden +Spoon. The Wooden Spoon, however, is _par excellence_, "The +Spoon."--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +See WOODEN SPOON. + + +SPOON, SPOONY, SPOONEY. A man who has been drinking till he +becomes disgusting by his very ridiculous behavior, is said to be +_spoony_ drunk; and hence it is usual to call a very prating, +shallow fellow a rank _spoon_.--_Grose_. + +Mr. Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, says:--"We use +the word only in the latter sense. The Hon. Mr. Preston, in his +remarks on the Mexican war, thus quotes from Tom Crib's +remonstrance against the meanness of a transaction, similar to our +cries for more vigorous blows on Mexico when she is prostrate: + +"'Look down upon Ben,--see him, _dunghill_ all o'er, + Insult the fallen foe that can harm him no more. + Out, cowardly _spooney_! Again and again, + By the fist of my father, I blush for thee, Ben.' + +"Ay, you will see all the _spooneys_ that ran, like so many +_dunghill_ champions, from 54 40, stand by the President for the +vigorous prosecution of the war upon the body of a prostrate foe." +--_N.Y. Tribune_, 1847. + +Now that year it so happened that the spoon was no +_spooney_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 218. + +Not a few of this party were deluded into a belief, that all +studious and quiet men were slow, all men of proper self-respect +exclusives, and all men of courtesy and good-breeding _spoonies_. +--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 118. + +Suppose that rustication was the fate of a few others of our +acquaintance, whom you cannot call slow, or _spoonies_ either, +would it be deemed no disgrace by them?--_Ibid._, p. 196. + + When _spoonys_ on two knees, implore the aid of sorcery, + To suit their wicked purposes they quickly put the laws awry. + _Rejected Addresses_, Am. ed., p. 154. + +They belong to the class of elderly "_spoons_," with some few +exceptions, and are nettled that the world should not go at their +rate of progression.--_Boston Daily Times_, May 8, 1851. + + +SPOONY, SPOONEY. Like a _spoon_; possessing the qualities of a +silly or stupid fellow. + +I shall escape from this beautiful critter, for I'm gettin' +_spooney_, and shall talk silly presently.--_Sam Slick_. + +Both the adjective and the noun _spooney_ are in constant and +frequent use at some of the American colleges, and are generally +applied to one who is disliked either for his bad qualities or for +his ill-breeding, usually accompanied with the idea of weakness. + +He sprees, is caught, rusticates, returns next year, mingles with +feminines, and is consequently degraded into the _spooney_ Junior. +_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 208. + +A "bowl" was the happy conveyance. Perhaps this was chosen because +the voyagers were _spooney_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1849. + + +SPOOPS, SPOOPSY. At Harvard College, a weak, silly fellow, or one +who is disliked on account of his foolish actions, is called a +_spoops_, or _spoopsy_. The meaning is nearly the same as that of +_spoony_. + + +SPOOPSY. Foolish; silly. Applied either to a person or thing. + +Seniors always try to be dignified. The term "_spoopsey_" in its +widest signification applies admirably to them.--_Yale Tomahawk_, +May, 1852. + + +SPORT. To exhibit or bring out in public; as, to _sport_ a new +equipage.--_Grose_. + +This word was in great vogue in England in the year 1783 and 1784; +but is now sacred to men of _fashion_, both in England and +America. + +With regard to the word _sport_, they [the Cantabrigians] +_sported_ knowing, and they _sported_ ignorant,--they _sported_ an +Ægrotat, and they _sported_ a new coat,--they _sported_ an Exeat, +they _sported_ a Dormiat, &c.--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. 1085. + + I'm going to serve my country, + And _sport_ a pretty wife. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854, Yale Coll. + +To _sport oak_, or a door, is to fasten a door for safety or +convenience. + +If you call on a man and his door is _sported_, signifying that he +is out or busy, it is customary to pop your card through the +little slit made for that purpose.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 336. + +Some few constantly turn the keys of their churlish doors, and +others, from time to time, "_sport oak_."--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 268. + + +SPORTING-DOOR. At the English universities, the name given to the +outer door of a student's room, which can be _sported_ or fastened +to prevent intrusion. + +Their impregnable _sporting-doors_, that defy alike the hostile +dun and the too friendly "fast man."--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 3. + + +SPREAD. A feast of a more humble description than a GAUDY. Used at +Cambridge, England. + +This puts him in high spirits again, and he gives a large +_spread_, and gets drunk on the strength of it.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 129. + +He sits down with all of them, about forty or fifty, to a most +glorious _spread_, ordered from the college cook, to be served up +in the most swell style possible.--_Ibid._, p. 129. + + +SPROUT. Any _branch_ of education is in student phrase a _sprout_. +This peculiar use of the word is said to have originated at Yale. + + +SPRUNG. The positive, of which _tight_ is the comparative, and +_drunk_ the superlative. + + "One swallow makes not spring," the poet sung, + But many swallows make the fast man _sprung_. + _MS. Poem_, by F.E. Felton. + +See TIGHT. + + +SPY. In some of the American colleges, it is a prevailing opinion +among the students, that certain members of the different classes +are encouraged by the Faculty to report what they have seen or +ascertained in the conduct of their classmates, contrary to the +laws of the college. Many are stigmatized as _spies_ very +unjustly, and seldom with any sufficient reason. + + +SQUIRT. At Harvard College, a showy recitation is denominated a +_squirt_; the ease and quickness with which the words flow from +the mouth being analogous to the ease and quickness which attend +the sudden ejection of a stream of water from a pipe. Such a +recitation being generally perfect, the word _squirt_ is very +often used to convey that idea. Perhaps there is not, in the whole +vocabulary of college cant terms, one more expressive than this, +or that so easily conveys its meaning merely by its sound. It is +mostly used colloquially. + +2. A foppish young fellow; a whipper-snapper.--_Bartlett_. + +If they won't keep company with _squirts_ and dandies, who's going +to make a monkey of himself?--_Maj. Jones's Courtship_, p. 160. + + +SQUIRT. To make a showy recitation. + + He'd rather slump than _squirt_. + _Poem before Y.H._, p. 9. + +Webster has this word with the meaning, "to throw out words, to +let fly," and marks it as out of use. + + +SQUIRTINESS. The quality of being showy. + + +SQUIRTISH. Showy; dandified. + +It's my opinion that these slicked up _squirtish_ kind a fellars +ain't particular hard baked, and they always goes in for +aristocracy notions.--_Robb, Squatter Life_, p. 73. + + +SQUIRTY. Showy; fond of display; gaudy. + +Applied to an oration which is full of bombast and grandiloquence; +to a foppish fellow; to an apartment gayly adorned, &c. + + And should they "scrape" in prayers, because they are long + And rather "_squirty_" at times. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 58. + + +STAMMBOOK. German. A remembrance-book; an album. Among the German +students stammbooks were kept formerly, as commonly as +autograph-books now are among American students. + +But do procure me the favor of thy Rapunzel writing something in +my _Stammbook_.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +242. + + +STANDING. Academical age, or rank. + +Of what _standing_ are you? I am a Senior Soph.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + + Her mother told me all about your love, + And asked me of your prospects and your _standing_. + _Collegian_, 1830, p. 267. + +_To stand for an honor_; i.e. to offer one's self as a candidate +for an honor. + + +STAR. In triennial catalogues a star designates those who have +died. This sign was first used with this signification by Mather, +in his Magnalia, in a list prepared by him of the graduates of +Harvard College, with a fanciful allusion, it is supposed, to the +abode of those thus marked. + + Our tale shall be told by a silent _star_, + On the page of some future Triennial. + _Poem before Class of 1849, Harv. Coll._, p. 4. + +We had only to look still further back to find the _stars_ +clustering more closely, indicating the rapid flight of the +spirits of short-lived tenants of earth to another +sphere.--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 66. + + +STAR. To mark a star opposite the name of a person, signifying +that he is dead. + +Six of the sixteen Presidents of our University have been +inaugurated in this place; and the oldest living graduate, the +Hon. Paine Wingate of Stratham, New Hampshire, who stands on the +Catalogue a lonely survivor amidst the _starred_ names of the +dead, took his degree within these walls.--_A Sermon on leaving +the Old Meeting-house in Cambridge_, by Rev. William Newell, Dec. +1, 1833, p. 22. + +Among those fathers were the venerable remnants of classes that +are _starred_ to the last two or three, or it may be to the last +one.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 6. + + +STATEMENT OF FACTS. At Yale College, a name given to a public +meeting called for the purpose of setting forth the respective +merits of the two great societies in that institution, viz. +"Linonia" and "The Brothers in Unity." There are six orators, +three from Linonia and three from the Brothers,--a Senior, a +Junior, and the President of each society. The Freshmen are +invited by handsomely printed cards to attend the meeting, and +they also have the best seats reserved for them, and are treated +with the most intense politeness. As now conducted, the _Statement +of Facts_ is any thing rather than what is implied by the name. It +is simply an opportunity for the display of speaking talent, in +which wit and sarcasm are considered of far greater importance +than truth. The Freshmen are rarely swayed to either side. In nine +cases out of ten they have already chosen their society, and +attend the statement merely from a love of novelty and fun. The +custom grew up about the year 1830, after the practice of dividing +the students alphabetically between the two societies had fallen +into disuse. Like all similar customs, the Statement of Facts has +reached its present college importance by gradual growth. At first +the societies met in a small room of the College, and the +statements did really consist of the facts in the case. Now the +exercises take place in a public hall, and form a kind of +intellectual tournament, where each society, in the presence of a +large audience, strives to get the advantage of the other. + +From a newspaper account of the observance of this literary +festival during the present year, the annexed extract is taken. + +"For some years, students, as they have entered College, have been +permitted to choose the society with which they would connect +themselves, instead of being alphabetically allotted to one of the +two. This method has made the two societies earnest rivals, and +the accession of each class to College creates an earnest struggle +to see which shall secure the greater number of members. The +electioneering campaign, as it is termed, begins when the students +come to be examined for admission to College, that is, about the +time of the Commencement, and continues through a week or two of +the first term of the next year. Each society, of course, puts +forth the most determined efforts to conquer. It selects the most +prominent and popular men of the Senior Class as President, and +arrangements are so made that a Freshman no sooner enters town +than he finds himself unexpectedly surrounded by hosts of friends, +willing to do anything for him, and especially instruct him in his +duty with reference to the selection of societies. For the benefit +of those who do not yield to this private electioneering, this +Statement of Facts is made. It amounts, however, to little more +than a 'good time,' as there are very few who wait to be +influenced by 'facts' they know will be so distorted. The +advocates of each society feel bound, of course, to present its +affairs in the most favorable aspect. Disputants are selected, +generally with regard to their ability as speakers, one from the +Junior and one from the Senior Class. The Presidents of each +society also take part."--_N.Y. Daily Times_, Sept. 22, 1855. + +As an illustration of the eloquence and ability which is often +displayed on these occasions, the following passages have been +selected from the address of John M. Holmes of Chicago, Ill., the +Junior orator in behalf of the Brothers in Unity at the Statement +of Facts held September 20th, 1855. + +"Time forbids me to speak at length of the illustrious alumni of +the Brothers; of Professor Thatcher, the favorite of college,--of +Professor Silliman, the Nestor of American literati,--of the +revered head of this institution, President Woolsey, first +President of the Brothers in 1820,--of Professor Andrews, the +author of the best dictionary of the Latin language,--of such +divines as Dwight and Murdock,--of Bacon and Bushnell, the pride +of New England,--or of the great names of Clayton, Badger, +Calhoun, Ellsworth, and John Davis,--all of whom were nurtured and +disciplined in the halls of the Brothers, and there received the +Achillean baptism that made their lives invulnerable. But perhaps +I err in claiming such men as the peculium of the Brothers,--they +are the common heritage of the human race. + + 'Such names as theirs are pilgrim shrines, + Shrines to no code nor creed confined, + The Delphian vales, the Palestines, + The Meccas of the mind.' + +"But there are other names which to overlook would be worse than +negligence,--it would be ingratitude unworthy of a son of Yale. + +"At the head of that glorious host stands the venerable form of +Joel Barlow, who, in addition to his various civil and literary +distinctions, was the father of American poetry. There too is the +intellectual brow of Webster, not indeed the great defender of the +Constitution, but that other Webster, who spent his life in the +perpetuation of that language in which the Constitution is +embalmed, and whose memory will be coeval with that language to +the latest syllable of recorded time. Beside Webster on the +historic canvas appears the form of the only Judge of the Supreme +Court of the United States that ever graduated at this +College,--Chief Justice Baldwin, of the class of 1797. Next to him +is his classmate, a patriarchal old man who still lives to bless +the associations of his youth,--who has consecrated the noblest +talents to the noblest earthly purposes,--the pioneer of Western +education,--the apostle of Temperance,--the life-long teacher of +immortality,--and who is the father of an illustrious family whose +genius has magnetized all Christendom. His classmate is Lyman +Beecher. But a year ago in the neighboring city of Hartford there +was a monument erected to another Brother in Unity,--the +philanthropist who first introduced into this country the system +of instructing deaf mutes. More than a thousand unfortunates bowed +around his grave. And although there was no audible voice of +eulogy or thankfulness, yet there were many tears. And grateful +thoughts went up to heaven in silent benediction for him who had +unchained their faculties, and given them the priceless treasures +of intellectual and social communion. Thomas H. Gallaudet was a +Brother in Unity. + +"And he who has been truly called the most learned of poets and +the most poetical of learned men,--whose ascent to the heaven of +song has been like the pathway of his own broad sweeping +eagle,--J.G. Percival,--is a Brother in Unity. And what shall I +say of Morse? Of Morse, the wonder-worker, the world-girdler, the +space-destroyer, the author of the noblest invention whose glory +was ever concentrated in a single man, who has realized the +fabulous prerogative of Olympian Jove, and by the instantaneous +intercommunication of thought has accomplished the work of ages in +binding together the whole civilized world into one great +Brotherhood in Unity? + +"Gentlemen, these are the men who wait to welcome you to the +blessings of our society. There they stand, like the majestic +statues that line the entrance to an eternal pyramid. And when I +look upon one statue, and another, and another, and contemplate +the colossal greatness of their proportions, as Canova gazed with +rapture upon the sun-god of the Vatican, I envy not the man whose +heart expands not with the sense of a new nobility, and whose eye +kindles not with the heart's enthusiasm, as he thinks that he too +is numbered among that glorious company,--that he too is sprung +from that royal ancestry. And who asks for a richer heritage, or a +more enduring epitaph, than that he too is a Brother in Unity?" + + +S.T.B. _Sanctæ Theologiæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor in Theology. + +See B.D. + + +S.T.D. _Sanctæ Theologiæ Doctor_. Doctor in Theology. + +See D.D. + + +STEWARD. In colleges, an officer who provides food for the +students, and superintends the kitchen.--_Webster_. + +In American colleges, the labors of the steward are at present +more extended, and not so servile, as set forth in the above +definition. To him is usually assigned the duty of making out the +term-bills and receiving the money thereon; of superintending the +college edifices with respect to repairs, &c.; of engaging proper +servants in the employ of the college; and of performing such +other services as are declared by the faculty of the college to be +within his province. + + +STICK. In college phrase, _to stick_, or _to get stuck_, is to be +unable to proceed, either in a recitation, declamation, or any +other exercise. An instructor is said to _stick_ a student, when +he asks a question which the student is unable to answer. + +But he has not yet discovered, probably, that he ... that +"_sticks_" in Greek, and cannot tell, by demonstration of his own, +whether the three angles of a triangle are equal to two, or four, +... can nevertheless drawl out the word Fresh, &c.--_Scenes and +Characters in College_, p. 30. + + +S.T.P. _Sanctæ Theologiæ Professor_. Professor in Theology. + +A degree of similar import to S.T.D., and D.D. + + +STUDENT. A person engaged in study; one who is devoted to +learning, either in a seminary or in private; a scholar; as, the +_students_ of an academy, of a college or university; a medical +_student_; a law _student_. + +2. A man devoted to books; a bookish man; as, a hard _student_; a +close _student_.--_Webster_. + +3. At Oxford, this word is used to designate one who stands upon +the foundation of the college to which he belongs, and is an +aspirant for academic emoluments.--_De Quincey_. + +4. In German universities, by _student_ is understood "one who has +by matriculation acquired the rights of academical +citizenship."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 27. + + +STUDY. A building or an apartment devoted to study or to literary +employment.--_Webster_. + +In some of the older American colleges, it was formerly the custom +to partition off, in each chamber, two small rooms, where the +occupants, who were always two in number, could carry on their +literary pursuits. These rooms were called, from this +circumstance, _studies_. Speaking of the first college edifice +which was erected at New Haven, Mr. Clap, in his History of Yale +College, says: "It made a handsome appearance, and contained near +fifty _studies_ in convenient chambers"; and again he speaks of +Connecticut Hall as containing thirty-two chambers and sixty-four +_studies_. In the oldest buildings, some of these _studies_ remain +at the present day. + +The _study_ rents, until December last, were discontinued with Mr. +Dunster.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 463. + +Every Graduate and Undergraduate shall find his proportion of +furniture, &c., during the whole time of his having a _study_ +assigned him.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 35. + + To him that occupies my _study_, + I give, &c.--_Will of Charles Prentiss_. + + +STUMP. At Princeton College, to fail in reciting; to say, "Not +prepared," when called on to recite. A _stump_, a bad recitation; +used in the phrase, "_to make a stump_." + + +SUB-FRESH. A person previous to entering the Freshman Class is +called a _sub-fresh_, or one below a Freshman. + + Praying his guardian powers + To assist a poor "_Sub-Fresh_" at the dread examination. + _Poem before the Iadma Soc. of Harv. Coll._, 1850, p. 14. + + Our "_Sub-Fresh_" has that feeling. + _Ibid._, p. 16. + +Everybody happy, except _Sub-Fresh_, and they trying hardest to +appear so.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 103. + +The timid _Sub-Fresh_ had determined to construct stout +barricades, with no lack of ammunition.--_Ibid._, p. 103. + +Sometimes written _Sub_. + +Information wanted of the "_Sub_" who didn't think it an honor to +be electioneered.--_N.B., Yale Coll., June_ 14, 1851. + +See PENE. + + +SUBJECT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a particular +author, or part of an author, set for examination; or a particular +branch of Mathematics, such as Optics, Hydrostatics, +&c.--_Bristed_. + +To _get up a subject_, is to make one's self thoroughly master of +it.--_Bristed_. + + +SUB-RECTOR. A rector's deputy or substitute.--_Walton, Webster_. + + +SUB-SIZAR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., formerly an order +of students lower than the _sizars_. + + Masters of all sorts, and all ages, + Keepers, _subcizers_, lackeys, pages. + _Poems of Bp. Corbet_, p. 22. + + There he sits and sees + How lackeys and _subsizers_ press + And scramble for degrees. + _Ibid._, p. 88. + +See under SIZAR. + + +SUCK. At Middlebury College, to cheat at recitation or examination +by using _ponies_, _interliners_, or _helps_ of any kind. + + +SUPPLICAT. Latin; literally, _he supplicates_. In the English +universities, a petition; particularly a written application with +a certificate that the requisite conditions have been complied +with.--_Webster_. + +A _Supplicat_, says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, is "an entreaty to +be admitted to the degree of B.A.; containing a certificate that +the Questionist has kept his full number of terms, or explaining +any deficiency. This document is presented to the caput by the +father of his college." + + +SURPLICE DAY. An occasion or day on which the surplice is worn by +the members of a university. + +"On all Sundays and Saint-days, and the evenings preceding, every +member of the University, except noblemen, attends chapel in his +surplice."--_Grad. ad Cantab._, pp. 106, 107. + + +SUSPEND. In colleges, to separate a student from his class, and +place him under private instruction. + + And those whose crimes are very great, + Let us _suspend_ or rusticate.--_Rebelliad_, p. 24. + + +SUSPENSION. In universities and colleges, the punishment of a +student for some offence, usually negligence, by separating him +from his class, and compelling him to pursue those branches of +study in which he is deficient under private instruction, provided +for the purpose. + + +SUSPENSION-PAPER. The paper in which the act of suspension from +college is declared. + + Come, take these three _suspension-papers_; + They'll teach you how to cut such capers. + _Rebelliad_, p. 32. + + +SUSPENSION TO THE ROOM. In Princeton College, one of the +punishments for certain offences subjects a student to confinement +to his chamber and exclusion from his class, and requires him to +recite to a teacher privately for a certain time. This is +technically called _suspension to the room_. + + +SWEEP, SWEEPER. The name given at Yale and other colleges to the +person whose occupation it is to sweep the students' rooms, make +their beds, &c. + +Then how welcome the entrance of the _sweep_, and how cutely we +fling jokes at each other through the dust!--_Yale Lit. Mag._, +Vol. XIV. p. 223. + +Knocking down the _sweep_, in clearing the stairs, we described a +circle to our room.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + A Freshman by the faithful _sweep_ + Was found half buried in soft sleep. + _Ibid._, Nov. 10, 1846. + + With fingers dirty and black, + From lower to upper room, + A College _Sweep_ went dustily round, + Plying his yellow broom. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 12. + +In the Yale Literary Magazine, Vol. III. p. 144, is "A tribute to +certain Members of the Faculty, whose names are omitted in the +Catalogue," in which appropriate praise is awarded to these useful +servants. + +The Steward ... engages _sweepers_ for the College.--_Laws Harv. +Coll._, 1816, p. 48. + +One of the _sweepers_ finding a parcel of wood,... the defendant, +in the absence of the owner of the wood, authorizes the _sweeper_ +to carry it away.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 98. + + +SWELL BLOCK. In the University of Virginia, a sobriquet applied to +dandies and vain pretenders. + + +SWING. At several American colleges, the word _swing_ is used for +coming out with a secret society badge; 1st, of the society, to +_swing out_ the new men; and, 2d, of the men, intransitively, to +_swing_, or to _swing out_, i.e. to appear with the badge of a +secret society. Generally, _to swing out_ signifies to appear in +something new. + +The new members have "_swung out_," and all again is +harmony.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + + +SYNDIC. Latin, _syndicus_; Greek, [Greek: sundikos; sun], _with_, +and [Greek: dikae], _justice_. + +An officer of government, invested with different powers in +different countries. Almost all the companies in Paris, the +University, &c., have their _syndics_. The University of Cambridge +has its _syndics_, who are chosen from the Senate to transact +special business, as the regulation of fees, forming of laws, +inspecting the library, buildings, printing, &c.--_Webster. Cam. +Cal._ + + +SYNDICATE. A council or body of syndics. + +The state of instruction in and encouragement to the study of +Theology were thus set forth in the report of a _syndicate_ +appointed to consider the subject in 1842.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 293. + + + +_T_. + + +TADS. At Centre College, Ky., there is "a society," says a +correspondent, "composed of the very best fellows of the College, +calling themselves _Tads_, who are generally associated together, +for the object of electing, by the additional votes of their +members, any of their friends who are brought forward as +candidates for any honor or appointment in the literary societies +to which they belong." + + +TAKE UP. To call on a student to rehearse a lesson. + + Professor _took_ him _up_ on Greek; + He tried to talk, but couldn't speak. + _MS Poem_. + + +TAKE UP ONE'S CONNECTIONS. In students' phrase, to leave college. +Used in American institutions. + + +TARDES. At the older American colleges, when charges were made and +excuses rendered in Latin, the student who had come late to any +religious service was addressed by the proper officer with the +word _Tardes_, a kind of barbarous second person singular of some +unknown verb, signifying, probably, "You are or were late." + + Much absence, _tardes_ and egresses, + The college-evil on him seizes. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +TARDY. In colleges, late in attendance on a public +exercise.--_Webster_. + + +TAVERN. At Harvard College, the rooms No. 24 Massachusetts Hall, +and No. 8 Hollis Hall, were occupied from the year 1789 to 1793 by +Mr. Charles Angier. His table was always supplied with wine, +brandy, crackers, etc., of which his friends were at liberty to +partake at any time. From this circumstance his rooms were called +_the Tavern_ for nearly twenty years after his graduation. + +In connection with this incident, it may not be uninteresting to +state, that the cellars of the two buildings above mentioned were +divided each into thirty-two compartments, corresponding with the +number of rooms. In these the students and tutors stored their +liquors, sometimes in no inconsiderable quantities. Frequent +entries are met with in the records of the Faculty, in which the +students are charged with pilfering wine, brandy, or eatables from +the tutors' _bins_. + + +TAXOR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., an officer appointed +to regulate the assize of bread, the true gauge of weights, +etc.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +TEAM. In the English universities, the pupils of a private tutor +or COACH.--_Bristed_. + +No man who has not taken a good degree expects or pretends to take +good men into his _team_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 69. + +It frequently, indeed usually happens, that a "coach" of +reputation declines taking men into his _team_ before they have +made time in public.--_Ibid._, p. 85. + + +TEAR. At Princeton College, a _perfect tear_ is a very extra +recitation, superior to a _rowl_. + + +TEMPLE. At Bowdoin College, a privy is thus designated. + + +TEN-STRIKE. At Hamilton College, a perfect recitation, ten being +the mark given for a perfect recitation. + + +TEN-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., these are +allowed to take the degree of Bachelor in Divinity without having +been B.A. or M.A., by the statute of 9th Queen Elizabeth, which +permits persons, who are admitted at any college when twenty-four +years of age and upwards, to take the degree of B.D. after their +names have remained on the _boards_ ten years or more. After the +first eight years, they must reside in the University the greater +part of three several terms, and perform the exercises which are +required by the statutes.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +TERM. In universities and colleges, the time during which +instruction is regularly given to students, who are obliged by the +statutes and laws of the institution to attend to the recitations, +lectures, and other exercises.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., there are three terms during +each year, which are fixed by invariable rules. October or +Michaelmas term begins on the 10th of October, and ends on the +16th of December. Lent or January term begins on the 13th of +January, and ends on the Friday before Palm Sunday. Easter or +Midsummer term, begins on the eleventh day (the Wednesday +sennight) after Easter-day, and ends on the Friday after +Commencement day. Commencement is always on the first Tuesday in +July. + +At Oxford University, there are four terms in the year. Michaelmas +term begins on the 10th of October, and ends on the 17th of +December. Hilary term begins on the 14th of January, and ends the +day before Palm Sunday. But if the Saturday before Palm Sunday +should be a festival, the term does not end till the Monday +following. Easter term begins on the tenth day after Easter +Sunday, and ends on the day before Whitsunday. Trinity term begins +on the Wednesday after Whitsunday, and ends the Saturday after the +Act, which is always on the first Tuesday in July. + +At the Dublin University, the terms in each year are four in +number. Hilary term begins on the Monday after Epiphany, and ends +the day before Palm Sunday. Easter term begins on the eighth day +after Easter Sunday, and ends on Whitsun-eve. Trinity term begins +on Trinity Monday, and ends on the 8th of July. Michaelmas term +begins on the 1st of October (or on the 2d, if the 1st should be +Sunday), and ends on December 16th. + + +TERRÆ FILIUS. Latin; _son of earth_. + +Formerly, one appointed to write a satirical Latin poem at the +public Acts in the University of Oxford; not unlike the +prevaricator at Cambridge, Eng.--_Webster_. + +Full accounts of the compositions written on these occasions may +be found in a work in two volumes, entitled "Terræ-Filius; or the +Secret History of the University of Oxford," printed in the year +1726. + +See TRIPOS PAPER. + + +TESTAMUR. Latin; literally, _we testify_. In the English +universities, a certificate of proficiency, without which a person +is not able to take his degree. So called from the first word in +the formula. + +There is not one out of twenty of my pupils who can look forward +with unmixed pleasure to a _testamur_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. +254. + +Every _testamur_ must be signed by three out of the four +examiners, at least.--_Ibid._, p. 282. + + +THEATRE. At Oxford, a building in which are held the annual +commemoration of benefactors, the recitation of prize +compositions, and the occasional ceremony of conferring degrees on +distinguished personages.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +THEME. In college phrase, a short dissertation composed by a +student. + +It is the practice at Cambridge [Mass.] for the Professor of +Rhetoric and the English Language, commencing in the first or +second quarter of the student's Sophomore year, to give the class +a text; generally some brief moral quotation from some of the +ancient or modern poets, from which the students write a short +essay, usually denominated a _theme_.--_Works of R.T. Paine_, p. +xxi. + +Far be it from me to enter into competition with students who have +been practising the sublime art of _theme_ and forensic writing +for two years.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 316. + + But on the sleepy day of _themes_, + May doze away a dozen reams. + _Ibid._, p. 283. + +Nimrod holds his "first _theme_" in one hand, and is leaning his +head on the other.--_Ibid._, p. 253. + + +THEME-BEARER. At Harvard College, until within a few years, a +student was chosen once in a term by his classmates to perform the +duties of _theme-bearer_. He received the subjects for themes and +forensics from the Professors of Rhetoric and of Moral Philosophy, +and posted them up in convenient places, usually in the entries of +the buildings and on, the bulletin-boards. He also distributed the +corrected themes, at first giving them to the students after +evening prayers, and, when this had been forbidden by the +President, carrying them to their rooms. For these services he +received seventy-five cents per term from each member of the +class. + + +THEME-PAPER. In American colleges, a kind of paper on which +students write their themes or composition. It is of the size of +an ordinary letter-sheet, contains eighteen or nineteen lines +placed at wide intervals, and is ruled in red ink with a margin a +little less than an inch in width. + +Shoe-strings, lucifers, omnibus-tickets, _theme-paper_, +postage-stamps, and the nutriment of pipes.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 266. + + +THEOLOGUE. A cant name among collegians for a student in theology. + +The hardened hearts of Freshmen and _Theologues_ burned with +righteous indignation.--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + +The _Theologs_ are not so wicked as the Medics.--_Burlesque +Catalogue, Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 30. + + +THESES-COLLECTOR. One who collects or prepares _theses_. The +following extract from the laws of Harvard College will explain +further what is meant by this term. "The President, Professors, +and Tutors, annually, some time in the third term, shall select +from the Junior Class a number of _Theses-Collectors_, to prepare +theses for the next year; from which selection they shall appoint +so many divisions as shall be equal to the number of branches they +may assign. And each one shall, in the particular branch assigned +him, collect so many theses as the government may judge expedient; +and all the theses, thus collected, shall be delivered to the +President, by the Saturday immediately succeeding the end of the +Spring vacation in the Senior year, at furthest, from which the +President, Professors, and Tutors shall select such as they shall +judge proper to be published. But if the theses delivered to the +President, in any particular branch, should not afford a +sufficient number suitable for publication, a further number shall +be required. The name of the student who collected any set or +number of theses shall be annexed to the theses collected by him, +in every publication. Should any one neglect to collect the theses +required of him, he shall be liable to lose his degree."--1814, p. +35. + +The Theses-Collectors were formerly chosen by the class, as the +following extract from a MS. Journal will show. + +"March 27th, 1792. My Class assembled in the chapel to choose +theses-collectors, a valedictory orator, and poet. Jackson was +chosen to deliver the Latin oration, and Cutler to deliver the +poem. Ellis was almost unanimously chosen a collector of the +grammatical theses. Prince was chosen metaphysical +theses-collector, with considerable opposition. Lowell was chosen +mathematical theses-collector, though not unanimously. Chamberlain +was chosen physical theses-collector." + + +THESIS. A position or proposition which a person advances and +offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument; a +theme; a subject; particularly, a subject or proposition for a +school or university exercise, or the exercise itself.--_Webster_. + +In the older American colleges, the _theses_ held a prominent +place in the exercises of Commencement. At Harvard College the +earliest theses extant bear the date of the year 1687. They were +Theses Technological, Logical, Grammatical, Rhetorical, +Mathematical, and Physical. The last theses were presented in the +year 1820. The earliest theses extant belonging to Yale College +are of 1714, and the last were printed in 1797. + + +THIRDING. In England, "a custom practised at the universities, +where two _thirds_ of the original price is allowed by +upholsterers to the students for household goods returned them +within the year."--_Grose's Dict._ + +On this subject De Quincey says: "The Oxford rule is, that, if you +take the rooms (which is at your own option), in that case you +_third_ the furniture and the embellishments; i.e. you succeed to +the total cost diminished by one third. You pay, therefore, two +guineas out of each three to your _immediate_ predecessor."--_Life +and Manners_, p. 250. + + +THIRD-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the title of +Third-Year Men, or Senior Sophs or Sophisters, is given to +students during the third year of their residence at the +University. + + +THUNDERING BOLUS. See INTONITANS BOLUS. + + +TICK. A recitation made by one who does not know of what he is +talking. + +_Ticks_, screws, and deads were all put under contribution.--_A +Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 25. + + +TICKER. One who recites without knowing what he is talking about; +one entirely independent of any book-knowledge. + + If any "_Ticker_" dare to look + A stealthy moment on his book. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +TICKING. The act of reciting without knowing anything about the +lesson. + +And what with _ticking_, screwing, and deading, am candidate for a +piece of parchment to-morrow.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 194. + + +TIGHT. A common slang term among students; the comparative, of +which _drunk_ is the superlative. + + Some twenty of as jolly chaps as e'er got jolly _tight_. + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849. + + Hast spent the livelong night + In smoking Esculapios,--in getting jolly _tight_? + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850. + + He clenched his fist as fain for fight, + Sank back, and gently murmured "_tight_." + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen, 1848. + + While fathers, are bursting with rage and spite, + And old ladies vow that the students are _tight_. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + +Speaking of the word "drunk," the Burlington Sentinel remarks: +"The last synonyme that we have observed is '_tight_,' a term, it +strikes us, rather inappropriate, since a 'tight' man, in the cant +use of the word, is almost always a 'loose character.' We give a +list of a few of the various words and phrases which have been in +use, at one time or another, to signify some stage of inebriation: +Over the bay, half seas over, hot, high, corned, cut, cocked, +shaved, disguised, jammed, damaged, sleepy, tired, discouraged, +snuffy, whipped, how come ye so, breezy, smoked, top-heavy, +fuddled, groggy, tipsy, smashed, swipy, slewed, cronk, salted +down, how fare ye, on the lee lurch, all sails set, three sheets +in the wind, well under way, battered, blowing, snubbed, sawed, +boosy, bruised, screwed, soaked, comfortable, stimulated, +jug-steamed, tangle-legged, fogmatic, blue-eyed, a passenger in +the Cape Ann stage, striped, faint, shot in the neck, bamboozled, +weak-jointed, got a brick in his hat, got a turkey on his back." + +Dr. Franklin, in speaking of the intemperate drinker, says, he +will never, or seldom, allow that he is drunk; he may be "boosy, +cosey, foxed, merry, mellow, fuddled, groatable, confoundedly cut, +may see two moons, be among the Philistines, in a very good humor, +have been in the sun, is a little feverish, pretty well entered, +&c., but _never drunk_." + +A highly entertaining list of the phrases which the Germans employ +"to clothe in a tolerable garb of decorum that dreamy condition +into which Bacchus frequently throws his votaries," is given in +_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., pp. 296, 297. + +See SPRUNG. + +2. At Williams College, this word is sometimes used as an +exclamation; e.g. "O _tight_!" + + +TIGHT FIT. At the University of Vermont, a good joke is +denominated by the students a _tight fit_, and the jokee is said +to be "hard up." + + +TILE. A hat. Evidently suggested by the meaning of the word, a +covering for the roof of buildings. + + Then, taking it from off his head, began to brush his "_tile_." + _Poem before the Iadma_, 1850. + + +TOADY. A fawning, obsequious parasite; a toad-eater. In college +cant, one who seeks or gains favor with an instructor or +popularity with his classmates by mean and sycophantic actions. + + +TOADY. To flatter any one for gain.--_Halliwell_. + + +TOM. The great bell of Christ Church, Oxford, which formerly +belonged to Osney Abbey. + +"This bell," says the Oxford Guide, "was recast in 1680, its +weight being about 17,000 pounds; more than double the weight of +the great bell in St. Paul's, London. This bell has always been +represented as one of the finest in England, but even at the risk +of dispelling an illusion under which most Oxford men have +labored, and which every member of Christ Church has indulged in +from 1680 to the present time, touching the fancied superiority of +mighty Tom, it must be confessed that it is neither an accurate +nor a musical bell. The note, as we are assured by the learned in +these matters, ought to be B flat, but is not so. On the contrary, +the bell is imperfect and inharmonious, and requires, in the +opinion of those best informed, and of most experience, to be +recast. It is, however, still a great curiosity, and may be seen +by applying to the porter at Tom-Gate lodge."--Ed. 1847, p. 5, +note a. + + +TO THE _n(-th.)_, TO THE _n + 1(-th.)_ Among English Cantabs +these algebraic expressions are used as intensives to denote the +most energetic way of doing anything.--_Bristed_. + + +TOWNEY. The name by which a student in an American college is +accustomed to designate any young man residing in the town in +which the college is situated, who is not a collegian. + + And _Towneys_ left when she showed fight. + _Pow-wow of Class of '58, Yale Coll._ + + +TRANSLATION. The act of turning one language into another. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., this word is applied more +particularly to the turning of Greek or Latin into English. + +In composition and cram I was yet untried, and the _translations_ +in lecture-room were not difficult to acquit one's self on +respectably.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +34. + + +TRANSMITTENDUM, _pl._ TRANSMITTENDA or TRANSMITTENDUMS. Anything +transmitted, or handed down from one to another. + +Students, on withdrawing from college, often leave in the room +which they last occupied, pictures, looking-glasses, chairs, &c., +there to remain, and to be handed down to the latest posterity. +Articles thus left are called _transmittenda_. + +The Great Mathematical Slate was a _transmittendum_ to the best +mathematical scholar in each class.--_MS. note in Cat. Med. Fac. +Soc._, 1833, p. 16. + + +TRENCHER-CAP. A-name, sometimes given to the square head-covering +worn by students in the English universities. Used figuratively to +denote collegiate power. + +The _trencher-cap_ has claimed a right to take its part in the +movements which make or mar the destinies of nations, by the side +of plumed casque and priestly tiara.--_The English Universities +and their Reforms_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, Feb. 1849. + + +TRIANGLE. At Union College, a urinal, so called from its shape. + + +TRIENNIAL, or TRIENNIAL CATALOGUE. In American colleges, a +catalogue issued once in three years. This catalogue contains the +names of the officers and students, arranged according to the +years in which they were connected with the college, an account of +the high public offices which they have filled, degrees which they +have received, time of death, &c.[66] + +The _Triennial Catalogue_ becomes increasingly a mournful +record--it should be monitory, as well as mournful--to survivors, +looking at the stars thickening on it, from one date to +another.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 198. + + Our tale shall be told by a silent star, + On the page of some future _Triennial_. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849, p. 4. + + +TRIMESTER. Latin _trimestris_; _tres_, three, and _mensis_, month. +In the German universities, a term or period of three +months.--_Webster_. + + +TRINITARIAN. The popular name of a member of Trinity College in +the University of Cambridge, Eng. + + +TRIPOS, _pl._ TRIPOSES. At Cambridge, Eng., any university +examination for honors, of questionists or men who have just taken +their B.A. The university scholarship examinations are not called +_triposes_.--_Bristed_. + +The Classical Tripos is generally spoken of as _the Tripos_, the +Mathematical one as the Degree Examination.--_Ibid._, p. 170. + +2. A tripos paper. + +3. One who prepares a tripos paper.--_Webster_. + + +TRIPOS PAPER. At the University of Cambridge, England, a printed +list of the successful candidates for mathematical honors, +accompanied by a piece in Latin verse. There are two of these, +designed to commemorate the two Tripos days. The first contains +the names of the Wranglers and Senior Optimes, and the second the +names of the Junior Optimes. The word _tripos_ is supposed to +refer to the three-legged stool formerly used at the examinations +for these honors, though some derive it from the three _brackets_ +formerly printed on the back of the paper. + +_Classical Tripos Examination_. The final university examination +for classical honors, optional to all who have taken the +mathematical honors.--_C.A. Bristed_, in _Webster's Dict._ + +The Tripos Paper is more fully described in the annexed extract. +"The names of the Bachelors who were highest in the list +(Wranglers and Senior Optimes, _Baccalaurei quibus sua reservatur +senioritas Comitiis prioribus_, and Junior Optimes, _Comitiis +posterioribus_) were written on slips of paper; and on the back of +these papers, probably with a view of making them less fugitive +and more entertaining, was given a copy of Latin verses. These +verses were written by one of the new Bachelors, and the exuberant +spirits and enlarged freedom arising from the termination of the +Undergraduate restrictions often gave to these effusions a +character of buffoonery and satire. The writer was termed _Terræ +Filius_, or _Tripos_, probably from some circumstance in the mode +of his making his appearance and delivering his verses; and took +considerable liberties. On some occasions, we find that these went +so far as to incur the censure of the authorities. Even now, the +Tripos verses often aim at satire and humor. [It is customary to +have one serious and one humorous copy of verses.] The writer does +not now appear in person, but the Tripos Paper, the list of honors +with its verses, still comes forth at its due season, and the list +itself has now taken the name of the Tripos. This being the case +with the list of mathematical honors, the same name has been +extended to the list of classical honors, though unaccompanied by +its classical verses."--_Whewell on Cambridge Education_, Preface +to Part II., quoted in _Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 25. + + +TRUMP. A jolly blade; a merry fellow; one who occupies among his +companions a position similar to that which trumps hold to the +other cards in the pack. Not confined in its use to collegians, +but much in vogue among them. + + But soon he treads this classic ground, + Where knowledge dwells and _trumps_ abound. + _MS. Poem_. + + +TRUSTEE. A person to whom property is legally committed in +_trust_, to be applied either for the benefit of specified +individuals, or for public uses.--_Webster_. + +In many American colleges the general government is vested in a +board of _trustees_, appointed differently in different colleges. + +See CORPORATION and OVERSEER. + + +TUFT-HUNTER. A cant term, in the English universities, for a +hanger-on to noblemen and persons of quality. So called from the +_tuft_ in the cap of the latter.--_Halliwell_. + +There are few such thorough _tuft-hunters_ as your genuine Oxford +Don.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LVI. p. 572. + + +TUITION. In universities, colleges, schools, &c., the money paid +for instruction. In American colleges, the tuition is from thirty +to seventy dollars a year. + + +TUTE. Abbreviation for Tutor. + + +TUTOR. Latin; from _tueor_, to defend; French, _tuteur_. + +In English universities and colleges, an officer or member of some +hall, who has the charge of hearing the lessons of the students, +and otherwise giving them instruction in the sciences and various +branches of learning. + +In the American colleges, tutors are graduates selected by the +trustees, for the instruction of undergraduates of the first three +years. They are usually officers of the institution, who have a +share, with the president and professors, in the government of the +students.--_Webster_. + + +TUTORAGE. In the English universities, the guardianship exerted by +a tutor; the care of a pupil. + +The next item which I shall notice is that which in college bills +is expressed by the word _Tutorage_.--_De Quincey's Life and +Manners_, p. 251. + + +TUTOR, CLASS. At some of the colleges in the United States, each +of the four classes is assigned to the care of a particular tutor, +who acts as the ordinary medium of communication between the +members of the class and the Faculty, and who may be consulted by +the students concerning their studies, or on any other subject +interesting to them in their relations to the college. + +At Harvard College, in addition to these offices, the Class Tutors +grant leave of absence from church and from town for Sunday, +including Saturday night, on the presentation of a satisfactory +reason, and administer all warnings and private admonitions +ordered by the Faculty for misconduct or neglect of duty.--_Orders +and Regulations of the Faculty of Harv. Coll._, July, 1853, pp. 1, +2. + +Of this regulation as it obtained at Harvard during the latter +part of the last century, Professor Sidney Willard says: "Each of +the Tutors had one class, of which he was charged with a certain +oversight, and of which he was called the particular Tutor. The +several Tutors in Latin successively sustained this relation to my +class. Warnings of various kinds, private admonitions for +negligence or minor offences, and, in general, intercommunication +between his class and the Immediate Government, were the duties +belonging to this relation."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +Vol. I. p. 266, note. + + +TUTOR, COLLEGE. At the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, an +officer connected with a college, whose duties are described in +the annexed extracts. + +With reference to Oxford, De Quincey remarks: "Each college takes +upon itself the regular instruction of its separate inmates,--of +these and of no others; and for this office it appoints, after +careful selection, trial, and probation, the best qualified +amongst those of its senior members who choose to undertake a +trust of such heavy responsibility. These officers are called +Tutors; and they are connected by duties and by accountability, +not with the University at all, but with their own private +colleges. The public tutors appointed in each college [are] on the +scale of one to each dozen or score of students."--_Life and +Manners_, Boston, 1851, p. 252. + +Bristed, writing of Cambridge, says: "When, therefore, a boy, or, +as we should call him, a young man, leaves his school, public or +private, at the age of eighteen or nineteen, and 'goes up' to the +University, he necessarily goes up to some particular college, and +the first academical authority he makes acquaintance with in the +regular order of things is the College Tutor. This gentleman has +usually taken high honors either in classics or mathematics, and +one of his duties is naturally to lecture. But this by no means +constitutes the whole, or forms the most important part, of his +functions. He is the medium of all the students' pecuniary +relations with the College. He sends in their accounts every term, +and receives the money through his banker; nay, more, he takes in +the bills of their tradesmen, and settles them also. Further, he +has the disposal of the college rooms, and assigns them to their +respective occupants. When I speak of the College _Tutor_, it must +not be supposed that one man is equal to all this work in a large +college,--Trinity, for instance, which usually numbers four +hundred Undergraduates in residence. A large college has usually +two Tutors,--Trinity has three,--and the students are equally +divided among them,--_on their sides_, the phrase is,--without +distinction of year, or, as we should call it, of _class_. The +jurisdiction of the rooms is divided in like manner. The Tutor is +supposed to stand _in loco parentis_; but having sometimes more +than a hundred young men under him, he cannot discharge his duties +in this respect very thoroughly, nor is it generally expected that +he should."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 10, 11. + + +TUTORIAL. Belonging to or exercised by a tutor or instructor. + +Even while he is engaged in his "_tutorial_" duties, &c.--_Am. +Lit. Mag._, Vol. IV. p. 409. + + +TUTORIC. Pertaining to a tutor. + +A collection of two was not then considered a sure prognostic of +rebellion, and spied out vigilantly by _tutoric_ +eyes.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 314. + + +TUTORIFIC. The same as _tutoric_. + + While thus in doubt they hesitating stand, + Approaches near the _Tutorific_ band. + _Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + + "Old Yale," of thee we sing, thou art our theme, + Of thee with all thy _Tutorific_ host.--_Ibid._ + + +TUTORING FRESHMEN. Of the various means used by Sophomores to +trouble Freshmen, that of _tutoring_ them, as described in the +following extract from the Sketches of Yale College, is not at all +peculiar to that institution, except in so far as the name is +concerned. + +"The ancient customs of subordination among the classes, though +long since abrogated, still preserve a part of their power over +the students, not only of this, but of almost every similar +institution. The recently exalted Sophomore, the dignified Junior, +and the venerable Senior, look back with equal humor at the +'greenness' of their first year. The former of these classes, +however, is chiefly notorious in the annals of Freshman capers. To +them is allotted the duty of fumigating the room of the new-comer, +and preparing him, by a due induction into the mysteries of Yale, +for the duties of his new situation. Of these performances, the +most systematic is commonly styled _Tutoring_, from the character +assumed by the officiating Sophomore. Seated solemnly in his chair +of state, arrayed in a pompous gown, with specs and powdered hair, +he awaits the approach of the awe-struck subject, who has been +duly warned to attend his pleasure, and fitly instructed to make a +low reverence and stand speechless until addressed by his +illustrious superior. A becoming impression has also been conveyed +of the dignity, talents, and profound learning and influence into +the congregated presence of which he is summoned. Everything, in +short, which can increase his sufficiently reverent emotions, or +produce a readier or more humble obedience, is carefully set +forth, till he is prepared to approach the door with no little +degree of that terror with which the superstitious inquirer enters +the mystic circle of the magician. A shaded light gleams dimly out +into the room, and pours its fuller radiance upon a ponderous +volume of Hebrew; a huge pile of folios rests on the table, and +the eye of the fearful Freshman half ventures to discover that +they are tomes of the dead languages. + +"But first he has, in obedience to his careful monitor, bowed +lowly before the dignified presence; and, hardly raising his eyes, +he stands abashed at his awful situation, waiting the supreme +pleasure of the supposed officer. A benignant smile lights up the +tutor's grave countenance; he enters strangely enough into +familiar talk with the recently admitted collegiate; in pathetic +terms he describes the temptations of this _great_ city, the +thousand dangers to which he will be exposed, the vortex of ruin +into which, if he walks unwarily, he will be surely plunged. He +fires the youthful ambition with glowing descriptions of the +honors that await the successful, and opens to his eager view the +dazzling prospect of college fame. Nor does he fail to please the +youthful aspirant with assurances of the kindly notice of the +Faculty; he informs him of the satisfactory examination he has +passed, and the gratification of the President at his uncommon +proficiency; and having thus filled the buoyant imagination of his +dupe with the most glowing college air-castles, dismisses him from +his august presence, after having given him especial permission to +call on any important occasion hereafter."--pp. 159-162. + + +TUTOR, PRIVATE. At the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, an +instructor, whose position and studies are set forth in the +following extracts. + +"Besides the public tutors appointed in each college," says De +Quincey, writing of Oxford, "there are also tutors strictly +private, who attend any students in search of special and +extraordinary aid, on terms settled privately by themselves. Of +these persons, or their existence, the college takes no +cognizance." "These are the working agents in the Oxford system." +"The _Tutors_ of Oxford correspond to the _Professors_ of other +universities."--_Life and Manners_, Boston, 1851, pp. 252, 253. + +Referring to Cambridge, Bristed remarks: "The private tutor at an +English university corresponds, as has been already observed, in +many respects, to the _professor_ at a German. The German +professor is not _necessarily_ attached to any specific chair; he +receives no _fixed_ stipend, and has not public lecture-rooms; he +teaches at his own house, and the number of his pupils depends on +his reputation. The Cambridge private tutor is also a graduate, +who takes pupils at his rooms in numbers proportionate to his +reputation and ability. And although while the German professor is +regularly licensed as such by his university, and the existence of +the private tutor _as such_ is not even officially recognized by +his, still this difference is more apparent than real; for the +English university has _virtually_ licensed the tutor to instruct +in a particular branch by the standing she has given him in her +examinations." "Students come up to the University with all +degrees of preparation.... To make up for former deficiences, and +to direct study so that it may not be wasted, are two _desiderata_ +which probably led to the introduction of private tutors, once a +partial, now a general appliance."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 146-148. + + +TUTORSHIP. The office of a tutor.--_Hooker_. + +In the following passage, this word is used as a titulary +compellation, like the word _lordship_. + + One morning, as the story goes, + Before his _tutorship_ arose.--_Rebelliad_, p. 73. + + +TUTORS' PASTURE. In 1645, John Bulkley, the "first Master of Arts +in Harvard College," by a deed, gave to Mr. Dunster, the President +of that institution, two acres of land in Cambridge, during his +life. The deed then proceeds: "If at any time he shall leave the +Presidency, or shall decease, I then desire the College to +appropriate the same to itself for ever, as a small gift from an +alumnus, bearing towards it the greatest good-will." "After +President Dunster's resignation," says Quincy, "the Corporation +gave the income of Bulkley's donation to the tutors, who received +it for many years, and hence the enclosure obtained the name of +'_Tutors' Pasture_,' or '_Fellows' Orchard_.'" In the Donation +Book of the College, the deed is introduced as "Extractum Doni +Pomarii Sociorum per Johannem Bulkleium."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 269, 270. + +For further remarks on this subject, see Peirce's "History of +Harvard University," pp. 15, 81, 113, also Chap. XIII., and +"Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," pp. 390, 391. + + +TWITCH A TWELVE. At Middlebury College, to make a perfect +recitation; twelve being the maximum mark for scholarship. + + + +_U_. + + +UGLY KNIFE. See JACK-KNIFE. + + +UNDERGRADUATE. A student, or member of a university or college, +who has not taken his first degree.--_Webster_. + + +UNDERGRADUATE. Noting or pertaining to a student of a college who +has not taken his first degree. + +The _undergraduate_ students shall be divided into four distinct +classes.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 11. + +With these the _undergraduate_ course is not intended to +interfere.--_Yale Coll. Cat._, 1850-51, p. 33. + + +UNDERGRADUATESHIP. The state of being an undergraduate.--_Life of +Paley_. + + +UNIVERSITY. An assemblage of colleges established in any place, +with professors for instructing students in the sciences and other +branches of learning, and where degrees are conferred. A +_university_ is properly a universal school, in which are taught +all branches of learning, or the four faculties of theology, +medicine, law, and the sciences and arts.--_Cyclopædia_. + +2. At some American colleges, a name given to a university +student. The regulation in reference to this class at Union +College is as follows:--"Students, not regular members of college, +are allowed, as university students, to prosecute any branches for +which they are qualified, provided they attend three recitations +daily, and conform in all other respects to the laws of College. +On leaving College, they receive certificates of character and +scholarship."--_Union Coll. Cat._, 1850. + +The eyes of several Freshmen and _Universities_ shone with a +watery lustre.--_The Parthenon_, Vol. I. p. 20. + + +UP. To be _up_ in a subject, is to be informed in regard to it. +_Posted_ expresses a similar idea. The use of this word, although +common among collegians, is by no means confined to them. + +In our past history, short as it is, we would hardly expect them +to be well _up_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 28. + + +He is well _up_ in metaphysics.--_Ibid._, p. 53. + + +UPPER HOUSE. See SENATE. + + + +_V_. + + +VACATION. The intermission of the regular studies and exercises of +a college or other seminary, when the students have a +recess.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., there are three vacations +during each year. Christmas vacation begins on the 16th of +December, and ends on the 13th of January. Easter vacation begins +on the Friday before Palm Sunday, and ends on the eleventh day +after Easter-day. The Long vacation begins on the Friday +succeeding the first Tuesday in July, and ends on the 10th of +October. At the University of Oxford there are four vacations in +each year. At Dublin University there are also four vacations, +which correspond nearly with the vacations of Oxford. + +See TERM. + + +VALEDICTION. A farewell; a bidding farewell. Used sometimes with +the meaning of _valedictory_ or _valedictory oration_. + +Two publick Orations, by the Candidates: the one to give a +specimen of their Knowledge, &c., and the other to give a grateful +and pathetick _Valediction_ to all the Officers and Members of the +Society.--_Clap's Hist. Yale Coll._, p. 87. + + +VALEDICTORIAN. The student of a college who pronounces the +valedictory oration at the annual Commencement.--_Webster_. + + +VALEDICTORY. In American colleges, a farewell oration or address +spoken at Commencement, by a member of the class which receive the +degree of Bachelor of Arts, and take their leave of college and of +each other. + + +VARMINT. At Cambridge, England, and also among the whip gentry, +this word signifies natty, spruce, dashing; e.g. he is quite +_varmint_; he sports a _varmint_ hat, coat, &c. + +A _varmint_ man spurns a scholarship, would consider it a +degradation to be a fellow.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 122. + +The handsome man, my friend and pupil, was naturally enough a bit +of a swell, or _varmint_ man.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 118. + + +VERGER. At the University of Oxford, an officer who walks first in +processions, and carries a silver rod. + + +VICE-CHANCELLOR. An officer in a university, in England, a +distinguished member, who is annually elected to manage the +affairs in the absence of the Chancellor. He must be the head of a +college, and during his continuance in office he acts as a +magistrate for the university, town, and county.--_Cam. Cal._ + +At Oxford, the Vice-Chancellor holds a court, in which suits may +be brought against any member of the University. He never walks +out, without being preceded by a Yeoman-Bedel with his silver +staff. At Cambridge, the Mayor and Bailiffs of the town are +obliged, at their election, to take certain oaths before the +Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor has the sole right of +licensing wine and ale-houses in Cambridge, and of _discommuning_ +any tradesman or inhabitant who has violated the University +privileges or regulations. In both universities, the +Vice-Chancellor is nominated by the Heads of Houses, from among +themselves. + + +VICE-MASTER. An officer of a college in the English universities +who performs the duties of the Master in his absence. + + +VISITATION. The act of a superior or superintending officer, who +visits a corporation, college, church, or other house, to examine +into the manner in which it is conducted, and see that its laws +and regulations are duly observed and executed.--_Cyc._ + +In July, 1766, a law was formally enacted, "that twice in the +year, viz. at the semiannual _visitation_ of the committee of the +Overseers, some of the scholars, at the direction of the President +and Tutors, shall publicly exhibit specimens of their +proficiency," &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 132. + + +VIVA VOCE. Latin; literally, _with the living voice_. In the +English universities, that part of an examination which is carried +on orally. + +The examination involves a little _viva voce_, and it was said, +that, if a man did his _viva voce_ well, none of his papers were +looked at but the Paley.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 92. + +In Combination Room, where once I sat at _viva voce_, wretched, +ignorant, the wine goes round, and wit, and pleasant +talk.--_Household Words_, Am. ed., Vol. XI. p. 521. + + + +_W_. + + +WALLING. At the University of Oxford, the punishment of _walling_, +as it is popularly denominated, consists in confining a student to +the walls of his college for a certain period. + + +WARDEN. The master or president of a college.--_England_. + + +WARNING. In many colleges, when it is ascertained that a student +is not living in accordance with the laws of the institution, he +is usually informed of the fact by a _warning_, as it is called, +from one of the faculty, which consists merely of friendly caution +and advice, thus giving him an opportunity, by correcting his +faults, to escape punishment. + + Sadly I feel I should have been saved by numerous _warnings_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + + No more shall "_warnings_" in their hearing ring, + Nor "admonitions" haunt their aching head. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 210. + + +WEDGE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the man whose name is +the last on the list of honors in the voluntary classical +examination, which follows the last examination required by +statute, is called the _wedge_. "The last man is called the +_wedge_" says Bristed, "corresponding to the Spoon in Mathematics. +This name originated in that of the man who was last on the first +Tripos list (in 1824), _Wedgewood_. Some one suggested that the +_wooden wedge_ was a good counterpart to the _wooden spoon_, and +the appellation stuck."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +253. + + +WET. To christen a new garment by treating one's friends when one +first appears in it; e.g.:--A. "Have you _wet_ that new coat yet?" +B. "No." A. "Well, then, I should recommend to you the propriety +of so doing." B. "What will you drink?" This word, although much +used among students, is by no means confined to them. + + +WHINNICK. At Hamilton College, to refuse to fulfil a promise or +engagement; to retreat from a difficulty; to back out. + + +WHITE-HOOD HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +WIGS. The custom of wearing wigs was, perhaps, observed nowhere in +America during the last century with so much particularity as at +the older colleges. Of this the following incident is +illustrative. Mr. Joseph Palmer, who graduated at Harvard in the +year 1747, entered college at the age of fourteen; but, although +so young, was required immediately after admission to cut off his +long, flowing hair, and to cover his head with an unsightly +bag-wig. At the beginning of the present century, wigs were not +wholly discarded, although the fashion of wearing the hair in a +queue was more in vogue. From a record of curious facts, it +appears that the last wig which appeared at Commencement in +Harvard College was worn by Mr. John Marsh, in the year 1819. + +See DRESS. + + +WILL. At Harvard College, it was at one time the mode for the +student to whom had been given the JACK-KNIFE in consequence of +his ugliness, to transmit the inheritance, when he left, to some +one of equal pretensions in the class next below him. At one +period, this transmission was effected by a _will_, in which not +only the knife, but other articles, were bequeathed. As the 21st +of June was, till of late years, the day on which the members of +the Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to +make preparations for the ensuing Commencement, Wills were usually +dated at that time. The first will of this nature of which mention +is made is that of Mr. William Biglow, a member of the class of +1794, and the recipient for that year of the knife. It appeared in +the department entitled "Omnium Gatherum" of the Federal Orrery, +published at Boston, April 27, 1795, in these words:-- + + "A WILL: + +BEING THE LAST WORDS OF CHARLES CHATTERBOX, ESQ., LATE WORTHY AND +MUCH LAMENTED MEMBER OF THE LAUGHING CLUB OF HARVARD UNIVERSITT, +WHO DEPARTED COLLEGE LIFE, JUNE 21, 1794, IN THE TWENTY-FIRST YEAR +OF HIS AGE. + + "I, CHARLEY CHATTER, sound of mind, + To making fun am much inclined; + So, having cause to apprehend + My college life is near its end, + All future quarrels to prevent, + I seal this will and testament. + + "My soul and body, while together, + I send the storms of life to weather; + To steer as safely as they can, + To honor GOD, and profit man. + + "_Imprimis_, then, my bed and bedding, + My only chattels worth the sledding, + Consisting of a maple stead, + A counterpane, and coverlet, + Two cases with the pillows in, + A blanket, cord, a winch and pin, + Two sheets, a feather bed and hay-tick, + I order sledded up to _Natick_, + And that with care the sledder save them + For those kind parents, first who gave them. + + "_Item_. The Laughing Club, so blest, + Who think this life what 't is,--a jest,-- + Collect its flowers from every spray, + And laugh its goading thorns away; + From whom to-morrow I dissever, + Take one sweet grin, and leave for ever; + My chest, and all that in it is, + I give and I bequeath them, viz.: + Westminster grammar, old and poor, + Another one, compiled by Moor; + A bunch of pamphlets pro and con + The doctrine of salva-ti-on; + The college laws, I'm freed from minding, + A Hebrew psalter, stripped from binding. + A Hebrew Bible, too, lies nigh it, + Unsold--because no one would buy it. + + "My manuscripts, in prose and verse, + They take for better and for worse; + Their minds enlighten with the best, + And pipes and candles with the rest; + Provided that from them they cull + My college exercises dull, + On threadbare theme, with mind unwilling, + Strained out through fear of fine one shilling, + To teachers paid t' avert an evil, + Like Indian worship to the Devil. + The above-named manuscripts, I say. + To club aforesaid I convey, + Provided that said themes, so given, + Full proofs that _genius won't be driven_, + To our physicians be presented, + As the best opiates yet invented. + + "_Item_. The government of college, + Those liberal _helluos_ of knowledge, + Who, e'en in these degenerate days, + Deserve the world's unceasing praise; + Who, friends of science and of men, + Stand forth Gomorrah's righteous ten; + On them I naught but thanks bestow, + For, like my cash, my credit's low; + So I can give nor clothes nor wines, + But bid them welcome to my fines. + + "_Item_. My study desk of pine, + That work-bench, sacred to the nine, + Which oft hath groaned beneath my metre, + I give to pay my debts to PETER. + + "_Item_. Two penknives with white handles, + A bunch of quills, and pound of candles, + A lexicon compiled by COLE, + A pewter spoon, and earthen bowl, + A hammer, and two homespun towels, + For which I yearn with tender bowels, + Since I no longer can control them, + I leave to those sly lads who stole them. + + "_Item_. A gown much greased in Commons, + A hat between a man's and woman's, + A tattered coat of college blue, + A fustian waistcoat torn in two, + With all my rust, through college carried, + I give to classmate O----,[67] who's _married_. + + "_Item_. C------ P------s[68] has my knife, + During his natural college life,-- + That knife, which ugliness inherits, + And due to his superior merits; + And when from Harvard he shall steer, + I order him to leave it here, + That 't may from class to class descend, + Till time and ugliness shall end. + + "The said C------ P------s, humor's son, + Who long shall stay when I am gone, + The Muses' most successful suitor, + I constitute my executor; + And for his trouble to requite him, + Member of Laughing Club I write him. + + "Myself on life's broad sea I throw, + Sail with its joy, or stem its woe, + No other friend to take my part, + Than careless head and honest heart. + My purse is drained, my debts are paid, + My glass is run, my will is made, + To beauteous Cam. I bid adieu, + And with the world begin anew." + +Following the example of his friend Biglow, Mr. Prentiss, on +leaving college, prepared a will, which afterwards appeared in one +of the earliest numbers of the Rural Repository, a literary paper, +the publication of which he commenced at Leominster, Mass., in the +autumn of 1795. Thomas Paine, afterwards Robert Treat Paine, Jr., +immediately transferred it to the columns of the Federal Orrery, +which paper he edited, with these introductory remarks: "Having, +in the second number of 'Omnium Gatherum' presented to our readers +the last will and testament of Charles Chatterbox, Esq., of witty +memory, wherein the said Charles, now deceased, did lawfully +bequeath to Ch----s Pr----s the celebrated 'Ugly Knife,' to be by +him transmitted, at his collegiate demise, to the next succeeding +candidate;... and whereas the said Ch-----s Pr-----s, on the 21st +of June last, departed his aforesaid '_college life_,' thereby +leaving to the inheritance of his successor the valuable legacy, +which his illustrious friend had bequeathed, as an _entailed +estate_, to the poets of the university,--we have thought proper +to insert a full, true, and attested copy of the will of the last +deceased heir, in order that the world may be furnished with a +correct genealogy of this renowned _jack-knife_, whose pedigree +will become as illustrious in after time as the family of the +'ROLLES,' and which will be celebrated by future wits as the most +formidable _weapon_ of modern genius." + +"A WILL; + +BEING THE LAST WORDS OP CH----S PR----S, LATE WORTHY AND MUCH +LAMENTED MEMBER OF THE LAUGHING CLUB OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY, WHO +DEPARTED COLLEGE LIFE ON THE 21ST OF JUNE, 1795. + + "I, Pr-----s Ch----s, of judgment sound, + In soul, in limb and wind, now found; + I, since my head is full of wit, + And must be emptied, or must split, + In name of _president_ APOLLO, + And other gentle folks, that follow: + Such as URANIA and CLIO, + To whom my fame poetic I owe; + With the whole drove of rhyming sisters, + For whom my heart with rapture blisters; + Who swim in HELICON uncertain + Whether a petticoat or shirt on, + From vulgar ken their charms do cover, + From every eye but _Muses' lover_; + In name of every ugly GOD; + Whose beauty scarce outshines a toad; + In name of PROSERPINE and PLUTO, + Who board in hell's sublimest grotto; + In name of CERBERUS and FURIES, + Those damned _aristocrats_ and tories; + In presence of two witnesses, + Who are as homely as you please, + Who are in truth, I'd not belie 'em, + Ten times as ugly, faith, as I am; + But being, as most people tell us, + A pair of jolly clever fellows, + And classmates likewise, at this time, + They sha'n't be honored in my rhyme. + I--I say I, now make this will; + Let those whom I assign fulfil. + I give, grant, render, and convey + My goods and chattels thus away: + That _honor of a college life_, + _That celebrated_ UGLY KNIFE, + Which predecessor SAWNEY[69] orders, + Descending to time's utmost borders, + To _noblest bard of homeliest phiz_, + To have and hold and use as his; + I now present C----s P----y S----r,[70] + To keep with his poetic lumber, + To scrape his quid, and make a split, + To point his pen for sharpening wit; + And order that he ne'er abuse + Said Ugly Knife, in dirtier use, + And let said CHARLES, that best of writers, + In prose satiric skilled to bite us, + And equally in verse delight us, + Take special care to keep it clean + From unpoetic hands,--I ween. + And when those walls, the Muses' seat, + Said S----r is obliged to quit, + Let some one of APOLLO'S firing, + To such heroic joys aspiring, + Who long has borne a poet's name, + With said knife cut his way to fame. + + "I give to those that fish for parts, + Long sleepless nights, and aching hearts, + A little soul, a fawning spirit, + With half a grain of plodding merit, + Which is, as Heaven I hope will say, + Giving what's not my own away. + + "Those _oven baked_ or _goose egg folded_, + Who, though so often I have told it, + With all my documents to show it, + Will scarce believe that I'm a poet, + I give of criticism the lens + With half an ounce of common sense. + + "And 't would a breach be of humanity, + Not to bequeath D---n[71] my vanity; + For 'tis a rule direct from Heaven, + _To him that hath, more shall be given_. + + "_Item_. Tom M----n,[72] COLLEGE LION, + Who'd ne'er spend cash enough to buy one, + The BOANERGES of a pun, + A man of science and of fun, + That quite uncommon witty elf, + Who darts his bolts and shoots himself, + Who oft hath bled beneath my jokes, + I give my old _tobacco-box_. + + "My _Centinels_[73] for some years past, + So neatly bound with thread and paste, + Exposing Jacobinic tricks, + I give my chum _for politics_. + + "My neckcloth, dirty, old, yet _strong_, + That round my neck has lasted long, + I give BIG BOY, for deed of pith, + Namely, to hang himself therewith. + + "To those who've parts at exhibition + Obtained by long, unwearied fishing, + I say, to such unlucky wretches, + I give, for wear, a brace of breeches; + Then used; as they're but little tore, + I hope they'll show their tails no more. + + "And ere it quite has gone to rot, + I, B---- give my blue great-coat, + With all its rags, and dirt, and tallow, + Because he's such a dirty fellow. + + "Now for my books; first, _Bunyan's Pilgrim_, + (As he with thankful pleasure will grin,) + Though dog-leaved, torn, in bad type set in, + 'T will do quite well for classmate B----, + And thus, with complaisance to treat her, + 'T will answer for another Detur. + + "To him that occupies my study, + I give, for use of making toddy, + A bottle full of _white-face_ STINGO, + Another, handy, called a _mingo_. + My wit, as I've enough to spare, + And many much in want there are, + I ne'er intend to keep at _home_, + But give to those that handiest come, + Having due caution, _where_ and _when_, + Never to spatter _gentlemen_. + The world's loud call I can't refuse, + The fine productions of my muse; + If _impudence_ to _fame_ shall waft her, + I'll give the public all, hereafter. + My love-songs, sorrowful, complaining, + (The recollection puts me pain in,) + The last sad groans of deep despair, + That once could all my entrails tear; + My farewell sermon to the ladies; + My satire on a woman's head-dress; + My epigram so full of glee, + Pointed as epigrams should be; + My sonnets soft, and sweet as lasses, + My GEOGRAPHY of MOUNT PARNASSUS; + With all the bards that round it gather, + And variations of the weather; + Containing more true humorous satire, + Than's oft the lot of human nature; + ('O dear, what can the matter be!' + I've given away my _vanity_; + The vessel can't so much contain, + It runs o'er and comes back again.) + My blank verse, poems so majestic, + My rhymes heroic, tales agrestic; + The whole, I say, I'll overhaul 'em, + Collect and publish in a volume. + + "My heart, which thousand ladies crave, + That I intend my wife shall have. + I'd give my foibles to the wind, + And leave my vices all behind; + But much I fear they'll to me stick, + Where'er I go, through thin and thick. + On WISDOM'S _horse_, oh, might I ride, + Whose steps let PRUDENCE' bridle guide. + Thy loudest voice, O REASON, lend, + And thou, PHILOSOPHY, befriend. + May candor all my actions guide, + And o'er my every thought preside, + And in thy ear, O FORTUNE, one word, + Let thy swelled canvas bear me onward, + Thy favors let me ever see, + And I'll be much obliged to thee; + And come with blooming visage meek, + Come, HEALTH, and ever flush my cheek; + O bid me in the morning rise, + When tinges Sol the eastern skies; + At breakfast, supper-time, or dinner, + Let me against thee be no sinner. + + "And when the glass of life is run, + And I behold my setting sun, + May conscience sound be my protection, + And no ungrateful recollection, + No gnawing cares nor tumbling woes, + Disturb the quiet of life's close. + And when Death's gentle feet shall come + To bear me to my endless home, + Oh! may my soul, should Heaven but save it, + Safely return to GOD who gave it." + _Federal Orrery_, Oct. 29, 1795. _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, + Vol. II. pp. 228-231, 268-273. + +It is probable that the idea of a "College Will" was suggested to +Biglow by "Father Abbey's Will," portions of which, till the +present generation, were "familiar to nearly all the good +housewives of New England." From the history of this poetical +production, which has been lately printed for private circulation +by the Rev. John Langdon Sibley of Harvard College, the annexed +transcript of the instrument itself, together with the love-letter +which was suggested by it, has been taken. The instances in which +the accepted text differs from a Broadside copy, in the possession +of the editor of this work, are noted at the foot of the page. + + "FATHER ABBEY'S WILL: + + TO WHICH IS NOW ADDED, A LETTER OF COURTSHIP TO HIS VIRTUOUS AND + AMIABLE WIDOW. + "_Cambridge, December_, 1730. + +"Some time since died here Mr. Matthew Abbey, in a very advanced +age: He had for a great number of years served the College in +quality of Bedmaker and Sweeper: Having no child, his wife +inherits his whole estate, which he bequeathed to her by his last +will and testament, as follows, viz.:-- + + "To my dear wife + My joy and life, + I freely now do give her, + My whole estate, + With all my plate, + Being just about to leave her. + + "My tub of soap, + A long cart-rope, + A frying pan and kettle, + An ashes[74] pail, + A threshing-flail, + An iron wedge and beetle. + + "Two painted chairs, + Nine warden pears, + A large old dripping platter, + This bed of hay + On which I lay, + An old saucepan for butter. + + "A little mug, + A two-quart jug, + A bottle full of brandy, + A looking-glass + To see your face, + You'll find it very handy. + + "A musket true, + As ever flew, + A pound of shot and wallet, + A leather sash, + My calabash, + My powder-horn and bullet. + + "An old sword-blade, + A garden spade, + A hoe, a rake, a ladder, + A wooden can, + A close-stool pan, + A clyster-pipe and bladder. + + "A greasy hat, + My old ram cat, + A yard and half of linen, + A woollen fleece, + A pot of grease,[75] + In order for your spinning. + + "A small tooth comb, + An ashen broom, + A candlestick and hatchet, + A coverlid + Striped down with red, + A bag of rags to patch it. + + "A rugged mat, + A tub of fat, + A book put out by Bunyan, + Another book + By Robin Cook,[76] + A skein or two of spun-yarn. + + "An old black muff, + Some garden stuff, + A quantity of borage,[77] + Some devil's weed, + And burdock seed, + To season well your porridge. + + "A chafing-dish, + With one salt-fish. + If I am not mistaken, + A leg of pork, + A broken fork, + And half a flitch of bacon. + + "A spinning-wheel, + One peck of meal, + A knife without a handle, + A rusty lamp, + Two quarts of samp, + And half a tallow candle. + + "My pouch and pipes, + Two oxen tripes, + An oaken dish well carved, + My little dog, + And spotted hog, + With two young pigs just starved. + + "This is my store, + I have no more, + I heartily do give it: + My years are spun, + My days are done, + And so I think to leave it. + + "Thus Father Abbey left his spouse, + As rich as church or college mouse, + Which is sufficient invitation + To serve the college in his station." + _Newhaven, January_ 2, 1731. + +"Our sweeper having lately buried his spouse, and accidentally +hearing of the death and will of his deceased Cambridge brother, +has conceived a violent passion for the relict. As love softens +the mind and disposes to poetry, he has eased himself in the +following strains, which he transmits to the charming widow, as +the first essay of his love and courtship. + + "MISTRESS Abbey + To you I fly, + You only can relieve me; + To you I turn, + For you I burn, + If you will but believe me. + + "Then, gentle dame, + Admit my flame, + And grant me my petition; + If you deny, + Alas! I die + In pitiful condition. + + "Before the news + Of your dear spouse + Had reached us at New Haven, + My dear wife dy'd, + Who was my bride + In anno eighty-seven. + + "Thus[78] being free, + Let's both agree + To join our hands, for I do + Boldly aver + A widower + Is fittest for a widow. + + "You may be sure + 'T is not your dower + I make this flowing verse on; + In these smooth lays + I only praise + The glories[79] of your person. + + "For the whole that + Was left by[80] _Mat._ + Fortune to me has granted + In equal store, + I've[81] one thing more + Which Matthew long had wanted. + + "No teeth, 't is true, + You have to shew, + The young think teeth inviting; + But silly youths! + I love those mouths[82] + Where there's no fear of biting. + + "A leaky eye, + That's never dry, + These woful times is fitting. + A wrinkled face + Adds solemn grace + To folks devout at meeting. + + "[A furrowed brow, + Where corn might grow, + Such fertile soil is seen in 't, + A long hook nose, + Though scorned by foes, + For spectacles convenient.][83] + + "Thus to go on + I would[84] put down + Your charms from head to foot, + Set all your glory + In verse before ye, + But I've no mind to do 't.[85] + + "Then haste away, + And make no stay; + For soon as you come hither, + We'll eat and sleep, + Make beds and sweep. + And talk and smoke together. + + "But if, my dear, + I must move there, + Tow'rds Cambridge straight I'll set me.[86] + To touse the hay + On which you lay, + If age and you will let me."[87] + +The authorship of Father Abbey's Will and the Letter of Courtship +is ascribed to the Rev. John Seccombe, who graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1728. The former production was sent to +England through the hands of Governor Belcher, and in May, 1732, +appeared both in the Gentleman's Magazine and the London Magazine. +The latter was also despatched to England, and was printed in the +Gentleman's Magazine for June, and in the London Magazine for +August, 1732. Both were republished in the Massachusetts Magazine, +November, 1794. A most entertaining account of the author of these +poems, and of those to whom they relate, may be found in the +"Historical and Biographical Notes" of the pamphlet to which +allusion has been already made, and in the "Cambridge [Mass.] +Chronicle" of April 28, 1855. + + +WINE. To drink wine. + +After "wining" to a certain extent, we sallied forth from his +rooms.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 14. + +Hither they repair each day after dinner "_to wine_." + +_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 95. + +After dinner I had the honor of _wining_ with no less a personage +than a fellow of the college.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 114. + + +In _wining_ with a fair one opposite, a luckless piece of jelly +adhered to the tip of his still more luckless nose.--_The Blank +Book of a Small-Colleger_, New York, 1824, p. 75. + + +WINE PARTY. Among students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., +an entertainment after dinner, which is thus described by Bristed: +"Many assemble at _wine parties_ to chat over a frugal dessert of +oranges, biscuits, and cake, and sip a few glasses of not +remarkably good wine. These wine parties are the most common +entertainments, being rather the cheapest and very much the most +convenient, for the preparations required for them are so slight +as not to disturb the studies of the hardest reading man, and they +take place at a time when no one pretends to do any work."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +WIRE. At Harvard College, a trick; an artifice; a stratagem; a +_dodge_. + + +WIRY. Trickish; artful. + + +WITENAGEMOTE. Saxon, _witan_, to know, and _gemot_, a meeting, a +council. + +In the University of Oxford, the weekly meeting of the heads of +the colleges.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +WOODEN SPOON. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the scholar +whose name stands last of all on the printed list of honors, at +the Bachelors' Commencement in January, is scoffingly said to gain +the _wooden spoon_. He is also very currently himself called the +_wooden spoon_. + +A young academic coming into the country immediately after this +great competition, in which he had conspicuously distinguished +himself, was asked by a plain country gentleman, "Pray, Sir, is my +Jack a Wrangler?" "No, Sir." Now Jack had confidently pledged +himself to his uncle that he would take his degree with honor. "A +Senior Optime?" "No, Sir." "Why, what was he then?" "Wooden +Spoon!" "Best suited to his wooden head," said the mortified +inquirer.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, Vol. II. p. 258. + +It may not perhaps be improper to mention one very remarkable +personage, I mean "the _Wooden Spoon_." This luckless wight (for +what cause I know not) is annually the universal butt and +laughing-stock of the whole Senate-House. He is the last of those +young men who take honors, in his year, and is called a Junior +Optime; yet, notwithstanding his being in fact superior to them +all, the very lowest of the [Greek: oi polloi], or gregarious +undistinguished bachelors, think themselves entitled to shoot the +pointless arrows of their clumsy wit against the _wooden spoon_; +and to reiterate the stale and perennial remark, that "Wranglers +are born with gold spoons in their mouths, Senior Optimes with +silver, Junior Optimes with _wooden_, and the [Greek: oi polloi] +with leaden ones."--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + + Who while he lives must wield the boasted prize, + Whose value all can feel, the weak, the wise; + Displays in triumph his distinguished boon, + The solid honors of the _wooden spoon_. + _Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 119. + +2. At Yale College, this title is conferred on the student who +takes the last appointment at the Junior Exhibition. The following +account of the ceremonies incident to the presentation of the +Wooden Spoon has been kindly furnished by a graduate of that +institution. + +"At Yale College the honors, or, as they are there termed, +appointments, are given to a class twice during the course;--upon +the merits of the two preceding years, at the end of the first +term, Junior; and at the end of the second term, Senior, upon the +merits of the whole college course. There are about eight grades +of appointments, the lowest of which is the Third Colloquy. Each +grade has its own standard, and if a number of students have +attained to the same degree, they receive the same appointment. It +is rarely the case, however, that more than one student can claim +the distinction of a third colloquy; but when there are several, +they draw lots to see which is entitled to be considered properly +_the_ third colloquy man. + +"After the Junior appointments are awarded, the members of the +Junior Class hold an exhibition similar to the regular Junior +exhibition, and present a _wooden spoon_ to the man who received +the lowest honor in the gift of the Faculty. + +"The exhibition takes place in the evening, at some public hall in +town. Except to those engaged in the arrangements, nothing is +known about it among the students at large, until the evening of +the performances, when notices of the hour and place are quietly +circulated at prayers, in order that it may not reach the ears of +the Faculty, who are ever too ready to participate in the sports +of the students, and to make the result tell unfavorably against +the college welfare of the more prominent characters. + +"As the appointed hour approaches, long files of black coats may +be seen emerging from the dark halls, and winding their way +through the classic elms towards the Temple, the favorite scene of +students' exhibitions and secret festivals. When they reach the +door, each man must undergo the searching scrutiny of the +door-keeper, usually disguised as an Indian, to avoid being +recognized by a college officer, should one chance to be in the +crowd, and no one is allowed to enter unless he is known. + +"By the time the hour of the exercises has arrived, the hall is +densely packed with undergraduates and professional students. The +President, who is a non-appointment man, and probably the poorest +scholar in the class, sits on a stage with his associate +professors. Appropriate programmes, printed in the college style, +are scattered throughout the house. As the hour strikes, the +President arises with becoming dignity, and, instead of the usual +phrase, 'Musicam audeamus,' restores order among the audience by +'Silentiam audeamus,' and then addresses the band, 'Musica +cantetur.' + +"Then follow a series of burlesque orations, dissertations, and +disputes, upon scientific and other subjects, from the wittiest +and cleverest men in the class, and the house is kept in a +continual roar of laughter. The highest appointment men frequently +take part in the speeches. From time to time the band play, and +the College choir sing pieces composed for the occasion. In one of +the best, called AUDACIA, composed in imitation of the Crambambuli +song, by a member of the class to which the writer belonged, the +Wooden Spoon is referred to in the following stanza:-- + + 'But do not think our life is aimless; + O no! we crave one blessed boon, + It is the prize of value nameless, + The honored, classic WOODEN SPOON; + But give us this, we'll shout Hurrah! + O nothing like Audacia!' + +"After the speeches are concluded and the music has ceased, the +President rises and calls the name of the hero of the evening, who +ascends the stage and stands before the high dignitary. The +President then congratulates him upon having attained to so +eminent a position, and speaks of the pride that he and his +associates feel in conferring upon him the highest honor in their +gift,--the Wooden Spoon. He exhorts him to pursue through life the +noble cruise he has commenced in College,--not seeking glory as +one of the illiterate,--the [Greek: oi polloi],--nor exactly on +the fence, but so near to it that he may safely be said to have +gained the 'happy medium.' + +"The President then proceeds to the grand ceremony of the evening, +--the delivery of the Wooden Spoon,--a handsomely finished spoon, +or ladle, with a long handle, on which is carved the name of the +Class, and the rank and honor of the recipient, and the date of +its presentation. The President confers the honor in Latin, +provided he and his associates are able to muster a sufficient +number of sentences. + +"When the President resumes his seat, the Third Colloquy man +thanks his eminent instructors for the honor conferred upon him, +and thanks (often with sincerity) the class for the distinction he +enjoys. The exercises close with music by the band, or a burlesque +colloquy. On one occasion, the colloquy was announced upon the +programme as 'A Practical Illustration of Humbugging,' with a long +list of witty men as speakers, to appear in original costumes. +Curiosity was very much excited, and expectation on the tiptoe, +when the colloquy became due. The audience waited and waited until +sufficiently _humbugged_, when they were allowed to retire with +the laugh turned against them. + +"Many men prefer the Wooden Spoon to any other college honor or +prize, because it comes directly from their classmates, and hence, +perhaps, the Faculty disapprove of it, considering it as a damper +to ambition and college distinctions." + +This account of the Wooden Spoon Exhibition was written in the +year 1851. Since then its privacy has been abolished, and its +exercises are no longer forbidden by the Faculty. Tutors are now +not unfrequently among the spectators at the presentation, and +even ladies lend their presence, attention, and applause, to +beautify, temper, and enliven the occasion. + +The "_Wooden Spoon_," tradition says, was in ancient times +presented to the greatest glutton in the class, by his +appreciating classmates. It is now given to the one whose name +comes last on the list of appointees for the Junior Exhibition, +though this rule is not strictly followed. The presentation takes +place during the Summer Term, and in vivacity with respect to the +literary exercises, and brilliance in point of audience, forms a +rather formidable rival to the regularly authorized Junior +Exhibition.--_Songs of Tale_, Preface, 1853, p. 4. + +Of the songs which are sung in connection with the wooden spoon +presentation, the following is given as a specimen. + + "Air,--_Yankee Doodle_. + + "Come, Juniors, join this jolly tune + Our fathers sang before us; + And praise aloud the wooden spoon + In one long, swelling chorus. + Yes! let us, Juniors, shout and sing + The spoon and all its glory,-- + Until the welkin loudly ring + And echo back the story. + + "Who would not place this precious boon + Above the Greek Oration? + Who would not choose the wooden spoon + Before a dissertation? + Then, let, &c. + + "Some pore o'er classic works jejune, + Through all their life at College,-- + I would not pour, but use the spoon + To fill my mind with knowledge. + So let, &c. + + "And if I ever have a son + Upon my knee to dandle, + I'll feed him with a wooden spoon + Of elongated handle. + Then let, &c. + + "Most college honors vanish soon, + Alas! returning never, + But such a noble wooden spoon + Is tangible for ever. + So let, &c. + + "Now give, in honor of the spoon, + Three cheers, long, loud, and hearty, + And three for every honored June + In coch-le-au-re-a-ti.[88] + Yes! let us, Juniors, shout and sing + The spoon and all its glory,-- + Until the welkin loudly ring + And echo back the story." + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 37. + + +WRANGLER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., at the conclusion +of the tenth term, the final examination in the Senate-House takes +place. A certain number of those who pass this examination in the +best manner are called _Wranglers_. + +The usual number of _Wranglers_--whatever Wrangler may have meant +once, it now implies a First Class man in Mathematics--is +thirty-seven or thirty-eight. Sometimes it falls to thirty-five, +and occasionally rises above forty.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 227. + +See SENIOR WRANGLER. + + +WRANGLERSHIP. The office of a _Wrangler_. + + +He may be considered pretty safe for the highest _Wranglership_ +out of Trinity.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 103. + + +WRESTLING-MATCH. At Harvard College, it was formerly the custom, +on the first Monday of the term succeeding the Commencement +vacation, for the Sophomores to challenge the Freshmen who had +just entered College to a wrestling-match. A writer in the New +England Magazine, 1832, in an article entitled "Harvard College +Forty Years Ago," remarks as follows on this subject: "Another +custom, not enjoined by the government, had been in vogue from +time immemorial. That was for the Sophomores to challenge the +Freshmen to a wrestling-match. If the Sophomores were thrown, the +Juniors gave a similar challenge. If these were conquered, the +Seniors entered the lists, or treated the victors to as much wine, +punch, &c. as they chose to drink. In my class, there were few who +had either taste, skill, or bodily strength for this exercise, so +that we were easily laid on our backs, and the Sophomores were +acknowledged our superiors, in so far as 'brute force' was +concerned. Being disgusted with these customs, we held a +class-meeting, early in our first quarter, and voted unanimously +that we should never send a Freshman on an errand; and, with but +one dissenting voice, that we would not challenge the next class +that should enter to wrestle. When the latter vote was passed, our +moderator, pointing at the dissenting individual with the finger +of scorn, declared it to be a vote, _nemine contradicente_. We +commenced Sophomores, another Freshman Class entered, the Juniors +challenged them, and were thrown. The Seniors invited them to a +treat, and these barbarous customs were soon after +abolished."--Vol. III. p. 239. + +The Freshman Class above referred to, as superior to the Junior, +was the one which graduated in 1796, of which Mr. Thomas Mason, +surnamed "the College Lion," was a member,--"said," remarks Mr. +Buckingham, "to be the greatest _wrestler_ that was ever in +College. He was settled as a clergyman at Northfield, Mass., +resigned his office some years after, and several times +represented that town in the Legislature of Massachusetts." +Charles Prentiss, the wit of the Class of '95, in a will written +on his departure from college life, addresses Mason as follows:-- + + "Item. Tom M----n, COLLEGE LION, + Who'd ne'er spend cash enough to buy one, + The BOANERGES of a pun, + A man of science and of fun, + That quite uncommon witty elf, + Who darts his bolts and shoots himself, + Who oft has bled beneath my jokes, + I give my old _tobacco-box_." + _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. p. 271. + +The fame which Mr. Mason had acquired while in College for bodily +strength and skill in wrestling, did not desert him after he left. +While settled as a minister at Northfield, a party of young men +from Vermont challenged the young men of that town to a bout at +wrestling. The challenge was accepted, and on a given day the two +parties assembled at Northfield. After several rounds, when it +began to appear that the Vermonters were gaining the advantage, a +proposal was made, by some who had heard of Mr. Mason's exploits, +that he should be requested to take part in the contest. It had +now grown late, and the minister, who usually retired early, had +already betaken himself to bed. Being informed of the request of +the wrestlers, for a long time he refused to go, alleging as +reasons his ministerial capacity, the force of example, &c. +Finding these excuses of no avail, he finally arose, dressed +himself, and repaired to the scene of action. Shouts greeted him +on his arrival, and he found himself on the wrestling-field, as he +had stood years ago at Cambridge. The champion of the Vermonters +came forward, flushed with his former victories. After playing +around him for some time, Mr. Mason finally threw him. Having by +this time collected his ideas of the game, when another antagonist +appeared, tripping up his heels with perfect ease, he suddenly +twitched him off his centre and laid him on his back. Victory was +declared in favor of Northfield, and the good minister was borne +home in triumph. + +Similar to these statements are those of Professor Sidney Willard +relative to the same subject, contained in his late work entitled +"Memories of Youth and Manhood." Speaking of the observances in +vogue at Harvard College in the year 1794, he says:--"Next to +being indoctrinated in the Customs, so called, by the Sophomore +Class, there followed the usual annual exhibition of the athletic +contest between that class and the Freshman Class, namely, the +wrestling-match. On some day of the second week in the term, after +evening prayers, the two classes assembled on the play-ground and +formed an extended circle, from which a stripling of the Sophomore +Class advanced into the area, and, in terms justifying the vulgar +use of the derivative word Sophomorical, defied his competitors, +in the name of his associates, to enter the lists. He was matched +by an equal in stature, from that part of the circle formed by the +new-comers. Beginning with these puny athletes, as one and another +was prostrated on either side, the contest advanced through the +intermediate gradations of strength and skill, with increasing +excitement of the parties and spectators, until it reached its +summit by the struggle of the champion or coryphæus in reserve on +each of the opposite sides. I cannot now affirm with certainty the +result of the contest; whether it was a drawn battle, whether it +ended with the day, or was postponed for another trial. It +probably ended in the defeat of the younger party, for there were +more and mightier men among their opponents. Had we been +victorious, it would have behooved us, according to established +precedents, to challenge the Junior Class, which was not done. +Such a result, if it had taken place, could not fade from the +memory of the victors; while failure, on the contrary, being an +issue to be looked for, would soon be dismissed from the thoughts +of the vanquished. Instances had occurred of the triumph of the +Freshman Class, and one of them recent, when a challenge in due +form was sent to the Juniors, who, thinking the contest too +doubtful, wisely resolved to let the victors rejoice in their +laurels already won; and, declining to meet them in the gymnasium, +invited them to a sumptuous feast instead. + +"Wrestling was, at an after period, I cannot say in what year, +superseded by football; a grovelling and inglorious game in +comparison. Wrestling is an art; success in the exercise depends +not on mere bodily strength. It had, at the time of which I have +spoken, its well-known and acknowledged technical rules, and any +violation of them, alleged against one who had prostrated his +adversary, became a matter of inquiry. If it was found that the +act was not achieved _secundum artem_, it was void, and might be +followed by another trial."--Vol. I. pp. 260, 261. + +Remarks on this subject are continued in another part of the work +from which the above extract is made, and the story of Thomas +Mason is related, with a few variations from the generally +received version. "Wrestling," says Professor Willard, "was +reduced to an art, which had its technical terms for the movement +of the limbs, and the manner of using them adroitly, with the +skill acquired by practice in applying muscular force at the right +time and in the right degree. Success in the art, therefore, +depended partly on skill; and a violation of the rules of the +contest vitiated any apparent triumph gained by mere physical +strength. There were traditionary accounts of some of our +predecessors who were commemorated as among the coryphæi of +wrestlers; a renown that was not then looked upon with contempt. +The art of wrestling was not then confined to the literary +gymnasium. It was practised in every rustic village. There were +even migrating braves and Hectors, who, in their wanderings from +their places of abode to villages more or less distant, defied the +chiefest of this order of gymnasts to enter the lists. In a +country town of Massachusetts remote from the capital, one of +these wanderers appeared about half a century since, and issued a +general challenge against the foremost wrestlers. The clergyman of +the town, a son of Harvard, whose fame in this particular had +travelled from the academic to the rustic green, was apprised of +the challenge, and complied with the solicitation of some of his +young parishioners to accept it in their behalf. His triumph over +the challenger was completed without agony or delay, and having +prostrated him often enough to convince him of his folly, he threw +him over the stone wall, and gravely admonished him against +repeating his visit, and disturbing the peace of his +parish."--Vol. I. p. 315. + +The peculiarities of Thomas Mason were his most noticeable +characteristics. As an orator, his eloquence was of the _ore +rotundo_ order; as a writer, his periods were singularly +Johnsonian. He closed his ministerial labors in Northfield, +February 28, 1830, on which occasion he delivered a farewell +discourse, taking for his text, the words of Paul to Timothy: "The +time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I +have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there +is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." + +As a specimen of his style of writing, the following passages are +presented, taken from this discourse:--"Time, which forms the +scene of all human enterprise, solicitude, toil, and improvement, +and which fixes the limitations of all human pleasures and +sufferings, has at length conducted us to the termination of our +long-protracted alliance. An assignment of the reasons of this +measure must open a field too extended and too diversified for our +present survey. Nor could a development of the whole be any way +interesting to us, to whom alone this address is now submitted. +Suffice it to say, that in the lively exercise of mutual and +unimpaired friendship and confidence, the contracting parties, +after sober, continued, and unimpassioned deliberation, have +yielded to existing circumstances, as a problematical expedient of +social blessing." + +After commenting upon the declaration of Paul, he continued: "The +Apostle proceeds, 'I have fought a good fight' Would to God I +could say the same! Let me say, however, without the fear of +contradiction, 'I have fought a fight!' How far it has been +'good,' I forbear to decide." His summing up was this: "You see, +my hearers, all I can say, in common with the Apostle in the text, +is this: 'The time of my departure is at hand,'--and, 'I have +finished my course.'" + +Referring then to the situation which he had occupied, he said: +"The scene of our alliance and co-operation, my friends, has been +one of no ordinary cast and character. The last half-century has +been pregnant with novelty, project, innovation, and extreme +excitement. The pillars of the social edifice have been shaken, +and the whole social atmosphere has been decomposed by alchemical +demagogues and revolutionary apes. The sickly atmosphere has +suffused a morbid humor over the whole frame, and left the social +body little more than 'the empty and bloody skin of an immolated +victim.' + +"We pass by the ordinary incidents of alienation, which are too +numerous, and too evanescent to admit of detail. But seasons and +circumstances of great alarm are not readily forgotten. We have +witnessed, and we have felt, my friends, a political convulsion, +which seemed the harbinger of inevitable desolation. But it has +passed by with a harmless explosion, and returning friends have +paused in wonder, at a moment's suspension of friendship. Mingled +with the factitious mass, there was a large spice of sincerity +which sanctified the whole composition, and restored the social +body to sanity, health, and increased strength and vigor. + +"Thrice happy must be our reflections could we stop here, and +contemplate the ascending prosperity and increasing vigor of this +religious community. But the one half has not yet been told,--the +beginning has hardly been begun. Could I borrow the language of +the spirits of wrath,--was my pen transmuted to a viper's tooth +dipped in gore,--was my paper transformed to a vellum which no +light could illume, and which only darkness could render legible, +I could, and I would, record a tale of blood, of which the foulest +miscreant must burn in ceaseless anguish only once to have been +suspected. But I refer to imagination what description can never +reach." + +What the author referred to in this last paragraph no one knew, +nor did he ever advance any explanation of these strange words. + +Near the close of his discourse, he said: "Standing in the place +of a Christian minister among you, through the whole course of my +ministrations, it has been my great and leading aim ever to +maintain and exhibit the character and example of a Christian man. +With clerical foppery, grimace, craft, and hypocrisy, I have had +no concern. In the free participation of every innocent +entertainment and delight, I have pursued an open, unreserved +course, equally removed from the mummery of superstition and the +dissipation of infidelity. And though I have enjoyed my full share +of honor from the scandal of bigotry and malice, yet I may safely +congratulate myself in the reflection, that by this liberal and +independent progress were men weighed in the balance of +intellectual, social, and moral worth, I have yet never lost a +single friend who was worth preserving."--pp. 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11. + + + +_Y_. + + +YAGER FIGHTS. At Bowdoin College, "_Yager Fights_," says a +correspondent, "are the annual conflicts which occur between the +townsmen and the students. The Yagers (from the German _Jager_, a +hunter, a chaser) were accustomed, when the lumbermen came down +the river in the spring, to assemble in force, march up to the +College yard with fife and drum, get famously drubbed, and retreat +in confusion to their dens. The custom has become extinct within +the past four years, in consequence of the non-appearance of the +Yagers." + + +YALENSIAN. A student at or a member of Yale College. + +In making this selection, we have been governed partly by poetic +merit, but more by the associations connected with various pieces +inserted, in the minds of the present generation of _Yalensians_. +--_Preface to Songs of Yale_, 1853. + +The _Yalensian_ is off for Commencement.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. +XIX. p. 355. + + +YANKEE. According to the account of this word as given by Dr. +William Gordon, it appears to have been in use among the students +of Harvard College at a very early period. A citation from his +work will show this fact in its proper light. + +"You may wish to know the origin of the term _Yankee_. Take the +best account of it which your friend can procure. It was a cant, +favorite word with Farmer Jonathan Hastings, of Cambridge, about +1713. Two aged ministers, who were at the College in that town, +have told me, they remembered it to have been then in use among +the students, but had no recollection of it before that period. +The inventor used it to express excellency. A _Yankee_ good horse, +or _Yankee_ cider, and the like, were an excellent good horse and +excellent cider. The students used to hire horses of him; their +intercourse with him, and his use of the term upon all occasions, +led them to adopt it, and they gave him the name of Yankee Jon. He +was a worthy, honest man, but no conjurer. This could not escape +the notice of the collegiates. Yankee probably became a by-word +among them to express a weak, simple, awkward person; was carried +from the College with them when they left it, and was in that way +circulated and established through the country, (as was the case +in respect to Hobson's choice, by the students at Cambridge, in +Old England,) till, from its currency in New England, it was at +length taken up and unjustly applied to the New-Englanders in +common, as a term of reproach."--_American War_, Ed. 1789, Vol. I. +pp. 324, 325. _Thomas's Spy_, April, 1789, No. 834. + +In the Massachusetts Magazine, Vol. VII., p. 301, the editor, the +Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, D.D., of Dorchester, referring to a +letter written by the Rev. John Seccombe, and dated "Cambridge, +Sept. 27, 1728," observes: "It is a most humorous narrative of the +fate of a goose roasted at 'Yankee Hastings's,' and it concludes +with a poem on the occasion, in the mock-heroic." The fact of the +name is further substantiated in the following remarks by the Rev. +John Langdon Sibley, of Harvard College: "Jonathan Hastings, +Steward of the College from 1750 to 1779,... was a son of Jonathan +Hastings, a tanner, who was called 'Yankee Hastings,' and lived on +the spot at the northwest corner of Holmes Place in Old Cambridge, +where, not many years since, a house was built by the late William +Pomeroy."--_Father Abbey's Will_, Cambridge, Mass., 1854, pp. 7, +8. + + +YEAR. At the English universities, the undergraduate course is +three years and a third. Students of the first year are called +Freshmen, and the other classes at Cambridge are, in popular +phrase, designated successively Second-year Men, Third-year Men, +and Men who are just going out. The word _year_ is often used in +the sense of class. + +The lecturer stands, and the lectured sit, even when construing, +as the Freshmen are sometimes asked to do; the other _Years_ are +only called on to listen.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 18. + +Of the "_year_" that entered with me at Trinity, three men died +before the time of graduating.--_Ibid._, p. 330. + + +YEOMAN-BEDELL. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +_yeoman-bedell_ in processions precedes the esquire-bedells, +carrying an ebony mace, tipped with silver.--_Cam. Guide_. + +At the University of Oxford, the yeoman-bedels bear the silver +staves in procession. The vice-chancellor never walks out without +being preceded by a yeoman-bedel with his insignium of +office.--_Guide to Oxford_. + +See BEADLE. + + +YOUNG BURSCH. In the German universities, a name given to a +student during his third term, or _semester_. + +The fox year is then over, and they wash the eyes of the new-baked +_Young Bursche_, since during the fox-year he was held to be +blind, the fox not being endued with reason.--_Howitt's Student +Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 124. + + + + +A LIST OF AMERICAN COLLEGES + +REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK, IN CONNECTION WITH PARTICULAR WORDS OR +CUSTOMS. + +AMHERST COLLEGE, Amherst, Mass., 10 references. +ANDERSON COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, Ind., 3 references. +BACON COLLEGE, Ky., 1 reference. +BETHANY COLLEGE, Bethany, Va., 2 references. +BOWDOIN COLLEGE, Brunswick, Me., 17 references. +BROWN UNIVERSITY, Providence, R.I., 2 references. +CENTRE COLLEGE, Danville, Ky., 4 references. +COLUMBIA [KING'S] COLLEGE, New York., 5 references. +COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, Washington, D.C., 1 reference. +DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, Hanover, N.H., 27 references. +HAMILTON COLLEGE, Clinton, N.Y., 16 references. +HARVARD COLLEGE, Cambridge, Mass., 399 references. +JEFFERSON COLLEGE, Canonsburg, Penn., 8 references. +KING'S COLLEGE. See COLUMBIA. +MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE, Middlebury, Vt., 11 references. +NEW JERSEY, COLLEGE OF, Princeton, N.J., 29 references. +NEW YORK, UNIVERSITY OF, New York., 1 reference. +NORTH CAROLINA, UNIVERSITY OF, Chapel Hill, N.C., 3 references. +PENNSYLVANIA, UNIVERSITY OF, Philadelphia, Penn., 3 references. +PRINCETON COLLEGE. See NEW JERSEY, COLLEGE OF. +RUTGER'S COLLEGE, New Brunswick, N.J., 2 references. +SHELBY COLLEGE, Shelbyville, Ky., 2 references. +SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE, Columbia, S.C., 3 references. +TRINITY COLLEGE, Hartford, Conn., 11 references. +UNION COLLEGE, Schenectady, N.Y., 41 references. +VERMONT, UNIVERSITY OF, Burlington, Vt., 25 references. +VIRGINIA, UNIVERSITY OF, Albemarle Co., Va., 14 references. +WASHINGTON COLLEGE, Washington, Penn., 5 references. +WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Middletown, Conn., 5 references. +WESTERN RESERVE COLLEGE, Hudson, Ohio., 1 reference. +WEST POINT, N.Y., 1 reference. +WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE, Williamsburg, Va., 3 references. +WILLIAMS COLLEGE, Williamstown, Mass., 43 references. +YALE COLLEGE, New Haven, Conn., 264 references. + + + + +THE END. + + + + +FOOTNOTES: + + +[01] Hon. Levi Woodbury, whose subject was "Progress." + +[02] _Vide_ Aristophanes, _Aves_. + +[03] Alcestis of Euripides. + +[04] See BRICK MILL. + +[05] At Harvard College, sixty-eight Commencements were held in + the old parish church which "occupied a portion of the + space between Dane Hall and the old Presidential House." + The period embraced was from 1758 to 1834. There was no + Commencement in 1764, on account of the small-pox; nor + from 1775 to 1781, seven years, on account of the + Revolutionary war. The first Commencement in the new + meeting-house was held in 1834. In 1835, there was rain at + Commencement, for the first time in thirty-five years. + +[06] The graduating class usually waited on the table at dinner + on Commencement Day. + +[07] Rev. John Willard, S.T.D., of Stafford, Conn., a graduate + of the class of 1751. + +[08] "Men, some to pleasure, some to business, take; + But every woman is at heart a rake." + +[09] Rev. Joseph Willard, S.T.D. + +[10] The Rev. Dr. Simeon Howard, senior clergyman of the + Corporation, presided at the public exercises and + announced the degrees. + +[11] See under THESIS and MASTER'S QUESTION. + +[12] The old way of spelling the word SOPHOMORE, q.v. + +[13] Speaking of Bachelors who are reading for fellowships, + Bristed says, they "wear black gowns with two strings + hanging loose in front."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, + Ed. 2d, p. 20. + +[14] Bristed speaks of the "blue and silver gown" of Trinity + Fellow-Commoners.--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, + p. 34. + +[15] "A gold-tufted cap at Cambridge designates a Johnian or + Small-College Fellow-Commoner."--_Ibid._, p. 136. + +[16] "The picture is not complete without the 'men,' all in + their academicals, as it is Sunday. The blue gown of + Trinity has not exclusive possession of its own walks: + various others are to be discerned, the Pembroke looped at + the sleeve, the Christ's and Catherine curiously crimped + in front, and the Johnian with its unmistakable + 'Crackling.'"--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, + Ed. 2d, p. 73. + + "On Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Saints' days the + students wear surplices instead of their gowns, and very + innocent and exemplary they look in them."--_Ibid._, p. + 21. + +[17] "The ignorance of the popular mind has often represented + academicians riding, travelling, &c. in cap and gown. Any + one who has had experience of the academic costume can + tell that a sharp walk on a windy day in it is no easy + matter, and a ride or a row would be pretty near an + impossibility. Indeed, during these two hours [of hard + exercise] it is as rare to see a student in a gown, as it + is at other times to find him beyond the college walks + without one."--_Ibid._, p. 19. + +[18] Downing College. + +[19] St. John's College. + +[20] See under IMPOSITION. + +[21] "Narratur et prisci Catonis + Sæpè mero caluisse virtus." + Horace, Ode _Ad Amphoram_. + +[22] Education: a Poem before [Greek: Phi. Beta. Kappa.] Soc., + 1799, by William Biglow. + +[23] 2 Samuel x. 4. + +[24] A printed "Order of Exhibition" was issued at Harvard + College in 1810, for the first time. + +[25] In reference to cutting lead from the old College. + +[26] Senior, as here used, indicates an officer of college, or + a member of either of the three upper classes, agreeable + to Custom No. 3, above. + +[27] The law in reference to footballs is still observed. + +[28] See SOPHOMORE. + +[29] I.e. TUTOR. + +[30] Abbreviated for Cousin John, i.e. a privy. + +[31] Joseph Willard, President of Harvard College from 1781 to + 1804. + +[32] Timothy Lindall Jennison, Tutor from 1785 to 1788. + +[33] James Prescott, graduated in 1788. + +[34] Robert Wier, graduated in 1788. + +[35] Joseph Willard. + +[36] Dr. Samuel Williams, Professor of Mathematics and Natural + Philosophy. + +[37] Dr. Eliphalet Pearson, Professor of Hebrew and other + Oriental Languages. + +[38] Eleazar James, Tutor from 1781 to 1789. + +[39] Jonathan Burr, Tutor 1786, 1787. + +[40] "Flag of the free heart's hope and home! + By angel hands to valor given." + _The American Flag_, by J.R. Drake. + +[41] Charles Prentiss, who when this was written was a member + of the Junior Class. Both he and Mr. Biglow were fellows + of "infinite jest," and were noted for the superiority of + their talents and intellect. + +[42] Mr. Biglow was known in college by the name of Sawney, and + was thus frequently addressed by his familiar friends in + after life. + +[43] Charles Pinckney Sumner, afterwards a lawyer in Boston, + and for many years sheriff of the county of Suffolk. + +[44] A black man who sold pies and cakes. + +[45] Written after a general pruning of the trees around + Harvard College. + +[46] Doctor of Medicine, or Student of Medicine. + +[47] Referring to the masks and disguises worn by the members + at their meetings. + +[48] A picture representing an examination and initiation into + the Society, fronting the title-page of the Catalogue. + +[49] Leader Dam, _Armig._, M.D. et ex off L.K. et LL.D. et + J.U.D. et P.D. et M.U.D, etc., etc., et ASS. + + He was an empiric, who had offices at Boston and + Philadelphia, where he sold quack medicines of various + descriptions. + +[50] Christophe, the black Prince of Hayti. + +[51] It is said he carried the bones of Tom Paine, the infidel, + to England, to make money by exhibiting them, but some + difficulty arising about the duty on them, he threw them + overboard. + +[52] He promulgated a theory that the earth was hollow, and + that there was an entrance to it at the North Pole. + +[53] Alexander the First of Russia was elected a member, and, + supposing the society to be an honorable one, forwarded to + it a valuable present. + +[54] He made speeches on the Fourth of July at five or six + o'clock in the morning, and had them printed and ready for + sale, as soon as delivered, from his cart on Boston + Common, from which he sold various articles. + +[55] Tibbets, a gambler, was attacked by Snelling through the + columns of the New England Galaxy. + +[56] Referring to the degree given to the Russian Alexander, + and the present received in return. + +[57] 1851. + +[58] See DIG. In this case, those who had parts at two + Exhibitions are thus designated. + +[59] Jonathan Leonard, who afterwards graduated in the class of + 1786. + +[60] 1851. + +[61] William A. Barron, who was graduated in 1787, and was + tutor from 1793 to 1800, was "among his contemporaries in + office ... social and playful, fond of _bon-mots_, + conundrums, and puns." Walking one day with Shapleigh and + another gentleman, the conversation happened to turn upon + the birthplace of Shapleigh, who was always boasting that + two towns claimed him as their citizen, as the towns, + cities, and islands of Greece claimed Homer as a native. + Barron, with all the good humor imaginable, put an end to + the conversation by the following epigrammatic + impromptu:-- + + "Kittery and York for Shapleigh's birth contest; + Kittery won the prize, but York came off the best." + +[62] In Brady and Tate, "Hear, O my people." + +[63] In Brady and Tate, "instruction." + +[64] Watts, "hear." + +[65] See BOHN. + +[66] The Triennial Catalogue of Harvard College was first + printed in a pamphlet form in the year 1778. + +[67] Jesse Olds, a classmate, afterwards a clergyman in a + country town. + +[68] Charles Prentiss, a member of the Junior Class when this + was written; afterwards editor of the Rural + Repository.--_Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. + 273-275. + +[69] William Biglow was known in college by the name of Sawney, + and was frequently addressed by this sobriquet in after + life, by his familiar friends. + +[70] Charles Pinckney Sumner,--afterwards a lawyer in Boston, + and for many years Sheriff of the County of Suffolk. + +[71] Theodore Dehon, afterwards a clergyman of the Episcopal + Church, and Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina. + +[72] Thomas Mason, a member of the class after Prentiss, said + to be the greatest _wrestler_ that was ever in College. He + was settled as a clergyman at Northfield, Mass.; resigned + his office some years after, and several times represented + that town in the Legislature of Massachusetts. See under + WRESTLING-MATCH. + +[73] The Columbian Centinel, published at Boston, of which + Benjamin Russell was the editor. + +[74] "Ashen," on _Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[75] "A pot of grease, + A woollen fleece."--_Ed's Broadside_. + +[76] "Rook."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. "Hook."--_Gent. Mag._, May, + 1732. + +[77] "Burrage."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[78] "That."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[79] "Beauties."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[80] "My."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[81] "I've" omitted in _Ed.'s Broadside_. + + Nay, I've two more + What Matthew always wanted.--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[82] "But silly youth, + I love the mouth."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[83] This stanza, although found in the London Magazine, does + not appear in the Gentleman's Magazine, or on the Editor's + Broadside. It is probably an interpolation. + +[84] "Cou'd."--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[85] "Do it."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[86] "Tow'rds Cambridge I'll get thee."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[87] "If, madam, you will let me."--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[88] See COCHLEAUREATUS. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Collection of College Words and +Customs, by Benjamin Homer Hall + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12864 *** diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d611e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #12864 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12864) diff --git a/old/12864-8.txt b/old/12864-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..043ea12 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12864-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,23045 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Collection of College Words and Customs +by Benjamin Homer Hall + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Collection of College Words and Customs + +Author: Benjamin Homer Hall + +Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12864] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS *** + + + + +Produced by Rick Niles, John Hagerson, Tony Browne and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +A + +COLLECTION + +OF + +COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS. + +BY B.H. HALL. + + "Multa renascentur quæ jam cecidere, cadentque Quæ nunc sunt in + honore, vocabula." + + "Notandi sunt tibi mores." + HOR. _Ars Poet._ + +REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION. + + + +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by + +B.H. HALL, + +in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of +Massachusetts. + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +The first edition of this publication was mostly compiled during +the leisure hours of the last half-year of a Senior's collegiate +life, and was presented anonymously to the public with the +following + +"PREFACE. + +"The Editor has an indistinct recollection of a sheet of foolscap +paper, on one side of which was written, perhaps a year and a half +ago, a list of twenty or thirty college phrases, followed by the +euphonious titles of 'Yale Coll.,' 'Harvard Coll.' Next he calls +to mind two blue-covered books, turned from their original use, as +receptacles of Latin and Greek exercises, containing explanations +of these and many other phrases. His friends heard that he was +hunting up odd words and queer customs, and dubbed him +'Antiquarian,' but in a kindly manner, spared his feelings, and +did not put the vinegar 'old' before it. + +"Two and one half quires of paper were in time covered with a +strange medley, an olla-podrida of student peculiarities. Thus did +he amuse himself in his leisure hours, something like one who, as +Dryden says, 'is for raking in Chaucer for antiquated words.' By +and by he heard a wish here and a wish there, whether real or +otherwise he does not know, which said something about 'type,' +'press,' and used other cabalistic words, such as 'copy,' 'devil,' +etc. Then there was a gathering of papers, a transcribing of +passages from letters, an arranging in alphabetical order, a +correcting of proofs, and the work was done,--poorly it may be, +but with good intent. + +"Some things will be found in the following pages which are +neither words nor customs peculiar to colleges, and yet they have +been inserted, because it was thought they would serve to explain +the character of student life, and afford a little amusement to +the student himself. Society histories have been omitted, with the +exception of an account of the oldest affiliated literary society +in the United States. + +"To those who have aided in the compilation of this work, the +Editor returns his warmest thanks. He has received the assistance +of many, whose names he would here and in all places esteem it an +honor openly to acknowlege, were he not forbidden so to do by the +fact that he is himself anonymous. Aware that there is information +still to be collected, in reference to the subjects here treated, +he would deem it a favor if he could receive through the medium of +his publisher such morsels as are yet ungathered. + +"Should one pleasant thought arise within the breast of any +Alumnus, as a long-forgotten but once familiar word stares him in +the face, like an old and early friend; or should one who is still +guarded by his Alma Mater be led to a more summer-like +acquaintance with those who have in years past roved, as he now +roves, through classic shades and honored halls, the labors of +their friend, the Editor, will have been crowned with complete +success. + +"CAMBRIDGE, July 4th, 1851." + +Fearing lest venerable brows should frown with displeasure at the +recital of incidents which once made those brows bright and +joyous; dreading also those stern voices which might condemn as +boyish, trivial, or wrong an attempt to glean a few grains of +philological lore from the hitherto unrecognized corners of the +fields of college life, the Editor chose to regard the brows and +hear the voices from an innominate position. Not knowing lest he +should at some future time regret the publication of pages which +might be deemed heterodox, he caused a small edition of the work +to be published, hoping, should it be judged as evil, that the +error would be circumscribed in its effects, and the medium of the +error buried between the dusty shelves of the second-hand +collection of some rusty old bibliopole. By reason of this extreme +caution, the volume has been out of print for the last four years. + +In the present edition, the contents of the work have been +carefully revised, and new articles, filling about two hundred +pages, have been interspersed throughout the volume, arranged +under appropriate titles. Numerous additions have been made to the +collection of technicalities peculiar to the English universities, +and the best authorities have been consulted in the preparation of +this department. An index has also been added, containing a list +of the American colleges referred to in the text in connection +with particular words or customs. + +The Editor is aware that many of the words here inserted are +wanting in that refinement of sound and derivation which their use +in classical localities might seem to imply, and that some of the +customs here noticed and described are + "More honored in the breach than the observance." +These facts are not, however, sufficient to outweigh his +conviction that there is nothing in language or manners too +insignificant for the attention of those who are desirous of +studying the diversified developments of the character of man. For +this reason, and for the gratification of his own taste and the +tastes of many who were pleased at the inceptive step taken in the +first edition, the present volume has been prepared and is now +given to the public. + +TROY, N.Y., February 2, 1856. + + + + +A COLLECTION OF COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS. + + + +_A_. + + +A.B. An abbreviation for _Artium Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of Arts. +The first degree taken by students at a college or university. It +is usually written B.A., q.v. + + +ABSIT. Latin; literally, _let him be absent_; leave of absence +from commons, given to a student in the English +universities.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +ACADEMIAN. A member of an academy; a student in a university or +college. + + +ACADEMIC. A student in a college or university. + +A young _academic_ coming into the country immediately after this +great competition, &c.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, under _Pin-basket_. + +A young _academic_ shall dwell upon a journal that treats of +trade, and be lavish in the praise of the author; while persons +skilled in those subjects hear the tattle with contempt.--_Watts's +Improvement of the Mind_. + + +ACADEMICALS. In the English universities, the dress peculiar to +the students and officers. + +I must insist on your going to your College and putting on your +_academicals_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 382. + +The Proctor makes a claim of 6s. 8d. on every undergraduate whom +he finds _inermem_, or without his _academicals_.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 8. + +If you say you are going for a walk, or if it appears likely, from +the time and place, you are allowed to pass, otherwise you may be +sent back to college to put on your _academicals_.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 177. + + +ACKNOWLEDGMENT. At Harvard College, every student admitted upon +examination, after giving a bond for the payment of all college +dues, according to the established laws and customs, is required +to sign the following _acknowledgment_, as it is called:--"I +acknowledge that, having been admitted to the University at +Cambridge, I am subject to its laws." Thereupon he receives from +the President a copy of the laws which he has promised to +obey.--_Laws Univ. of Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 13. + + +ACT. In English universities, a thesis maintained in public by a +candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a +student.--_Webster_. + +The student proposes certain questions to the presiding officer of +the schools, who then nominates other students to oppose him. The +discussion is syllogistical and in Latin and terminates by the +presiding officer questioning the respondent, or person who is +said _to keep the act_, and his opponents, and dismissing them +with some remarks upon their respective merits.--_Brande_. + +The effect of practice in such matters may be illustrated by the +habit of conversing in Latin, which German students do much more +readily than English, simply because the former practise it, and +hold public disputes in Latin, while the latter have long left off +"_keeping Acts_," as the old public discussions required of +candidates for a degree used to be called.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 184. + +The word was formerly used in Harvard College. In the "Orders of +the Overseers," May 6th, 1650, is the following: "Such that expect +to proceed Masters of Arts [are ordered] to exhibit their synopsis +of _acts_ required by the laws of the College."--_Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +Nine Bachelors commenced at Cambridge; they were young men of good +hope, and performed their _acts_ so as to give good proof of their +proficiency in the tongues and arts.--_Winthrop's Journal, by Mr. +Savage_, Vol. I. p. 87. + +The students of the first classis that have beene these foure +years trained up in University learning (for their ripening in the +knowledge of the tongues, and arts) and are approved for their +manners, as they have _kept_ their publick _Acts_ in former +yeares, ourselves being present at them; so have they lately +_kept_ two solemn _Acts_ for their Commencement.--_New England's +First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 245. + +But in the succeeding _acts_ ... the Latin syllogism seemed to +give the most content.--_Harvard Register_, 1827-28, p. 305. + +2. The close of the session at Oxford, when Masters and Doctors +complete their degrees, whence the _Act Term_, or that term in +which the _act_ falls. It is always held with great solemnity. At +Cambridge, and in American colleges, it is called _Commencement_. +In this sense Mather uses it. + +They that were to proceed Bachelors, held their _Act_ publickly in +Cambridge.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. 4, pp. 127, 128. + +At some times in the universities of England they have no public +_acts_, but give degrees privately and silently.--_Letter of +Increase Mather, in App. to Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, p. 87. + + +AD EUNDEM GRADUM. Latin, _to the same degree_. In American +colleges, a Bachelor or Master of one institution was formerly +allowed to take _the same_ degree at another, on payment of a +certain fee. By this he was admitted to all the privileges of a +graduate of his adopted Alma Mater. _Ad eundem gradum_, to the +same degree, were the important words in the formula of admission. +A similar custom prevails at present in the English universities. + +Persons who have received a degree in any other college or +university may, upon proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, +upon payment of the customary fees to the President.--_Laws Union +Coll._, 1807, p. 47. + +Persons who have received a degree in any other university or +college may, upon proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, +upon paying five dollars to the Steward for the President.--_Laws +of the Univ. in Cam., Mass._, 1828. + +Persons who have received a degree at any other college may, upon +proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, upon payment of the +customary fee to the President.--_Laws Mid. Coll._, 1839, p. 24. + +The House of Convocation consists both of regents and non-regents, +that is, in brief, all masters of arts not honorary, or _ad +eundems_ from Cambridge or Dublin, and of course graduates of a +higher order.--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xi. + +Fortunately some one recollected that the American Minister was a +D.C.L. of Trinity College, Dublin, members of which are admitted +_ad eundem gradum_ at Cambridge.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 112. + + +ADJOURN. At Bowdoin College, _adjourns_ are the occasional +holidays given when a Professor unexpectedly absents himself from +recitation. + + +ADJOURN. At the University of Vermont, this word as a verb is used +in the same sense as is the verb BOLT at Williams College; e.g. +the students _adjourn_ a recitation, when they leave the +recitation-room _en masse_, despite the Professor. + + +ADMISSION. The act of admitting a person as a member of a college +or university. The requirements for admission are usually a good +moral character on the part of the candidate, and that he shall be +able to pass a satisfactory examination it certain studies. In +some colleges, students are not allowed to enter until they are of +a specified age.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 12. _Laws +Tale Coll._, 1837, p. 8. + +The requisitions for entrance at Harvard College in 1650 are given +in the following extract. "When any scholar is able to read Tully, +or such like classical Latin author, _extempore_, and make and +speak true Latin in verse and prose _suo (ut aiunt) Marte_, and +decline perfectly the paradigms of nouns and verbs in the Greek +tongue, then may he be admitted into the College, nor shall any +claim admission before such qualifications."--_Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 515. + + +ADMITTATUR. Latin; literally, _let him be admitted_. In the older +American colleges, the certificate of admission given to a student +upon entering was called an _admittatur_, from the word with which +it began. At Harvard no student was allowed to occupy a room in +the College, to receive the instruction there given, or was +considered a member thereof, until he had been admitted according +to this form.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798. + +Referring to Yale College, President Wholsey remarks on this +point: "The earliest known laws of the College belong to the years +1720 and 1726, and are in manuscript; which is explained by the +custom that every Freshman, on his admission, was required to +write off a copy of them for himself, to which the _admittatur_ of +the officers was subscribed."--_Hist. Disc, before Grad. Yale +Coll._, 1850, p. 45. + +He travels wearily over in visions the term he is to wait for his +initiation into college ways and his _admittatur_.--_Harvard +Register_, p. 377. + +I received my _admittatur_ and returned home, to pass the vacation +and procure the college uniform.--_New England Magazine_, Vol. +III. p. 238. + +It was not till six months of further trial, that we received our +_admittatur_, so called, and became matriculated.--_A Tour through +College_, 1832, p. 13. + + +ADMITTO TE AD GRADUM. _I admit you to a degree_; the first words +in the formula used in conferring the honors of college. + + The scholar-dress that once arrayed him, + The charm _Admitto te ad gradum_, + With touch of parchment can refine, + And make the veriest coxcomb shine, + Confer the gift of tongues at once, + And fill with sense the vacant dunce. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Ed. 1794, Exeter, p. 12. + + +ADMONISH. In collegiate affairs, to reprove a member of a college +for a fault, either publicly or privately; the first step of +college discipline. It is followed by _of_ or _against_; as, to +admonish of a fault committed, or against committing a fault. + + +ADMONITION. Private or public reproof; the first step of college +discipline. In Harvard College, both private and public admonition +subject the offender to deductions from his rank, and the latter +is accompanied in most cases with official notice to his parents +or guardian.--See _Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 21. _Laws +Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 23. + +Mr. Flynt, for many years a tutor in Harvard College, thus records +an instance of college punishment for stealing poultry:--"November +4th, 1717. Three scholars were publicly admonished for thievery, +and one degraded below five in his class, because he had been +before publicly admonished for card-playing. They were ordered by +the President into the middle of the Hall (while two others, +concealers of the theft, were ordered to stand up in their places, +and spoken to there). The crime they were charged with was first +declared, and then laid open as against the law of God and the +House, and they were admonished to consider the nature and +tendency of it, with its aggravations; and all, with them, were +warned to take heed and regulate themselves, so that they might +not be in danger of so doing for the future; and those who +consented to the theft were admonished to beware, lest God tear +them in pieces, according to the text. They were then fined, and +ordered to make restitution twofold for each theft."--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 443. + + +ADOPTED SON. Said of a student in reference to the college of +which he is or was a member, the college being styled his _alma +mater_. + +There is something in the affection of our Alma Mater which +changes the nature of her _adopted sons_; and let them come from +wherever they may, she soon alters them and makes it evident that +they belong to the same brood.--_Harvard Register_, p. 377. + + +ADVANCE. The lesson which a student prepares for the first time is +called _the advance_, in contradistinction to _the review_. + + Even to save him from perdition, + He cannot get "_the advance_," forgets "_the review_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 13. + + +ÆGROTAL. Latin, _ægrotus_, sick. A certificate of illness. Used +in the Univ. of Cam., Eng. + +A lucky thought; he will get an "_ægrotal_," or medical +certificate of illness.--_Household Words_, Vol. II. p. 162. + + +ÆGROTAT. Latin; literally, _he is sick_. In the English +universities, a certificate from a doctor or surgeon, to the +effect that a student has been prevented by illness from attending +to his college duties, "though, commonly," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "the real complaint is much more serious; viz. +indisposition of the mind! _ægrotat_ animo magis quam corpore." +This state is technically called _ægritude_, and the person thus +affected is said to be _æger_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. pp. 386, +387. + +To prove sickness nothing more is necessary than to send to some +medical man for a pill and a draught, and a little bit of paper +with _ægrotat_ on it, and the doctor's signature. Some men let +themselves down off their horses, and send for an _ægrotat_ on +the score of a fall.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +235. + +During this term I attended another course of Aristotle lectures, +--but not with any express view to the May examination, which I +had no intention of going in to, if it could be helped, and which +I eventually escaped by an _ægrotat_ from my +physician.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +198. + +Mr. John Trumbull well describes this state of indisposition in +his Progress of Dullness:-- + + "Then every book, which ought to please, + Stirs up the seeds of dire disease; + Greek spoils his eyes, the print's so fine, + Grown dim with study, and with wine; + Of Tully's Latin much afraid, + Each page he calls the doctor's aid; + While geometry, with lines so crooked, + Sprains all his wits to overlook it. + His sickness puts on every name, + Its cause and uses still the same; + 'Tis toothache, colic, gout, or stone, + With phases various as the moon, + But tho' thro' all the body spread, + Still makes its cap'tal seat, the head. + In all diseases, 'tis expected, + The weakest parts be most infected." + Ed. 1794, Part I. p. 8. + + +ÆGROTAT DEGREE. One who is sick or so indisposed that he cannot +attend the Senate-House examination, nor consequently acquire any +honor, takes what is termed an _Ægrotat degree_.--_Alma Mater_, +Vol. II. p. 105. + + +ALMA MATER, _pl._ ALMÆ MATRES. Fostering mother; a college or +seminary where one is educated. The title was originally given to +Oxford and Cambridge, by such as had received their education in +either university. + +It must give pleasure to the alumni of the College to hear of his +good name, as he [Benjamin Woodbridge] was the eldest son of our +_alma mater_.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 57. + +I see the truths I have uttered, in relation to our _Almæ +Matres_, assented to by sundry of their +children.--_Terræ-Filius_, Oxford, p. 41. + + +ALUMNI, SOCIETY OF. An association composed of the graduates of a +particular college. The object of societies of this nature is +stated in the following extract from President Hopkins's Address +before the Society of Alumni of Williams College, Aug. 16, 1843. +"So far as I know, the Society of the Alumni of Williams College +was the first association of the kind in this country, certainly +the first which acted efficiently, and called forth literary +addresses. It was formed September 5, 1821, and the preamble to +the constitution then adopted was as follows: 'For the promotion +of literature and good fellowship among ourselves, and the better +to advance the reputation and interests of our Alma Mater, we the +subscribers, graduates of Williams College, form ourselves into a +Society.' The first president was Dr. Asa Burbank. The first +orator elected was the Hon. Elijah Hunt Mills, a distinguished +Senator of the United States. That appointment was not fulfilled. +The first oration was delivered in 1823, by the Rev. Dr. +Woodbridge, now of Hadley, and was well worthy of the occasion; +and since that time the annual oration before the Alumni has +seldom failed.... Since this Society was formed, the example has +been followed in other institutions, and bids fair to extend to +them all. Last year, for the first time, the voice of an Alumnus +orator was heard at Harvard and at Yale; and one of these +associations, I know, sprung directly from ours. It is but three +years since a venerable man attended the meeting of our Alumni, +one of those that have been so full of interest, and he said he +should go directly home and have such an association formed at the +Commencement of his Alma Mater, then about to occur. He did so. +That association was formed, and the last year the voice of one of +the first scholars and jurists in the nation was heard before +them. The present year the Alumni of Dartmouth were addressed for +the first time, and the doctrine of Progress was illustrated by +the distinguished speaker in more senses than one.[01] Who can +tell how great the influence of such associations may become in +cherishing kind feeling, in fostering literature, in calling out +talent, in leading men to act, not selfishly, but more efficiently +for the general cause through particular institutions?"--_Pres. +Hopkins's Miscellaneous Essays and Discourses_, pp. 275-277. + +To the same effect also, Mr. Chief Justice Story, who, in his +Discourse before the Society of the Alumni of Harvard University, +Aug. 23, 1842, says: "We meet to celebrate the first anniversary +of the society of all the Alumni of Harvard. We meet without any +distinction of sect or party, or of rank or profession, in church +or in state, in literature or in science.... Our fellowship is +designed to be--as it should be--of the most liberal and +comprehensive character, conceived in the spirit of catholic +benevolence, asking no creed but the love of letters, seeking no +end but the encouragement of learning, and imposing no conditions, +which say lead to jealousy or ambitious strife. In short, we meet +for peace and for union; to devote one day in the year to +academical intercourse and the amenities of scholars."--p. 4. + +An Alumni society was formed at Columbia College in the year 1829, +and at Rutgers College in 1837. There are also societies of this +nature at the College of New Jersey, Princeton; University of +Virginia, Charlottesville; and at Columbian College, Washington. + + +ALUMNUS, _pl._ ALUMNI. Latin, from _alo_, to nourish. A pupil; one +educated at a seminary or college is called an _alumnus_ of that +institution. + + +A.M. An abbreviation for _Artium Magister_, Master of Arts. The +second degree given by universities and colleges. It is usually +written M.A., q.v. + + +ANALYSIS. In the following passage, the word _analysis_ is used as +a verb; the meaning being directly derived from that of the noun +of the same orthography. + +If any resident Bachelor, Senior, or Junior Sophister shall +neglect to _analysis_ in his course, he shall be punished not +exceeding ten shillings.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. +129. + + +ANNARUGIANS. At Centre College, Kentucky, is a society called the +_Annarugians_, "composed," says a correspondent "of the wildest of +the College boys, who, in the most fantastic disguises, are always +on hand when a wedding is to take place, and join in a most +tremendous Charivari, nor can they be forced to retreat until they +have received a due proportion of the sumptuous feast prepared." + + +APOSTLES. At Cambridge, England, the last twelve on the list of +Bachelors of Arts; a degree lower than the [Greek: oi polloi] +"Scape-goats of literature, who have at length scrambled through +the pales and discipline of the Senate-House, without being +_plucked_, and miraculously obtained the title of A.B."--_Gradus +ad Cantab._ + +At Columbian College, D.C., the members of the Faculty are called +after the names of the _Apostles_. + + +APPLICANT. A diligent student. "This word," says Mr. Pickering, in +his Vocabulary, "has been much used at our colleges. The English +have the verb _to apply_, but the noun _applicant_, in this sense, +does not appear to be in use among them. The only Dictionary in +which I have found it with this meaning is Entick's, in which it +is given under the word _applier_. Mr. Todd has the term +_applicant_, but it is only in the sense of 'he who applies for +anything.' An American reviewer, in his remarks on Mr. Webster's +Dictionary, takes notice of the word, observing, that it 'is a +mean word'; and then adds, that 'Mr. Webster has not explained it +in the most common sense, a _hard student_.'--_Monthly Anthology_, +Vol. VII. p. 263. A correspondent observes: 'The utmost that can +be said of this word among the English is, that perhaps it is +occasionally used in conversation; at least, to signify one who +asks (or applies) for something.'" At present the word _applicant_ +is never used in the sense of a diligent student, the common +signification being that given by Mr. Webster, "One who applies; +one who makes request; a petitioner." + + +APPOINTEE. One who receives an appointment at a college exhibition +or commencement. + +The _appointees_ are writing their pieces.--_Scenes and Characters +in College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 193. + +To the gratified _appointee_,--if his ambition for the honor has +the intensity it has in some bosoms,--the day is the proudest he +will ever see.--_Ibid._, p. 194. + +I suspect that a man in the first class of the "Poll" has usually +read mathematics to more profit than many of the "_appointees_," +even of the "oration men" at Yale.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 382. + +He hears it said all about him that the College _appointees_ are +for the most part poor dull fellows.--_Ibid._, p. 389. + + +APPOINTMENT. In many American colleges, students to whom are +assigned a part in the exercises of an exhibition or commencement, +are said to receive an _appointment_. Appointments are given as a +reward for superiority in scholarship. + +As it regards college, the object of _appointments_ is to incite +to study, and promote good scholarship.--_Scenes and Characters in +College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 69. + + If e'er ye would take an "_appointment_" young man, + Beware o' the "blade" and "fine fellow," young man! + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 210. + + Some have crammed for _appointments_, and some for degrees. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + +See JUNIOR APPOINTMENTS. + + +APPROBAMUS. Latin; _we approve_. A certificate, given to a +student, testifying of his fitness for the performance of certain +duties. + +In an account of the exercises at Dartmouth College during the +Commencement season in 1774, Dr. Belknap makes use of this word in +the following connection: "I attended, with several others, the +examination of Joseph Johnson, an Indian, educated in this school, +who, with the rest of the New England Indians, are about moving up +into the country of the Six Nations, where they have a tract of +land fifteen miles square given them. He appeared to be an +ingenious, sensible, serious young man; and we gave him an +_approbamus_, of which there is a copy on the next page. After +which, at three P.M., he preached in the college hall, and a +collection of twenty-seven dollars and a half was made for him. +The auditors were agreeably entertained. + +"The _approbamus_ is as follows."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, +pp. 71, 72. + + +APPROBATE. To express approbation of; to manifest a liking, or +degree of satisfaction.--_Webster_. + +The cause of this battle every man did allow and +_approbate_.--_Hall, Henry VII., Richardson's Dict._ + +"This word," says Mr. Pickering, "was formerly much used at our +colleges instead of the old English verb _approve_. The students +used to speak of having their performances _approbated_ by the +instructors. It is also now in common use with our clergy as a +sort of technical term, to denote a person who is licensed to +preach; they would say, such a one is _approbated_, that is, +licensed to preach. It is also common in New England to say of a +person who is licensed by the county courts to sell spirituous +liquors, or to keep a public house, that he is approbated; and the +term is adopted in the law of Massachusetts on this subject." The +word is obsolete in England, is obsolescent at our colleges, and +is very seldom heard in the other senses given above. + +By the twelfth statute, a student incurs ... no penalty by +declaiming or attempting to declaim without having his piece +previously _approbated_.--_MS. Note to Laws of Harvard College_, +1798. + +Observe their faces as they enter, and you will perceive some +shades there, which, if they are _approbated_ and admitted, will +be gone when they come out.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, +New Haven, 1847, p. 18. + +How often does the professor whose duty it is to criticise and +_approbate_ the pieces for this exhibition wish they were better! +--_Ibid._, p. 195. + +I was _approbated_ by the Boston Association, I suspect, as a +person well known, but known as an anomaly, and admitted in +charity.--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. lxxxv. + + +ASSES' BRIDGE. The fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid +is called the _Asses' Bridge_, or rather "Pons Asinorum," from the +difficulty with which many get over it. + +The _Asses' Bridge_ in Euclid is not more difficult to be got +over, nor the logarithms of Napier so hard to be unravelled, as +many of Hoyle's Cases and Propositions.--_The Connoisseur_, No. +LX. + +After Mr. Brown had passed us over the "_Asses' Bridge_," without +any serious accident, and conducted us a few steps further into +the first book, he dismissed us with many compliments.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 126. + +I don't believe he passed the _Pons Asinorum_ without many a halt +and a stumble.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 146. + + +ASSESSOR. In the English universities, an officer specially +appointed to assist the Vice-Chancellor in his court.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +AUCTION. At Harvard College, it was until within a few years +customary for the members of the Senior Class, previously to +leaving college, to bring together in some convenient room all the +books, furniture, and movables of any kind which they wished to +dispose of, and put them up at public auction. Everything offered +was either sold, or, if no bidders could be obtained, given away. + + +AUDIT. In the University of Cambridge, England, a meeting of the +Master and Fellows to examine or _audit_ the college accounts. +This is succeeded by a feast, on which occasion is broached the +very best ale, for which reason ale of this character is called +"audit ale."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +This use of the word thirst made me drink an extra bumper of +"_Audit_" that very day at dinner.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 3. + +After a few draughts of the _Audit_, the company +disperse.--_Ibid._ Vol. I. p. 161. + + +AUTHORITY. "This word," says Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "is +used in some of the States, in speaking collectively of the +Professors, &c. of our colleges, to whom the _government_ of these +institutions is intrusted." + +Every Freshman shall be obliged to do any proper errand or message +for the _Authority_ of the College.--_Laws Middlebury Coll._, +1804, p. 6. + + +AUTOGRAPH BOOK. It is customary at Yale College for each member of +the Senior Class, before the close of his collegiate life, to +obtain, in a book prepared for that purpose, the signatures of the +President, Professors, Tutors, and of all his classmates, with +anything else which they may choose to insert. Opposite the +autographs of the college officers are placed engravings of them, +so far as they are obtainable; and the whole, bound according to +the fancy of each, forms a most valuable collection of agreeable +mementos. + +When news of his death reached me. I turned to my _book of +classmate autographs_, to see what he had written there, and to +read a name unusually dear.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, +New Haven, 1847, p. 201. + + +AVERAGE BOOK. At Harvard College, a book in which the marks +received by each student, for the proper performance of his +college duties, are entered; also the deductions from his rank +resulting from misconduct. These unequal data are then arranged in +a mean proportion, and the result signifies the standing which the +student has held for a given period. + + In vain the Prex's grave rebuke, + Deductions from the _average book_. + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen, 1848. + + + +_B_. + + +B.A. An abbreviation of _Baccalaureus Artium_, Bachelor of Arts. +The first degree taken by a student at a college or university. +Sometimes written A.B., which is in accordance with the proper +Latin arrangement. In American colleges this degree is conferred +in course on each member of the Senior Class in good standing. In +the English universities, it is given to the candidate who has +been resident at least half of each of ten terms, i.e. during a +certain portion of a period extending over three and a third +years, and who has passed the University examinations. + +The method of conferring the degree of B.A. at Trinity College, +Hartford, is peculiar. The President takes the hands of each +candidate in his own as he confers the degree. He also passes to +the candidate a book containing the College Statutes, which the +candidate holds in his right hand during the performance of a part +of the ceremony. + +The initials of English academical titles always correspond to the +_English_, not to the Latin of the titles, _B.A._, M.A., D.D., +D.C.L., &c.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +13. + +See BACHELOR. + + +BACCALAUREATE. The degree of Bachelor of Arts; the first or lowest +degree. In American colleges, this degree is conferred in course +on each member of the Senior Class in good standing. In Oxford and +Cambridge it is attainable in two different ways;--1. By +examination, to which those students alone are admissible who have +pursued the prescribed course of study for the space of three +years. 2. By extraordinary diploma, granted to individuals wholly +unconnected with the University. The former class are styled +Baccalaurei Formati, the latter Baccalaurei Currentes. In France +the degree of Baccalaureat (Baccalaureus Literarum) is conferred +indiscriminately upon such natives or foreigners and after a +strict examination in the classics, mathematics, and philosophy, +are declared to be qualified. In the German universities, the +title "Doctor Philosophiæ" has long been substituted for +Baccalaureus Artium or Literarum. In the Middle Ages, the term +Baccalaureus was applied to an inferior order of knights, who came +into the field unattended by vassals; from them it was transferred +to the lowest class of ecclesiastics; and thence again, by Pope +Gregory the Ninth to the universities. In reference to the +derivation of this word, the military classes maintain that it is +either derived from the _baculus_ or staff with which knights were +usually invested, or from _bas chevalier_, an inferior kind of +knight; the literary classes, with more plausibility, perhaps, +trace its origin to the custom which prevailed universally among +the Greeks and Romans, and which was followed even in Italy till +the thirteenth century, of crowning distinguished individuals with +laurel; hence the recipient of this honor was style Baccalaureus, +quasi _baccis laureis_ donatus.--_Brande's Dictionary_. + +The subjoined passage, although it may not place the subject in +any clearer light, will show the difference of opinion which +exists in reference to the derivation of this work. Speaking of +the exercises of Commencement at Cambridge Mass., in the early +days of Harvard College, the writer says "But the main exercises +were disputations upon questions wherein the respondents first +made their Theses: For according to Vossius, the very essence of +the Baccalaureat seems to lye in the thing: Baccalaureus being but +a name corrupted of Batualius, which Batualius (as well as the +French Bataile [Bataille]) comes à Batuendo, a business that +carries beating in it: So that, Batualii fuerunt vocati, quia jam +quasi _batuissent_ cum adversario, ac manus conseruissent; hoc +est, publice disputassent, atque ita peritiæ suæ specimen +dedissent."--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 128. + +The Seniors will be examined for the _Baccalaureate_, four weeks +before Commencement, by a committee, in connection with the +Faculty.--_Cal. Wesleyan Univ._, 1849, p. 22. + + +BACHELOR. A person who has taken the first degree in the liberal +arts and sciences, at a college or university. This degree, or +honor, is called the _Baccalaureate_. This title is given also to +such as take the first degree in divinity, law, or physic, in +certain European universities. The word appears in various forms +in different languages. The following are taken from _Webster's +Unabridged Dictionary_. "French, _bachelier_; Spanish, +_bachiller_, a bachelor of arts and a babbler; Portuguese, +_bacharel_, id., and _bacello_, a shoot or twig of the vine; +Italian, _baccelliere_, a bachelor of arts; _bacchio_, a staff; +_bachetta_, a rod; Latin, _bacillus_, a stick, that is, a shoot; +French, _bachelette_, a damsel, or young woman; Scotch, _baich_, a +child; Welsh, _bacgen_, a boy, a child; _bacgenes_, a young girl, +from _bac_, small. This word has its origin in the name of a +child, or young person of either sex, whence the sense of +_babbling_ in the Spanish. Or both senses are rather from +shooting, protruding." + +Of the various etymologies ascribed to the term _Bachelor_, "the +true one, and the most flattering," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "seems to be _bacca laurus_. Those who either are, +or expect to be, honored with the title of _Bachelor of Arts_, +will hear with exultation, that they are then 'considered as the +budding flowers of the University; as the small _pillula_, or +_bacca_, of the _laurel_ indicates the flowering of that tree, +which is so generally used in the crowns of those who have +deserved well, both of the military states, and of the republic of +learning.'--_Carter's History of Cambridge, [Eng.]_, 1753." + + +BACHELOR FELLOW. A Bachelor of Arts who is maintained on a +fellowship. + + +BACHELOR SCHOLAR. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a B.A. who +remains in residence after taking his degree, for the purpose of +reading for a fellowship or acting as private tutor. He is always +noted for superiority in scholarship. + +Bristed refers to the bachelor scholars in the annexed extract. +"Along the wall you see two tables, which, though less carefully +provided than the Fellows', are still served with tolerable +decency and go through a regular second course instead of the +'sizings.' The occupants of the upper or inner table are men +apparently from twenty-two to twenty-six years of age, and wear +black gowns with two strings hanging loose in front. If this table +has less state than the adjoining one of the Fellows, it has more +mirth and brilliancy; many a good joke seems to be going the +rounds. These are the Bachelors, most of them Scholars reading for +Fellowships, and nearly all of them private tutors. Although +Bachelors in Arts, they are considered, both as respects the +College and the University, to be _in statu pupillari_ until they +become M.A.'s. They pay a small sum in fees nominally for tuition, +and are liable to the authority of that mighty man, the Proctor." +--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 20. + + +BACHELORSHIP. The state of one who has taken his first degree in a +university or college.--_Webster_. + + +BACK-LESSON. A lesson which has not been learned or recited; a +lesson which has been omitted. + +In a moment you may see the yard covered with hurrying groups, +some just released from metaphysics or the blackboard, and some +just arisen from their beds where they have indulged in the luxury +of sleeping over,--a luxury, however, which is sadly diminished by +the anticipated necessity of making up _back-lessons_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 202. + + +BALBUS. At Yale College, this term is applied to Arnold's Latin +Prose Composition, from the fact of its so frequent occurrence in +that work. If a student wishes to inform his fellow-student that +he is engaged on Latin Prose Composition, he says he is studying +_Balbus_. In the first example of this book, the first sentence +reads, "I and Balbus lifted up our hands," and the name Balbus +appears in almost every exercise. + + +BALL UP. At Middlebury College, to fail at recitation or +examination. + + +BANDS. Linen ornaments, worn by professors and clergymen when +officiating; also by judges, barristers, &c., in court. They form +a distinguishing mark in the costume of the proctors of the +English universities, and at Cambridge, the questionists, on +admission to their degrees, are by the statutes obliged to appear +in them.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +BANGER. A club-like cane or stick; a bludgeon. This word is one of +the Yale vocables. + + The Freshman reluctantly turned the key, + Expecting a Sophomore gang to see, + Who, with faces masked and _bangers_ stout, + Had come resolved to smoke him out. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 75. + + +BARBER. In the English universities, the college barber is often +employed by the students to write out or translate the impositions +incurred by them. Those who by this means get rid of their +impositions are said to _barberize_ them. + +So bad was the hand which poor Jenkinson wrote, that the many +impositions which he incurred would have kept him hard at work all +day long; so he _barberized_ them, that is, handed them over to +the college barber, who had always some poor scholars in his pay. +This practice of barberizing is not uncommon among a certain class +of men.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 155. + + +BARNEY. At Harvard College, about the year 1810, this word was +used to designate a bad recitation. To _barney_ was to recite +badly. + + +BARNWELL. At Cambridge, Eng., a place of resort for characters of +bad report. + +One of the most "civilized" undertook to banter me on my +non-appearance in the classic regions of _Barnwell_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 31. + + +BARRING-OUT SPREE. At Princeton College, when the students find +the North College clear of Tutors, which is about once a year, +they bar up the entrance, get access to the bell, and ring it. + +In the "Life of Edward Baines, late M.P. for the Borough of +Leeds," is an account of a _barring-out_, as managed at the +grammar school at Preston, England. It is related in Dickens's +Household Words to this effect. "His master was pompous and +ignorant, and smote his pupils liberally with cane and tongue. It +is not surprising that the lads learnt as much from the spirit of +their master as from his preceptions and that one of those +juvenile rebellions, better known as old than at present as a +'_barring-out_,' was attempted. The doors of the school, the +biographer narrates, were fastened with huge nails, and one of the +younger lads was let out to obtain supplies of food for the +garrison. The rebellion having lasted two or three days, the +mayor, town-clerk, and officers were sent for to intimidate the +offenders. Young Baines, on the part of the besieged, answered the +magisterial summons to surrender, by declaring that they would +never give in, unless assured of full pardon and a certain length +of holidays. With much good sense, the mayor gave them till the +evening to consider; and on his second visit the doors were found +open, the garrison having fled to the woods of Penwortham. They +regained their respective homes under the cover of night, and some +humane interposition averted the punishment they had +deserved."-- Am. Ed. Vol. III. p. 415. + + +BATTEL. To stand indebted on the college books at Oxford for +provisions and drink from the buttery. + +Eat my commons with a good stomach, and _battled_ with discretion. +--_Puritan_, Malone's Suppl. 2, p. 543. + +Many men "_battel_" at the rate of a guinea a week. Wealthier men, +more expensive men, and more careless men, often "_battelled_" +much higher.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 274. + +Cotgrave says, "To _battle_ (as scholars do in Oxford) être +debteur an collège pour ses vivres." He adds, "Mot usé seulement +des jeunes écoliers de l'université d'Oxford." + +2. To reside at the university; to keep terms.--_Webster_. + + +BATTEL. Derived from the old monkish word _patella_, or _batella_, +a plate. At Oxford, "whatsoever is furnished for dinner and for +supper, including malt liquor, but not wine, as well as the +materials for breakfast, or for any casual refreshment to country +visitors, excepting only groceries," is expressed by the word +_battels_.--_De Quincey_. + + I on the nail my _Battels_ paid, + The monster turn'd away dismay'd. + _The Student_, Vol. I. p. 115, 1750. + + +BATTELER, BATTLER. A student at Oxford who stands indebted, in the +college books, for provisions and drink at the +buttery.--_Webster_. + +Halliwell, in his Dict. Arch. and Prov. Words, says, "The term is +used in contradistinction to gentleman commoner." In _Gent. Mag._, +1787, p. 1146, is the following:--"There was formerly at Oxford an +order similar to the sizars of Cambridge, called _battelers_ +(_batteling_ having the same signification as sizing). The _sizar_ +and _batteler_ were as independent as any other members of the +college, though of an inferior order, and were under no obligation +to wait upon anybody." + +2. One who keeps terms, or resides at the University.--_Webster_. + + +BATTELING. At Oxford, the act of taking provisions from the +buttery. Batteling has the same signification as SIZING at the +University of Cambridge.--_Gent. Mag._, 1787, p. 1146. + +_Batteling in a friend's name_, implies eating and drinking at his +expense. When a person's name is _crossed in the buttery_, i.e. +when he is not allowed to take any articles thence, he usually +comes into the hall and battels for buttery supplies in a friend's +name, "for," says the Collegian's Guide, "every man can 'take out' +an extra commons, and some colleges two, at each meal, for a +visitor: and thus, under the name of a guest, though at your own +table, you escape part of the punishment of being crossed."--p. +158. + +2. Spending money. + +The business of the latter was to call us of a morning, to +distribute among us our _battlings_, or pocket money, +&c.--_Dicken's Household Words_, Vol. I. p. 188. + + +BAUM. At Hamilton College, to fawn upon; to flatter; to court the +favor of any one. + + +B.C.L. Abbreviated for _Baccalaureus Civilis Legis_, Bachelor in +Civil Law. In the University of Oxford, a Bachelor in Civil Law +must be an M.A. and a regent of three years' standing. The +exercises necessary to the degree are disputations upon two +distinct days before the Professors of the Faculty of Law. + +In the University of Cambridge, the candidate for this degree must +have resided nine terms (equal to three years), and been on the +boards of some College for six years, have passed the "previous +examination," attended the lectures of the Professor of Civil Law +for three terms, and passed a _series_ of examinations in the +subject of them; that is to say in General Jurisprudence, as +illustrated by Roman and English law. The names of those who pass +creditably are arranged in three classes according to +merit.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 284. + +This degree is not conferred in the United States. + + +B.D. An abbreviation for _Baccalaureus Divinitatis_, Bachelor in +Divinity. In both the English Universities a B.D. must be an M.A. +of seven years' standing, and at Oxford, a regent of the same +length of time. The exercises necessary to the degree are at +Cambridge one act after the fourth year, two opponencies, a +clerum, and an English sermon. At Oxford, disputations are +enjoined upon two distinct days before the Professors of the +Faculty of Divinity, and a Latin sermon is preached before the +Vice-Chancellor. The degree of Theologiæ Baccalaureus was +conferred at Harvard College on Mr. Leverett, afterwards President +of that institution, in 1692, and on Mr. William Brattle in the +same year, the only instances, it is believed, in which this +degree has been given in America. + + +BEADLE, BEDEL, BEDELL. An officer in a university, whose chief +business is to walk with a mace, before the masters, in a public +procession; or, as in America, before the president, trustees, +faculty, and students of a college, in a procession, at public +commencements.--_Webster_. + +In the English universities there are two classes of Bedels, +called the _Esquire_ and the _Yeoman Bedel_. + +Of this officer as connected with Yale College, President Woolsey +speaks as follows:--"The beadle or his substitute, the vice-beadle +(for the sheriff of the county came to be invested with the +office), was the master of processions, and a sort of +gentleman-usher to execute the commands of the President. He was a +younger graduate settled at or near the College. There is on +record a diploma of President Clap's, investing with this office a +graduate of three years' standing, and conceding to him 'omnia +jura privilegia et auctoritates ad Bedelli officium, secundum +collegiorum aut universitatum leges et consuetudines usitatas; +spectantia.' The office, as is well known, still exists in the +English institutions of learning, whence it was transferred first +to Harvard and thence to this institution."--_Hist. Disc._, Aug., +1850, p. 43. + +In an account of a Commencement at Williams College, Sept. 8, +1795, the order in which the procession was formed was as follows: +"First, the scholars of the academy; second, students of college; +third, the sheriff of the county acting as _Bedellus_," +&c.--_Federal Orrery_, Sept. 28, 1795. + +The _Beadle_, by order, made the following declaration.--_Clap's +Hist. Yale Coll._, 1766, p. 56. + +It shall be the duty of the Faculty to appoint a _College Beadle_, +who shall direct the procession on Commencement day, and preserve +order during the exhibitions.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 43. + + +BED-MAKER. One whose occupation is to make beds, and, as in +colleges and universities, to take care of the students' rooms. +Used both in the United States and England. + +T' other day I caught my _bed-maker_, a grave old matron, poring +very seriously over a folio that lay open upon my table. I asked +her what she was reading? "Lord bless you, master," says she, "who +I reading? I never could read in my life, blessed be God; and yet +I loves to look into a book too."--_The Student_, Vol. I. p. 55, +1750. + +I asked a _bed-maker_ where Mr. ----'s chambers were.--_Gent. +Mag._, 1795, p. 118. + + While the grim _bed-maker_ provokes the dust, + And soot-born atoms, which his tomes encrust. + _The College.--A sketch in verse_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, + 1849. + +The _bed-makers_ are the women who take care of the rooms: there +is about one to each staircase, that is to say, to every eight +rooms. For obvious reasons they are selected from such of the fair +sex as have long passed the age at which they might have had any +personal attractions. The first intimation which your bed-maker +gives you is that she is bound to report you to the tutor if ever +you stay out of your rooms all night.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 15. + + +BEER-COMMENT. In the German universities, the student's drinking +code. + +The _beer-comment_ of Heidelberg, which gives the student's code +of drinking, is about twice the length of our University book of +statutes.--_Lond. Quar. Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. 56. + + +BEMOSSED HEAD. In the German universities, a student during the +sixth and last term, or _semester_, is called a _Bemossed Head_, +"the highest state of honor to which man can attain."--_Howitt_. + +See MOSS-COVERED HEAD. + + +BENE. Latin, _well_. A word sometimes attached to a written +college exercise, by the instructor, as a mark of approbation. + + When I look back upon my college life, + And think that I one starveling _bene_ got. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 402. + + +BENE DISCESSIT. Latin; literally, _he has departed honorably_. +This phrase is used in the English universities to signify that +the student leaves his college to enter another by the express +consent and approbation of the Master and Fellows.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + +Mr. Pope being about to remove from Trinity to Emmanuel, by +_Bene-Discessit_, was desirous of taking my rooms.--_Alma Mater_, +Vol. I. p. 167. + + +BENEFICIARY. One who receives anything as a gift, or is maintained +by charity.--_Blackstone_. + +In American colleges, students who are supported on established +foundations are called _beneficiaries_. Those who receive +maintenance from the American Education Society are especially +designated in this manner. + +No student who is a college _beneficiary_ shall remain such any +longer than he shall continue exemplary for sobriety, diligence, +and orderly conduct.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 19. + + +BEVER. From the Italian _bevere_, to drink. An intermediate +refreshment between breakfast and dinner.--_Morison_. + +At Harvard College, dinner was formerly the only meal which was +regularly taken in the hall. Instead of breakfast and supper, the +students were allowed to receive a bowl of milk or chocolate, with +a piece of bread, from the buttery hatch, at morning and evening; +this they could eat in the yard, or take to their rooms and eat +there. At the appointed hour for _bevers_, there was a general +rush for the buttery, and if the walking happened to be bad, or if +it was winter, many ludicrous accidents usually occurred. One +perhaps would slip, his bowl would fly this way and his bread +that, while he, prostrate, afforded an excellent stumbling-block +to those immediately behind him; these, falling in their turn, +spattering with the milk themselves and all near them, holding +perhaps their spoons aloft, the only thing saved from the +destruction, would, after disentangling themselves from the mass +of legs, arms, etc., return to the buttery, and order a new bowl, +to be charged with the extras at the close of the term. + +Similar in thought to this account are the remarks of Professor +Sidney Willard concerning Harvard College in 1794, in his late +work, entitled, "Memories of Youth and Manhood." "The students who +boarded in commons were obliged to go to the kitchen-door with +their bowls or pitchers for their suppers, when they received +their modicum of milk or chocolate in their vessel, held in one +hand, and their piece of bread in the other, and repaired to their +rooms to take their solitary repast. There were suspicions at +times that the milk was diluted by a mixture of a very common +tasteless fluid, which led a sagacious Yankee student to put the +matter to the test by asking the simple carrier-boy why his mother +did not mix the milk with warm water instead of cold. 'She does,' +replied the honest youth. This mode of obtaining evening commons +did not prove in all cases the most economical on the part of the +fed. It sometimes happened, that, from inadvertence or previous +preparation for a visit elsewhere, some individuals had arrayed +themselves in their dress-coats and breeches, and in their haste +to be served, and by jostling in the crowd, got sadly sprinkled +with milk or chocolate, either by accident or by the stealthy +indulgence of the mischievous propensities of those with whom they +came in contact; and oftentimes it was a scene of confusion that +was not the most pleasant to look upon or be engaged in. At +breakfast the students were furnished, in Commons Hall, with tea, +coffee, or milk, and a small loaf of bread. The age of a beaker of +beer with a certain allowance of bread had expired."--Vol. I. pp. +313, 314. + +No scholar shall be absent above an hour at morning _bever_, half +an hour at evening _bever_, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 517. + +The butler is not bound to stay above half an hour at _bevers_ in +the buttery after the tolling of the bell.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. +584. + + +BEVER. To take a small repast between meals.--_Wallis_. + + +BIBLE CLERK. In the University of Oxford, the _Bible clerks_ are +required to attend the service of the chapel, and to deliver in a +list of the absent undergraduates to the officer appointed to +enforce the discipline of the institution. Their duties are +different in different colleges.--_Oxford Guide_. + +A _Bible clerk_ has seldom too many friends in the +University.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Vol. LX., Eng. ed., p. 312. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., "a very ancient scholarship, +so called because the student who was promoted to that office was +enjoined to read the Bible at meal-times."--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +BIENNIAL EXAMINATION. At Yale College, in addition to the public +examinations of the classes at the close of each term, on the +studies of the term, private examinations are also held twice in +the college course, at the close of the Sophomore and Senior +years, on the studies of the two preceding years. The latter are +called _biennial_.--_Yale Coll. Cat._ + +"The _Biennial_," remarks the writer of the preface to the _Songs +of Yale_, "is an examination occurring twice during the +course,--at the close of the Sophomore and of the Senior +years,--in all the studies pursued during the two years previous. +It was established in 1850."--Ed. 1853, p. 4. + +The system of examinations has been made more rigid, especially by +the introduction of _biennials_.--_Centennial Anniversary of the +Linonian Soc._, Yale Coll., 1853, p. 70. + + Faculty of College got together one night, + To have a little congratulation, + For they'd put their heads together and hatched out a load, + And called it "_Bien. Examination_." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + +BIG-WIG. In the English universities, the higher dignitaries among +the officers are often spoken of as the _big-wigs._ + +Thus having anticipated the approbation of all, whether Freshman, +Sophomore, Bachelor, or _Big-Wig_, our next care is the choice of +a patron.--_Pref._ to _Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +BISHOP. At Cambridge, Eng., this beverage is compounded of +port-wine mulled and burnt, with the addenda of roasted lemons and +cloves.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + We'll pass round the _Bishop_, the spice-breathing cup. + _Will. Sentinel's Poems_. + + +BITCH. Among the students of the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +common name for tea. + +The reading man gives no swell parties, runs very little into +debt, takes his cup of _bitch_ at night, and goes quietly to bed. +--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 131. + +With the Queens-men it is not unusual to issue an "At home" Tea +and Vespers, alias _bitch_ and _hymns_.--_Ibid., Dedication_. + + +BITCH. At Cambridge, Eng., to take or drink a dish of tea. + +I followed, and, having "_bitched_" (that is, taken a dish of tea) +arranged my books and boxes.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 30. + +I dined, wined, or _bitched_ with a Medallist or Senior Wrangler. +--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 218. + +A young man, who performs with great dexterity the honors of the +tea-table, is, if complimented at all, said to be "an excellent +_bitch_."--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 18. + + +BLACK BOOK. In the English universities, a gloomy volume +containing a register of high crimes and misdemeanors. + +At the University of Göttingen, the expulsion of students is +recorded on a _blackboard_.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +Sirrah, I'll have you put in the _black book_, rusticated, +expelled.--_Miller's Humors of Oxford_, Act II. Sc. I. + +All had reason to fear that their names were down in the proctor's +_black book_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 277. + +So irksome and borish did I ever find this early rising, spite of +the health it promised, that I was constantly in the _black book_ +of the dean.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 32. + + +BLACK-HOOD HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +BLACK RIDING. At the College of South Carolina, it has until +within a few years been customary for the students, disguised and +painted black, to ride across the college-yard at midnight, on +horseback, with vociferations and the sound of horns. _Black +riding_ is recognized by the laws of the College as a very high +offence, punishable with expulsion. + + +BLEACH. At Harvard College, he was formerly said to _bleach_ who +preferred to be _spiritually_ rather than _bodily_ present at +morning prayers. + + 'T is sweet Commencement parts to reach, + But, oh! 'tis doubly sweet to _bleach_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +BLOOD. A hot spark; a man of spirit; a rake. A word long in use +among collegians and by writers who described them. + +With some rakes from Boston and a few College _bloods_, I got very +drunk.--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 154. + + Indulgent Gods! exclaimed our _bloods_. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 15. + + +BLOOD. At some of the Western colleges this word signifies +excellent; as, a _blood_ recitation. A student who recites well is +said to _make a blood_. + + +BLOODEE. In the Farmer's Weekly Museum, formerly printed at +Walpole, N.H., appeared August 21, 1797, a poetic production, in +which occurred these lines:-- + + Seniors about to take degrees, + Not by their wits, but by _bloodees_. + +In a note the word _bloodee_ was thus described: "A kind of cudgel +worn, or rather borne, by the bloods of a certain college in New +England, 2 feet 5 inches in length, and 1-7/8 inch in diameter, +with a huge piece of lead at one end, emblematical of its owner. A +pretty prop for clumsy travellers on Parnassus." + + +BLOODY. Formerly a college term for daring, rowdy, impudent. + + Arriving at Lord Bibo's study, + They thought they'd be a little _bloody_; + So, with a bold, presumptuous look, + An honest pinch of snuff they took. + _Rebelliad_, p. 44. + + They roar'd and bawl'd, and were so _bloody_, + As to besiege Lord Bibo's study. + + _Ibid._, p. 76. + + +BLOW. A merry frolic with drinking; a spree. A person intoxicated +is said to be _blown_, and Mr. Halliwell, in his Dict. Arch. and +Prov. Words, has _blowboll_, a drunkard. + +This word was formerly used by students to designate their frolics +and social gatherings; at present, it is not much heard, being +supplanted by the more common words _spree_, _tight_, &c. + +My fellow-students had been engaged at a _blow_ till the stagehorn +had summoned them to depart.--_Harvard Register_, 1827-28, p. 172. + + No soft adagio from the muse of _blows_, + E'er roused indignant from serene repose. + _Ibid._, p. 233. + + And, if no coming _blow_ his thoughts engage, + Lights candle and cigar. + _Ibid._, p. 235. + +The person who engages in a blow is also called a _blow_. + +I could see, in the long vista of the past, the many hardened +_blows_ who had rioted here around the festive +board.--_Collegian_, p. 231. + + +BLUE. In several American colleges, a student who is very strict +in observing the laws, and conscientious in performing his duties, +is styled a _blue_. "Our real delvers, midnight students," says a +correspondent from Williams College, "are called _blue_." + +I wouldn't carry a novel into chapel to read, not out of any +respect for some people's old-womanish twaddle about the +sacredness of the place,--but because some of the _blues_ might +see you.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 81. + + Each jolly soul of them, save the _blues_, + Were doffing their coats, vests, pants, and shoes. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + None ever knew a sober "_blue_" + In this "blood crowd" of ours. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +Lucian called him a _blue_, and fell back in his chair in a +pouting fit.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 118. + +To acquire popularity,... he must lose his money at bluff and +euchre without a sigh, and damn up hill and down the sober +church-going man, as an out-and-out _blue_.--_The Parthenon, Union +Coll._, 1851, p. 6. + + +BLUE-LIGHT. At the University of Vermont this term is used, writes +a correspondent, to designate "a boy who sneaks about college, and +reports to the Faculty the short-comings of his fellow-students. A +_blue-light_ is occasionally found watching the door of a room +where a party of jolly ones are roasting a turkey (which in +justice belongs to the nearest farm-house), that he may go to the +Faculty with the story, and tell them who the boys are." + +BLUES. The name of a party which formerly existed at Dartmouth +College. In The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. 117, 1842, is the +following:--"The students here are divided into two parties,--the +_Rowes_ and the _Blues_. The Rowes are very liberal in their +notions; the _Blues_ more strict. The Rowes don't pretend to say +anything worse of a fellow than to call him a Blue, and _vice +versa_" + +See INDIGO and ROWES. + + +BLUE-SKIN. This word was formerly in use at some American +colleges, with the meaning now given to the word BLUE, q.v. + + I, with my little colleague here, + Forth issued from my cell, + To see if we could overhear, + Or make some _blue-skin_ tell. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 22. + + +BOARD. The _boards_, or _college boards_, in the English +universities, are long wooden tablets on which the names of the +members of each college are inscribed, according to seniority, +generally hung up in the buttery.--_Gradus ad Cantab. Webster_. + +I gave in my resignation this time without recall, and took my +name off the _boards_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 291. + +Similar to this was the list of students which was formerly kept +at Harvard College, and probably at Yale. Judge Wingate, who +graduated at the former institution in 1759, writes as follows in +reference to this subject:--"The Freshman Class was, in my day at +college, usually _placed_ (as it was termed) within six or nine +months after their admission. The official notice of this was +given by having their names written in a large German text, in a +handsome style, and placed in a conspicuous part of the College +Buttery, where the names of the four classes of undergraduates +were kept suspended until they left College. If a scholar was +expelled, his name was taken from its place; or if he was degraded +(which was considered the next highest punishment to expulsion), +it was moved accordingly."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 311. + + +BOGS. Among English Cantabs, a privy.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +BOHN. A translation; a pony. The volumes of Bohn's Classical +Library are in such general use among undergraduates in American +colleges, that _Bohn_ has come to be a common name for a +translation. + + 'Twas plenty of skin with a good deal of _Bohn_. + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, Yale Coll., 1855. + + +BOLT. An omission of a recitation or lecture. A correspondent from +Union College gives the following account of it:--"In West +College, where the Sophomores and Freshmen congregate, when there +was a famous orator expected, or any unusual spectacle to be +witnessed in the city, we would call a 'class meeting,' to +consider upon the propriety of asking Professor ---- for a _bolt_. +We had our chairman, and the subject being debated, was generally +decided in favor of the remission. A committee of good steady +fellows were selected, who forthwith waited upon the Professor, +and, after urging the matter, commonly returned with the welcome +assurance that we could have a _bolt_ from the next recitation." + +One writer defines a _bolt_ in these words:--"The promiscuous +stampede of a class collectively. Caused generally by a few +seconds' tardiness of the Professor, occasionally by finding the +lock of the recitation-room door filled with shot."--_Sophomore +Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +The quiet routine of college life had remained for some days +undisturbed, even by a single _bolt_.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. +II. p. 192. + + +BOLT. At Union College, to be absent from a recitation, on the +conditions related under the noun BOLT. Followed by _from_. At +Williams College, the word is applied with a different +signification. A correspondent writes: "We sometimes _bolt_ from a +recitation before the Professor arrives, and the term most +strikingly suggests the derivation, as our movements in the case +would somewhat resemble a 'streak of lightning,'--a +thunder-_bolt_." + + +BOLTER. At Union College, one who _bolts_ from a recitation. + +2. A correspondent from the same college says: "If a student is +unable to answer a question in the class, and declares himself +unprepared, he also is a '_bolter_.'" + + +BONFIRE. The making of bonfires, by students, is not an unfrequent +occurrence at many of our colleges, and is usually a demonstration +of dissatisfaction, or is done merely for the sake of the +excitement. It is accounted a high offence, and at Harvard College +is prohibited by the following law:--"In case of a bonfire, or +unauthorized fireworks or illumination, any students crying fire, +sounding an alarm, leaving their rooms, shouting or clapping from +the windows, going to the fire or being seen at it, going into the +college yard, or assembling on account of such bonfire, shall be +deemed aiding and abetting such disorder, and punished +accordingly."--_Laws_, 1848, _Bonfires_. + +A correspondent from Bowdoin College writes: "Bonfires occur +regularly twice a year; one on the night preceding the annual +State Fast, and the other is built by the Freshmen on the night +following the yearly examination. A pole some sixty or seventy +feet long is raised, around which brush and tar are heaped to a +great height. The construction of the pile occupies from four to +five hours." + + Not ye, whom midnight cry ne'er urged to run + In search of fire, when fire there had been none; + Unless, perchance, some pump or hay-mound threw + Its _bonfire_ lustre o'er a jolly crew. + _Harvard Register_, p. 233. + + +BOOK-KEEPER. At Harvard College, students are allowed to go out of +town on Saturday, after the exercises, but are required, if not at +evening prayers, to enter their names before 10 P.M. with one of +the officers appointed for that purpose. Students were formerly +required to report themselves before 8 P.M., in winter, and 9, in +summer, and the person who registered the names was a member of +the Freshman Class, and was called the _book-keeper_. + +I strode over the bridge, with a rapidity which grew with my +vexation, my distaste for wind, cold, and wet, and my anxiety to +reach my goal ere the hour appointed should expire, and the +_book-keeper's_ light should disappear from his window; + "For while his light holds out to burn, + The vilest sinner may return."--_Collegian_, p. 225. + +See FRESHMAN, COLLEGE. + + +BOOK-WORK. Among students at Cambridge, Eng., all mathematics that +can be learned verbatim from books,--all that are not +problems.--_Bristed_. + +He made a good fight of it, and ... beat the Trinity man a little +on the _book-work_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 96. + +The men are continually writing out _book-work_, either at home or +in their tutor's rooms.--_Ibid._, p. 149. + + +BOOT-FOX. This name was at a former period given, in the German +universities, to a fox, or a student in his first half-year, from +the fact of his being required to black the boots of his more +advanced comrades. + + +BOOTLICK. To fawn upon; to court favor. + +Scorns the acquaintance of those he deems beneath him; refuses to +_bootlick_ men for their votes.--_The Parthenon_, Union Coll., +Vol. I. p. 6. + +The "Wooden Spoon" exhibition passed off without any such hubbub, +except where the pieces were of such a character as to offend the +delicacy and modesty of some of those crouching, fawning, +_bootlicking_ hypocrites.--_The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +BOOTLICKER. A student who seeks or gains favor from a teacher by +flattery or officious civilities; one who curries favor. A +correspondent from Union College writes: "As you watch the +students more closely, you will perhaps find some of them +particularly officious towards your teacher, and very apt to +linger after recitation to get a clearer knowledge of some +passage. They are _Bootlicks_, and that is known as _Bootlicking_; +a reproach, I am sorry to say, too indiscriminately applied." At +Yale, and _other colleges_, a tutor or any other officer who +informs against the students, or acts as a spy upon their conduct, +is also called a _bootlick_. + +Three or four _bootlickers_ rise.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + + The rites of Wooden Spoons we next recite, + When _bootlick_ hypocrites upraised their might. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + +Then he arose, and offered himself as a "_bootlick_" to the +Faculty.--_Yale Battery_, Feb. 14, 1850. + + +BOOTS. At the College of South Carolina it is customary to present +the most unpopular member of a class with a pair of handsome +red-topped boots, on which is inscribed the word BEAUTY. They were +formerly given to the ugliest person, whence the inscription. + + +BORE. A tiresome person or unwelcome visitor, who makes himself +obnoxious by his disagreeable manners, or by a repetition of +visits.--_Bartlett_. + +A person or thing that wearies by iteration.--_Webster_. + +Although the use of this word is very general, yet it is so +peculiarly applicable to the many annoyances to which a collegian +is subjected, that it has come by adoption to be, to a certain +extent, a student term. One writer classes under this title +"text-books generally; the Professor who marks _slight_ mistakes; +the familiar young man who calls continually, and when he finds +the door fastened demonstrates his verdant curiosity by revealing +an inquisitive countenance through the ventilator."--_Sophomore +Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +In college parlance, prayers, when the morning is cold or rainy, +are a _bore_; a hard lesson is a _bore_; a dull lecture or +lecturer is a _bore_; and, _par excellence_, an unwelcome visitor +is a _bore_ of _bores_. This latter personage is well described in +the following lines:-- + + "Next comes the bore, with visage sad and pale, + And tortures you with some lugubrious tale; + Relates stale jokes collected near and far, + And in return expects a choice cigar; + Your brandy-punch he calls the merest sham, + Yet does not _scruple_ to partake a _dram_. + His prying eyes your secret nooks explore; + No place is sacred to the college bore. + Not e'en the letter filled with Helen's praise, + Escapes the sight of his unhallowed gaze; + Ere one short hour its silent course has flown, + Your Helen's charms to half the class are known. + Your books he takes, nor deigns your leave to ask, + Such forms to him appear a useless task. + When themes unfinished stare you in the face, + Then enters one of this accursed race. + Though like the Angel bidding John to write, + Frail ------ form uprises to thy sight, + His stupid stories chase your thoughts away, + And drive you mad with his unwelcome stay. + When he, departing, creaks the closing door, + You raise the Grecian chorus, [Greek: kikkabau]."[02] + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton, Harv. Coll. + + +BOS. At the University of Virginia, the desserts which the +students, according to the statutes of college, are allowed twice +per week, are respectively called the _Senior_ and _Junior Bos_. + + +BOSH. Nonsense, trash, [Greek: phluaria]. An English Cantab's +expression.--_Bristed_. + +But Spriggins's peculiar forte is that kind of talk which some +people irreverently call "_bosh_."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. +259. + + +BOSKY. In the cant of the Oxonians, being tipsy.--_Grose_. + +Now when he comes home fuddled, alias _Bosky_, I shall not be so +unmannerly as to say his Lordship ever gets drunk.--_The Sizar_, +cited in _Gradus ad Cantab._, pp. 20, 21. + + +BOWEL. At Harvard College, a student in common parlance will +express his destitution or poverty by saying, "I have not a +_bowel_." The use of the word with this signification has arisen, +probably, from a jocular reference to a quaint Scriptural +expression. + + +BRACKET. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the result of the +final examination in the Senate-House is published in lists signed +by the examiners. In these lists the names of those who have been +examined are "placed in individual order of merit." When the rank +of two or three men is the same, their names are inclosed in +_brackets_. + +At the close of the course, and before the examination is +concluded, there is made out a new arrangement of the classes +called the _Brackets_. These, in which each is placed according to +merit, are hung upon the pillars in the Senate-House.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. II. p. 93. + +As there is no provision in the printed lists for expressing the +number of marks by which each man beats the one next below him, +and there may be more difference between the twelfth and +thirteenth than between the third and twelfth, it has been +proposed to extend the use of the _brackets_ (which are now only +employed in cases of literal equality between two or three men), +and put together six, eight, or ten, whose marks are nearly equal. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 227. + + +BRACKET. In a general sense, to place in a certain order. + +I very early in the Sophomore year gave up all thoughts of +obtaining high honors, and settled down contentedly among the +twelve or fifteen who are _bracketed_, after the first two or +three, as "English Orations."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 6. + +There remained but two, _bracketed_ at the foot of the +class.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + +The Trinity man who was _bracketed_ Senior Classic.--_Ibid._, p. +187. + + +BRANDER. In the German universities a name given to a student +during his second term. + +Meanwhile large tufts and strips of paper had been twisted into +the hair of the _Branders_, as those are called who have been +already one term at the University, and then at a given signal +were set on fire, and the _Branders_ rode round the table on +chairs, amid roars of laughter.--_Longfellow's Hyperion_, p. 114. + +See BRAND-FOX, BURNT FOX. + + +BRAND-FOX. A student in a German university "becomes a +_Brand-fuchs_, or fox with a brand, after the foxes of Samson," in +his second half-year.--_Howitt_. + + +BRICK. A gay, wild, thoughtless fellow, but not so _hard_ as the +word itself might seem to imply. + +He is a queer fellow,--not so bad as he seems,--his own enemy, but +a regular _brick_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 143. + +He will come himself (public tutor or private), like a _brick_ as +he is, and consume his share of the generous potables.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 78. + +See LIKE A BRICK. + + +BRICK MILL. At the University of Vermont, the students speak of +the college as the _Brick Mill_, or the _Old Brick Mill_. + + +BUCK. At Princeton College, anything which is in an intensive +degree good, excellent, pleasant, or agreeable, is called _buck_. + + +BULL. At Dartmouth College, to recite badly; to make a poor +recitation. From the substantive _bull_, a blunder or +contradiction, or from the use of the word as a prefix, signifying +large, lubberly, blundering. + + +BULL-DOG. In the English universities, the lictor or servant who +attends a proctor when on duty. + +Sentiments which vanish for ever at the sight of the proctor with +his _bull-dogs_, as they call them, or four muscular fellows which +always follow him, like so many bailiffs.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. +Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 232. + +The proctors, through their attendants, commonly called +_bull-dogs_, received much certain information, &c.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 170. + + And he had breathed the proctor's _dogs_. + _Tennyson, Prologue to Princess_. + + +BULLY CLUB. The following account of the _Bully Club_, which was +formerly a most honored transmittendum at Yale College, is taken +from an entertaining little work, entitled Sketches of Yale +College. "_Bullyism_ had its origin, like everything else that is +venerated, far back in antiquity; no one pretends to know the era +of its commencement, nor to say with certainty what was the cause +of its establishment, or the original design of the institution. +We can only learn from dim and doubtful tradition, that many years +ago, no one knows how many, there was a feud between students and +townsmen: a sort of general ill-feeling, which manifested itself +in the lower classes of society in rudeness and insult. Not +patiently borne with, it grew worse and worse, until a regular +organization became necessary for defence against the nightly +assaults of a gang of drunken rowdies. Nor were their opponents +disposed to quit the unequal fight. An organization in opposition +followed, and a band of tipsy townsmen, headed by some hardy tars, +took the field, were met, no one knows whether in offence or +defence, and after a fight repulsed, and a huge knotty club +wrested from their leader. This trophy of personal courage was +preserved, the organization perpetuated, and the _Bully Club_ was +every year, with procession and set form of speech, bestowed upon +the newly acknowledged leader. But in process of time the +organization has assumed a different character: there was no +longer need of a system of defence,--the "Bully" was still +acknowledged as class leader. He marshalled all processions, was +moderator of all meetings, and performed the various duties of a +chief. The title became now a matter of dispute; it sounded harsh +and rude to ears polite, and a strong party proposed a change: but +the supporters of antiquity pleaded the venerable character of the +customs identified almost with the College itself. Thus the +classes were divided, a part electing a marshal, class-leader, or +moderator, and a part still choosing a _bully_ and _minor +bully_--the latter usually the least of their number--from each +class, and still bestowing on them the wonted clubs, mounted with +gold, the badges of their office. + +"Unimportant as these distinctions seem, they formed the ground of +constant controversy, each party claiming for its leader the +precedence, until the dissensions ended in a scene of confusion +too well known to need detail: the usual procession on +Commencement day was broken up, and the partisans fell upon each +other pell-mell; scarce heeding, in their hot fray, the orders of +the Faculty, the threats of the constables, or even the rebuke of +the chief magistrate of the State; the alumni were left to find +their seats in church as they best could, the aged and beloved +President following in sorrow, unescorted, to perform the duties +of the day. It need not be told that the disputes were judicially +ended by a peremptory ordinance, prohibiting all class +organizations of any name whatever." + +A more particular account of the Bully Club, and of the manner in +which the students of Yale came to possess it, is given in the +annexed extract. + +"Many years ago, the farther back towards the Middle Ages the +better, some students went out one evening to an inn at Dragon, as +it was then called, now the populous and pretty village of Fair +Haven, to regale themselves with an oyster supper, or for some +other kind of recreation. They there fell into an affray with the +young men of the place, a hardy if not a hard set, who regarded +their presence there, at their own favorite resort, as an +intrusion. The students proved too few for their adversaries. They +reported the matter at College, giving an aggravated account of +it, and, being strongly reinforced, went out the next evening to +renew the fight. The oystermen and sailors were prepared for them. +A desperate conflict ensued, chiefly in the house, above stairs +and below, into which the sons of science entered pell-mell. Which +came off the worse, I neither know nor care, believing defeat to +be far less discreditable to either party, and especially to the +students, than the fact of their engaging in such a brawl. Where +the matter itself is essentially disgraceful, success or failure +is indifferent, as it regards the honor of the actors. Among the +Dragoners, a great bully of a fellow, who appeared to be their +leader, wielded a huge club, formed from an oak limb, with a +gnarled excrescence on the end, heavy enough to battle with an +elephant. A student remarkable for his strength in the arms and +hands, griped the fellow so hard about the wrist that his fingers +opened, and let the club fall. It was seized, and brought off as a +trophy. Such is the history of the Bully Club. It became the +occasion of an annual election of a person to take charge of it, +and to act as leader of the students in case of a quarrel between +them, and others. 'Bully' was the title of this chivalrous and +high office."--_Scenes and Characters in College_, New Haven, +1847, pp. 215, 216. + + +BUMPTIOUS. Conceited, forward, pushing. An English Cantab's +expression.--_Bristed_. + +About nine, A.M., the new scholars are announced from the chapel +gates. On this occasion it is not etiquette for the candidates +themselves to be in waiting,--it looks too +"_bumptious_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 193. + + +BURIAL OF EUCLID. "The custom of bestowing burial honors upon the +ashes of Euclid with becoming demonstrations of respect has been +handed down," says the author of the Sketches of Yale College, +"from time immemorial." The account proceeds as follows:--"This +book, the terror of the dilatory and unapt, having at length been +completely mastered, the class, as their acquaintance with the +Greek mathematician is about to close, assemble in their +respective places of meeting, and prepare (secretly for fear of +the Faculty) for the anniversary. The necessary committee having +been appointed, and the regular preparations ordered, a ceremony +has sometimes taken place like the following. The huge poker is +heated in the old stove, and driven through the smoking volume, +and the division, marshalled in line, for _once_ at least see +_through_ the whole affair. They then march over it in solemn +procession, and are enabled, as they step firmly on its covers, to +assert with truth that they have gone over it,--poor jokes indeed, +but sufficient to afford abundant laughter. And then follow +speeches, comical and pathetic, and shouting and merriment. The +night assigned having arrived, how carefully they assemble, all +silent, at the place appointed. Laid on its bier, covered with +sable pall, and borne in solemn state, the corpse (i.e. the book) +is carried with slow procession, with the moaning music of flutes +and fifes, the screaming of fiddles, and the thumping and mumbling +of a cracked drum, to the open grave or the funeral pyre. A +gleaming line of blazing torches and twinkling lanterns wave along +the quiet streets and through the opened fields, and the snow +creaks hoarsely under the tread of a hundred men. They reach the +scene, and a circle forms around the consecrated spot; if the +ceremony is a burial, the defunct is laid all carefully in his +grave, and then his friends celebrate in prose or verse his +memory, his virtues, and his untimely end: and three oboli are +tossed into his tomb to satisfy the surly boatman of the Styx. +Lingeringly is the last look taken of the familiar countenance, as +the procession passes slowly around the tomb; and the moaning is +made,--a sound of groans going up to the seventh heavens,--and the +earth is thrown in, and the headstone with epitaph placed duly to +hallow the grave of the dead. Or if, according to the custom of +his native land, the body of Euclid is committed to the funeral +flames, the pyre, duly prepared with combustibles, is made the +centre of the ring; a ponderous jar of turpentine or whiskey is +the fragrant incense, and as the lighted fire mounts up in the +still night, and the alarm in the city sounds dim in the distance, +the eulogium is spoken, and the memory of the illustrious dead +honored; the urn receives the sacred ashes, which, borne in solemn +procession, are placed in some conspicuous situation, or solemnly +deposited in some fitting sarcophagus. So the sport ends; a song, +a loud hurrah, and the last jovial roysterer seeks short and +profound slumber."--pp. 166-169. + +The above was written in the year 1843. That the interest in the +observance of this custom at Yale College has not since that time +diminished, may be inferred from the following account of the +exercises of the Sophomore Class of 1850, on parting company with +their old mathematical friend, given by a correspondent of the New +York Tribune. + +"Arrangements having been well matured, notice was secretly given +out on Wednesday last that the obsequies would be celebrated that +evening at 'Barney's Hall,' on Church Street. An excellent band of +music was engaged for the occasion, and an efficient Force +Committee assigned to their duty, who performed their office with +great credit, taking singular care that no 'tutor' or 'spy' should +secure an entrance to the hall. The 'countersign' selected was +'Zeus,' and fortunately was not betrayed. The hall being full at +half past ten, the doors were closed, and the exercises commenced +with music. Then followed numerous pieces of various character, +and among them an _Oration_, a _Poem_, _Funeral Sermon_ (of a very +metaphysical character), a _Dirge_, and, at the grave, a _Prayer +to Pluto_. These pieces all exhibited taste and labor, and were +acknowledged to be of a higher tone than that of any productions +which have ever been delivered on a similar occasion. Besides +these, there were several songs interspersed throughout the +Programme, in both Latin and English, which were sung with great +jollity and effect. The band added greatly to the character of the +performances, by their frequent and appropriate pieces. A large +coffin was placed before the altar, within which, lay the +veritable Euclid, arranged in a becoming winding-sheet, the body +being composed of combustibles, and these thoroughly saturated +with turpentine. The company left the hall at half past twelve, +formed in an orderly procession, preceded by the band, and bearing +the coffin in their midst. Those who composed the procession were +arrayed in disguises, to avoid detection, and bore a full +complement of brilliant torches. The skeleton of Euclid (a +faithful caricature), himself bearing a torch, might have been +seen dancing in the midst, to the great amusement of all +beholders. They marched up Chapel Street as far as the south end +of the College, where they were saluted with three hearty cheers +by their fellow-students, and then continued through College +Street in front of the whole College square, at the north +extremity of which they were again greeted by cheers, and thence +followed a circuitous way to _quasi_ Potter's Field, about a mile +from the city, where the concluding ceremonies were performed. +These consist of walking over the coffin, thus _surmounting the +difficulties_ of the author; boring a hole through a copy of +Euclid with a hot iron, that the class may see _through_ it; and +finally burning it upon the funeral pyre, in order to _throw +light_ upon the subject. After these exercises, the procession +returned, with music, to the State-House, where they disbanded, +and returned to their desolate habitations. The affair surpassed +anything of the kind that has ever taken place here, and nothing +was wanting to render it a complete performance. It testifies to +the spirit and character of the class of '53."--_Literary World_, +Nov. 23, 1850, from the _New York Tribune_. + +In the Sketches of Williams College, printed in the year 1847, is +a description of the manner in which the funeral exercises of +Euclid are sometimes conducted in that institution. It is as +follows:--"The burial took place last night. The class assembled +in the recitation-room in full numbers, at 9 o'clock. The +deceased, much emaciated, and in a torn and tattered dress, was +stretched on a black table in the centre of the room. This table, +by the way, was formed of the old blackboard, which, like a +mirror, had so often reflected the image of old Euclid. In the +body of the corpse was a triangular hole, made for the _post +mortem_ examination, a report of which was read. Through this +hole, those who wished were allowed to look; and then, placing the +body on their heads, they could say with truth that they had for +once seen through and understood Euclid. + +"A eulogy was then pronounced, followed by an oration and the +reading of the epitaph, after which the class formed a procession, +and marched with slow and solemn tread to the place of burial. The +spot selected was in the woods, half a mile south of the College. +As we approached the place, we saw a bright fire burning on the +altar of turf, and torches gleaming through the dark pines. All +was still, save the occasional sympathetic groans of some forlorn +bull-frogs, which came up like minute-guns from the marsh below. + +"When we arrived at the spot, the sexton received the body. This +dignitary presented rather a grotesque appearance. He wore a white +robe bound around his waist with a black scarf, and on his head a +black, conical-shaped hat, some three feet high. Haying fastened +the remains to the extremity of a long, black wand, he held them +in the fire of the altar until they were nearly consumed, and then +laid the charred mass in the urn, muttering an incantation in +Latin. The urn being buried deep in the ground, we formed a ring +around the grave, and sung the dirge. Then, lighting our larches +by the dying fire, we retraced our steps with feelings suited to +the occasion."--pp. 74-76. + +Of this observance the writer of the preface to the "Songs of +Yale" remarks: "The _Burial of Euclid_ is an old ceremony +practised at many colleges. At Yale it is conducted by the +Sophomore Class during the first term of the year. After literary +exercises within doors, a procession is formed, which proceeds at +midnight through the principal streets of the city, with music and +torches, conveying a coffin, supposed to contain the body of the +old mathematician, to the funeral pile, when the whole is fired +and consumed to ashes."--1853, p. 4. + +From the lugubrious songs which are usually sung on these sad +occasions, the following dirge is selected. It appears in the +order of exercises for the "Burial of Euclid by the Class of '57," +which took place at Yale College, November 8, 1854. + + Tune,--"_Auld Lang Syne_." + + I. + + Come, gather all ye tearful Sophs, + And stand around the ring; + Old Euclid's dead, and to his shade + A requiem we'll sing: + Then join the saddening chorus, all + Ye friends of Euclid true; + Defunct, he can no longer bore, + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]"[03] + + II. + + Though we to Pluto _dead_icate, + No god to take him deigns, + So, one short year from now will Fate + Bring back his sad _re-manes_: + For at Biennial his ghost + Will prompt the tutor blue, + And every fizzling Soph will cry, + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]" + + III. + + Though here we now his _corpus_ burn, + And flames about him roar, + The future Fresh shall say, that he's + "Not dead, but gone before": + We close around the dusky bier, + And pall of sable hue, + And silently we drop the tear; + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]" + + +BURLESQUE BILL. At Princeton College, it is customary for the +members of the Sophomore Class to hold annually a Sophomore +Commencement, caricaturing that of the Senior Class. The Sophomore +Commencement is in turn travestied by the Junior Class, who +prepare and publish _Burlesque Bills_, as they are called, in +which, in a long and formal programme, such subjects and speeches +are attributed to the members of the Sophomore Class as are +calculated to expose their weak points. + +See SOPHOMORE COMMENCEMENT. + + +BURLINGTON. At Middlebury College, a water-closet, privy. So +called on account of the good-natured rivalry between that +institution and the University of Vermont at Burlington. + + +BURNING OF CONIC SECTIONS. "This is a ceremony," writes a +correspondent, "observed by the Sophomore Class of Trinity +College, on the Monday evening of Commencement week. The +incremation of this text-book is made by the entire class, who +appear in fantastic rig and in torch-light procession. The +ceremonies are held in the College grove, and are graced with an +oration and poem. The exercises are usually closed by a class +supper." + + +BURNING OF CONVIVIUM. Convivium is a Greek book which is studied +at Hamilton College during the last term of the Freshman year, and +is considered somewhat difficult. Upon entering Sophomore it is +customary to burn it, with exercises appropriate to the occasion. +The time being appointed, the class hold a meeting and elect the +marshals of the night. A large pyre is built during the evening, +of rails and pine wood, on the middle of which is placed a barrel +of tar, surrounded by straw saturated with turpentine. Notice is +then given to the upper classes that Convivium will be burnt that +night at twelve o'clock. Their company is requested at the +exercises, which consist of two poems, a tragedy, and a funeral +oration. A coffin is laid out with the "remains" of the book, and +the literary exercises are performed. These concluded, the class +form a procession, preceded by a brass band playing a dirge, and +march to the pyre, around which, with uncovered heads, they +solemnly form. The four bearers with their torches then advance +silently, and place the coffin upon the funeral pile. The class, +each member bearing a torch, form a circle around the pyre. At a +given signal they all bend forward together, and touch their +torches to the heap of combustibles. In an instant "a lurid flame +arises, licks around the coffin, and shakes its tongue to heaven." +To these ceremonies succeed festivities, which are usually +continued until daylight. + + +BURNING OF ZUMPT'S LATIN GRAMMAR. The funeral rites over the body +of this book are performed by the students in the University of +New York. The place of turning and burial is usually at Hoboken. +Scenes of this nature often occur in American colleges, having +their origin, it is supposed, in the custom at Yale of burying +Euclid. + + +BURNT FOX. A student during his second half-year, in the German +universities, is called a _burnt fox_. + + +BURSAR, _pl._ BURSARII. A treasurer or cash-keeper; as, the +_bursar_ of a college or of a monastery. The said College in +Cambridge shall be a corporation consisting of seven persons, to +wit, a President, five Fellows, and a Treasurer or +_Bursar_.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 11. + +Every student is required on his arrival, at the commencement of +each session, to deliver to the _Bursar_ the moneys and drafts for +money which he has brought with him. It is the duty of the +_Bursar_ to attend to the settlement of the demands for board, +&c.; to pay into the hands of the student such sums as are +required for other necessary expenses, and to render a statement +of the same to the parent or guardian at the close of the session. +--_Catalogue of Univ. of North Carolina_, 1848-49, p. 27. + +2. A student to whom a stipend is paid out of a burse or fund +appropriated for that purpose, as the exhibitioners sent to the +universities in Scotland, by each presbytery.--_Webster_. + +See a full account in _Brande's Dict. Science, Lit., and Art_. + + +BURSARY. The treasury of a college or monastery.--_Webster_. + +2. In Scotland, an exhibition.--_Encyc._ + + +BURSCH (bursh), _pl._ BURSCHEN. German. A youth; especially a +student in a German university. + +"By _bursché_," says Howitt, "we understand one who has already +spent a certain time at the university,--and who, to a certain +degree, has taken part in the social practices of the +students."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. Ed., p. 27. + + Und hat der _Bursch_ kein Geld im Beutel, + So pumpt er die Philister an, + Und denkt: es ist doch Alles eitel + Vom _Burschen_ bis zum Bettleman. + _Crambambuli Song_. + +Student life! _Burschen_ life! What a magic sound have these words +for him who has learnt for himself their real meaning.--_Howitt's +Student Life of Germany_. + + +BURSCHENSCHAFT. A league or secret association of students, formed +in 1815, for the purpose, as was asserted, of the political +regeneration of Germany, and suppressed, at least in name, by the +exertions of the government.--_Brandt_. + +"The Burschenschaft," says the Yale Literary Magazine, "was a +society formed in opposition to the vices and follies of the +Landsmannschaft, with the motto, 'God, Honor, Freedom, +Fatherland.' Its object was 'to develop and perfect every mental +and bodily power for the service of the Fatherland.' It exerted a +mighty and salutary influence, was almost supreme in its power, +but was finally suppressed by the government, on account of its +alleged dangerous political tendencies."--Vol. XV. p. 3. + + +BURSE. In France, a fund or foundation for the maintenance of poor +scholars in their studies. In the Middle Ages, it signified a +little college, or a hall in a university.--_Webster_. + + +BURST. To fail in reciting; to make a bad recitation. This word is +used in some of the Southern colleges. + + +BURT. At Union College, a privy is called _the Burt_, from a +person of that name, who many years ago was employed as the +architect and builder of the _latrinæ_ of that institution. + + +BUSY. An answer often given by a student, when he does not wish to +see visitors. + +Poor Croak was almost annihilated by this summons, and, clinging +to the bed-clothes in all the agony of despair, forgot to _busy_ +his midnight visitor.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 84. + +Whenever, during that sacred season, a knock salutes my door, I +respond with a _busy_.--_Collegian_, p. 25. + +"_Busy_" is a hard word to utter, often, though heart and +conscience and the college clock require it.--_Scenes and +Characters in College_, p. 58. + + +BUTLER. Anciently written BOTILER. A servant or officer whose +principal business is to take charge of the liquors, food, plate, +&c. In the old laws of Harvard College we find an enumeration of +the duties of the college butler. Some of them were as follows. + +He was to keep the rooms and utensils belonging to his office +sweet and clean, fit for use; his drinking-vessels were to be +scoured once a week. The fines imposed by the President and other +officers were to be fairly recorded by him in a book, kept for +that purpose. He was to attend upon the ringing of the bell for +prayer in the hall, and for lectures and commons. Providing +candles for the hall was a part of his duty. He was obliged to +keep the Buttery supplied, at his own expense, with beer, cider, +tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, biscuit, butter, cheese, pens, ink, +paper, and such other articles as the President or Corporation +ordered or permitted; "but no permission," it is added in the +laws, "shall be given for selling wine, distilled spirits, or +foreign fruits, on credit or for ready money." He was allowed to +advance twenty per cent. on the net cost of the articles sold by +him, excepting beer and cider, which were stated quarterly by the +President and Tutors. The Butler was allowed a Freshman to assist +him, for an account of whom see under FRESHMAN, +BUTLER'S.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., pp. 138, 139. _Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1798, pp. 60-62. + +President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before +the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, remarks as +follows concerning the Butler, in connection with that +institution:-- + +"The classes since 1817, when the office of Butler was, abolished, +are probably but little aware of the meaning of that singular +appendage to the College, which had been in existence a hundred +years. To older graduates, the lower front corner room of the old +middle college in the south entry must even now suggest many +amusing recollections. The Butler was a graduate of recent +standing, and, being invested with rather delicate functions, was +required to be one in whom confidence might be reposed. Several of +the elder graduates who have filled this office are here to-day, +and can explain, better than I can, its duties and its bearings +upon the interests of College. The chief prerogative of the Butler +was to have the monopoly of certain eatables, drinkables, and +other articles desired by students. The Latin laws of 1748 give +him leave to sell in the buttery, cider, metheglin, strong beer to +the amount of not more than twelve barrels annually,--which amount +as the College grew was increased to twenty,--together with +loaf-sugar ('saccharum rigidum'), pipes, tobacco, and such +necessaries of scholars as were not furnished in the commons hall. +Some of these necessaries were books and stationery, but certain +fresh fruits also figured largely in the Butler's supply. No +student might buy cider or beer elsewhere. The Butler, too, had +the care of the bell, and was bound to wait upon the President or +a Tutor, and notify him of the time for prayers. He kept the book +of fines, which, as we shall see, was no small task. He +distributed the bread and beer provided by the Steward in the Hall +into equal portions, and had the lost commons, for which privilege +he paid a small annual sum. He was bound, in consideration of the +profits of his monopoly, to provide candles at college prayers and +for a time to pay also fifty shillings sterling into the treasury. +The more menial part of these duties he performed by his +waiter."--pp. 43, 44. + +At both Harvard and Yale the students were restricted in expending +money at the Buttery, being allowed at the former "to contract a +debt" of five dollars a quarter; at the latter, of one dollar and +twenty-five cents per month. + + +BUTTER. A size or small portion of butter. "Send me a roll and two +Butters."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Six cheeses, three _butters_, and two beers.--_The Collegian's +Guide_. + +Pertinent to this singular use of the word, is the following +curious statement. At Cambridge, Eng., "there is a market every +day in the week, except Monday, for vegetables, poultry, eggs, and +butter. The sale of the last article is attended with the +peculiarity of every pound designed for the market being rolled +out to the length of a yard; each pound being in that state about +the thickness of a walking-cane. This practice, which is confined +to Cambridge, is particularly convenient, as it renders the butter +extremely easy of division into small portions, called _sizes_, as +used in the Colleges."--_Camb. Guide_, Ed. 1845, p. 213. + + +BUTTERY. An apartment in a house where butter, milk, provisions, +and utensils are kept. In some colleges, a room where liquors, +fruit, and refreshments are kept for sale to the +students.--_Webster_. + +Of the Buttery, Mr. Peirce, in his History of Harvard University, +speaks as follows: "As the Commons rendered the College +independent of private boarding-houses, so the _Buttery_ removed +all just occasion for resorting to the different marts of luxury, +intemperance, and ruin. This was a kind of supplement to the +Commons, and offered for sale to the students, at a moderate +advance on the cost, wines, liquors, groceries, stationery, and, +in general, such articles as it was proper and necessary for them +to have occasionally, and which for the most part were not +included in the Commons' fare. The Buttery was also an office, +where, among other things, records were kept of the times when the +scholars were present and absent. At their admission and +subsequent returns they entered their names in the Buttery, and +took them out whenever they had leave of absence. The Butler, who +was a graduate, had various other duties to perform, either by +himself or by his _Freshman_, as ringing the bell, seeing that the +Hall was kept clean, &c., and was allowed a salary, which, after +1765, was £60 per annum."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 220. + +With particular reference to the condition of Harvard College a +few years prior to the Revolution, Professor Sidney Willard +observes: "The Buttery was in part a sort of appendage to Commons, +where the scholars could eke out their short commons with sizings +of gingerbread and pastry, or needlessly or injuriously cram +themselves to satiety, as they had been accustomed to be crammed +at home by their fond mothers. Besides eatables, everything +necessary for a student was there sold, and articles used in the +play-grounds, as bats, balls, &c.; and, in general, a petty trade +with small profits was carried on in stationery and other matters, +--in things innocent or suitable for the young customers, and in +some things, perhaps, which were not. The Butler had a small +salary, and was allowed the service of a Freshman in the Buttery, +who was also employed to ring the college bell for prayers, +lectures, and recitations, and take some oversight of the public +rooms under the Butler's directions. The Buttery was also the +office of record of the names of undergraduates, and of the rooms +assigned to them in the college buildings; of the dates of +temporary leave of absence given to individuals, and of their +return; and of fines inflicted by the immediate government for +negligence or minor offences. The office was dropped or abolished +in the first year of the present century, I believe, long after it +ceased to be of use for most of its primary purposes. The area +before the entry doors of the Buttery had become a sort of +students' exchange for idle gossip, if nothing worse. The rooms +were now redeemed from traffic, and devoted to places of study, +and other provision was made for the records which had there been +kept. The last person who held the office of Butler was Joseph +Chickering, a graduate of 1799."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +1855, Vol. I. pp. 31, 32. + +President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before +the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, makes the +following remarks on this subject: "The original motives for +setting up a buttery in colleges seem to have been, to put the +trade in articles which appealed to the appetite into safe hands; +to ascertain how far students were expensive in their habits, and +prevent them from running into debt; and finally, by providing a +place where drinkables of not very stimulating qualities were +sold, to remove the temptation of going abroad after spirituous +liquors. Accordingly, laws were passed limiting the sum for which +the Butler might give credit to a student, authorizing the +President to inspect his books, and forbidding him to sell +anything except permitted articles for ready money. But the whole +system, as viewed from our position as critics of the past, must +be pronounced a bad one. It rather tempted the student to +self-indulgence by setting up a place for the sale of things to +eat and drink within the College walls, than restrained him by +bringing his habits under inspection. There was nothing to prevent +his going abroad in quest of stronger drinks than could be bought +at the buttery, when once those which were there sold ceased to +allay his thirst. And a monopoly, such as the Butler enjoyed of +certain articles, did not tend to lower their price, or to remove +suspicion that they were sold at a higher rate than free +competition would assign to them."--pp. 44, 45. + +"When," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "the 'punishment +obscene,' as Cowper, the poet, very properly terms it, of +_flagellation_, was enforced at our University, it appears that +the Buttery was the scene of action. In The Poor Scholar, a +comedy, written by Robert Nevile, Fellow of King's College in +Cambridge, London, 1662, one of the students having lost his gown, +which is picked up by the President of the College, the tutor +says, 'If we knew the owner, we 'd take him down to th' Butterie, +and give him due correction.' To which the student, (_aside_,) +'Under correction, Sir; if you're for the Butteries with me, I'll +lie as close as Diogenes in dolio. I'll creep in at the bunghole, +before I'll _mount a barrel_,' &c. (Act II. Sc. 6.)--Again: 'Had I +been once i' th' Butteries, they'd have their rods about me. But +let us, for joy that I'm escaped, go to the Three Tuns and drink +a pint of wine, and laugh away our cares.--'T is drinking at the +Tuns that keeps us from ascending Buttery barrels,' &c." By a +reference to the word PUNISHMENT, it will be seen that, in the +older American colleges, corporal punishment was inflicted upon +disobedient students in a manner much more solemn and imposing, +the students and officers usually being present. + +The effect of _crossing the name in the buttery_ is thus stated in +the Collegian's Guide. "To keep a term requires residence in the +University for a certain number of days within a space of time +known by the calendar, and the books of the buttery afford the +appointed proof of residence; it being presumed that, if neither +bread, butter, pastry, beer, or even toast and water (which is +charged one farthing), are entered on the buttery books in a given +name, the party could not have been resident that day. Hence the +phrase of 'eating one's way into the church or to a doctor's +degree.' Supposing, for example, twenty-one days' residence is +required between the first of May and the twenty-fourth inclusive, +then there will be but three days to spare; consequently, should +our names be crossed for more than three days in all in that term, +--say for four days,--the other twenty days would not count, and +the term would be irrecoverably lost. Having our names crossed in +the buttery, therefore, is a punishment which suspends our +collegiate existence while the cross remains, besides putting an +embargo on our pudding, beer, bread and cheese, milk, and butter; +for these articles come out of the buttery."--p. 157. + +These remarks apply both to the Universities of Oxford and +Cambridge; but in the latter the phrase _to be put out of commons_ +is used instead of the one given above, yet with the same meaning. +See _Gradus ad Cantabrigiam_, p. 32. + +The following extract from the laws of Harvard College, passed in +1734, shows that this term was formerly used in that institution: +"No scholar shall be _put in or out of Commons_, but on Tuesdays +or Fridays, and no Bachelor or Undergraduate, but by a note from +the President, or one of the Tutors (if an Undergraduate, from his +own Tutor, if in town); and when any Bachelors or Undergraduates +have been out of Commons, the waiters, at their respective tables, +shall, on the first Tuesday or Friday after they become obliged by +the preceding law to be in Commons, _put them into Commons_ again, +by note, after the manner above directed. And if any Master +neglects to put himself into Commons, when, by the preceding law, +he is obliged to be in Commons, the waiters on the Masters' table +shall apply to the President or one of the Tutors for a note to +put him into Commons, and inform him of it." + + Be mine each morn, with eager appetite + And hunger undissembled, to repair + To friendly _Buttery_; there on smoking Crust + And foaming Ale to banquet unrestrained, + Material breakfast! + _The Student_, 1750, Vol. I. p. 107. + + +BUTTERY-BOOK. In colleges, a book kept at the _buttery_, in which +was charged the prices of such articles as were sold to the +students. There was also kept a list of the fines imposed by the +president and professors, and an account of the times when the +students were present and absent, together with a register of the +names of all the members of the college. + + My name in sure recording page + Shall time itself o'erpower, + If no rude mice with envious rage + The _buttery-books_ devour. + _The Student_, Vol. I. p. 348. + + +BUTTERY-HATCH. A half-door between the buttery or kitchen and the +hall, in colleges and old mansions. Also called a +_buttery-bar_.--_Halliwell's Arch. and Prov. Words_. + +If any scholar or scholars at any time take away or detain any +vessel of the colleges, great or small, from the hall out of the +doors from the sight of the _buttery-hatch_ without the butler's +or servitor's knowledge, or against their will, he or they shall +be punished three pence.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Coll._, Vol. I. p. +584. + +He (the college butler) domineers over Freshmen, when they first +come to the _hatch_.--_Earle's Micro-cosmographie_, 1628, Char. +17. + +There was a small ledging or bar on this hatch to rest the +tankards on. + +I pray you, bring your hand to the _buttery-bar_, and let it +drink.--_Twelfth Night_, Act I. Sc. 3. + + +BYE-FELLOW. In England, a name given in certain cases to a fellow +in an inferior college. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +bye-fellow can be elected to one of the regular fellowships when a +vacancy occurs. + + +BYE-FELLOWSHIP. An inferior establishment in a college for the +nominal maintenance of what is called a _bye-fellow_, or a fellow +out of the regular course. + +The emoluments of the fellowships vary from a merely nominal +income, in the case of what are called _Bye-fellowships_, to +$2,000 per annum.--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +BYE-FOUNDATION. In the English universities, a foundation from +which an insignificant income and an inferior maintenance are +derived. + + +BYE-TERM. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., students who take +the degree of B.A. at any other time save January, are said to +"_go out in a bye-term_." + +Bristed uses this word, as follows: "I had a double +disqualification exclusive of illness. First, as a Fellow +Commoner.... Secondly, as a _bye-term man_, or one between two +years. Although I had entered into residence at the same time with +those men who were to go out in 1844, my name had not been placed +on the College Books, like theirs, previously to the commencement +of 1840. I had therefore lost a term, and for most purposes was +considered a Freshman, though I had been in residence as long as +any of the Junior Sophs. In fact, I was _between two +years_."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 97, 98. + + + +_C_. + + +CAD. A low fellow, nearly equivalent to _snob_. Used among +students in the University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + + +CAHOOLE. At the University of North Carolina, this word in its +application is almost universal, but generally signifies to +cajole, to wheedle, to deceive, to procure. + + +CALENDAR. At the English universities the information which in +American colleges is published in a catalogue, is contained in a +similar but far more comprehensive work, called a _calendar_. +Conversation based on the topics of which such a volume treats is +in some localities denominated _calendar_. + +"Shop," or, as it is sometimes here called, "_Calendar_," +necessarily enters to a large extent into the conversation of the +Cantabs.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 82. + +I would lounge about into the rooms of those whom I knew for +general literary conversation,--even to talk _Calendar_ if there +was nothing else to do.--_Ibid._, p. 120. + + +CALVIN'S FOLLY. At the University of Vermont, "this name," writes +a correspondent, "is given to a door, four inches thick and +closely studded with spike-nails, dividing the chapel hall from +the staircase leading to the belfry. It is called _Calvin's +Folly_, because it was planned by a professor of that (Christian) +name, in order to keep the students out of the belfry, which +dignified scheme it has utterly failed to accomplish. It is one of +the celebrities of the Old Brick Mill,[04] and strangers always +see it and hear its history." + + +CAMEL. In Germany, a student on entering the university becomes a +_Kameel_,--a camel. + + +CAMPUS. At the College of New Jersey, the college yard is +denominated the _Campus_. _Back Campus_, the privies. + + +CANTAB. Abridged for CANTABRIGIAN. + +It was transmitted to me by a respectable _Cantab_ for insertion. +--_Hone's Every-day Book_, Vol. I. p. 697. + +Should all this be a mystery to our uncollegiate friends, or even +to many matriculated _Cantabs_, we advise them not to attempt to +unriddle it.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 39. + + +CANTABRIGIAN. A student or graduate of the University of +Cambridge, Eng. Used also at Cambridge, Mass., of the students and +inhabitants. + + +CANTABRIGICALLY. According to Cambridge. + +To speak _Cantabrigically_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 28. + + +CAP. The cap worn by students at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., is described by Bristed in the following passage: "You must +superadd the academical costume. This consists of a gown, varying +in color and ornament according to the wearer's college and rank, +but generally black, not unlike an ordinary clerical gown, and a +square-topped cap, which fits close to the head like a truncated +helmet, while the covered board which forms the crown measures +about a foot diagonally across."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 4. + +A similar cap is worn at Oxford and at some American colleges on +particular occasions. + +See OXFORD. + + +CAP. To uncover the head in reverence or civility. + +The youth, ignorant who they were, had omitted to _cap_ +them.--_Gent. Mag._, Vol. XXIV. p. 567. + +I could not help smiling, when, among the dignitaries whom I was +bound to make obeisance to by _capping_ whenever I met them, Mr. +Jackson's catalogue included his all-important self in the number. +--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 217. + +The obsequious attention of college servants, and the more +unwilling "_capping_" of the undergraduates, to such a man are +real luxuries.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LVI. p. 572. + +Used in the English universities. + + +CAPTAIN OF THE POLL. The first of the Polloi. + +He had moreover been _Captain_ (Head) _of the Poll_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 96. + + +CAPUT SENATUS. Latin; literally, _the head of the Senate_. In +Cambridge, Eng., a council of the University by which every grace +must be approved, before it can be submitted to the senate. The +Caput Senatus is formed of the vice-chancellor, a doctor in each +of the faculties of divinity, law, and medicine, and one regent +M.A., and one non-regent M.A. The vice-chancellor's five +assistants are elected annually by the heads of houses and the +doctors of the three faculties, out of fifteen persons nominated +by the vice-chancellor and the proctors.--_Webster. Cam. Cal. Lit. +World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +See GRACE. + + +CARCER. Latin. In German schools and universities, a +prison.--_Adler's Germ, and Eng. Dict._ + + Wollten ihn drauf die Nürnberger Herren + Mir nichts, dir nichts ins _Carcer_ sperren. + _Wallenstein's Lager_. + + And their Nur'mberg worships swore he should go + To _jail_ for his pains,--if he liked it, or no. + _Trans. Wallenstein's Camp, in Bohn's Stand. Lib._, p. 155. + + +CASTLE END. At Cambridge, Eng., a noted resort for Cyprians. + + +CATHARINE PURITANS. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +members of St. Catharine's Hall are thus designated, from the +implied derivation of the word Catharine from the Greek [Greek: +katharos], pure. + + +CAUTION MONEY. In the English universities, a deposit in the hands +of the tutor at entrance, by way of security. + +With reference to Oxford, De Quincey says of _caution money_: +"This is a small sum, properly enough demanded of every student, +when matriculated, as a pledge for meeting any loss from unsettled +arrears, such as his sudden death or his unannounced departure +might else continually be inflicting upon his college. In most +colleges it amounts to £25; in one only it was considerably less." +--_Life and Manners_, p. 249. + +In American colleges, a bond is usually given by a student upon +entering college, in order to secure the payment of all his +college dues. + + +CENSOR. In the University of Oxford, Eng., a college officer whose +duties are similar to those of the Dean. + + +CEREVIS. From Latin _cerevisia_, beer. Among German students, a +small, round, embroidered cap, otherwise called a beer-cap. + +Better authorities ... have lately noted in the solitary student +that wends his way--_cerevis_ on head, note-book in hand--to the +professor's class-room,... a vast improvement on the _Bursche_ of +twenty years ago.--_Lond. Quart. Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. +59. + + +CHAMBER. The apartment of a student at a college or university. +This word, although formerly used in American colleges, has been +of late almost entirely supplanted by the word _room_, and it is +for this reason that it is here noticed. + +If any of them choose to provide themselves with breakfasts in +their own _chambers_, they are allowed so to do, but not to +breakfast in one another's _chambers_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. II. p. 116. + +Some ringleaders gave up their _chambers_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. +116. + + +CHAMBER-MATE. One who inhabits the same room or chamber with +another. Formerly used at our colleges. The word CHUM is now very +generally used in its place; sometimes _room-mate_ is substituted. + +If any one shall refuse to find his proportion of furniture, wood, +and candles, the President and Tutors shall charge such +delinquent, in his quarter bills, his full proportion, which sum +shall be paid to his _chamber-mate_.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +35. + + +CHANCELLOR. The chancellor of a university is an officer who seals +the diplomas, or letters of degree, &c. The Chancellor of Oxford +is usually one of the prime nobility, elected by the students in +convocation; and he holds the office for life. He is the chief +magistrate in the government of the University. The Chancellor of +Cambridge is also elected from among the prime nobility. The +office is biennial, or tenable for such a length of time beyond +two years as the tacit consent of the University may choose to +allow.--_Webster. Cam. Guide_. + +"The Chancellor," says the Oxford Guide, "is elected by +convocation, and his office is for life; but he never, according +to usage, is allowed to set foot in this University, excepting on +the occasion of his installation, or when he is called upon to +accompany any royal visitors."--Ed. 1847, p. xi. + +At Cambridge, the office of Chancellor is, except on rare +occasions, purely honorary, and the Chancellor himself seldom +appears at Cambridge. He is elected by the Senate. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Chancellor_ is the Bishop of +the Diocese of Connecticut, and is also the Visitor of the +College. He is _ex officio_ the President of the +Corporation.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, pp. 6, 7. + + +CHAPEL. A house for public worship, erected separate from a +church. In England, chapels in the universities are places of +worship belonging to particular colleges. The chapels connected +with the colleges in the United States are used for the same +purpose. Religious exercises are usually held in them twice a day, +morning and evening, besides the services on the Sabbath. + + +CHAPEL. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the attendance at +daily religious services in the chapel of each college at morning +and evening is thus denominated. + +Some time ago, upon an endeavor to compel the students of one +college to increase their number of "_chapels_," as the attendance +is called, there was a violent outcry, and several squibs were +written by various hands.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. +p. 235. + +It is rather surprising that there should be so much shirking of +_chapel_, when the very moderate amount of attendance required is +considered.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +16. + +To _keep chapel_, is to be present at the daily religious services +of college. + +The Undergraduate is expected to go to chapel eight times, or, in +academic parlance, to _keep eight chapels_ a week, two on Sunday, +and one on every week-day, attending morning or evening _chapel_ +on week-days at his option. Nor is even this indulgent standard +rigidly enforced. I believe if a Pensioner keeps six chapels, or a +Fellow-Commoner four, and is quite regular in all other respects, +he will never be troubled by the Dean. It certainly is an argument +in favor of severe discipline, that there is more grumbling and +hanging back, and unwillingness to conform to these extremely +moderate requisitions, than is exhibited by the sufferers at a New +England college, who have to keep sixteen chapels a week, seven of +them at unreasonable hours. Even the scholars, who are literally +paid for going, every chapel being directly worth two shillings +sterling to them, are by no means invariable in attending the +proper number of times.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 16, 17. + + +CHAPEL CLERK. At Cambridge, Eng., in some colleges, it is the duty +of this officer to _mark_ the students as they enter chapel; in +others, he merely sees that the proper lessons are read, by the +students appointed by the Dean for that purpose.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + +The _chapel clerk_ is sent to various parties by the deans, with +orders to attend them after chapel and be reprimanded, but the +_chapel clerk_ almost always goes to the wrong +person.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 235. + + +CHAPLAIN. In universities and colleges, the clergyman who performs +divine service, morning and evening. + + +CHAW. A deception or trick. + +To say, "It's all a gum," or "a regular _chaw_" is the same thing. +--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +CHAW. To use up. + +Yesterday a Junior cracked a joke on me, when all standing round +shouted in great glee, "Chawed! Freshman chawed! Ha! ha! ha!" "No +I a'n't _chawed_," said I, "I'm as whole as ever." But I didn't +understand, when a fellow is _used up_, he is said to be _chawed_; +if very much used up, he is said to be _essentially chawed_.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + +The verb _to chaw up_ is used with nearly the same meaning in some +of the Western States. + +Miss Patience said she was gratified to hear Mr. Cash was a +musician; she admired people who had a musical taste. Whereupon +Cash fell into a chair, as he afterwards observed, _chawed +up_.--_Thorpe's Backwoods_, p. 28. + + +CHIP DAY. At Williams College a day near the beginning of spring +is thus designated, and is explained in the following passage. +"They give us, near the close of the second term, what is called +'_chip day_,' when we put the grounds in order, and remove the +ruins caused by a winter's siege on the woodpiles."--_Sketches of +Williams College_, 1847, p. 79. + +Another writer refers to the day, in a newspaper paragraph. +"'_Chip day_,' at the close of the spring term, is still observed +in the old-fashioned way. Parties of students go off to the hills, +and return with brush, and branches of evergreen, with which the +chips, which have accumulated during the winter, are brushed +together, and afterwards burnt."--_Boston Daily Evening +Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + +About college there had been, in early spring, the customary +cleaning up of "_chip day_."--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. +186. + + +CHOPPING AT THE TREE. At University College in the University of +Oxford, "a curious and ancient custom, called '_chopping at the +tree_,' still prevails. On Easter Sunday, every member, as he +leaves the hall after dinner, chops with a cleaver at a small tree +dressed up for the occasion with evergreens and flowers, and +placed on a turf close to the buttery. The cook stands by for his +accustomed largess."--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 144, note. + + +CHORE. In the German universities, a club or society of the +students is thus designated. + +Duels between members of different _chores_ were once +frequent;--sometimes one man was obliged to fight the members of a +whole _chore_ in succession.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 5. + + +CHRISTIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of +Christ's College. + + +CHUM. Armenian, _chomm_, or _chommein_, or _ham_, to dwell, stay, +or lodge; French, _chômer_, to rest; Saxon, _ham_, home. A +chamber-fellow; one who lodges or resides in the same +room.--_Webster_. + +This word is used at the universities and colleges, both in +England and the United States. + +A young student laid a wager with his _chum_, that the Dean was at +that instant smoking his pipe.--_Philip's Life and Poems_, p. 13. + + But his _chum_ + Had wielded, in his just defence, + A bowl of vast circumference.--_Rebelliad_, p. 17. + +Every set of chambers was possessed by two co-occupants; they had +generally the same bedroom, and a common study; and they were +called _chums_.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 251. + +I am again your petitioner in behalf of that great _chum_ of +literature, Samuel Johnson.--_Smollett, in Boswell_. + +In this last instance, the word _chum_ is used either with the +more extended meaning of companion, friend, or, as the sovereign +prince of Tartary is called the _Cham_ or _Khan_, so Johnson is +called the _chum_ (cham) or prince of literature. + + +CHUM. To occupy a chamber with another. + + +CHUMMING. Occupying a room with another. + +Such is one of the evils of _chumming_.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. I. p. +324. + + +CHUMSHIP. The state of occupying a room in company with another; +chumming. + +In the seventeenth century, in Milton's time, for example, (about +1624,) and for more than sixty years after that era, the practice +of _chumship_ prevailed.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 251. + + +CIVILIAN. A student of the civil law at the university.--_Graves. +Webster_. + + +CLARIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Clare +Hall. + + +CLASS. A number of students in a college or school, of the same +standing, or pursuing the same studies. In colleges, the students +entering or becoming members the same year, and pursuing the same +studies.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Oxford, _class_ is the division of the +candidates who are examined for their degrees according to their +rate of merit. Those who are entitled to this distinction are +denominated _Classmen_, answering to the _optimes_ and _wranglers_ +in the University of Cambridge.--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + +See an interesting account of "reading for a first class," in the +Collegian's Guide, Chap. XII. + + +CLASS. To place in ranks or divisions students that are pursuing +the same studies; to form into a class or classes.--_Webster_. + + +CLASS BOOK. Within the last thirty or forty years, a custom has +arisen at Harvard College of no small importance in an historical +point of view, but which is principally deserving of notice from +the many pleasing associations to which its observance cannot fail +to give rise. Every graduating class procures a beautiful and +substantial folio of many hundred pages, called the _Class Book_, +and lettered with the year of the graduation of the class. In this +a certain number of pages is allotted to each individual of the +class, in which he inscribes a brief autobiography, paying +particular attention to names and dates. The book is then +deposited in the hands of the _Class Secretary_, whose duty it is +to keep a faithful record of the marriage, birth of children, and +death of each of his classmates, together with their various +places of residence, and the offices and honors to which each may +have attained. This information is communicated to him by letter +by his classmates, and he is in consequence prepared to answer any +inquiries relative to any member of the class. At his death, the +book passes into the hands of one of the _Class Committee_, and at +their death, into those of some surviving member of the class; and +when the class has at length become extinct, it is deposited on +the shelves of the College Library. + +The Class Book also contains a full list of all persons who have +at any time been members of the class, together with such +information as can be gathered in reference to them; and an +account of the prizes, deturs, parts at Exhibitions and +Commencement, degrees, etc., of all its members. Into it are also +copied the Class Oration, Poem, and Ode, and the Secretary's +report of the class meeting, at which the officers were elected. +It is also intended to contain the records of all future class +meetings, and the accounts of the Class Secretary, who is _ex +officio_ Class Treasurer and Chairman of the Class Committee. By +virtue of his office of Class Treasurer, he procures the _Cradle_ +for the successful candidate, and keeps in his possession the +Class Fund, which is sometimes raised to defray the accruing +expenses of the Class in future times. + +In the Harvardiana, Vol. IV., is an extract from the Class Book of +1838, which is very curious and unique. To this is appended the +following note:--"It may be necessary to inform many of our +readers, that the _Class Book_ is a large volume, in which +autobiographical sketches of the members of each graduating class +are recorded, and which is left in the hands of the Class +Secretary." + + +CLASS CANE. At Union College, as a mark of distinction, a _class +cane_ was for a time carried by the members of the Junior Class. + +The Juniors, although on the whole a clever set of fellows, lean +perhaps with too nonchalant an air on their _class +canes_.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +They will refer to their _class cane_, that mark of decrepitude +and imbecility, for old men use canes.--_Ibid._ + + +CLASS CAP. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the Sophomores +to appear in a _class cap_ on the Junior Exhibition day, which is +worn generally during part of the third term. + +In American colleges, students frequently endeavor to adopt +distinctive dresses, but the attempt is usually followed by +failure. One of these attempts is pleasantly alluded to in the +Williams Monthly Miscellany. "In a late number, the ambition for +whiskers was made the subject of a remark. The ambition of college +has since taken a somewhat different turn. We allude to the class +caps, which have been introduced in one or two of the classes. The +Freshmen were the first to appear in this species of uniform, a +few days since at evening prayers; the cap which they have adopted +is quite tasteful. The Sophomores, not to be outdone, have voted +to adopt the tarpaulin, having, no doubt, become proficients in +navigation, as lucidly explained in one of their text-books. The +Juniors we understand, will follow suit soon. We hardly know what +is left for the Seniors, unless it be to go bare-headed."--1845, +p. 464. + + +CLASS COMMITTEE. At Harvard College a committee of two persons, +joined with the _Class Secretary_, who is _ex officio_ its +chairman, whose duty it is, after the class has graduated, during +their lives to call class meetings, whenever they deem it +advisable, and to attend to all other business relating to the +class. + +See under CLASS BOOK. + + +CLASS CRADLE. For some years it has been customary at Harvard +College for the Senior Class, at the meeting for the election of +the officers of Class Day, &c., to appropriate a certain sum of +money, usually not exceeding fifty dollars, for the purchase of a +cradle, to be given to the first member of the class to whom a +child is born in lawful wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. +This sum is intrusted to the hands of the _Class Secretary_, who +is expected to transmit the present to the successful candidate +upon the receipt of the requisite information. In one instance a +_Baby-jumper_ was voted by the class, to be given to the second +member who should be blessed as above stated. + + +CLASS CUP. It is a theory at Yale College, that each class +appropriates at graduating a certain amount of money for the +purchase of a silver cup, to be given, in the name of the class, +to the first member to whom a child shall be born in lawful +wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. Although the +presentation of the _class cup_ is often alluded to, yet it is +believed that the gift has in no instance been bestowed. It is to +be regretted that a custom so agreeable in theory could not be +reduced to practice. + + Each man's mind was made up + To obtain the "_Class Cup_." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +See SILVER CUP. + + +CLASS DAY. The custom at Harvard College of observing with +appropriate exercises the day on which the Senior Class finish +their studies, is of a very early date. The first notice which +appears in reference to this subject is contained in an account of +the disorders which began to prevail among the students about the +year 1760. Among the evils to be remedied are mentioned the +"disorders upon the day of the Senior Sophisters meeting to choose +the officers of the class," when "it was usual for each scholar to +bring a bottle of wine with him, which practice the committee +(that reported upon it) apprehend has a natural tendency to +produce disorders." But the disturbances were not wholly confined +to the _meeting_ when the officers of Class Day were chosen; they +occurred also on Class Day, and it was for this reason that +frequent attempts were made at this period, by the College +government, to suppress its observance. How far their efforts +succeeded is not known, but it is safe to conclude that greater +interruptions were occasioned by the war of the Revolution, than +by the attempts to abolish what it would have been wiser to have +reformed. + +In a MS. Journal, under date of June 21st, 1791, is the following +entry: "Neither the valedictory oration by Ward, nor poem by +Walton, was delivered, on account of a division in the class, and +also because several were gone home." How long previous to this +the 21st of June had been the day chosen for the exercises of the +class, is uncertain; but for many years after, unless for special +reasons, this period was regularly selected for that purpose. +Another extract from the MS. above mentioned, under date of June +21st, 1792, reads: "A valedictory poem was delivered by Paine 1st, +and a valedictory Latin oration by Abiel Abbott." + +The biographer of Mr. Robert Treat Paine, referring to the poem +noticed in the above memorandum, says: "The 21st of every June, +till of late years, has been the day on which the members of the +Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to make +preparations for the ensuing Commencement. On this day it was +usual for one member to deliver an oration, and another a poem; +such members being appointed by their classmates. The Valedictory +Poem of Mr. Paine, a tender, correct, and beautiful effusion of +feeling and taste, was received by the audience with applause and +tears." In another place he speaks on the same subject, as +follows: "The solemnity which produced this poem is extremely +interesting; and, being of ancient date, it is to be hoped that it +may never fall into disuse. His affection for the University Mr. +Paine cherished as one of his most sacred principles. Of this +poem, Mr. Paine always spoke as one of his happiest efforts. +Coming from so young a man, it is certainly very creditable, and +promises more, I fear, than the untoward circumstances of his +after life would permit him to perform."--_Paine's Works_, Ed. +1812, pp. xxvii., 439. + +It was always customary, near the close of the last century, for +those who bore the honors of Class Day, to treat their friends +according to the style of the time, and there was scarcely a +graduate who did not provide an entertainment of such sort as he +could afford. An account of the exercises of the day at this +period may not be uninteresting. It is from the Diary which is +above referred to. + +"20th (Thursday). This day for special reasons the valedictory +poem and oration were performed. The order of the day was this. At +ten, the class walked in procession to the President's, and +escorted him, the Professors, and Tutors, to the Chapel, preceded +by the band playing solemn music. + +"The President began with a short prayer. He then read a chapter +in the Bible; after this he prayed again; Cutler then delivered +his poem. Then the singing club, accompanied by the band, +performed Williams's _Friendship_. This was succeeded by a +valedictory Latin Oration by Jackson. We then formed, and waited +on the government to the President's, where we were very +respectably treated with wine, &c. + +"We then marched in procession to Jackson's room, where we drank +punch. At one we went to Mr. Moore's tavern and partook of an +elegant entertainment, which cost 6/4 a piece. Marching then to +Cutler's room, we shook hands, and parted with expressing the +sincerest tokens of friendship." June, 1793. + +The incidents of Class Day, five years subsequent to the last +date, are detailed by Professor Sidney Willard, and may not be +omitted in this connection. + +"On the 21st of June, 1798, the day of the dismission of the +Senior Class from all academic exercises, the class met in the +College chapel to attend the accustomed ceremonies of the +occasion, and afterwards to enjoy the usual festivities of the +day, since called, for the sake of a name, and for brevity's sake, +Class Day. There had been a want of perfect harmony in the +previous proceedings, which in some degree marred the social +enjoyments of the day; but with the day all dissension closed, +awaiting the dawn of another day, the harbinger of the brighter +recollections of four years spent in pleasant and peaceful +intercourse. There lingered no lasting alienations of feeling. +Whatever were the occasions of the discontent, it soon expired, +was buried in the darkest recesses of discarded memories, and +there lay lost and forgotten. + +"After the exercises of the chapel, and visiting the President, +Professors, and Tutors at the President's house, according to the +custom still existing, we marched in procession round the College +halls, to another hall in Porter's tavern, (which some dozen or +fifteen of the oldest living graduates may perhaps remember as +Bradish's tavern, of ancient celebrity,) where we dined. After +dining, we assembled at the Liberty Tree, (according to another +custom still existing,) and in due time, having taken leave of +each other, we departed, some of us to our family homes, and +others to their rooms to make preparations for their +departure."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. pp. 1, 3. + +Referring to the same event, he observes in another place: "In +speaking of the leave-taking of the College by my class, on the +21st of June, 1798,--Class Day, as it is now called,--I +inadvertently forgot to mention, that according to custom, at that +period, [Samuel P.P.] Fay delivered a Latin Valedictory Oration in +the Chapel, in the presence of the Immediate Government, and of +the students of other classes who chose to be present. Speaking to +him on the subject some time since, he told me that he believed +[Judge Joseph] Story delivered a Poem on the same occasion.... +There was no poetical performance in the celebration of the day in +the class before ours, on the same occasion; Dr. John C. Warren's +Latin oration being the only performance, and his class counting +as many reputed poets as ours did."--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 320. + +Alterations were continually made in the observances of Class Day, +and in twenty years after the period last mentioned, its character +had in many particulars changed. Instead of the Latin, an English +oration of a somewhat sportive nature had been introduced; the +Poem was either serious or comic, at the writer's option; usually, +however, the former. After the exercises in the Chapel, the class +commonly repaired to Porter's Hall, and there partook of a dinner, +not always observing with perfect strictness the rules of +temperance either in eating or drinking. This "cenobitical +symposium" concluded, they again returned to the college yard, +where, scattered in groups under the trees, the rest of the day +was spent in singing, smoking, and drinking, or pretending to +drink, punch; for the negroes who supplied it in pails usually +contrived to take two or more glasses to every one glass that was +drank by those for whom it was provided. The dance around the +Liberty Tree, + "Each hand in comrade's hand," +closed the regular ceremonies of the day; but generally the +greater part of the succeeding night was spent in feasting and +hilarity. + +The punch-drinking in the yard increased to such an extent, that +it was considered by the government of the college as a matter +which demanded their interference; and in the year 1842, on one of +these occasions, an instructor having joined with the students in +their revellings in the yard, the Faculty proposed that, instead +of spending the afternoon in this manner, dancing should be +introduced, which was accordingly done, with the approbation of +both parties. + +The observances of the day, which in a small way may be considered +as a rival of Commencement, are at present as follows. The Orator, +Poet, Odist, Chaplain, and Marshals having been previously chosen, +on the morning of Class Day the Seniors assemble in the yard, and, +preceded by the band, walk in procession to one of the halls of +the College, where a prayer is offered by the Class Chaplain. They +then proceed to the President's house, and escort him to the +Chapel where the following order is observed. A prayer by one of +the College officers is succeeded by the Oration, in which the +transactions of the class from their entrance into College to the +present time are reviewed with witty and appropriate remarks. The +Poem is then pronounced, followed by the Ode, which is sung by the +whole class to the tune of "Fair Harvard." Music is performed at +intervals by the band. The class then withdraw to Harvard Hall, +accompanied by their friends and invited guests, where a rich +collation is provided. + +After an interval of from one to two hours, the dancing commences +in the yard. Cotillons and the easier dances are here performed, +but the sport closes in the hall with the Polka and other +fashionable steps. The Seniors again form, and make the circuit of +the yard, cheering the buildings, great and small. They then +assemble under the Liberty Tree, around which with hands joined +they run and dance, after singing the student's adopted song, +"Auld Lang Syne." At parting, each member takes a sprig or a +flower from the beautiful "Wreath" which surrounds the "farewell +tree," which is sacredly treasured as a last memento of college +scenes and enjoyments. Thus close the exercises of the day, after +which the class separate until Commencement. + +The more marked events in the observance of Class Day have been +graphically described by Grace Greenwood, in the accompanying +paragraphs. + +"The exercises on this occasion were to me most novel and +interesting. The graduating class of 1848 are a fine-looking set +of young men certainly, and seem to promise that their country +shall yet be greater and better for the manly energies, the talent +and learning, with which they are just entering upon life. + +"The spectators were assembled in the College Chapel, whither the +class escorted the Faculty, headed by President Everett, in his +Oxford hat and gown. + +"The President is a man of most imperial presence; his figure has +great dignity, and his head is grand in form and expression. But +to me he looks the governor, the foreign minister and the +President, more than the orator or the poet. + +"After a prayer from the Chaplain, we listened to an eloquent +oration from the class orator, Mr. Tiffany, of Baltimore and to a +very elegant and witty poem from the class poet Mr. Clarke, of +Boston. The 'Fair Harvard' having been sung by the class, all +adjourned to the College green, where such as were so disposed +danced to the music of a fine band. From the green we repaired to +Harvard Hall, where an excellent collation was served, succeeded +by dancing. From the hall the students of 1848 marched and cheered +successively every College building, then formed a circle round a +magnificent elm, whose trunk was beautifully garlanded will +flowers, and, with hands joined in a peculiar manner, sung 'Auld +Lang Syne.' The scene was in the highest degree touching and +impressive, so much of the beauty and glory of life was there, so +much of the energy, enthusiasm, and proud unbroken strength of +manhood. With throbbing hearts and glowing lips, linked for a few +moments with strong, fraternal grasps, they stood, with one deep, +common feeling, thrilling like one pulse through all. An +involuntary prayer sprang to my lips, that they might ever prove +true to _Alma Mater_, to one another, to their country, and to +Heaven. + +"As the singing ceased, the students began running swiftly around +the tree, and at the cry, 'Harvard!' a second circle was formed by +the other students, which gave a tumultuous excitement to the +scene. It broke up at last with a perfect storm of cheers, and a +hasty division among the class of the garland which encircled the +elm, each taking a flower in remembrance of the day."--_Greenwood +Leaves_, Ed. 3d, 1851, pp. 350, 351. + +In the poem which was read before the class of 1851, by William C. +Bradley, the comparisons of those about to graduate with the youth +who is attaining to his majority, and with the traveller who has +stopped a little for rest and refreshment, are so genial and +suggestive, that their insertion in this connection will not be +deemed out of place. + + "'T is a good custom, long maintained, + When the young heir has manhood gained, + To solemnize the welcome date, + Accession to the man's estate, + With open house and rousing game, + And friends to wish him joy and fame: + So Harvard, following thus the ways + Of careful sires of older days, + Directs her children till they grow + The strength of ripened years to know, + And bids their friends and kindred, then, + To come and hail her striplings--men. + + "And as, about the table set, + Or on the shady grass-plat met, + They give the youngster leave to speak + Of vacant sport, and boyish freak, + So now would we (such tales have power + At noon-tide to abridge the hour) + Turn to the past, and mourn or praise + The joys and pains of boyhood's days. + + "Like travellers with their hearts intent + Upon a distant journey bent, + We rest upon the earliest stage + Of life's laborious pilgrimage; + But like the band of pilgrims gay + (Whom Chaucer sings) at close of day, + That turned with mirth, and cheerful din, + To pass their evening at the inn, + Hot from the ride and dusty, we, + But yet untired and stout and free, + And like the travellers by the door, + Sit down and talk the journey o'er." + +As a specimen of the character of the Ode which is always sung on +Class Day to the tune "Fair Harvard,"--which is the name by which +the melody "Believe me, if all those endearing young charms" has +been adopted at Cambridge,--that which was written by Joshua +Danforth Robinson for the class of 1851 is here inserted. + + "The days of thy tenderly nurture are done, + We call for the lance and the shield; + There's a battle to fight and a crown to be won, + And onward we press to the field! + But yet, Alma Mater, before we depart, + Shall the song of our farewell be sung, + And the grasp of the hand shall express for the heart + Emotions too deep for the tongue. + + "This group of thy sons, Alma Mater, no more + May gladden thine ear with their song, + For soon we shall stand upon Time's crowded shore, + And mix in humanity's throng. + O, glad be the voices that ring through thy halls + When the echo of ours shall have flown, + And the footsteps that sound when no longer thy walls + Shall answer the tread of our own! + + "Alas! our dear Mother, we see on thy face + A shadow of sorrow to-day; + For while we are clasped in thy farewell embrace, + And pass from thy bosom away, + To part with the living, we know, must recall + The lost whom thy love still embalms, + That one sigh must escape and one tear-drop must fall + For the children that died in thy arms. + + "But the flowers of affection, bedewed by the tears + In the twilight of Memory distilled, + And sunned by the love of our earlier years, + When the soul with their beauty was thrilled, + Untouched by the frost of life's winter, shall blow, + And breathe the same odor they gave + When the vision of youth was entranced by their glow, + Till, fadeless, they bloom o'er the grave." + +A most genial account of the exercises of the Class Day of the +graduates of the year 1854 may be found in Harper's Magazine, Vol. +IX. pp. 554, 555. + + +CLASSIC. One learned in classical literature; a student of the +ancient Greek and Roman authors of the first rank. + +These men, averaging about twenty-three years of age, the best +_Classics_ and Mathematicians of their years, were reading for +Fellowships.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +35. + +A quiet Scotchman irreproachable as a _classic_ and a +whist-player.--_Ibid._, p. 57. + +The mathematical examination was very difficult, and made great +havoc among the _classics_.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + + +CLASSIC SHADES. A poetical appellation given to colleges and +universities. + + He prepares for his departure,--but he must, ere he repair + To the "_classic shades_," et cetera,--visit his "ladye fayre." + _Poem before Iadma_, Harv. Coll., 1850. + +I exchanged the farm-house of my father for the "_classic shades_" +of Union.--_The Parthenon_, Union Coll., 1851, p. 18. + + +CLASSIS. Same meaning as Class. The Latin for the English. + +[They shall] observe the generall hours appointed for all the +students, and the speciall houres for their own _classis_.--_New +England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 243. + + +CLASS LIST. In the University of Oxford, a list in which are +entered the names of those who are examined for their degrees, +according to their rate of merit. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the names of those who are +examined at stated periods are placed alphabetically in the class +lists, but the first eight or ten individual places are generally +known. + +There are some men who read for honors in that covetous and +contracted spirit, and so bent upon securing the name of +scholarship, even at the sacrifice of the reality, that, for the +pleasure of reading their names at the top of the _class list_, +they would make the examiners a present of all their Latin and +Greek the moment they left the schools.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. +327. + + +CLASSMAN. See CLASS. + + +CLASS MARSHAL. In many colleges in the United States, a _class +marshal_ is chosen by the Senior Class from their own number, for +the purpose of regulating the procession on the day of +Commencement, and, as at Harvard College, on Class Day also. + +"At Union College," writes a correspondent, "the class marshal is +elected by the Senior Class during the third term. He attends to +the order of the procession on Commencement Day, and walks into +the church by the side of the President. He chooses several +assistants, who attend to the accommodation of the audience. He is +chosen from among the best-looking and most popular men of the +class, and the honor of his office is considered next to that of +the Vice-President of the Senate for the third term." + + +CLASSMATE. A member of the same class with another. + +The day is wound up with a scene of careless laughter and +merriment, among a dozen of joke-loving _classmates_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 202. + + +CLASS MEETING. A meeting where all the class are assembled for the +purpose of carrying out some measure, appointing class officers, +or transacting business of interest to the whole class. + +In Harvard College, no class, or general, or other meeting of +students can be called without an application in writing of three +students, and no more, expressing the purpose of such meeting, nor +otherwise than by a printed notice, signed by the President, +expressing the time, the object, and place of such meeting, and +the three students applying for such meeting are held responsible +for any proceedings at it contrary to the laws of the +College.--_Laws Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, Appendix. + +Similar regulations are in force at all other American colleges. +At Union College the statute on this subject was formerly in these +words: "No class meetings shall be held without special license +from the President; and for such purposes only as shall be +expressed in the license; nor shall any class meeting be continued +by adjournment or otherwise, without permission; and all class +meetings held without license shall be considered as unlawful +combinations, and punished accordingly."--_Laws Union Coll._, +1807, pp. 37, 38. + + While one, on fame alone intent, + Seek to be chosen President + Of clubs, or a _class meeting_. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 247. + + +CLASSOLOGY. That science which treats of the members of the +classes of a college. This word is used in the title of a pleasant +_jeu d'esprit_ by Mr. William Biglow, on the class which graduated +at Harvard College in 1792. It is called, "_Classology_: an +Anacreontic Ode, in Imitation of 'Heathen Mythology.'" + +See under HIGH GO. + + +CLASS SECRETARY. For an account of this officer, see under CLASS +BOOK. + + +CLASS SUPPER. In American colleges, a supper attended only by the +members of a collegiate class. Class suppers are given in some +colleges at the close of each year; in others, only at the close +of the Sophomore and Senior years, or at one of these periods. + + +CLASS TREES. At Bowdoin College, "immediately after the annual +examination of each class," says a correspondent, "the members +that compose it are accustomed to form a ring round a tree, and +then, not dance, but run around it. So quickly do they revolve, +that every individual runner has a tendency 'to go off in a +tangent,' which it is difficult to resist for any length of time. +The three lower classes have a tree by themselves in front of +Massachusetts Hall. The Seniors have one of their own in front of +King Chapel." + +For an account of a similar and much older custom, prevalent at +Harvard College, see under CLASS DAY and LIBERTY TREE. + + +CLIMBING. In reference to this word, a correspondent from +Dartmouth College writes: "At the commencement of this century, +the Greek, Latin, and Philosophical Orations were assigned by the +Faculty to the best scholars, while the Valedictorian was chosen +from the remainder by his classmates. It was customary for each +one of these four to treat his classmates, which was called +'_Climbing_,' from the effect which the liquor would have in +elevating the class to an equality with the first scholars." + + +CLIOSOPHIC. A word compounded from _Clio_, the Muse who presided +over history, and [Greek: sophos], intelligent. At Yale College, +this word was formerly used to designate an oration on the arts +and sciences, which was delivered annually at the examination in +July. + +Having finished his academic course, by the appointment of the +President he delivered the _cliosophic_ oration in the College +Hall.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 13. + + +COACH. In the English universities, this term is variously +applied, as will be seen by a reference to the annexed examples. +It is generally used to designate a private tutor. + +Everything is (or used to be) called a "_coach_" at Oxford: a +lecture-class, or a club of men meeting to take wine, luncheon, or +breakfast alternately, were severally called a "wine, luncheon, or +breakfast _coach_"; so a private tutor was called a "private +_coach_"; and one, like Hilton of Worcester, very famed for +getting his men safe through, was termed "a Patent Safety."--_The +Collegian's Guide_, p. 103. + +It is to his private tutors, or "_coaches_," that he looks for +instruction.--_Household Words_, Vol. II. p. 160. + +He applies to Mr. Crammer. Mr. Crammer is a celebrated "_coach_" +for lazy and stupid men, and has a system of his own which has met +with decided success.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 162. + + +COACH. To prepare a student to pass an examination; to make use of +the aid of a private tutor. + +He is putting on all steam, and "_coaching_" violently for the +Classical Tripos.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d. p. 10. + +It is not every man who can get a Travis to _coach_ him.--_Ibid._, +p. 69. + + +COACHING. A cant term, in the British universities, for preparing +a student, by the assistance of a private tutor, to pass an +examination. + +Whether a man shall throw away every opportunity which a +university is so eminently calculated to afford, and come away +with a mere testamur gained rather by the trickery of private +_coaching_ (tutoring) than by mental improvement, depends, +&c.--_The Collegian's Guide_, p. 15. + + +COAX. This word was formerly used at Yale College in the same +sense as the word _fish_ at Harvard, viz. to seek or gain the +favor of a teacher by flattery. One of the Proverbs of Solomon was +often changed by the students to read as follows: "Surely the +churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the +nose bringeth forth blood; so the _coaxing_ of tutors bringeth +forth parts."--_Prov._ xxx. 33. + + +COCHLEAUREATUS, _pl._ COCHLEAUREATI. Latin, _cochlear_, a spoon, +and _laureatus_, laurelled. A free translation would be, _one +honored with a spoon_. + +At Yale College, the wooden spoon is given to the one whose name +comes last on the list of appointees for the Junior Exhibition. +The recipient of this honor is designated _cochleaureatus_. + + Now give in honor of the spoon + Three cheers, long, loud, and hearty, + And three for every honored June + In _coch-le-au-re-a-ti_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 37. + +See WOODEN SPOON. + + +COFFIN. At the University of Vermont, a boot, especially a large +one. A companion to the word HUMMEL, q.v. + + +COLLAR. At Yale College, "to come up with; to seize; to lay hold +on; to appropriate."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. 144. + +By that means the oration marks will be effectually _collared_, +with scarce an effort.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + + +COLLECTION. In the University of Oxford, a college examination, +which takes place at the end of every term before the Warden and +Tutor. + +Read some Herodotus for _Collections_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +348. + +The College examinations, called _collections_, are strictly +private.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 139. + + +COLLECTOR. A Bachelor of Arts in the University of Oxford, who is +appointed to superintend some scholastic proceedings in +Lent.--_Todd_. + +The Collectors, who are two in number, Bachelors of Arts, are +appointed to collect the names of _determining_ bachelors, during +Lent. Their office begins and ends with that season.--_Guide to +Oxford_. + + +COLLECTORSHIP. The office of a _collector_ in the University of +Oxford.--_Todd_. + +This Lent the _collectors_ ceased from entertaining the Bachelors +by advice and command of the proctors; so that now they got by +their _collectorships_, whereas before they spent about 100_l._, +besides their gains, on clothes or needless entertainments.--_Life +of A. Wood_, p. 286. + + +COLLEGE. Latin, _collegium_; _con_ and _lego_, to gather. In its +primary sense, a collection or assembly; hence, in a general +sense, a collection, assemblage, or society of men, invested with +certain powers and rights, performing certain duties, or engaged +in some common employment or pursuit. + +1. An establishment or edifice appropriated to the use of students +who are acquiring the languages and sciences. + +2. The society of persons engaged in the pursuits of literature, +including the officers and students. Societies of this kind are +incorporated, and endowed with revenues. + +"A college, in the modern sense of that word, was an institution +which arose within a university, probably within that of Paris or +of Oxford first, being intended either as a kind of +boarding-school, or for the support of scholars destitute of +means, who were here to live under particular supervision. By +degrees it became more and more the custom that teachers should be +attached to these establishments. And as they grew in favor, they +were resorted to by persons of means, who paid for their board; +and this to such a degree, that at one time the colleges included +nearly all the members of the University of Paris. In the English +universities the colleges may have been first established by a +master who gathered pupils around him, for whose board and +instruction he provided. He exercised them perhaps in logic and +the other liberal arts, and repeated the university lectures, as +well as superintended their morals. As his scholars grew in +number, he associated with himself other teachers, who thus +acquired the name of _fellows_. Thus it naturally happened that +the government of colleges, even of those which were founded by +the benevolence of pious persons, was in the hands of a principal +called by various names, such as rector, president, provost, or +master, and of fellows, all of whom were resident within the walls +of the same edifices where the students lived. Where charitable +munificence went so far as to provide for the support of a greater +number of fellows than were needed, some of them were intrusted, +as tutors, with the instruction of the undergraduates, while +others performed various services within their college, or passed +a life of learned leisure."--_Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, New +Haven, Aug. 14, 1850, p. 8. + +3. In _foreign universities_, a public lecture.--_Webster_. + + +COLLEGE BIBLE. The laws of a college are sometimes significantly +called _the College Bible_. + + He cons _the College Bible_ with eager, longing eyes, + And wonders how poor students at six o'clock can rise. + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + +COLLEGER. A member of a college. + +We stood like veteran _Collegers_ the next day's +screw.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 9. [_Little used_.] + +2. The name by which a member of a certain class of the pupils of +Eton is known. "The _Collegers_ are educated gratuitously, and +such of them as have nearly but not quite reached the age of +nineteen, when a vacancy in King's College, Cambridge, occurs, are +elected scholars there forthwith and provided for during life--or +until marriage."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +pp. 262, 263. + +They have nothing in lieu of our seventy _Collegers_.--_Ibid._, p. +270. + +The whole number of scholars or "_Collegers_" at Eton is seventy. +--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +COLLEGE YARD. The enclosure on or within which the buildings of a +college are situated. Although college enclosures are usually open +for others to pass through than those connected with the college, +yet by law the grounds are as private as those connected with +private dwellings, and are kept so, by refusing entrance, for a +certain period, to all who are not members of the college, at +least once in twenty years, although the time differs in different +States. + + But when they got to _College yard_, + With one accord they all huzza'd.--_Rebelliad_, p. 33. + + Not ye, whom science never taught to roam + Far as a _College yard_ or student's home. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 232. + + +COLLEGIAN. A member of a college, particularly of a literary +institution so called; an inhabitant of a college.--_Johnson_. + + +COLLEGIATE. Pertaining to a college; as, _collegiate_ studies. + +2. Containing a college; instituted after the manner of a college; +as, a _collegiate_ society.--_Johnson_. + + +COLLEGIATE. A member of a college. + + +COMBINATION. An agreement, for effecting some object by joint +operation; in _an ill sense_, when the purpose is illegal or +iniquitous. An agreement entered into by students to resist or +disobey the Faculty of the College, or to do any unlawful act, is +a _combination_. When the number concerned is so great as to +render it inexpedient to punish all, those most culpable are +usually selected, or as many as are deemed necessary to satisfy +the demands of justice.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 27. _Laws +Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 23. + + +COMBINATION ROOM. In the University of Cambridge Eng., a room into +which the fellows, and others in authority withdraw after dinner, +for wine, dessert, and conversation.--_Webster_. + +In popular phrase, the word _room_ is omitted. + +"There will be some quiet Bachelors there, I suppose," thought I, +"and a Junior Fellow or two, some of those I have met in +_combination_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 52. + + +COMITAT. In the German universities, a procession formed to +accompany a departing fellow-student with public honor out of the +city.--_Howitt_. + + +COMMEMORATION DAY. At the University of Oxford, Eng., this day is +an annual solemnity in honor of the benefactors of the University, +when orations are delivered, and prize compositions are read in +the theatre. It is the great day of festivity for the +year.--_Huber_. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., there is always a sermon on +this day. The lesson which is read in the course of the service is +from Ecclus. xliv.: "Let us now praise famous men," &c. It is "a +day," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "devoted to prayers, and +good living." It was formerly called _Anniversary Day_. + + +COMMENCE. To take a degree, or the first degree, in a university +or college.--_Bailey_. + +Nine Bachelors _commenced_ at Cambridge; they were young men of +good hope, and performed their acts so as to give good proof of +their proficiency in the tongues and arts.--_Winthrop's Journal, +by Mr. Savage_, Vol. II. p. 87. + +Four Senior Sophisters came from Saybrook, and received the Degree +of Bachelor of Arts, and several others _commenced_ +Masters.--_Clap's Hist. Yale Coll._, p. 20. + + A scholar see him now _commence_, + Without the aid of books or sense. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, 1794, p. 12. + +Charles Chauncy ... was afterwards, when qualified, sent to the +University of Cambridge, where he _commenced_ Bachelor of +Divinity.--_Hist. Sketch of First Ch. in Boston_, 1812, p. 211. + + +COMMENCEMENT. The time when students in colleges _commence_ +Bachelors; a day in which degrees are publicly conferred in the +English and American universities.--_Webster_. + +At Harvard College, in its earliest days, Commencements were +attended, as at present, by the highest officers in the State. At +the first Commencement, on the second Tuesday of August, 1642, we +are told that "the Governour, Magistrates, and the Ministers, from +all parts, with all sorts of schollars, and others in great +numbers, were present."--_New England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. +Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 246. + +In the MS. Diary of Judge Sewall, under date of July 1, 1685, +Commencement Day, is this remark: "Gov'r there, whom I accompanied +to Charlestown"; and again, under date of July 2, 1690, is the +following entry respecting the Commencement of that year: "Go to +Cambridge by water in ye Barge wherein the Gov'r, Maj. Gen'l, +Capt. Blackwell, and others." In the Private Journal of Cotton +Mather, under the dates of 1708 and 1717, there are notices of the +Boston troops waiting on the Governor to Cambridge on Commencement +Day. During the presidency of Wadsworth, which continued from 1725 +to 1737, "it was the custom," says Quincy, "on Commencement Day, +for the Governor of the Province to come from Boston through +Roxbury, often by the way of Watertown, attended by his body +guards, and to arrive at the College about ten or eleven o'clock +in the morning. A procession was then formed of the Corporation, +Overseers, magistrates, ministers, and invited gentlemen, and +immediately moved from Harvard Hall to the Congregational church." +After the exercises of the day were over, the students escorted +the Governor, Corporation, and Overseers, in procession, to the +President's house. This description would answer very well for the +present day, by adding the graduating class to the procession, and +substituting the Boston Lancers as an escort, instead of the "body +guards." + +The exercises of the first Commencement are stated in New +England's First Fruits, above referred to, as follows:--"Latine +and Greeke Orations, and Declamations, and Hebrew Analysis, +Grammaticall, Logicall, and Rhetoricall of the Psalms: And their +answers and disputations in Logicall, Ethicall, Physicall, and +Metaphysicall questions." At Commencement in 1685, the exercises +were, besides Disputes, four Orations, one Latin, two Greek, and +one Hebrew In the presidency of Wadsworth, above referred to, "the +exercises of the day," says Quincy, "began with a short prayer by +the President; a salutatory oration in Latin, by one of the +graduating class, succeeded; then disputations on theses or +questions in Logic, Ethics, and Natural Philosophy commenced. When +the disputation terminated, one of the candidates pronounced a +Latin 'gratulatory oration.' The graduating class were then +called, and, after asking leave of the Governor and Overseers, the +President conferred the Bachelor's degree, by delivering a book to +the candidates (who came forward successively in parties of four), +and pronouncing a form of words in Latin. An adjournment then took +place to dinner, in Harvard Hall; thence the procession returned +to the church, and, after the Masters' disputations, usually three +in number, were finished, their degrees were conferred, with the +same general forms as those of the Bachelors. An occasional +address was then made by the President. A Latin valedictory +oration by one of the Masters succeeded, and the exercises +concluded with a prayer by the President." + +Similar to this is the account given by the Hon. Paine Wingate, a +graduate of the class of 1759, of the exercises of Commencement as +conducted while he was in College. "I do not recollect now," he +says, "any part of the public exercises on Commencement Day to be +in English, excepting the President's prayers at opening and +closing the services. Next after the prayer followed the +Salutatory Oration in Latin, by one of the candidates for the +first degree. This office was assigned by the President, and was +supposed to be given to him who was the best orator in the class. +Then followed a Syllogistic Disputation in Latin, in which four or +five or more of those who were distinguished as good scholars in +the class were appointed by the President as Respondents, to whom +were assigned certain questions, which the Respondents maintained, +and the rest of the class severally opposed, and endeavored to +invalidate. This was conducted wholly in Latin, and in the form of +Syllogisms and Theses. At the close of the Disputation, the +President usually added some remarks in Latin. After these +exercises the President conferred the degrees. This, I think, may +be considered as the summary of the public performances on a +Commencement Day. I do not recollect any Forensic Disputation, or +a Poem or Oration spoken in English, whilst I was in +College."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, pp. 307, 308. + +As far back as the year 1685, it was customary for the President +to deliver an address near the close of the exercises. Under this +date, in the MS. Diary of Judge Sewall, are these words: "Mr. +President after giving ye Degrees made an Oration in Praise of +Academical Studies and Degrees, Hebrew tongue." In 1688, at the +Commencement, according to the same gentleman, Mr. William +Hubbard, then acting as President under the appointment of Sir +Edmund Andros, "made an oration." + +The disputations were always in Latin, and continued to be a part +of the exercises of Commencement until the year 1820. The orations +were in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and sometimes French; in 1818 a +Spanish oration was delivered at the Commencement for that year by +Mr. George Osborne. The first English oration was made by Mr. +Jedidiah Huntington, in the year 1763, and the first English poem +by Mr. John Davis, in 1781. The last Latin syllogisms were in +1792, on the subjects, "Materia cogitare non potest," and "Nil +nisi ignis naturâ est fluidum." The first year in which the +performers spoke without a prompter was 1837. There were no +Master's exercises for the first time in 1844. To prevent +improprieties, in the year 1760, "the duty of inspecting the +performances on the day," says Quincy, "and expunging all +exceptionable parts, was assigned to the President; on whom it was +particularly enjoined 'to put an end to the practice of addressing +the female sex.'" At a later period, in 1792, by referring to the +"Order of the Exercises of Commencement," we find that in the +concluding oration "honorable notice is taken, from year to year, +of those who have been the principal Benefactors of the +University." The practice is now discontinued. + +At the first Commencement, all the magistrates, elders, and +invited guests who were present "dined," says Winthrop in his +Journal, Vol. II. pp. 87, 88, "at the College with the scholars' +ordinary commons, which was done on purpose for the students' +encouragement, &c., and it gave good content to all." After +dinner, a Psalm was usually sung. In 1685, at Commencement, Sewall +says: "After dinner ye 3d part of ye 103d Ps. was sung in ye +Hall." The seventy-eighth Psalm was the one usually sung, an +account of which will be found under that title. The Senior Class +usually waited on the table on Commencement Day. After dinner, +they were allowed to take what provisions were left, and eat them +at their rooms, or in the hall. This custom was not discontinued +until the year 1812. + +In 1754, owing to the expensive habits worn on Commencement Day, a +law was passed, ordering that on that day "every candidate for his +degree appear in black, or dark blue, or gray clothes; and that no +one wear any silk night-gowns; and that any candidate, who shall +appear dressed contrary to such regulations, may not expect his +degree." At present, on Commencement Day, every candidate for a +first degree wears, according to the law, "a black dress and the +usual black gown." + +It was formerly customary, on this day, for the students to +provide entertainment in their rooms. But great care was taken, as +far as statutory enactments were concerned, that all excess should +be avoided. During the presidency of Increase Mather was developed +among the students a singular phase of gastronomy, which was +noticed by the Corporation in their records, under the date of +June 22, 1693, in these words: "The Corporation, having been +informed that the custom taken up in the College, not used in any +other Universities, for the commencers [graduating class] to have +plumb-cake, is dishonorable to the College, not grateful to wise +men, and chargeable to the parents of the commencers, do therefore +put an end to that custom, and do hereby order that no commencer, +or other scholar, shall have any such cakes in their studies or +chambers; and that, if any scholar shall offend therein, the cakes +shall be taken from him, and he shall moreover pay to the College +twenty shillings for each such offence." This stringent regulation +was, no doubt, all-sufficient for many years; but in the lapse of +time the taste for the forbidden delicacy, which was probably +concocted with a skill unknown to the moderns, was again revived, +accompanied with confessions to a fondness for several kinds of +expensive preparations, the recipes for which preparations, it is +to be feared, are inevitably lost. In 1722, in the latter part of +President Leverett's administration, an act was passed "for +reforming the Extravagancys of Commencements," and providing "that +henceforth no preparation nor provision of either Plumb Cake, or +Roasted, Boyled, or Baked Meates or Pyes of any kind shal be made +by any Commencer," and that no "such have any distilled Lyquours +in his Chamber or any composition therewith," under penalty of +being "punished twenty shillings, to be paid to the use of the +College," and of forfeiture of the provisions and liquors, "_to be +seized by the tutors_." The President and Corporation were +accustomed to visit the rooms of the Commencers, "to see if the +laws prohibiting certain meats and drinks were not violated." +These restrictions not being sufficient, a vote passed the +Corporation in 1727, declaring, that "if any, who now doe, or +hereafter shall, stand for their degrees, presume to doe any thing +contrary to the act of 11th June, 1722, or _go about to evade it +by plain cake_, they shall not be admitted to their degree, and if +any, after they have received their degree, shall presume to make +any forbidden provisions, their names shall be left or rased out +of the Catalogue of the Graduates." + +In 1749, the Corporation strongly recommended to the parents and +guardians of such as were to take degrees that year, "considering +the awful judgments of God upon the land," to "retrench +Commencement expenses, so as may best correspond with the frowns +of Divine Providence, and that they take effectual care to have +their sons' chambers cleared of company, and their entertainments +finished, on the evening of said Commencement Day, or, at +furthest, by next morning." In 1755, attempts were made to prevent +those "who proceeded Bachelors of Arts from having entertainments +of any kind, either in the College or any house in Cambridge, +after the Commencement Day." This and several other propositions +of the Overseers failing to meet with the approbation of the +Corporation, a vote finally passed both boards in 1757, by which +it was ordered, that, on account of the "distressing drought upon +the land," and "in consideration of the dark state of Providence +with respect to the war we are engaged in, which Providences call +for humiliation and fasting rather than festival entertainments," +the "first and second degrees be given to the several candidates +without their personal attendance"; a general diploma was +accordingly given, and Commencement was omitted for that year. +Three years after, "all unnecessary expenses were forbidden," and +also "dancing in any part of Commencement week, in the Hall, or in +any College building; nor was any undergraduate allowed to give +any entertainment, after dinner, on Thursday of that week, under +severe penalties." But the laws were not always so strict, for we +find that, on account of a proposition made by the Overseers to +the Corporation in 1759, recommending a "repeal of the law +prohibiting the drinking of _punch_," the latter board voted, that +"it shall be no offence if any scholar shall, at Commencement, +make and entertain guests at his chamber with _punch_," which they +afterwards declare, "as it is now usually made, is no intoxicating +liquor." + +To prevent the disturbances incident to the day, an attempt was +made in 1727 to have the "Commencements for time to come more +private than has been usual," and for several years after, the +time of Commencement was concealed; "only a short notice," says +Quincy, "being given to the public of the day on which it was to +be held." Friday was the day agreed on, for the reason, says +President Wadsworth in his Diary, "that there might be a less +remaining time of the week spent in frolicking." This was very ill +received by the people of Boston and the vicinity, to whom +Commencement was a season of hilarity and festivity; the ministers +were also dissatisfied, not knowing the day in some cases, and in +others being subjected to great inconvenience on account of their +living at a distance from Cambridge. The practice was accordingly +abandoned in 1736, and Commencement, as formerly, was held on +Wednesday, to general satisfaction. In 1749, "three gentlemen," +says Quincy, "who had sons about to be graduated, offered to give +the College a thousand pounds old tenor, provided 'a trial was +made of Commencements this year, in a more private manner.'" The +proposition, after much debate, was rejected, and "public +Commencements were continued without interruption, except during +the period of the Revolutionary war, and occasionally, from +temporary causes, during the remainder of the century, +notwithstanding their evils, anomalies, and inconsistencies."[05] + +The following poetical account of Commencement at Harvard College +is supposed to have been written by Dr. Mather Byles, in the year +1742 or thereabouts. Of its merits, this is no place to speak. As +a picture of the times it is valuable, and for this reason, and to +show the high rank which Commencement Day formerly held among +other days, it is here presented. + + "COMMENCEMENT. + + "I sing the day, bright with peculiar charms, + Whose rising radiance ev'ry bosom warms; + The day when _Cambridge_ empties all the towns, + And youths commencing, take their laurel crowns: + When smiling joys, and gay delights appear, + And shine distinguish'd, in the rolling year. + + "While the glad theme I labour to rehearse, + In flowing numbers, and melodious verse, + Descend, immortal nine, my soul inspire, + Amid my bosom lavish all your fire, + While smiling _Phoebus_, owns the heavenly layes + And shades the poet with surrounding bayes. + But chief ye blooming nymphs of heavenly frame, + Who make the day with double glory flame, + In whose fair persons, art and nature vie, + On the young muse cast an auspicious eye: + Secure of fame, then shall the goddess sing, + And rise triumphant with a tow'ring wing, + Her tuneful notes wide-spreading all around, + The hills shall echo, and the vales resound. + + "Soon as the morn in crimson robes array'd + With chearful beams dispels the flying shade, + While fragrant odours waft the air along, + And birds melodious chant their heavenly song, + And all the waste of heav'n with glory spread, + Wakes up the world, in sleep's embraces dead. + Then those whose dreams were on th' approaching day, + Prepare in splendid garbs to make their way + To that admired solemnity, whose date, + Tho' late begun, will last as long as fate. + And now the sprightly Fair approach the glass + To heighten every feature of the face. + They view the roses flush their glowing cheeks, + The snowy lillies towering round their necks, + Their rustling manteaus huddled on in haste, + They clasp with shining girdles round their waist. + Nor less the speed and care of every beau, + To shine in dress and swell the solemn show. + Thus clad, in careless order mixed by chance, + In haste they both along the streets advance: + 'Till near the brink of _Charles's_ beauteous stream, + They stop, and think the lingering boat to blame. + Soon as the empty skiff salutes the shore, + In with impetuous haste they clustering pour, + The men the head, the stern the ladies grace, + And neighing horses fill the middle space. + Sunk deep, the boat floats slow the waves along, + And scarce contains the thickly crowded throng; + A gen'ral horror seizes on the fair, + While white-look'd cowards only not despair. + 'Till rowed with care they reach th' opposing side, + Leap on the shore, and leave the threat'ning tide. + While to receive the pay the boatman stands, + And chinking pennys jingle in his hands. + Eager the sparks assault the waiting cars, + Fops meet with fops, and clash in civil wars. + Off fly the wigs, as mount their kicking heels, + The rudely bouncing head with anguish swells, + A crimson torrent gushes from the nose, + Adown the cheeks, and wanders o'er the cloaths. + Taunting, the victor's strait the chariots leap, + While the poor batter'd beau's for madness weep. + + "Now in calashes shine the blooming maids, + Bright'ning the day which blazes o'er their heads; + The seats with nimble steps they swift ascend, + And moving on the crowd, their waste of beauties spend. + So bearing thro' the boundless breadth of heav'n, + The twinkling lamps of light are graceful driv'n; + While on the world they shed their glorious rays, + And set the face of nature in a blaze. + + "Now smoak the burning wheels along the ground, + While rapid hoofs of flying steeds resound, + The drivers by no vulgar flame inspir'd, + But with the sparks of love and glory fir'd, + With furious swiftness sweep along the way, + And from the foremost chariot snatch the day. + So at Olympick games when heros strove, + In rapid cars to gain the goal of love. + If on her fav'rite youth the goddess shone + He left his rival and the winds out-run. + + "And now thy town, _O Cambridge_! strikes the sight + Of the beholders with confus'd delight; + Thy green campaigns wide open to the view, + And buildings where bright youth their fame pursue. + Blest village! on whose plains united glows, + A vast, confus'd magnificence of shows. + Where num'rous crowds of different colours blend, + Thick as the trees which from the hills ascend: + Or as the grass which shoots in verdant spires, + Or stars which dart thro' natures realms their fires. + + "How am I fir'd with a profuse delight, + When round the yard I roll my ravish'd sight! + From the high casements how the ladies show! + And scatter glory on the crowds below. + From sash to sash the lovely lightening plays + And blends their beauties in a radiant blaze. + So when the noon of night the earth invades + And o'er the landskip spreads her silent shades. + In heavens high vault the twinkling stars appear, + And with gay glory's light the gleemy sphere. + From their bright orbs a flame of splendors shows, + And all around th' enlighten'd ether glows. + + "Soon as huge heaps have delug'd all the plains, + Of tawny damsels, mixt with simple swains, + Gay city beau's, grave matrons and coquats, + Bully's and cully's, clergymen and wits. + The thing which first the num'rous crowd employs, + Is by a breakfast to begin their joys. + While wine, which blushes in a crystal glass, + Streams down in floods, and paints their glowing face. + And now the time approaches when the bell, + With dull continuance tolls a solemn knell. + Numbers of blooming youth in black array + Adorn the yard, and gladden all the day. + In two strait lines they instantly divide, + While each beholds his partner on th' opposing side, + Then slow, majestick, walks the learned _head_, + The _senate_ follow with a solemn tread, + Next _Levi's_ tribe in reverend order move, + Whilst the uniting youth the show improve. + They glow in long procession till they come, + Near to the portals of the sacred dome; + Then on a sudden open fly the doors, + The leader enters, then the croud thick pours. + The temple in a moment feels its freight, + And cracks beneath its vast unwieldy weight, + So when the threatning Ocean roars around + A place encompass'd with a lofty mound, + If some weak part admits the raging waves, + It flows resistless, and the city laves; + Till underneath the waters ly the tow'rs, + Which menac'd with their height the heav'nly pow'rs. + + "The work begun with pray'r, with modest pace, + A youth advancing mounts the desk with grace, + To all the audience sweeps a circling bow, + Then from his lips ten thousand graces flow. + The next that comes, a learned thesis reads, + The question states, and then a war succeeds. + Loud major, minor, and the consequence, + Amuse the crowd, wide-gaping at their fence. + Who speaks the loudest is with them the best, + And impudence for learning is confest. + + "The battle o'er, the sable youth descend, + And to the awful chief, their footsteps bend. + With a small book, the laurel wreath he gives + Join'd with a pow'r to use it all their lives. + Obsequious, they return what they receive, + With decent rev'rence, they his presence leave. + Dismiss'd, they strait repeat their back ward way + And with white napkins grace the sumptuous day.[06] + + "Now plates unnumber'd on the tables shine, + And dishes fill'd invite the guests to dine. + The grace perform'd, each as it suits him best, + Divides the sav'ry honours of the feast, + The glasses with bright sparkling wines abound + And flowing bowls repeat the jolly round. + Thanks said, the multitude unite their voice, + In sweetly mingled and melodious noise. + The warbling musick floats along the air, + And softly winds the mazes of the ear; + Ravish'd the crowd promiscuously retires, + And each pursues the pleasure he admires. + + "Behold my muse far distant on the plains, + Amidst a wrestling ring two jolly swains; + Eager for fame, they tug and haul for blood, + One nam'd _Jack Luby_, t' other _Robin Clod_, + Panting they strain, and labouring hard they sweat, + Mix legs, kick shins, tear cloaths, and ply their feet. + Now nimbly trip, now stiffly stand their ground, + And now they twirl, around, around, around; + Till overcome by greater art or strength, + _Jack Luby_ lays along his lubber length. + A fall! a fall! the loud spectators cry, + A fall! a fall! the echoing hills reply. + + "O'er yonder field in wild confusion runs, + A clam'rous troop of _Affric's_ sable sons, + Behind the victors shout, with barbarous roar, + The vanquish'd fly with hideous yells before, + The gloomy squadron thro' the valley speeds + Whilst clatt'ring cudgels rattle o'er their heads. + + "Again to church the learned tribe repair, + Where syllogisms battle in the air, + And then the elder youth their second laurels wear. + Hail! Happy laurels! who our hopes inspire, + And set our ardent wishes all on fire. + By you the pulpit and the bar will shine + In future annals; while the ravish'd nine + Will in your bosom breathe cælestial flames, + And stamp _Eternity_ upon your names. + Accept my infant muse, whose feeble wings + Can scarce sustain her flight, while you she sings. + With candour view my rude unfinish'd praise + And see my _Ivy_ twist around your _bayes_. + So _Phidias_ by immortal _Jove_ inspir'd, + His statue carv'd, by all mankind admir'd. + Nor thus content, by his approving nod, + He cut himself upon the shining god. + That shaded by the umbrage of his name, + Eternal honours might attend his fame." + +In his almanacs, Nathaniel Ames was wont to insert, opposite the +days of Commencement week, remarks which he deemed appropriate to +that period. His notes for the year 1764 were these:-- + +"Much talk and nothing said." + +"The loquacious more talkative than ever, and fine Harangues +preparing." + + "Much Money sunk, + Much Liquor drunk." + +His only note for the year 1765 was this:-- + + "Many Crapulæ to Day + Give the Head-ach to the Gay." + +Commencement Day was generally considered a holiday throughout the +Province, and in the metropolis the shops were usually closed, and +little or no business was done. About ten days before this period, +a body of Indians from Natick--men, women, and pappooses--commonly +made their appearance at Cambridge, and took up their station +around the Episcopal Church, in the cellar of which they were +accustomed to sleep, if the weather was unpleasant. The women sold +baskets and moccasons; the boys gained money by shooting at it, +while the men wandered about and spent the little that was earned +by their squaws in rum and tobacco. Then there would come along a +body of itinerant negro fiddlers, whose scraping never intermitted +during the time of their abode. + +The Common, on Commencement week, was covered with booths, erected +in lines, like streets, intended to accommodate the populace from +Boston and the vicinity with the amusements of a fair. In these +were carried on all sorts of dissipation. Here was a knot of +gamblers, gathered around a wheel of fortune, or watching the +whirl of the ball on a roulette-table. Further along, the jolly +hucksters displayed their tempting wares in the shape of cooling +beverages and palate-tickling confections. There was dancing on +this side, auction-selling on the other; here a pantomimic show, +there a blind man, led by a dog, soliciting alms; organ-grinders +and hurdy-gurdy grinders, bears and monkeys, jugglers and +sword-swallowers, all mingled in inextricable confusion. + +In a neighboring field, a countryman had, perchance, let loose a +fox, which the dogs were worrying to death, while the surrounding +crowd testified their pleasure at the scene by shouts of +approbation. Nor was there any want of the spirituous; pails of +punch, guarded by stout negroes, bore witness to their own subtle +contents, now by the man who lay curled up under the adjoining +hedge, "forgetting and forgot," and again by the drunkard, +reeling, cursing, and fighting among his comrades. + +The following observations from the pen of Professor Sidney +Willard, afford an accurate description of the outward +manifestations of Commencement Day at Harvard College, during the +latter part of the last century. "Commencement Day at that time +was a widely noted day, not only among men and women of all +characters and conditions, but also among boys. It was the great +literary and mob anniversary of Massachusetts, surpassed only in +its celebrities by the great civil and mob anniversary, namely, +the Fourth of July, and the last Wednesday of May, Election day, +so called, the anniversary of the organization of the government +of the State for the civil year. But Commencement, perhaps most of +all, exhibited an incongruous mixture of men and things. Besides +the academic exercises within the sanctuary of learning and +religion, followed by the festivities in the College dining-hall, +and under temporary tents and awnings erected for the +entertainments given to the numerous guests of wealthy parents of +young men who had come out successful competitors for prizes in +the academic race, the large common was decked with tents filled +with various refreshments for the hungry and thirsty multitudes, +and the intermediate spaces crowded with men, women, and boys, +white and black, many of them gambling, drinking, swearing, +dancing, and fighting from morning to midnight. Here and there the +scene was varied by some show of curiosities, or of monkeys or +less common wild animals, and the gambols of mountebanks, who by +their ridiculous tricks drew a greater crowd than the abandoned +group at the gaming-tables, or than the fooleries, distortions, +and mad pranks of the inebriates. If my revered uncle[07] took a +glimpse at these scenes, he did not see there any of our red +brethren, as Mr. Jefferson kindly called them, who formed a +considerable part of the gathering at the time of his graduation, +forty-two years before; but he must have seen exhibitions of +depravity which would disgust the most untutored savage. Near the +close of the last century these outrages began to disappear, and +lessened from year to year, until by public opinion, enforced by +an efficient police, they were many years ago wholly suppressed, +and the vicinity of the College halls has become, as it should be, +a classic ground."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. +251, 252. + +It is to such scenes as these that Mr. William Biglow refers, in +his poem recited before the Phi Beta Kappa Society, in their +dining-hall, August 29th, 1811. + + "All hail, Commencement! when all classes free + Throng learning's fount, from interest, taste, or glee; + When sutlers plain in tents, like Jacob, dwell, + Their goods distribute, and their purses swell; + When tipplers cease on wretchedness to think, + Those born to sell, as well as these to drink; + When every day each merry Andrew clears + More cash than useful men in many years; + When men to business come, or come to rake, + And modest women spurn at Pope's mistake.[08] + + "All hail, Commencement! when all colors join, + To gamble, riot, quarrel, and purloin; + When Afric's sooty sons, a race forlorn, + Play, swear, and fight, like Christians freely born; + And Indians bless our civilizing merit, + And get dead drunk with truly _Christian spirit_; + When heroes, skilled in pocket-picking sleights, + Of equal property and equal rights, + Of rights of man and woman, boldest friends, + Believing means are sanctioned by their ends, + Sequester part of Gripus' boundless store, + While Gripus thanks god Plutus he has more; + And needy poet, from this ill secure, + Feeling his fob, cries, 'Blessed are the poor.'" + +On the same subject, the writer of Our Chronicle of '26, a +satirical poem, versifies in the following manner:-- + + "Then comes Commencement Day, and Discord dire + Strikes her confusion-string, and dust and noise + Climb up the skies; ladies in thin attire, + For 't is in August, and both men and boys, + Are all abroad, in sunshine and in glee + Making all heaven rattle with their revelry! + + "Ah! what a classic sight it is to see + The black gowns flaunting in the sultry air, + Boys big with literary sympathy, + And all the glories of this great affair! + More classic sounds!--within, the plaudit shout, + While Punchinello's rabble echoes it without." + +To this the author appends a note, as follows:-- + +"The holiday extends to thousands of those who have no particular +classical pretensions, further than can be recognized in a certain +_penchant_ for such jubilees, contracted by attending them for +years as hangers-on. On this devoted day these noisy do-nothings +collect with mummers, monkeys, bears, and rope-dancers, and hold +their revels just beneath the windows of the tabernacle where the +literary triumph is enacting. + + 'Tum sæva sonare + Verbera, tum stridor ferri tractæque catenæ.'" + +A writer in Buckingham's New England Magazine, Vol. III., 1832, in +an article entitled "Harvard College Forty Years ago," thus +describes the customs which then prevailed:-- + +"As I entered Cambridge, what were my 'first impressions'? The +College buildings 'heaving in sight and looming up,' as the +sailors say. Pyramids of Egypt! can ye surpass these enormous +piles? The Common covered with tents and wigwams, and people of +all sorts, colors, conditions, nations, and tongues. A country +muster or ordination dwindles into nothing in comparison. It was a +second edition of Babel. The Governor's life-guard, in splendid +uniform, prancing to and fro, + 'Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum.' +Horny-hoofed, galloping quadrupeds make all the common to tremble. + +"I soon steered for the meeting-house, and obtained a seat, or +rather standing, in the gallery, determined to be an eyewitness of +all the sport of the day. Presently music was heard approaching, +such as I had never heard before. It must be 'the music of the +spheres.' Anon, three enormous white wigs, supported by three +stately, venerable men, yclad in black, flowing robes, were +located in the pulpit. A platform of wigs was formed in the body +pews, on which one might apparently walk as securely as on the +stage. The _candidates_ for degrees seemed to have made a mistake +in dressing themselves in _black togas_ instead of _white_ ones, +_pro more Romanorum_. The musicians jammed into their pew in the +gallery, very near to me, with enormous fiddles and fifes and +ramshorns. _Terribile visu_! They sounded. I stopped my ears, and +with open mouth and staring eyes stood aghast with wonderment. The +music ceased. The performances commenced. English, Latin, Greek, +Hebrew, French! These scholars knew everything." + +More particular is the account of the observances, at this period, +of the day, at Harvard College, as given by Professor Sidney +Willard:-- + +"Commencement Day, in the year 1798, was a day bereft, in some +respects, of its wonted cheerfulness. Instead of the serene +summer's dawn, and the clear rising of the sun, + 'The dawn was overcast, the morning lowered, + And heavily in clouds brought on the day.' +In the evening, from the time that the public exercises closed +until twilight, the rain descended in torrents. The President[09] +lay prostrate on his bed from the effects of a violent disease, +from which it was feared he could not recover.[10] His house, +which on all occasions was the abode of hospitality, and on +Commencement Day especially so, (being the great College +anniversary,) was now a house of stillness, anxiety, and watching. +For seventeen successive years it had been thronged on this +anniversary from morn till night, by welcome visitors, cheerfully +greeted and cared for, and now it was like a house of mourning for +the dead. + +"After the literary exercises of the day were closed, the officers +in the different branches of the College government and +instruction, Masters of Arts, and invited guests, repaired to the +College dining-hall without the ceremony of a procession formed +according to dignity or priority of right. This the elements +forbade. Each one ran the short race as he best could. But as the +Alumni arrived, they naturally avoided taking possession of the +seats usually occupied by the government of the College. The +Governor, Increase Sumner, I suppose, was present, and no doubt +all possible respect was paid to the Overseers as well as to the +Corporation. I was not present, but dined at my father's house +with a few friends, of whom the late Hon. Moses Brown of Beverly +was one. We went together to the College hall after dinner; but +the honorable and reverend Corporation and Overseers had retired, +and I do not remember whether there was any person presiding. If +there were, a statue would have been as well. The age of wine and +wassail, those potent aids to patriotism, mirth, and song, had not +wholly passed away. The merry glee was at that time outrivalled by +_Adams and Liberty_, the national patriotic song, so often and on +so many occasions sung, and everywhere so familiarly known that +all could join in grand chorus."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +Vol. II. pp. 4, 5. + +The irregularities of Commencement week seem at a very early +period to have attracted the attention of the College government; +for we find that in 1728, to prevent disorder, a formal request +was made by the President, at the suggestion of the immediate +government, to Lieutenant-Governor Dummer, praying him to direct +the sheriff of Middlesex to prohibit the setting up of booths and +tents on those public days. Some years after, in 1732, "an +interview took place between the Corporation and three justices of +the peace in Cambridge, to concert measures to keep order at +Commencement, and under their warrant to establish a constable +with six men, who, by watching and walking towards the evening on +these days, and also the night following, and in and about the +entry at the College Hall at dinner-time, should prevent +disorders." At the beginning of the present century, it was +customary for two special justices to give their attendance at +this period, in order to try offences, and a guard of twenty +constables was usually present to preserve order and attend on the +justices. Among the writings of one, who for fifty years was a +constant attendant on these occasions, are the following +memoranda, which are in themselves an explanation of the customs +of early years. "Commencement, 1828; no tents on the Common for +the first time." "Commencement, 1836; no persons intoxicated in +the hall or out of it; the first time." + +The following extract from the works of a French traveller will be +read with interest by some, as an instance of the manner in which +our institutions are sometimes regarded by foreigners. "In a free +country, everything ought to bear the stamp of patriotism. This +patriotism appears every year in a solemn feast celebrated at +Cambridge in honor of the sciences. This feast, which takes place +once a year in all the colleges of America, is called +_Commencement_. It resembles the exercises and distribution of +prizes in our colleges. It is a day of joy for Boston; almost all +its inhabitants assemble in Cambridge. The most distinguished of +the students display their talents in the presence of the public; +and these exercises, which are generally on patriotic subjects, +are terminated by a feast, where reign the freest gayety and the +most cordial fraternity."--_Brissot's Travels in U.S._, 1788. +London, 1794, Vol. I. pp. 85, 86. + +For an account of the _chair_ from which the President delivers +diplomas on Commencement Day, see PRESIDENT'S CHAIR. + +At Yale College, the first Commencement was held September 13th, +1702, while that institution was located at Saybrook, at which +four young men who had before graduated at Harvard College, and +one whose education had been private, received the degree of +Master of Arts. This and several Commencements following were held +privately, according to an act which had been passed by the +Trustees, in order to avoid unnecessary expense and other +inconveniences. In 1718, the year in which the first College +edifice was completed, was held at New Haven the first public +Commencement. The following account of the exercises on this +occasion was written at the time by one of the College officers, +and is cited by President Woolsey in his Discourse before the +Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850. "[We were] favored +and honored with the presence of his Honor, Governor Saltonstall, +and his lady, and the Hon. Col. Taylor of Boston, and the +Lieutenant-Governor, and the whole Superior Court, at our +Commencement, September 10th, 1718, where the Trustees +present,--those gentlemen being present,--in the hall of our new +College, first most solemnly named our College by the name of Yale +College, to perpetuate the memory of the honorable Gov. Elihu +Yale, Esq., of London, who had granted so liberal and bountiful a +donation for the perfecting and adorning of it. Upon which the +honorable Colonel Taylor represented Governor Yale in a speech +expressing his great satisfaction; which ended, we passed to the +church, and there the Commencement was carried on. In which +affair, in the first place, after prayer an oration was had by the +saluting orator, James Pierpont, and then the disputations as +usual; which concluded, the Rev. Mr. Davenport [one of the +Trustees and minister of Stamford] offered an excellent oration in +Latin, expressing their thanks to Almighty God, and Mr. Yale under +him, for so public a favor and so great regard to our languishing +school. After which were graduated ten young men, whereupon the +Hon. Gov. Saltonstall, in a Latin speech, congratulated the +Trustees in their success and in the comfortable appearance of +things with relation to their school. All which ended, the +gentlemen returned to the College Hall, where they were +entertained with a splendid dinner, and the ladies, at the same +time, were also entertained in the Library; after which they sung +the four first verses in the 65th Psalm, and so the day +ended."--p. 24. + +The following excellent and interesting account of the exercises +and customs of Commencement at Yale College, in former times, is +taken from the entertaining address referred to +above:--"Commencements were not to be public, according to the +wishes of the first Trustees, through fear of the attendant +expense; but another practice soon prevailed, and continued with +three or four exceptions until the breaking out of the war in +1775. They were then private for five years, on account of the +times. The early exercises of the candidates for the first degree +were a 'saluting' oration in Latin, succeeded by syllogistic +disputations in the same language; and the day was closed by the +Masters' exercises,--disputations and a valedictory. According to +an ancient academical practice, theses were printed and +distributed upon this occasion, indicating what the candidates for +a degree had studied, and were prepared to defend; yet, contrary +to the usage still prevailing at universities which have adhered +to the old method of testing proficiency, it does not appear that +these theses were ever defended in public. They related to a +variety of subjects in Technology, Logic, Grammar, Rhetoric, +Mathematics, Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, and afterwards +Theology. The candidates for a Master's degree also published +theses at this time, which were called _Quæstiones magistrales_. +The syllogistic disputes were held between an affirmant and +respondent, who stood in the side galleries of the church opposite +to one another, and shot the weapons of their logic over the heads +of the audience. The saluting Bachelor and the Master who +delivered the valedictory stood in the front gallery, and the +audience huddled around below them to catch their Latin eloquence +as it fell. It seems also to have been usual for the President to +pronounce an oration in some foreign tongue upon the same +occasion.[11] + +"At the first public Commencement under President Stiles, in 1781, +we find from a particular description which has been handed down, +that the original plan, as above described, was subjected for the +time to considerable modifications. The scheme, in brief, was as +follows. The salutatory oration was delivered by a member of the +graduating class, who is now our aged and honored townsman, Judge +Baldwin. This was succeeded by the syllogistic disputations, and +these by a Greek oration, next to which came an English colloquy. +Then followed a forensic disputation, in which James Kent was one +of the speakers. Then President Stiles delivered an oration in +Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Arabic,--it being an extraordinary occasion. +After which the morning was closed with an English oration by one +of the graduating class. In the afternoon, the candidates for the +second degree had the time, as usual, to themselves, after a Latin +discourse by President Stiles. The exhibiters appeared in +syllogistic disputes, a dissertation, a poem, and an English +oration. Among these performers we find the names of Noah Webster, +Joel Barlow, and Oliver Wolcott. Besides the Commencements there +were exhibitions upon quarter-days, as they were called, in +December and March, as well as at the end of the third term, when +the younger classes performed; and an exhibition of the Seniors in +July, at the time of their examination for degrees, when the +valedictory orator was one of their own choice. This oration was +transferred to the Commencement about the year 1798, when the +Masters' valedictories had fallen into disuse; and being in +English, gave a new interest to the exercises of the day. + +"Commencements were long occasions of noisy mirth, and even of +riot. The older records are full of attempts, on the part of the +Corporation, to put a stop to disorder and extravagance at this +anniversary. From a document of 1731, it appears that cannons had +been fired in honor of the day, and students were now forbidden to +have a share in this on pain of degradation. The same prohibition +was found necessary again in 1755, at which time the practice had +grown up of illuminating the College buildings upon Commencement +eve. But the habit of drinking spirituous liquor, and of +furnishing it to friends, on this public occasion, grew up into +more serious evils. In the year 1737, the Trustees, having found +that there was a great expense in spirituous distilled liquors +upon Commencement occasions, ordered that for the future no +candidate for a degree, or other student, should provide or allow +any such liquors to be drunk in his chamber during Commencement +week. And again, it was ordered in 1746, with the view of +preventing several extravagant and expensive customs, that there +should be 'no kind of public treat but on Commencement, +quarter-days, and the day on which the valedictory oration was +pronounced; and on that day the Seniors may provide and give away +a barrel of metheglin, and nothing more.' But the evil continued a +long time. In 1760, it appears that it was usual for the +graduating class to provide a pipe of wine, in the payment of +which each one was forced to join. The Corporation now attempted +by very stringent law to break up this practice; but the Senior +Class having united in bringing large quantities of rum into +College, the Commencement exercises were suspended, and degrees +were withheld until after a public confession of the class. In the +two next years degrees were given at the July examination, with a +view to prevent such disorders, and no public Commencement was +celebrated. Similar scenes are not known to have occurred +afterwards, although for a long time that anniversary wore as much +the aspect of a training-day as of a literary festival. + +"The Commencement Day in the modern sense of the term--that is, a +gathering of graduated members and of others drawn together by a +common interest in the College, and in its young members who are +leaving its walls--has no counterpart that I know of in the older +institutions of Europe. It arose by degrees out of the former +exercises upon this occasion, with the addition of such as had +been usual before upon quarter-days, or at the presentation in +July. For a time several of the commencing Masters appeared on the +stage to pronounce orations, as they had done before. In process +of time, when they had nearly ceased to exhibit, this anniversary +began to assume a somewhat new feature; the peculiarity of which +consists in this, that the graduates have a literary festival more +peculiarly their own, in the shape of discourses delivered before +their assembled body, or before some literary +society."--_Woolsey's Historical Discourse_, pp. 65-68. + +Further remarks concerning the observance of Commencement at Yale +College may be found in Ebenezer Baldwin's "Annals" of that +institution, pp. 189-197. + +An article "On the Date of the First Public Commencement at Yale +College, in New Haven," will be read with pleasure by those who +are interested in the deductions of antiquarian research. It is +contained in the "Yale Literary Magazine," Vol. XX. pp. 199, 200. + +The following account of Commencement at Dartmouth College, on +Wednesday, August 24th, 1774, written by Dr. Belknap, may not +prove uninteresting. + +"About eleven o'clock, the Commencement began in a large tent +erected on the east side of the College, and covered with boards; +scaffolds and seats being prepared. + +"The President began with a prayer in the usual _strain_. Then an +English oration was spoken by one of the Bachelors, complimenting +the Trustees, &c. A syllogistic disputation on this question: +_Amicitia vera non est absque amore divina_. Then a cliosophic +oration. Then an anthem, 'The voice of my beloved sounds,' &c. +Then a forensic dispute, _Whether Christ died for all men_? which +was well supported on both sides. Then an anthem, 'Lift up your +heads, O ye gates,' &c. + +"The company were invited to dine at the President's and the hall. +The Connecticut lads and lasses, I observed, walked about hand in +hand in procession, as 't is said they go to a wedding. + +"Afternoon. The exercises began with a Latin oration on the state +of society by Mr. Kipley. Then an English _Oration on the +Imitative Arts_, by Mr. J. Wheelock. The degrees were then +conferred, and, in addition to the usual ceremony of the book, +diplomas were delivered to the candidates, with this form of +words: 'Admitto vos ad primum (vel secundum) gradum in artibus pro +more Academiarum in Anglia, vobisque trado hunc librum, una cum +potestate publice prelegendi ubicumque ad hoc munus avocati +fueritis (to the masters was added, fuistis vel fueritis), cujus +rei hæc diploma membrana scripta est testimonium.' Mr. Woodward +stood by the President, and held the book and parchments, +delivering and exchanging them as need required. Rev. Mr. Benjamin +Pomeroy, of Hebron, was admitted to the degree of Doctor in +Divinity. + +"After this, McGregore and Sweetland, two Bachelors, spoke a +dialogue of Lord Lyttleton's between Apicius and Darteneuf, upon +good eating and drinking. The Mercury (who comes in at the close +of the piece) performed his part but clumsily; but the two +epicures did well, and the President laughed as heartily as the +rest of the audience; though considering the circumstances, it +might admit of some doubt, whether the dialogue were really a +burlesque, or a compliment to the College. + +"An anthem and prayer concluded the public exercises. Much decency +and regularity were observable through the day, in the numerous +attending concourse of people."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, +pp. 69-71. + +At Shelby College, Ky., it is customary at Commencement to perform +plays, with appropriate costumes, at stated intervals during the +exercises. + +An account of the manner in which Commencement has been observed +at other colleges would only be a repetition of what has been +stated above, in reference to Harvard and Yale. These being, the +former the first, and the latter the third institution founded in +our country, the colleges which were established at a later period +grounded, not only their laws, but to a great extent their +customs, on the laws and customs which prevailed at Cambridge and +New Haven. + + +COMMENCEMENT CARD. At Union College, there is issued annually at +Commencement a card containing a programme of the exercises of the +day, signed with the names of twelve of the Senior Class, who are +members of the four principal college societies. These cards are +worded in the form of invitations, and are to be sent to the +friends of the students. To be "_on the Commencement card_" is +esteemed an honor, and is eagerly sought for. At other colleges, +invitations are often issued at this period, usually signed by the +President. + + +COMMENCER. In American colleges, a member of the Senior Class, +after the examination for degrees; generally, one who _commences_. + +These exercises were, besides an oration usually made by the +President, orations both salutatory and valedictory, made by some +or other of the _commencers_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 128. + +The Corporation with the Tutors shall visit the chambers of the +_commencers_ to see that this law be well observed.--_Peirce's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 137. + +Thirty _commencers_, besides Mr. Rogers, &c.--_Ibid._, App., p. +150. + + +COMMERS. In the German universities, a party of students assembled +for the purpose of making an excursion to some place in the +country for a day's jollification. On such an occasion, the +students usually go "in a long train of carriages with outriders"; +generally, a festive gathering of the students.--_Howitt's Student +Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 56; see also Chap. XVI. + + +COMMISSARY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., an officer under +the Chancellor, and appointed by him, who holds a court of record +for all privileged persons and scholars under the degree of M.A. +In this court, all causes are tried and determined by the civil +and statute law, and by the custom of the University.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +COMMON. To board together; to eat at a table in common. + + +COMMONER. A student of the second rank in the University of +Oxford, Eng., who is not dependent on the foundation for support, +but pays for his board or _commons_, together with all other +charges. Corresponds to a PENSIONER at Cambridge. See GENTLEMAN +COMMONER. + +2. One who boards in commons. + +In all cases where those who do damage to the table furniture, or +in the steward's kitchen, cannot be detected, the amount shall be +charged to the _commoners_.--_Laws Union Coll._, 1807, p. 34. + +The steward shall keep an accurate list of the +_commoners_.--_Ibid._, 1807, p. 34. + + +COMMON ROOM. The room to which all the members of the college have +access. There is sometimes one _common room_ for graduates, and +another for undergraduates.--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + + Oh, could the days once more but come, + When calm I smoak'd in _common room_. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., 1750, Vol. I. p. 237. + + +COMMONS. Food provided at a common table, as in colleges, where +many persons eat at the same table, or in the same +hall.--_Webster_. + +Commons were introduced into Harvard College at its first +establishment, in the year 1636, in imitation of the English +universities, and from that time until the year 1849, when they +were abolished, seem to have been a never-failing source of +uneasiness and disturbance. While the infant College with the +title only of "school," was under the superintendence of Mr. +Nathaniel Eaton, its first "master," the badness of commons was +one of the principal causes of complaint. "At no subsequent period +of the College history," says Mr. Quincy, "has discontent with +commons been more just and well founded, than under the huswifery +of Mrs. Eaton." "It is perhaps owing," Mr. Winthrop observes in +his History of New England, "to the gallantry of our fathers, that +she was not enjoined in the perpetual malediction they bestowed on +her husband." A few years after, we read, in the "Information +given by the Corporation and Overseers to the General Court," a +proposition either to make "the scholars' charges less, or their +commons better." For a long period after this we have no account +of the state of commons, "but it is not probable," says Mr. +Peirce, "they were materially different from what they have been +since." + +During the administration of President Holyoke, from 1737 to 1769, +commons were the constant cause of disorders among the students. +There appears to have been a very general permission to board in +private families before the year 1737: an attempt was then made to +compel the undergraduates to board in commons. After many +resolutions, a law was finally passed, in 1760, prohibiting them +"from dining or supping in any house in town, except on an +invitation to dine or sup _gratis_." "The law," says Quincy, "was +probably not very strictly enforced. It was limited to one year, +and was not renewed." + +An idea of the quality of commons may be formed from the following +accounts furnished by Dr. Holyoke and Judge Wingate. According to +the former of these gentlemen, who graduated in 1746, the +"breakfast was two sizings of bread and a cue of beer"; and +"evening commons were a pye." The latter, who graduated thirteen +years after, says: "As to the commons, there were in the morning +none while I was in College. At dinner, we had, of rather ordinary +quality, a sufficiency of meat of some kind, either baked or +boiled; and at supper, we had either a pint of milk and half a +biscuit, or a meat pye of some other kind. Such were the commons +in the hall in my day. They were rather ordinary; but I was young +and hearty, and could live comfortably upon them. I had some +classmates who paid for their commons and never entered the hall +while they belonged to the College. We were allowed at dinner a +cue of beer, which was a half-pint, and a sizing of bread, which I +cannot describe to you. It was quite sufficient for one dinner." +By a vote of the Corporation in 1750, a law was passed, declaring +"that the quantity of commons be as hath been usual, viz. two +sizes of bread in the morning; one pound of meat at dinner, with +sufficient sauce" (vegetables), "and a half a pint of beer; and at +night that a part pie be of the same quantity as usual, and also +half a pint of beer; and that the supper messes be but of four +parts, though the dinner messes be of six." This agrees in +substance with the accounts given above. The consequence of such +diet was, "that the sons of the rich," says Mr. Quincy, +"accustomed to better fare, paid for commons, which they would not +eat, and never entered the hall; while the students whose +resources did not admit of such an evasion were perpetually +dissatisfied." + +About ten years after, another law was made, "to restrain scholars +from breakfasting in the houses of town's people," and provision +was made "for their being accommodated with breakfast in the hall, +either milk, chocolate, tea, or coffee, as they should +respectively choose." They were allowed, however, to provide +themselves with breakfasts in their own chambers, but not to +breakfast in one another's chambers. From this period breakfast +was as regularly provided in commons as dinner, but it was not +until about the year 1807 that an evening meal was also regularly +provided. + +In the year 1765, after the erection of Hollis Hall, the +accommodations for students within the walls were greatly +enlarged; and the inconvenience being thus removed which those had +experienced who, living out of the College buildings, were +compelled to eat in commons, a system of laws was passed, by which +all who occupied rooms within the College walls were compelled to +board constantly in common, "the officers to be exempted only by +the Corporation, with the consent of the Overseers; the students +by the President only when they were about to be absent for at +least one week." Scarcely a year had passed under this new +_régime_ "before," says Quincy, "an open revolt of the students +took place on account of the provisions, which it took more than a +month to quell." "Although," he continues, "their proceedings were +violent, illegal, and insulting, yet the records of the immediate +government show unquestionably, that the disturbances, in their +origin, were not wholly without cause, and that they were +aggravated by want of early attention to very natural and +reasonable complaints." + +During the war of the American Revolution, the difficulty of +providing satisfactory commons was extreme, as may be seen from +the following vote of the Corporation, passed Aug. 11th, 1777. + +"Whereas by law 9th of Chap. VI. it is provided, 'that there shall +always be chocolate, tea, coffee, and milk for breakfast, with +bread and biscuit and butter,' and whereas the foreign articles +above mentioned are now not to be procured without great +difficulty, and at a very exorbitant price; therefore, that the +charge of commons may be kept as low as possible,-- + +"_Voted_, That the Steward shall provide at the common charge only +bread or biscuit and milk for breakfast; and, if any of the +scholars choose tea, coffee, or chocolate for breakfast, they +shall procure those articles for themselves, and likewise the +sugar and butter to be used with them; and if any scholars choose +to have their milk boiled, or thickened with flour, if it may be +had, or with meal, the Steward, having reasonable notice, shall +provide it; and further, as salt fish alone is appointed by the +aforesaid law for the dinner on Saturdays, and this article is now +risen to a very high price, and through the scarcity of salt will +probably be higher, the Steward shall not be obliged to provide +salt fish, but shall procure fresh fish as often as he +can."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 541. + +Many of the facts in the following account of commons prior to, +and immediately succeeding, the year 1800, have been furnished by +Mr. Royal Morse of Cambridge. + +The hall where the students took their meals was usually provided +with ten tables; at each table were placed two messes, and each +mess consisted of eight persons. The tables where the Tutors and +Seniors sat were raised eighteen or twenty inches, so as to +overlook the rest. It was the duty of one of the Tutors or of the +Librarian to "ask a blessing and return thanks," and in their +absence, the duty devolved on "the senior graduate or +undergraduate." The waiters were students, chosen from the +different classes, and receiving for their services suitable +compensation. Each table was waited on by members of the class +which occupied it, with the exception of the Tutor's table, at +which members of the Senior Class served. Unlike the _sizars_ and +_servitors_ at the English universities, the waiters were usually +much respected, and were in many cases the best scholars in their +respective classes. + +The breakfast consisted of a specified quantity of coffee, a +_size_ of baker's biscuit, which was one biscuit, and a _size_ of +butter, which was about an ounce. If any one wished for more than +was provided, he was obliged to _size_ it, i.e. order from the +kitchen or buttery, and this was charged as extra commons or +_sizings_ in the quarter-bill. + +At dinner, every mess was served with eight pounds of meat, +allowing a pound to each person. On Monday and Thursday the meat +was boiled; these days were on this account commonly called +"boiling days." On the other days the meat was roasted; these were +accordingly named "roasting days." Two potatoes were allowed to +each person, which he was obliged to pare for himself. On _boiling +days_, pudding and cabbage were added to the bill of fare, and in +their season, greens, either dandelion or the wild pea. Of bread, +a _size_ was the usual quantity apiece, at dinner. Cider was the +common beverage, of which there was no stated allowance, but each +could drink as much as he chose. It was brought, on in pewter +quart cans, two to a mess, out of which they drank, passing them +from mouth to mouth like the English wassail-bowl. The waiters +replenished them as soon as they were emptied. + +No regular supper was provided, but a bowl of milk, and a size of +bread procured at the kitchen, supplied the place of the evening +meal. + +Respecting the arrangement of the students at table, before +referred to, Professor Sidney Willard remarks: "The intercourse +among students at meals was not casual or promiscuous. Generally, +the students of the same class formed themselves into messes, as +they were called, consisting each of eight members; and the length +of one table was sufficient to seat two messes. A mess was a +voluntary association of those who liked each other's company; and +each member had his own place. This arrangement was favorable for +good order; and, where the members conducted themselves with +propriety, their cheerful conversation, and even exuberant spirits +and hilarity, if not too boisterous, were not unpleasant to that +portion of the government who presided at the head table. But the +arrangement afforded opportunities also for combining in factious +plans and organizations, tending to disorders, which became +infectious, and terminated unhappily for all +concerned."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. pp. 192, +193. + +A writer in the New England Magazine, referring to the same +period, says: "In commons, we fared as well as one half of us had +been accustomed to at home. Our breakfast consisted of a +good-sized biscuit of wheaten flour, with butter and coffee, +chocolate, or milk, at our option. Our dinner was served up on +dishes of pewter, and our drink, which was cider, in cans of the +same material. For our suppers, we went with our bowls to the +kitchen, and received our rations of milk, or chocolate, and +bread, and returned with them to our rooms."--Vol. III. p. 239. + +Although much can be said in favor of the commons system, on +account of its economy and its suitableness to health and study, +yet these very circumstances which were its chief recommendation +were the occasion also of all the odium which it had to encounter. +"That simplicity," says Peirce, "which makes the fare cheap, and +wholesome, and philosophical, renders it also unsatisfactory to +dainty palates; and the occasional appearance of some unlucky +meat, or other food, is a signal for a general outcry against the +provisions." In the plain but emphatic words of one who was +acquainted with the state of commons, as they once were at Harvard +College, "the butter was sometimes so bad, that a farmer would not +take it to grease his cart-wheels with." It was the usual practice +of the Steward, when veal was cheap, to furnish it to the students +three, four, and sometimes five times in the week; the same with +reference to other meats when they could be bought at a low price, +and especially with lamb. The students, after eating this latter +kind of meat for five or six successive weeks would often assemble +before the Steward's house, and, as if their natures had been +changed by their diet, would bleat and blatter until he was fain +to promise them a change of food, upon which they would separate +until a recurrence of the same evil compelled them to the same +measures. + +The annexed account of commons at Yale College, in former times, +is given by President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse, +pronounced at New Haven, August 14th, 1850. + +"At first, a college without common meals was hardly conceived of; +and, indeed, if we trace back the history of college as they grew +up at Paris, nothing is more of their essence than that students +lived and ate together in a kind of conventual system. No doubt, +also, when the town of New Haven was smaller, it was far more +difficult to find desirable places for boarding than at present. +But however necessary, the Steward's department was always beset +with difficulties and exposed to complaints which most gentlemen +present can readily understand. The following rations of commons, +voted by the Trustees in 1742, will show the state of college fare +at that time. 'Ordered, that the Steward shall provide the commons +for the scholars as follows, viz.: For breakfast, one loaf of +bread for four, which [the dough] shall weigh one pound. For +dinner for four, one loaf of bread as aforesaid, two and a half +pounds beef, veal, or mutton, or one and three quarter pounds salt +pork about twice a week in the summer time, one quart of beer, two +pennyworth of sauce [vegetables]. For supper for four, two quarts +of milk and one loaf of bread, when milk can conveniently be had, +and when it cannot, then apple-pie, which shall be made of one and +three fourth pounds dough, one quarter pound hog's fat, two ounces +sugar, and half a peck apples.' In 1759 we find, from a vote +prohibiting the practice, that beer had become one of the articles +allowed for the evening meal. Soon after this, the evening meal +was discontinued, and, as is now the case in the English colleges, +the students had supper in their own rooms, which led to +extravagance and disorder. In the Revolutionary war the Steward +was quite unable once or twice to provide food for the College, +and this, as has already appeared, led to the dispersion of the +students in 1776 and 1777, and once again in 1779 delayed the +beginning of the winter term several weeks. Since that time, +nothing peculiar has occurred with regard to commons, and they +continued with all their evils of coarse manners and wastefulness +for sixty years. The conviction, meanwhile, was increasing, that +they were no essential part of the College, that on the score of +economy they could claim no advantage, that they degraded the +manners of students and fomented disorder. The experiment of +suppressing them has hitherto been only a successful one. No one, +who can retain a lively remembrance of the commons and the manners +as they were both before and since the building of the new hall in +1819, will wonder that this resolution was adopted by the +authorities of the College."--pp. 70-72. + +The regulations which obtained at meal-time in commons were at one +period in these words: "The waiters in the hall, appointed by the +President, are to put the victuals on the tables spread with +decent linen cloths, which are to be washed every week by the +Steward's procurement, and the Tutors, or some of the senior +scholars present, are to ask a blessing on the food, and to return +thanks. All the scholars at mealtime are required to behave +themselves decently and gravely, and abstain from loud talking. No +victuals, platters, cups, &c. may be carried out of the hall, +unless in case of sickness, and with liberty from one of the +Tutors. Nor may any scholar go out before thanks are returned. And +when dinner is over, the waiters are to carry the platters and +cloths back into the kitchen. And if any one shall offend in +either of these things, or carry away anything belonging to the +hall without leave, he shall be fined sixpence."--_Laws of Yale +Coll._, 1774, p. 19. + +From a little work by a graduate at Yale College of the class of +1821, the accompanying remarks, referring to the system of commons +as generally understood, are extracted. + +"The practice of boarding the students in commons was adopted by +our colleges, naturally, and perhaps without reflection, from the +old universities of Europe, and particularly from those of +England. At first those universities were without buildings, +either for board or lodging; being merely rendezvous for such as +wished to pursue study. The students lodged at inns, or at private +houses, defraying out of their own pockets, and in their own way, +all charges for board and education. After a while, in consequence +of the exorbitant demands of landlords, _halls_ were built, and +common tables furnished, to relieve them from such exactions. +Colleges, with chambers for study and lodging, were erected for a +like reason. Being founded, in many cases, by private munificence, +for the benefit of indigent students, they naturally included in +their economy both lodging-rooms and board. There was also a +_police_ reason for the measure. It was thought that the students +could be better regulated as to their manners and behavior, being +brought together under the eye of supervisors." + +Omitting a few paragraphs, we come to a more particular account of +some of the jocose scenes which resulted from the commons system +as once developed at Yale College. + +"The Tutors, who were seated at raised tables, could not, with all +their vigilance, see all that passed, and they winked at much they +did see. Boiled potatoes, pieces of bread, whole loaves, balls of +butter, dishes, would be flung back and forth, especially between +Sophomores and Freshmen; and you were never sure, in raising a cup +to your lips, that it would not be dashed out of your hands, and +the contents spilt upon your clothes, by one of these flying +articles slyly sent at random. Whatever damage was done was +averaged on our term-bills; and I remember a charge of six hundred +tumblers, thirty coffee-pots, and I know not how many other +articles of table furniture, destroyed or carried off in a single +term. Speaking of tumblers, it may be mentioned as an instance of +the progress of luxury, even there, that down to about 1815 such a +thing was not known, the drinking-vessels at dinner being +capacious pewter mugs, each table being furnished with two. We +were at one time a good deal incommoded by the diminutive size of +the milk-pitchers, which were all the while empty and gone for +more. A waiter mentioned, for our patience, that, when these were +used up, a larger size would be provided. 'O, if that's the case, +the remedy is easy.' Accordingly the hint was passed through the +room, the offending pitchers were slyly placed upon the floor, +and, as we rose from the tables, were crushed under foot. The next +morning the new set appeared. One of the classes being tired of +_lamb, lamb, lamb_, wretchedly cooked, during the season of it, +expressed their dissatisfaction by entering the hall bleating; no +notice of which being taken, a day or two after they entered in +advance of the Tutors, and cleared the tables of it, throwing it +out of the windows, platters and all, and immediately retired. + +"In truth, not much could be said in commendation of our Alma +Mater's table. A worse diet for sedentary men than that we had +during the last days of the _old_ hall, now the laboratory, cannot +be imagined. I will not go into particulars, for I hate to talk +about food. It was absolutely destructive of health. I know it to +have ruined, permanently, the health of some, and I have not the +least doubt of its having occasioned, in certain instances which I +could specify, incurable debility and premature death."--_Scenes +and Characters in College_, New Haven, 1847, pp. 113-117. + +See INVALID'S TABLE. SLUM. + +That the commons at Dartmouth College were at times of a quality +which would not be called the best, appears from the annexed +paragraph, written in the year 1774. "He [Eleazer Wheelock, +President of the College] has had the mortification to lose two +cows, and the rest were greatly hurt by a contagious distemper, so +that they _could not have a full supply of milk_; and once the +pickle leaked out of the beef-barrel, so that the _meat was not +sweet_. He had also been ill-used with respect to the purchase of +some wheat, so that they had smutty bread for a while, &c. The +scholars, on the other hand, say they scarce ever have anything +but pork and greens, without vinegar, and pork and potatoes; that +fresh meat comes but very seldom, and that the victuals are very +badly dressed."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, pp. 68, 69. + +The above account of commons applies generally to the system as it +was carried out in the other colleges in the United States. In +almost every college, commons have been abolished, and with them +have departed the discords, dissatisfactions, and open revolts, of +which they were so often the cause. + +See BEVER. + + +COMMORANTES IN VILLA. Latin; literally, _those abiding in town_. +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the designation of Masters +of Arts, and others of higher degree, who, residing within the +precincts of the University, enjoy the privilege of being members +of the Senate, without keeping their names on the college boards. +--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +To have a vote in the Senate, the graduate must keep his name on +the books of some college, or on the list of the _commorantes in +villâ_.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + + +COMPOSITION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., translating +English into Greek or Latin is called _composition_.--_Bristed_. + +In _composition_ and cram I was yet untried.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + +You will have to turn English prose into Greek and Latin prose, +English verse into Greek Iambic Trimeters, and part of some chorus +in the Agamemnon into Latin, and possibly also into English verse. +This is the "_composition_," and is to be done, remember, without +the help of books or any other assistance.--_Ibid._, p. 68. + +The term _Composition_ seems in itself to imply that the +translation is something more than a translation.--_Ibid._, p. +185. + +Writing a Latin Theme, or original Latin verses, is designated +_Original Composition_.--_Bristed_. + + +COMPOSUIST. A writer; composer. "This extraordinary word," says +Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "has been much used at some of +our colleges, but very seldom elsewhere. It is now rarely heard +among us. A correspondent observes, that 'it is used in England +among _musicians_.' I have never met with it in any English +publications upon the subject of music." + +The word is not found, I believe, in any dictionary of the English +tongue. + + +COMPOUNDER. One at a university who pays extraordinary fees, +according to his means, for the degree he is to take. A _Grand +Compounder_ pays double fees. See the _Customs and Laws of Univ. +of Cam., Eng._, p. 297. + + +CONCIO AD CLERUM. A sermon to the clergy. In the English +universities, an exercise or Latin sermon, which is required of +every candidate for the degree of D.D. Used sometimes in America. + +In the evening the "_concio ad clerum_" will be preached.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 426. + + +CONDITION. A student on being examined for admission to college, +if found deficient in certain studies, is admitted on _condition_ +he will make up the deficiency, if it is believed on the whole +that he is capable of pursuing the studies of the class for which +he is offered. The branches in which he is deficient are called +_conditions_. + + Talks of Bacchus and tobacco, short sixes, sines, transitions, + And Alma Mater takes him in on ten or twelve _conditions_. + _Poem before Y.H. Soc., Harv. Coll._ + + Praying his guardian powers + To assist a poor Sub Fresh at the dread Examination, + And free from all _conditions_ to insure his first vacation. + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._ + + +CONDITION. To admit a student as member of a college, who on being +examined has been found deficient in some particular, the +provision of his admission being that he will make up the +deficiency. + +A young man shall come down to college from New Hampshire, with no +preparation save that of a country winter-school, shall be +examined and "_conditioned_" in everything, and yet he shall come +out far ahead of his city Latin-school classmate.--_A Letter to a +Young Man who has just entered College_, 1849, p. 8. + +They find themselves _conditioned_ on the studies of the term, and +not very generally respected.--_Harvard Mag._, Vol. I. p. 415. + + +CONDUCT. The title of two clergymen appointed to read prayers at +Eton College, in England.--_Mason. Webster_. + + +CONFESSION. It was formerly the custom in the older American +colleges, when a student had rendered himself obnoxious to +punishment, provided the crime was not of an aggravated nature, to +pardon and restore him to his place in the class, on his +presenting a confession of his fault, to be read publicly in the +hall. The Diary of President Leverett, of Harvard College, under +date of the 20th of March, 1714, contains an interesting account +of the confession of Larnel, an Indian student belonging to the +Junior Sophister class, who had been guilty of some offence for +which he had been dismissed from college. + +"He remained," says Mr. Leverett, "a considerable time at Boston, +in a state of penance. He presented his confession to Mr. +Pemberton, who thereupon became his intercessor, and in his letter +to the President expresses himself thus: 'This comes by Larnel, +who brings a confession as good as Austin's, and I am charitably +disposed to hope it flows from a like spirit of penitence.' In the +public reading of his confession, the flowing of his passions was +extraordinarily timed, and his expressions accented, and most +peculiarly and emphatically those of the grace of God to him; +which indeed did give a peculiar grace to the performance itself, +and raised, I believe, a charity in some that had very little I am +sure, and ratified wonderfully that which I had conceived of him. +Having made his public confession, he was restored to his standing +in the College."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 443, +444. + + +CONGREGATION. At Oxford, the house of _congregation_ is one of the +two assemblies in which the business of the University, as such, +is carried on. In this house the Chancellor, or his vicar the +Vice-Chancellor, or in his absence one of his four deputies, +termed Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and the two Proctors, either by +themselves or their deputies, always preside. The members of this +body are regents, "either regents '_necessary_' or '_ad +placitum_,' that is, on the one hand, all doctors and masters of +arts, during the first year of their degree; and on the other, all +those who have gone through the year of their necessary regency, +and which includes all resident doctors, heads of colleges and +halls, professors and public lecturers, public examiners, masters +of the schools, or examiners for responsions or 'little go,' deans +and censors of colleges, and all other M.A.'s during the second +year of their regency." The business of the house of congregation, +which may be regarded as the oligarchical body, is chiefly to +grant degrees, and pass graces and dispensations.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +CONSERVATOR. An officer who has the charge of preserving the +rights and privileges of a city, corporation, or community, as in +Roman Catholic universities.--_Webster_. + + +CONSILIUM ABEUNDI. Latin; freely, _the decree of departure_. In +German universities, the _consilium abeundi_ "consists in +expulsion out of the district of the court of justice within which +the university is situated. This punishment lasts a year; after +the expiration of which, the banished student can renew his +matriculation."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +33. + + +CONSISTORY COURT. In the University of Cambridge, England, there +is a _consistory court_ of the Chancellor and of the Commissary. +"For the former," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "the +Chancellor, and in his absence the Vice-Chancellor, assisted by +some of the heads of houses, and one or more doctors of the civil +law, administers justice desired by any member of the University, +&c. In the latter, the Commissary acts by authority given him +under the seal of the Chancellor, as well in the University as at +Stourbridge and Midsummer fairs, and takes cognizance of all +offences, &c. The proceedings are the same in both courts." + + +CONSTITUTIONAL. Among students at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., a walk for exercise. + +The gallop over Bullington, and the "_constitutional_" up +Headington.--_Lond. Quart. Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. 53. + +Instead of boots he [the Cantab] wears easy low-heeled shoes, for +greater convenience in fence and ditch jumping, and other feats of +extempore gymnastics which diversify his +"_constitutionals_".--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 4. + +Even the mild walks which are dignified with the name of exercise +there, how unlike the Cantab's _constitutional_ of eight miles in +less than two hours.--_Ibid._, p. 45. + +Lucky is the man who lives a mile off from his private tutor, or +has rooms ten minutes' walk from chapel: he is sure of that much +_constitutional_ daily.--_Ibid._, p. 224. + +"_Constitutionals_" of eight miles in less than two hours, varied +with jumping hedges, ditches, and gates; "pulling" on the river, +cricket, football, riding twelve miles without drawing bridle,... +are what he understands by his two hours' exercise.--_Ibid._, p. +328. + + +CONSTITUTIONALIZING. Walking. + +The most usual mode of exercise is walking,--_constitutionalizing_ +is the Cantab for it.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 19. + + +CONVENTION. In the University of Cambridge, England, a court +consisting of the Master and Fellows of a college, who sit in the +_Combination Room_, and pass sentence on any young offender +against the laws of soberness and chastity.--_Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam_. + + +CONVICTOR. Latin, _a familiar acquaintance_. In the University of +Oxford, those are called _convictores_ who, although not belonging +to the foundation of any college or hall, have at any time been +regents, and have constantly kept their names on the books of some +college or hall, from the time of their admission to the degree of +M.A., or Doctors in either of the three faculties.--_Oxf. Cal._ + + +CONVOCATION. At Oxford, the house of _convocation_ is one of the +two assemblies in which the business of the University, as such, +is transacted. It consists both of regents and non-regents, "that +is, in brief, all masters of arts not 'honorary,' or 'ad eundems' +from Cambridge or Dublin, and of course graduates of a higher +order." In this house, the Chancellor, or his vicar the +Vice-Chancellor, or in his absence one of his four deputies, +termed Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and the two Proctors, either by +themselves or their deputies, always preside. The business of this +assembly--which may be considered as the house of commons, +excepting that the lords have a vote here equally as in their own +upper house, i.e. the house of congregation--is unlimited, +extending to all subjects connected with the well-being of the +University, including the election of Chancellor, members of +Parliament, and many of the officers of the University, the +conferring of extraordinary degrees, and the disposal of the +University ecclesiastical patronage. It has no initiative power, +this resting solely with the hebdomadal board, but it can debate, +and accept or refuse, the measures which originate in that +board.--_Oxford Guide. Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 223. + +In the University of Cambridge, England, an assembly of the Senate +out of term time is called a _convocation_. In such a case a grace +is immediately passed to convert the convocation into a +congregation, after which the business proceeds as usual.--_Cam. +Cal._ + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the house of _convocation_ +consists of the Fellows and Professors, with all persons who have +received any academic degree whatever in the same, except such as +may be lawfully deprived of their privileges. Its business is such +as may from time to time be delegated by the Corporation, from +which it derives its existence; and is, at present, limited to +consulting and advising for the good of the College, nominating +the Junior Fellows, and all candidates for admissions _ad eundem_; +making laws for its own regulation; proposing plans, measures, or +counsel to the Corporation; and to instituting, endowing, and +naming with concurrence of the same, professorships, scholarships, +prizes, medals, and the like. This and the _Corporation_ compose +the _Senatus Academicus_.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, pp. 6, 7. + + +COPE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the ermined robe worn +by a Doctor in the Senate House, on Congregation Day, is called a +_cope_. + + +COPUS. "Of mighty ale, a large quarte."--_Chaucer_. + +The word _copus_ and the beverage itself are both extensively used +among the _men_ of the University of Cambridge, England. "The +conjecture," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "is surely +ridiculous and senseless, that _Copus_ is contracted from +_Epis_copus, a bishop, 'a mixture of wine, oranges, and sugar.' A +copus of ale is a common fine at the student's table in hall for +speaking Latin, or for some similar impropriety." + + +COPY. At Cambridge, Eng., this word is applied exclusively to +papers of verse composition. It is a public-school term +transplanted to the University.--_Bristed_. + + +CORK, CALK. In some of the Southern colleges, this word, with a +derived meaning, signifies a _complete stopper_. Used in the sense +of an entire failure in reciting; an utter inability to answer an +instructor's interrogatories. + + +CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. In the older American colleges, corporal +punishment was formerly sanctioned by law, and several instances +remain on record which show that its infliction was not of rare +occurrence. + +Among the laws, rules, and scholastic forms established between +the years 1642 and 1646, by Mr. Dunster, the first President of +Harvard College, occurs the following: "Siquis scholarium ullam +Dei et hujus Collegii legem, sive animo perverso, seu ex supinâ +negligentiâ, violârit, postquam fuerit bis admonitus, si non +adultus, _virgis coërceatur_, sin adultus, ad Inspectores Collegii +deferendus erit, ut publicè in eum pro merítis animadversio fiat." +In the year 1656, this law was strengthened by another, recorded +by Quincy, in these words: "It is hereby ordered that the +President and Fellows of Harvard College, for the time being, or +the major part of them, are hereby empowered, according to their +best discretion, to punish all misdemeanors of the youth in their +society, either by fine, or _whipping in the Hall openly_, as the +nature of the offence shall require, not exceeding ten shillings +or _ten stripes_ for one offence; and this law to continue in +force until this Court or the Overseers of the College provide +some other order to punish such offences."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 578, 513. + +A knowledge of the existence of such laws as the above is in some +measure a preparation for the following relation given by Mr. +Peirce in his History of Harvard University. + +"At the period when Harvard College was founded," says that +gentleman, "one of the modes of punishment in the great schools of +England and other parts of Europe was corporal chastisement. It +was accordingly introduced here, and was, no doubt, frequently put +in practice. An instance of its infliction, as part of the +sentence upon an offender, is presented in Judge Sewall's MS. +Diary, with the particulars of a ceremonial, which was reserved +probably for special occasions. His account will afford some idea +of the manners and spirit of the age:-- + +"'June 15, 1674, Thomas Sargeant was examined by the Corporation +finally. The advice of Mr. Danforth, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Thacher, +Mr. Mather (the present), was taken. This was his sentence: + +"'That being convicted of speaking blasphemous words concerning +the H.G., he should be therefore publickly whipped before all the +scholars. + +"'2. That he should be suspended as to taking his degree of +Bachelor. (This sentence read before him twice at the President's +before the Committee and in the Library, before execution.) + +"'3. Sit alone by himself in the Hall uncovered at meals, during +the pleasure of the President and Fellows, and be in all things +obedient, doing what exercise was appointed him by the President, +or else be finally expelled the College. The first was presently +put in execution in the Library (Mr. Danforth, Jr. being present) +before the scholars. He kneeled down, and the instrument, Goodman +Hely, attended the President's word as to the performance of his +part in the work. Prayer was had before and after by the +President, July 1, 1674.'" + +"Men's ideas," continues Mr. Peirce, "must have been very +different from those of the present day, to have tolerated a law +authorizing so degrading a treatment of the members of such a +society. It may easily be imagined what complaints and uneasiness +its execution must frequently have occasioned among the friends +and connections of those who were the subjects of it. In one +instance, it even occasioned the prosecution of a Tutor; but this +was as late as 1733, when old rudeness had lost much of the +people's reverence. The law, however, was suffered, with some +modification, to continue more than a century. In the revised body +of Laws made in the year 1734, we find this article: +'Notwithstanding the preceding pecuniary mulcts, it shall be +lawful for the President, Tutors, and Professors, to punish +Undergraduates by Boxing, when they shall judge the nature or +circumstances of the offence call for it.' This relic of +barbarism, however, was growing more and more repugnant to the +general taste and sentiment. The late venerable Dr. Holyoke, who +was of the class of 1746, observed, that in his day 'corporal +punishment was going out of use'; and at length it was expunged +from the code, never, we trust, to be recalled from the rubbish of +past absurdities."--pp. 227, 228. + +The last movements which were made in reference to corporal +punishment are thus stated by President Quincy, in his History of +Harvard University. "In July, 1755, the Overseers voted, that it +[the right of boxing] should be 'taken away.' The Corporation, +however, probably regarded it as too important an instrument of +authority to be for ever abandoned, and voted, 'that it should be +suspended, as to the execution of it, for one year.' When this +vote came before the Overseers for their sanction, the board +hesitated, and appointed a large committee 'to consider and make +report what punishments they apprehend proper to be substituted +instead of boxing, in case it be thought expedient to repeal or +suspend the law which allows or establishes the same.' From this +period the law disappeared, and the practice was +discontinued."--Vol. II. p. 134. + +The manner in which corporal punishment was formerly inflicted at +Yale College is stated by President Woolsey, in his Historical +Discourse, delivered at New Haven, August, 1850. After speaking of +the methods of punishing by fines and degradation, he thus +proceeds to this topic: "There was a still more remarkable +punishment, as it must strike the men of our times, and which, +although for some reason or other no traces of it exist in any of +our laws so far as I have discovered, was in accordance with the +'good old plan,' pursued probably ever since the origin of +universities. I refer--'horresco referens'--to the punishment of +boxing or cuffing. It was applied before the Faculty to the +luckless offender by the President, towards whom the culprit, in a +standing position, inclined his head, while blows fell in quick +succession upon either ear. No one seems to have been served in +this way except Freshmen and commencing 'Sophimores.'[12] I do not +find evidence that this usage much survived the first jubilee of +the College. One of the few known instances of it, which is on +other accounts remarkable, was as follows. A student in the first +quarter of his Sophomore year, having committed an offence for +which he had been boxed when a Freshman, was ordered to be boxed +again, and to have the additional penalty of acting as butler's +waiter for one week. On presenting himself, _more academico_, for +the purpose of having his ears boxed, and while the blow was +falling, he dodged and fled from the room and the College. The +beadle was thereupon ordered to try to find him, and to command +him to keep himself out of College and out of the yard, and to +appear at prayers the next evening, there to receive further +orders. He was then publicly admonished and suspended; but in four +days after submitted to the punishment adjudged, which was +accordingly inflicted, and upon his public confession his +suspension was taken off. Such public confessions, now unknown, +were then exceedingly common." + +After referring to the instance mentioned above, in which corporal +punishment was inflicted at Harvard College, the author speaks as +follows, in reference to the same subject, as connected with the +English universities. "The excerpts from the body of Oxford +statutes, printed in the very year when this College was founded, +threaten corporal punishment to persons of the proper age,--that +is, below the age of eighteen,--for a variety of offences; and +among the rest for disrespect to Seniors, for frequenting places +where 'vinum aut quivis alius potus aut herba Nicotiana ordinarie +venditur,' for coming home to their rooms after the great Tom or +bell of Christ's Church had sounded, and for playing football +within the University precincts or in the city streets. But the +statutes of Trinity College, Cambridge, contain more remarkable +rules, which are in theory still valid, although obsolete in fact. +All the scholars, it is there said, who are absent from +prayers,--Bachelors excepted,--if over eighteen years of age, +'shall be fined a half-penny, but if they have not completed the +year of their age above mentioned, they shall be chastised with +rods in the hall on Friday.' At this chastisement all +undergraduates were required to be lookers on, the Dean having the +rod of punishment in his hand; and it was provided also, that +whosoever should not answer to his name on this occasion, if a +boy, should be flogged on Saturday. No doubt this rigor towards +the younger members of the society was handed down from the +monastic forms which education took in the earlier schools of the +Middle Ages. And an advance in the age of admission, as well as a +change in the tone of treatment of the young, may account for this +system being laid aside at the universities; although, as is well +known, it continues to flourish at the great public schools of +England."--pp. 49-51. + + +CORPORATION. The general government of colleges and universities +is usually vested in a corporation aggregate, which is preserved +by a succession of members. "The President and Fellows of Harvard +College," says Mr. Quincy in his History of Harvard University, +"being the only Corporation in the Province, and so continuing +during the whole of the seventeenth century, they early assumed, +and had by common usage conceded to them, the name of "_The +Corporation_," by which they designate themselves in all the early +records. Their proceedings are recorded as being done 'at a +meeting of _the Corporation_,' or introduced by the formula, 'It +is ordered by _the Corporation_,' without stating the number or +the names of the members present, until April 19th, 1675, when, +under President Oakes, the names of those present were first +entered on the records, and afterwards they were frequently, +though not uniformly, inserted."--Vol. I. p. 274. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Corporation_, on which the +_House of Convocation_ is wholly dependent, and to which, by law, +belongs the supreme control of the College, consists of not more +than twenty-four Trustees, resident within the State of +Connecticut; the Chancellor and President of the College being _ex +officio_ members, and the Chancellor being _ex officio_ President +of the same. They have authority to fill their own vacancies; to +appoint to offices and professorships; to direct and manage the +funds for the good of the College; and, in general, to exercise +the powers of a collegiate society, according to the provisions of +the charter.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 6. + + +COSTUME. At the English universities there are few objects that +attract the attention of the stranger more than the various +academical dresses worn by the members of those institutions. The +following description of the various costumes assumed in the +University of Cambridge is taken from "The Cambridge Guide," Ed. +1845. + +"A _Doctor in Divinity_ has three robes: the _first_, a gown made +of scarlet cloth, with ample sleeves terminating in a point, and +lined with rose-colored silk, which is worn in public processions, +and on all state and festival days;--the _second_ is the cope, +worn at Great St. Mary's during the service on Litany-days, in the +Divinity Schools during an Act, and at Conciones ad Clerum; it is +made of scarlet cloth, and completely envelops the person, being +closed down the front, which is trimmed with an edging of ermine; +at the back of it is affixed a hood of the same costly fur;--the +_third_ is a gown made of black silk or poplin, with full, round +sleeves, and is the habit commonly worn in public by a D.D.; +Doctors, however, sometimes wear a Master of Arts' gown, with a +silk scarf. These several dresses are put over a black silk +cassock, which covers the entire body, around which it is fastened +by a broad sash, and has sleeves coming down to the wrists, like a +coat. A handsome scarf of the same materials, which hangs over the +shoulders, and extends to the feet, is always worn with the +scarlet and black gowns. A square black cloth cap, with silk +tassel, completes the costume. + +"_Doctors in the Civil Law and in Physic_ have two robes: the +_first_ is the scarlet gown, as just described, and the _second_, +or ordinary dress of a D.C.L., is a black silk gown, with a plain +square collar, the sleeves hanging down square to the feet;--the +ordinary gown of an M.D. is of the same shape, but trimmed at the +collar, sleeves, and front with rich black silk lace. + +"A _Doctor in Music_ commonly wears the same dress as a D.C.L.; +but on festival and scarlet-days is arrayed in a gown made of rich +white damask silk, with sleeves and facings of rose-color, a hood +of the same, and a round black velvet cap with gold tassel. + +"_Bachelors in Divinity_ and _Masters of Arts_ wear a black gown, +made of bombazine, poplin, or silk. It has sleeves extending to +the feet, with apertures for the arms just above the elbow, and +may be distinguished by the shape of the sleeves, which hang down +square, and are cut out at the bottom like the section of a +horseshoe. + +"_Bachelors in the Civil Law and in Physic_ wear a gown of the +same shape as that of a Master of Arts. + +"All Graduates of the above ranks are entitled to wear a hat, +instead of the square black cloth cap, with their gowns, and the +custom of doing so is generally adopted, except by the HEADS, +_Tutors_, and _University_ and _College Officers_, who consider it +more correct to appear in the full academical costume. + +"A _Bachelor of Arts'_ gown is made of bombazine or poplin, with +large sleeves terminating in a point, with apertures for the arms, +just below the shoulder-joint.[13] _Bachelor Fellow-Commoners_ +usually wear silk gowns, and square velvet caps. The caps of other +Bachelors are of cloth. + +"All the above, being _Graduates_, when they use surplices in +chapel wear over them their _hoods_, which are peculiar to the +several degrees. The hoods of _Doctors_ are made of scarlet cloth, +lined with rose-colored silk; those of _Bachelors in Divinity_, +and _Non-Regent Masters of Arts_, are of black silk; those of +_Regent Masters of Arts_ and _Bachelors in the Civil Law and in +Physic_, of black silk lined with white; and those of _Bachelors +of Arts_, of black serge, trimmed with a border of white +lamb's-wool. + +"The dresses of the _Undergraduates_ are the following:-- + +"A _Nobleman_ has two gowns: the _first_ in shape like that of the +Fellow-Commoners, is made of purple Ducape, very richly +embroidered with gold lace, and is worn in public processions, and +on festival-days: a square black velvet cap with a very large gold +tassel is worn with it;--the _second_, or ordinary gown, is made +of black silk, with full round sleeves, and a hat is worn with it. +The latter dress is worn also by the Bachelor Fellows of King's +College. + +"A _Fellow-Commoner_ wears a black prince's stuff gown, with a +square collar, and straight hanging sleeves, which are decorated +with gold lace; and a square black velvet cap with a gold tassel. + +"The Fellow-Commoners of Emmanuel College wear a similar gown, +with the addition of several gold-lace buttons attached to the +trimmings on the sleeves;--those of Trinity College have a purple +prince's stuff gown, adorned with silver lace,[14] and a silver +tassel is attached to the cap;--at Downing the gown is made of +black silk, of the same shape, ornamented with tufts and silk +lace; and a square cap of velvet with a gold tassel is worn. At +Jesus College, a Bachelor's silk gown is worn, plaited up at the +sleeve, and with a gold lace from the shoulder to the bend of the +arm. At Queen's a Bachelor's silk gown, with a velvet cap and gold +tassel, is worn: the same at Corpus and Magdalene; at the latter +it is gathered and looped up at the sleeve,--at the former +(Corpus) it has velvet facings. Married Fellow-Commoners usually +wear a black silk gown, with full, round sleeves, and a square +velvet cap with silk tassel.[15] + +"The _Pensioner's_ gown and cap are mostly of the same material +and shape as those of the Bachelor's: the gown differs only in the +mode of trimming. At Trinity and Caius Colleges the gown is +purple, with large sleeves, terminating in a point. At St. Peter's +and Queen's, the gown is precisely the same as that of a Bachelor; +and at King's, the same, but made of fine black woollen cloth. At +Corpus Christi is worn a B.A. gown, with black velvet facings. At +Downing and Trinity Hall the gown is made of black bombazine, with +large sleeves, looped up at the elbows.[16] + +"_Students in the Civil Law and in Physic_, who have kept their +Acts, wear a full-sleeved gown, and are entitled to use a B.A. +hood. + +"Bachelors of Arts and Undergraduates are obliged by the statutes +to wear their academical costume constantly in public, under a +penalty of 6s. 8d. for every omission.[17] + +"Very few of the _University Officers_ have distinctive dresses. + +"The _Chancellor's_ gown is of black damask silk, very richly +embroidered with gold. It is worn with a broad, rich lace band, +and square velvet cap with large gold tassel. + +"The _Vice-Chancellor_ dresses merely as a Doctor, except at +Congregations in the Senate-House, when he wears a cope. When +proceeding to St. Mary's, or elsewhere, in his official capacity, +he is preceded by the three Esquire-Bedells with their silver +maces, which were the gift of Queen Elizabeth. + +"The _Regius Professors of the Civil Law and of Physic_, when they +preside at Acts in the Schools, wear copes, and round black velvet +caps with gold tassels. + +"The _Proctors_ are not distinguishable from other Masters of +Arts, except at St. Mary's Church and at Congregations, when they +wear cassocks and black silk ruffs, and carry the Statutes of the +University, being attended by two servants, dressed in large blue +cloaks, ornamented with gold-lace buttons. + +"The _Yeoman-Bedell_, in processions, precedes the +Esquire-Bedells, carrying an ebony mace, tipped with silver; his +gown, as well as those of the _Marshal_ and _School-Keeper_, is +made of black prince's stuff, with square collar, and square +hanging sleeves."--pp. 28-33. + +At the University of Oxford, Eng., the costume of the Graduates is +as follows:-- + +"The Doctor in Divinity has three dresses: the first consists of a +gown of scarlet cloth, with black velvet sleeves and facings, a +cassock, sash, and scarf. This dress is worn on all public +occasions in the Theatre, in public processions, and on those +Sundays and holidays marked (*) in the _Oxford Calendar_. The +second is a habit of scarlet cloth, and a hood of the same color +lined with black, and a black silk scarf: the Master of Arts' gown +is worn under this dress, the sleeves appearing through the +arm-holes of the habit. This is the dress of business; it is used +in Convocation, Congregation, at Morning Sermons at St. Mary's +during the term, and at Afternoon Sermons at St. Peter's during +Lent, with the exception of the Morning Sermon on Quinquagesima +Sunday, and the Morning Sermons in Lent. The third, which is the +usual dress in which a Doctor of Divinity appears, is a Master of +Arts' gown, with cassock, sash, and scarf. The Vice-Chancellor and +Heads of Colleges and Halls have no distinguishing dress, but +appear on all occasions as Doctors in the faculty to which they +belong. + +"The dresses worn by Graduates in Law and Physic are nearly the +same. The Doctor has three. The first is a gown of scarlet cloth, +with sleeves and facings of pink silk, and a round black velvet +cap. This is the dress of state. The second consists of a habit +and hood of scarlet cloth, the habit faced and the hood lined with +pink silk. This habit, which is perfectly analogous to the second +dress of the Doctor in Divinity, has lately grown into disuse; it +is, however, retained by the Professors, and is always used in +presenting to Degrees. The third or common dress of a Doctor in +Law or Physic nearly resembles that of the Bachelor in these +faculties; it is a black silk gown richly ornamented with black +lace; the hood of the Bachelor of Laws (worn as a dress) is of +purple silk, lined with white fur. + +"The dress worn by the Doctor of Music on public occasions is a +rich white damask silk gown, with sleeves and facings of crimson +satin, a hood of the same material, and a round black velvet cap. +The usual dresses of the Doctor and of the Bachelor in Music are +nearly the same as those of Law and Physic. + +"The Master of Arts wears a black gown, usually made of prince's +stuff or crape, with long sleeves which are remarkable for the +circular cut at the bottom. The arm comes through an aperture in +the sleeve, which hangs down. The hood of a Master of Arts is +black silk lined with crimson. + +"The gown of a Bachelor of Arts is also usually made of prince's +stuff or crape. It has a full sleeve, looped up at the elbow, and +terminating in a point; the dress hood is black, trimmed with +white fur. In Lent, at the time of _determining_ in the Schools, a +strip of lamb's-wool is worn in addition to the hood. Noblemen and +Gentlemen-Commoners, who take the Degrees of Bachelor and Master +of Arts, wear their gowns of silk." + +The costume of the Undergraduates is thus described:-- + +"The Nobleman has two dresses; the first, which is worn in the +Theatre, in processions, and on all public occasions, is a gown of +purple damask silk, richly ornamented with gold lace. The second +is a black silk gown, with full sleeves; it has a tippet attached +to the shoulders. With both these dresses is worn a square cap of +black velvet, with a gold tassel. + +"The Gentleman-Commoner has two gowns, _both of black silk_; the +first, which is considered as a dress gown, although worn on all +occasions, at pleasure, is richly ornamented with tassels. The +second, or undress gown, is ornamented with plaits at the sleeves. +A square black velvet cap with a silk tassel, is worn with both. + +"The dress of Commoners is a gown of black prince's stuff, without +sleeves; from each shoulder is appended a broad strip, which +reaches to the bottom of the dress, and towards the top is +gathered into plaits. Square cap of black cloth and silk tassel. + +"The student in Civil Law, or Civilian, wears a plain black silk +gown, and square cloth cap, with silk tassel. + +"Scholars and Demies of Magdalene, and students of Christ Church +who have not taken a degree, wear a plain black gown of prince's +stuff, with round, full sleeves half the length of the gown, and a +square black cap, with silk tassel. + +"The dress of the Servitor is the same as that of the Commoner, +but it has no plaits at the shoulder, and the cap is without a +tassel." + +The costume of those among the University Officers who are +distinguished by their dress, may be thus noted:-- + +"The dress of the Chancellor is of black damask silk, richly +ornamented with gold embroidery, a rich lace band, and square +velvet cap, with a large gold tassel. + +"The Proctors wear gowns of prince's stuff, the sleeves and +facings of black velvet; to the left shoulder is affixed a small +tippet. To this is added, as a dress, a large ermine hood. + +"The Pro-Proctor wears a Master of Arts' gown, faced with velvet, +with a tippet attached to the left shoulder." + +The Collectors wear the same dress as the Proctors, with the +exception of the hood and tippet. + +The Esquire Bedels wear silk gowns, similar to those of Bachelors +of Law, and round velvet caps. The Yeoman Bedels have black stuff +gowns, and round silk caps. + +The dress of the Verger is nearly the same as that of the Yeoman +Bedel. + +"Bands at the neck are considered as necessary appendages to the +academic dress, particularly on all public occasions."--_Guide to +Oxford_. + +See DRESS. + + +COURTS. At the English universities, the squares or acres into +which each college is divided. Called also quadrangles, +abbreviated quads. + +All the colleges are constructed in quadrangles or _courts_; and, +as in course of years the population of every college, except +one,[18] has outgrown the original quadrangle, new courts have +been added, so that the larger foundations have three, and one[19] +has four courts.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 2. + + +CRACKLING. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., in common +parlance, the three stripes of velvet which a member of St. John's +College wears on his sleeve, are designated by this name. + +Various other gowns are to be discerned, the Pembroke looped at +the sleeve, the Christ's and Catherine curiously crimped in front, +and the Johnian with its unmistakable "_Crackling_"--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 73. + + +CRAM. To prepare a student to pass an examination; to study in +view of examination. In the latter sense used in American +colleges. + +In the latter [Euclid] it is hardly possible, at least not near so +easy as in Logic, to present the semblance of preparation by +learning questions and answers by rote:--in the cant phrase of +undergraduates, by getting _crammed_.--_Whalely's Logic, Preface_. + + For many weeks he "_crams_" him,--daily does he rehearse. + _Poem before the Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + +A class of men arose whose business was to _cram_ the candidates. +--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 246. + +In a wider sense, to prepare another, or one's self, by study, for +any occasion. + +The members of the bar were lounging about that tabooed precinct, +some smoking, some talking and laughing, some poring over long, +ill-written papers or large calf-bound books, and all big with the +ponderous interests depending upon them, and the eloquence and +learning with which they were "_crammed_" for the +occasion.--_Talbot and Vernon_. + +When he was to write, it was necessary to _cram_ him with the +facts and points.--_F.K. Hunt's Fourth Estate_, 1850. + + +CRAM. All miscellaneous information about Ancient History, +Geography, Antiquities, Law, &c.; all classical matter not +included under the heads of TRANSLATION and COMPOSITION, which can +be learned by CRAMMING. Peculiar to the English +Universities.--_Bristed_. + +2. The same as CRAMMING, which see. + +I have made him promise to give me four or five evenings of about +half an hour's _cram_ each.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 240. + +It is not necessary to practise "_cram_" so outrageously as at +some of the college examinations.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., +Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + +3. A paper on which is written something necessary to be learned, +previous to an examination. + +"Take care what you light your cigars with," said Belton, "you'll +be burning some of Tufton's _crams_: they are stuck all about the +pictures."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 223. + +He puzzled himself with his _crams_ he had in his pocket, and +copied what he did not understand.--_Ibid._, p. 279. + + +CRAMBAMBULI. A favorite drink among the students in the German +universities, composed of burnt rum and sugar. + + _Crambambuli_, das ist der Titel + Des Tranks, der sich bei uns bewährt. + _Drinking song_. + +To the next! let's have the _crambambuli_ first, however.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 117. + + +CRAM BOOK. A book in which are laid down such topics as constitute +an examination, together with the requisite answers to the +questions proposed on that occasion. + +He in consequence engages a private tutor, and buys all the _cram +books_ published for the occasion.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 128. + + +CRAMINATION. A farcical word, signifying the same as _cramming_; +the termination _tion_ being suffixed for the sake of mock +dignity. + +The ---- scholarship is awarded to the student in each Senior +Class who attends most to _cramination_ on the College +course.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 28. + + +CRAM MAN. One who is cramming for an examination. + +He has read all the black-lettered divinity in the Bodleian, and +says that none of the _cram men_ shall have a chance with +him.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 274. + + +CRAMMER. One who prepares another for an examination. + +The qualifications of a _crammer_ are given in the following +extract from the Collegian's Guide. + +"The first point, therefore, in which a crammer differs from other +tutors, is in the selection of subjects. While another tutor would +teach every part of the books given up, he virtually reduces their +quantity, dwelling chiefly on the 'likely parts.' + +"The second point in which a crammer excels is in fixing the +attention, and reducing subjects to the comprehension of +ill-formed and undisciplined minds. + +"The third qualification of a crammer is a happy manner and +address, to encourage the desponding, to animate the idle, and to +make the exertions of the pupil continually increase in such a +ratio, that he shall be wound up to concert pitch by the day of +entering the schools."--pp. 231, 232. + + +CRAMMING. A cant term, in the British universities, for the act of +preparing a student to pass an examination, by going over the +topics with him beforehand, and furnishing him with the requisite +answers.--_Webster_. + +The author of the Collegian's Guide, speaking of examinations, +says: "First, we must observe that all examinations imply the +existence of examiners, and examiners, like other mortal beings, +lie open to the frauds of designing men, through the uniformity +and sameness of their proceedings. This uniformity inventive men +have analyzed and reduced to a system, founding thereon a certain +science, and corresponding art, called _Cramming_."--p. 229. + +The power of "_cramming_"--of filling the mind with knowledge +hastily acquired for a particular occasion, and to be forgotten +when that occasion is past--is a power not to be despised, and of +much use in the world, especially at the bar.--_Westminster Rev._, +Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + +I shall never forget the torment I suffered in _cramming_ long +lessons in Greek Grammar.--_Dickens's Household Words_, Vol. I. p. +192. + + +CRAM PAPER. A paper in which are inserted such questions as are +generally asked at an examination. The manner in which these +questions are obtained is explained in the following extract. +"Every pupil, after his examination, comes to thank him as a +matter of course; and as every man, you know, is loquacious enough +on such occasions, Tufton gets out of him all the questions he was +asked in the schools; and according to these questions, he has +moulded his _cram papers_."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 239. + +We should be puzzled to find any questions more absurd and +unreasonable than those in the _cram papers_ in the college +examination.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + + +CRIB. Probably a translation; a pony. + +Of the "Odes and Epodes of Horace, translated literally and +rhythmically" by W. Sewell, of Oxford, the editor of the Literary +World remarks: "Useful as a '_crib_,' it is also poetical."--Vol. +VIII. p. 28. + + +CROW'S-FOOT. At Harvard College a badge formerly worn on the +sleeve, resembling a crow's foot, to denote the class to which a +student belongs. In the regulations passed April 29, 1822, for +establishing the style of dress among the students at Harvard +College, we find the following. A part of the dress shall be +"three crow's-feet, made of black silk cord, on the lower part of +the sleeve of a Senior, two on that of a Junior, and one on that +of a Sophomore." The Freshmen were not allowed to wear the +crow's-foot, and the custom is now discontinued, although an +unsuccessful attempt was made to revive it a few years ago. + +The Freshman scampers off at the first bell for the chapel, where, +finding no brother student of a higher class to encourage his +punctuality, he crawls back to watch the starting of some one +blessed with a _crow's-foot_, to act as vanguard.--_Harv. Reg._, +p. 377. + + The corded _crow's-feet_, and the collar square, + The change and chance of earthly lot must share. + _Class Poem at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 18. + + What if the creature should arise,-- + For he was stout and tall,-- + And swallow down a Sophomore, + Coat, _crow's-foot_, cap, and all. + _Holmes's Poems_, 1850, p. 109. + + +CUE, KUE, Q. A small portion of bread or beer; a term formerly +current in both the English universities, the letter q being the +mark in the buttery books to denote such a piece. Q would seem to +stand for _quadrans_, a farthing; but Minsheu says it was only +half that sum, and thus particularly explains it: "Because they +set down in the battling or butterie bookes in Oxford and +Cambridge, the letter q for half a farthing; and in Oxford when +they make that cue or q a farthing, they say, _cap my q_, and make +it a farthing, thus, [Symbol: small q with a line over]. But in +Cambridge they use this letter, a little f; thus, f, or thus, s, +for a farthing." He translates it in Latin _calculus panis_. Coles +has, "A _cue_ [half a farthing] minutum."--_Nares's Glossary_. + +"A cue of bread," says Halliwell, "is the fourth part of a +half-penny crust. A cue of beer, one draught." + +J. Woods, under-butler of Christ Church, Oxon, said he would never +sitt capping of _cues_.--_Urry's MS._ add. to Ray. + +You are still at Cambridge with size _kue_.--_Orig. of Dr._, III. +p. 271. + +He never drank above size _q_ of Helicon.--_Eachard, Contempt of +Cl._, p. 26. + +"_Cues_ and _cees_," says Nares, "are generally mentioned +together, the _cee_ meaning a small measure of beer; but why, is +not equally explained." From certain passages in which they are +used interchangeably, the terms do not seem to have been well +defined. + +Hee [the college butler] domineers over freshmen, when they first +come to the hatch, and puzzles them with strange language of +_cues_ and _cees_, and some broken Latin, which he has learnt at +his bin.--_Earle's Micro-cosmographie_, (1628,) Char. 17. + +The word _cue_ was formerly used at Harvard College. Dr. Holyoke, +who graduated in 1746, says, the "breakfast was two sizings of +bread and a _cue_ of beer." Judge Wingate, who graduated thirteen +years after, says: "We were allowed at dinner a _cue_ of beer, +which was a half-pint." + +It is amusing to see, term after term, and year after year, the +formal votes, passed by this venerable body of seven ruling and +teaching elders, regulating the price at which a _cue_ (a +half-pint) of cider, or a _sizing_ (ration) of bread, or beef, +might be sold to the student by the butler.--_Eliot's Sketch of +Hist. Harv. Coll._, p. 70. + + +CUP. Among the English Cantabs, "an odious mixture ... compounded +of spice and cider."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +239. + + +CURL. In the University of Virginia, to make a perfect recitation; +to overwhelm a Professor with student learning. + + +CUT. To be absent from; to neglect. Thus, a person is said to +"_cut_ prayers," to "_cut_ lecture," &c. Also, to "_cut_ Greek" or +"Latin"; i.e. to be absent from the Greek or Latin recitation. +Another use of the word is, when one says, "I _cut_ Dr. B----, or +Prof. C----, this morning," meaning that he was absent from their +exercises. + +Prepare to _cut_ recitations, _cut_ prayers, _cut_ lectures,--ay, +to _cut_ even the President himself.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. +of O.F._ 1848. + +Next morn he _cuts_ his maiden prayer, to his last night's text +abiding.--_Poem before Y.H. of Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + As soon as we were Seniors, + We _cut_ the morning prayers, + We showed the Freshmen to the door, + And helped them down the stairs. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 15, 1854. + +We speak not of individuals but of majorities, not of him whose +ambition is to "_cut_" prayers and recitations so far as possible. +--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 15. + +The two rudimentary lectures which he was at first forced to +attend, are now pressed less earnestly upon his notice. In fact, +he can almost entirely "_cut_" them, if he likes, and does _cut_ +them accordingly, as a waste of time,--_Household Words_, Vol. II. +p. 160. + +_To cut dead_, in student use, to neglect entirely. + +I _cut_ the Algebra and Trigonometry papers _dead_ my first year, +and came out seventh.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 51. + +This word is much used in the University of Cambridge, England, as +appears from the following extract from a letter in the +Gentleman's Magazine, written with reference to some of the +customs there observed:--"I remarked, also, that they frequently +used the words _to cut_, and to sport, in senses to me totally +unintelligible. A man had been cut in chapel, cut at afternoon +lectures, cut in his tutor's rooms, cut at a concert, cut at a +ball, &c. Soon, however, I was told of men, _vice versa_, who cut +a figure, _cut_ chapel, _cut_ gates, _cut_ lectures, _cut_ hall, +_cut_ examinations, cut particular connections; nay, more, I was +informed of some who _cut_ their tutors!"--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. +1085. + +The instances in which the verb _to cut_ is used in the above +extract without Italics, are now very common both in England and +America. + +_To cut Gates_. To enter college after ten o'clock,--the hour of +shutting them.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 40. + + +CUT. An omission of a recitation. This phrase is frequently heard: +"We had a cut to-day in Greek," i.e. no recitation in Greek. +Again, "Prof. D---- gave us a cut," i.e. he had no recitation. A +correspondent from Bowdoin College gives, in the following +sentence, the manner in which this word is there used:--"_Cuts_. +When a class for any reason become dissatisfied with one of the +Faculty, they absent themselves from his recitation, as an +expression of their feelings" + + + +_D_. + + +D.C.L. An abbreviation for _Doctor Civilis Legis_, Doctor in Civil +Law. At the University of Oxford, England, this degree is +conferred four years after receiving the degree of B.C.L. The +exercises are three lectures. In the University of Cambridge, +England, a D.C.L. must be a B.C.L. of five years' standing, or an +M.A. of seven years' standing, and must have kept two acts. + + +D.D. An abbreviation of _Divinitatis Doctor_, Doctor in Divinity. +At the University of Cambridge, England, this degree is conferred +on a B.D. of five, or an M.A. of twelve years' standing. The +exercises are one act, two opponencies, a clerum, and an English +sermon. At Oxford it is given to a B.D. of four, or a regent M.A. +of eleven years' standing. The exercises are three lectures. In +American colleges this degree is honorary, and is conferred _pro +meritis_ on those who are distinguished as theologians. + + +DEAD. To be unable to recite; to be ignorant of the lesson; to +declare one's self unprepared to recite. + +Be ready, in fine, to cut, to drink, to smoke, to +_dead_.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + +I see our whole lodge desperately striving to _dead_, by doing +that hardest of all work, nothing.--_Ibid._, 1849. + +_Transitively_; to cause one to fail in reciting. Said of a +teacher who puzzles a scholar with difficult questions, and +thereby causes him to fail. + + Have I been screwed, yea, _deaded_ morn and eve, + Some dozen moons of this collegiate life, + And not yet taught me to philosophize? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 255. + + +DEAD. A complete failure; a declaration that one is not prepared +to recite. + +One must stand up in the singleness of his ignorance to understand +all the mysterious feelings connected with a _dead_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 378. + + And fearful of the morrow's screw or _dead_, + Takes book and candle underneath his bed. + _Class Poem, by B.D. Winslow, at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 10. + + He, unmoved by Freshman's curses, + Loves the _deads_ which Freshmen make.--_MS. Poem_. + + But oh! what aching heads had they! + What _deads_ they perpetrated the succeeding day.--_Ibid._ + +It was formerly customary in many colleges, and is now in a few, +to talk about "taking a dead." + + I have a most instinctive dread + Of getting up to _take a dead_, + Unworthy degradation!--_Harv. Reg._, p. 312. + + +DEAD-SET. The same as a DEAD, which see. + + Now's the day and now's the hour; + See approach Old Sikes's power; + See the front of Logic lower; + Screws, _dead-sets_, and fines.--_Rebelliad_, p. 52. + +Grose has this word in his Slang Dictionary, and defines it "a +concerted scheme to defraud a person by gaming." "This phrase," +says Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, "seems to be +taken from the lifeless attitude of a pointer in marking his +game." + +"The lifeless attitude" seems to be the only point of resemblance +between the above definitions, and the appearance of one who is +_taking a dead set_. The word has of late years been displaced by +the more general use of the word _dead_, with the same meaning. + +The phrase _to be at a dead-set_, implying a fixed state or +condition which precludes further progress, is in general use. + + +DEAN. An officer in each college of the universities in England, +whose duties consist in the due preservation of the college +discipline. + +"Old Holingshed," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "in his +Chronicles, describing Cambridge, speaks of 'certain censors, or +_deanes_, appointed to looke to the behaviour and manner of the +Students there, whom they punish _very severely_, if they make any +default, according to the quantitye and qualitye of their +trespasses.' When _flagellation_ was enforced at the universities, +the Deans were the ministers of vengeance." + +At the present time, a person applying for admission to a college +in the University of Cambridge, Eng., is examined by the Dean and +the Head Lecturer. "The Dean is the presiding officer in chapel, +and the only one whose presence there is indispensable. He +oversees the markers' lists, pulls up the absentees, and receives +their excuses. This office is no sinecure in a large college." At +Oxford "the discipline of a college is administered by its head, +and by an officer usually called Dean, though, in some colleges, +known by other names."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 12, 16. _Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 223. + +In the older American colleges, whipping and cuffing were +inflicted by a tutor, professor, or president; the latter, +however, usually employed an agent for this purpose. + +See under CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. + +2. In the United States, a registrar of the faculty in some +colleges, and especially in medical institutions.--_Webster_. + +A _dean_ may also be appointed by the Faculty of each Professional +School, if deemed expedient by the Corporation.--_Laws Univ. at +Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 8. + +3. The head or president of a college. + +You rarely find yourself in a shop, or other place of public +resort, with a Christ-Church-man, but he takes occasion, if young +and frivolous, to talk loudly of the _Dean_, as an indirect +expression of his own connection with this splendid college; the +title of _Dean_ being exclusively attached to the headship of +Christ Church.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 245. + + +DEAN OF CONVOCATION. At Trinity College, Hartford, this officer +presides in the _House of Convocation_, and is elected by the +same, biennially.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 7. + + +DEAN'S BOUNTY. In 1730, the Rev. Dr. George Berkeley, then Dean of +Derry, in Ireland, came to America, and resided a year or two at +Newport, Rhode Island, "where," says Clap, in his History of Yale +College, "he purchased a country seat, with about ninety-six acres +of land." On his return to London, in 1733, he sent a deed of his +farm in Rhode Island to Yale College, in which it was ordered, +"that the rents of the farm should be appropriated to the +maintenance of the three best scholars in Greek and Latin, who +should reside at College at least nine months in a year, in each +of the three years between their first and second degrees." +President Clap further remarks, that "this premium has been a +great incitement to a laudable ambition to excel in the knowledge +of the classics." It was commonly known as the _Dean's +bounty_.--_Clap's Hist. of Yale Coll._, pp. 37, 38. + +The Dean afterwards conveyed to it [Yale College], by a deed +transmitted to Dr. Johnson, his Rhode Island farm, for the +establishment of that _Dean's bounty_, to which sound classical +learning in Connecticut has been much indebted.--_Hist. Sketch of +Columbia Coll._, p. 19. + + +DEAN SCHOLAR. The person who received the money appropriated by +Dean Berkeley was called the _Dean scholar_. + +This premium was formerly called the Dean's bounty, and the person +who received it the _Dean scholar_.--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. +87. + + +DECENT. Tolerable; pretty good. He is a _decent_ scholar; a +_decent_ writer; he is nothing more than _decent_. "This word," +says Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "has been in common use at +some of our colleges, but only in the language of conversation. +The adverb _decently_ (and possibly the adjective also) is +sometimes used in a similar manner in some parts of Great +Britain." + +The greater part of the pieces it contains may be said to be very +_decently_ written.--_Edinb. Rev._, Vol. I. p. 426. + + +DECLAMATION. The word is applied especially to the public speaking +and speeches of students in colleges, practised for exercises in +oratory.--_Webster_. + +It would appear by the following extract from the old laws of +Harvard College, that original declamations were formerly required +of the students. "The Undergraduates shall in their course declaim +publicly in the hall, in one of the three learned languages; and +in no other without leave or direction from the President, and +immediately give up their declamations fairly written to the +President. And he that neglects this exercise shall be punished by +the President or Tutor that calls over the weekly bill, not +exceeding five shillings. And such delinquent shall within one +week after give in to the President a written declamation +subscribed by himself."--_Laws 1734, in Peirce's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, App., p. 129. + +2. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an essay upon a given +subject, written in view of a prize, and publicly recited in the +chapel of the college to which the writer belongs. + + +DECLAMATION BOARDS. At Bowdoin College, small establishments in +the rear of each building, for urinary purposes. + + +DEDUCTION. In some of the American colleges, one of the minor +punishments for non-conformity with laws and regulations is +deducting from the marks which a student receives for recitations +and other exercises, and by which his standing in the class is +determined. + +Soften down the intense feeling with which he relates heroic +Rapid's _deductions_.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 267. + +2. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an original proposition +in geometry. + +"How much Euclid did you do? Fifteen?" + +"No, fourteen; one of them was a _deduction_."--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 75. + +With a mathematical tutor, the hour of tuition is a sort of +familiar examination, working out examples, _deductions_, +&c.--_Ibid._, pp. 18, 19. + + +DEGRADATION. In the older American colleges, it was formerly +customary to arrange the members of each class in an order +determined by the rank of the parent. "Degradation consisted in +placing a student on the list, in consequence of some offence, +below the level to which his father's condition would assign him; +and thus declared that he had disgraced his family." + +In the Immediate Government Book, No. IV., of Harvard College, +date July 20th, 1776, is the following entry: "Voted, that +Trumbal, a Middle Bachelor, who was degraded to the bottom of his +class for his misdemeanors when an undergraduate, having presented +an humble confession of his faults, with a petition to be restored +to his place in the class in the Catalogue now printing, be +restored agreeable to his request." The Triennial Catalogue for +that year was the first in which the names of the students +appeared in an alphabetical order. The class of 1773 was the first +in which the change was made. + +"The punishment of degradation," says President Woolsey, in his +Historical Discourse before the Graduates of Yale College, "laid +aside not very long before the beginning of the Revolutionary war, +was still more characteristic of the times. It was a method of +acting upon the aristocratic feelings of family; and we at this +day can hardly conceive to what extent the social distinctions +were then acknowledged and cherished. In the manuscript laws of +the infant College, we find the following regulation, which was +borrowed from an early ordinance of Harvard under President +Dunster. 'Every student shall be called by his surname, except he +be the son of a nobleman, or a knight's eldest son.' I know not +whether such a 'rara avis in terris' ever received the honors of +the College; but a kind of colonial, untitled aristocracy grew up, +composed of the families of chief magistrates, and of other +civilians and ministers. In the second year of college life, +precedency according to the aristocratic scale was determined, and +the arrangement of names on the class roll was in accordance. This +appears on our Triennial Catalogue until 1768, when the minds of +men began to be imbued with the notion of equality. Thus, for +instance, Gurdon Saltonstall, son of the Governor of that name, +and descendant of Sir Richard, the first emigrant of the family, +heads the class of 1725, and names of the same stock begin the +lists of 1752 and 1756. It must have been a pretty delicate matter +to decide precedence in a multitude of cases, as in that of the +sons of members of the Council or of ministers, to which class +many of the scholars belonged. The story used to circulate, as I +dare say many of the older graduates remember, that a shoemaker's +son, being questioned as to the quality of his father, replied, +that _he was upon the bench_, which gave him, of course, a high +place."--pp. 48, 49. + +See under PLACE. + + +DEGRADE. At the English universities to go back a year. + +"'_Degrading_,' or going back a year," says Bristed, "is not +allowed except in case of illness (proved by a doctor's +certificate). A man _degrading_ for any other reason cannot go out +afterwards in honors."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +98. + +I could choose the year below without formally +_degrading_.--_Ibid._, p. 157. + + +DEGREE. A mark of distinction conferred on students, as a +testimony of their proficiency in arts and sciences; giving them a +kind of rank, and entitling them to certain privileges. This is +usually evidenced by a diploma. Degrees are conferred _pro +meritis_ on the alumni of a college; or they are honorary tokens +of respect, conferred on strangers of distinguished reputation. +The _first degree_ is that of _Bachelor of Arts_; the _second_, +that _of Master of Arts_. Honorary degrees are those of _Doctor of +Divinity_, _Doctor of Laws_, &c. Physicians, also, receive the +degree of _Doctor of Medicine_.--_Webster_. + + +DEGREE EXAMINATION. At the English universities, the final +university examination, which must be passed before the B.A. +degree is conferred. + +The Classical Tripos is generally spoken of as _the_ Tripos, the +Mathematical one as _the Degree Examination_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 170. + + +DELTA. A piece of land in Cambridge, which belongs to Harvard +College, where the students kick football, and play at cricket, +and other games. The shape of the land is that of the Greek +Delta, whence its name. + +What was unmeetest of all, timid strangers as we were, it was +expected on the first Monday eventide after our arrival, that we +should assemble on a neighboring green, the _Delta_, since devoted +to the purposes of a gymnasium, there to engage in a furious +contest with those enemies, the Sophs, at kicking football and +shins.--_A Tour through College_, 1823-1827, p. 13. + +Where are the royal cricket-matches of old, the great games of +football, when the obtaining of victory was a point of honor, and +crowds assembled on the _Delta_ to witness the all-absorbing +contest?--_Harvardiana_, Vol. I. p. 107. + +I must have another pair of pantaloons soon, for I have burst the +knees of two, in kicking football on the _Delta_.--_Ibid._, Vol. +III. p. 77. + + The _Delta_ can tell of the deeds we've done, + The fierce-fought fields we've lost and won, + The shins we've cracked, + And noses we've whacked, + The eyes we've blacked, and all in fun. + _Class Poem, 1849, Harv. Coll._ + +A plat at Bowdoin College, of this shape, and used for similar +purposes, is known by the same name. + + +DEMI, DEMY. The name of a scholar at Magdalene College, Oxford, +where there are thirty _demies_ or half-fellows, as it were, who, +like scholars in other colleges, succeed to +fellowships.--_Johnson_. + + +DEN. One of the buildings formerly attached to Harvard College, +which was taken down in the year 1846, was for more than a +half-century known by the name of the _Den_. It was occupied by +students during the greater part of that period, although it was +originally built for private use. In later years, from its +appearance, both externally and internally, it fully merited its +cognomen; but this is supposed to have originated from the +following incident, which occurred within its walls about the year +1770, the time when it was built. The north portion of the house +was occupied by Mr. Wiswal (to whom it belonged) and his family. +His wife, who was then ill, and, as it afterwards proved, fatally, +was attended by a woman who did not bear a very good character, to +whom Mr. Wiswal seemed to be more attentive than was consistent +with the character of a true and loving husband. About six weeks +after Mrs. Wiswal's death, Mr. Wiswal espoused the nurse, which, +circumstance gave great offence to the good people of Cambridge, +and was the cause of much scandal among the gossips. One Sunday, +not long after this second marriage, Mr. Wiswal having gone to +church, his wife, who did not accompany him, began an examination +of her predecessor's wardrobe and possessions, with the intention, +as was supposed, of appropriating to herself whatever had been +left by the former Mrs. Wiswal to her children. On his return from +church, Mr. Wiswal, missing his wife, after searching for some +time, found her at last in the kitchen, convulsively clutching the +dresser, her eyes staring wildly, she herself being unable to +speak. In this state of insensibility she remained until her +decease, which occurred shortly after. Although it was evident +that she had been seized with convulsions, and that these were the +cause of her death, the old women were careful to promulgate, and +their daughters to transmit the story, that the Devil had appeared +to her _in propria persona_, and shaken her in pieces, as a +punishment for her crimes. The building was purchased by Harvard +College in the year 1774. + +In the Federal Orrery, March 26, 1795, is an article dated +_Wiswal-Den_, Cambridge, which title it also bore, from the name +of its former occupant. + +In his address spoken at the Harvard Alumni Festival, July 22, +1852, Hon. Edward Everett, with reference to this mysterious +building as it appeared in the year 1807, said:-- + +"A little further to the north, and just at the corner of Church +Street (which was not then opened), stood what was dignified in +the annual College Catalogue--(which was printed on one side of a +sheet of paper, and was a novelty)--as 'the College House.' The +cellar is still visible. By the students, this edifice was +disrespectfully called 'Wiswal's Den,' or, for brevity, 'the Den.' +I lived in it in my Freshman year. Whence the name of 'Wiswal's +Den' I hardly dare say: there was something worse than 'old fogy' +about it. There was a dismal tradition that, at some former +period, it had been the scene of a murder. A brutal husband had +dragged his wife by the hair up and down the stairs, and then +killed her. On the anniversary of the murder,--and what day that +was no one knew,--there were sights and sounds,--flitting garments +daggled in blood, plaintive screams,--_stridor ferri tractæque +catenæ_,--enough to appall the stoutest Sophomore. But for +myself, I can truly say, that I got through my Freshman year +without having seen the ghost of Mr. Wiswal or his lamented lady. +I was not, however, sorry when the twelvemonth was up, and I was +transferred to that light, airy, well-ventilated room, No. 20 +Hollis; being the inner room, ground floor, north entry of that +ancient and respectable edifice."--_To-Day_, Boston, Saturday, +July 31, 1852, p. 66. + +Many years ago there emigrated to this University, from the wilds +of New Hampshire, an odd genius, by the name of Jedediah Croak, +who took up his abode as a student in the old _Den_.--_Harvard +Register_, 1827-28, _A Legend of the Den_, pp. 82-86. + + +DEPOSITION. During the first half of the seventeenth century, in +the majority of the German universities, Catholic as well as +Protestant, the matriculation of a student was preceded by a +ceremony called the _deposition_. See _Howitt's Student Life in +Germany_, Am. ed., pp. 119-121. + + +DESCENDAS. Latin; literally, _you may descend_. At the University +of Cambridge, Eng., when a student who has been appointed to +declaim in chapel fails in eloquence, memory, or taste, his +harangue is usually cut short "by a testy _descendas_."--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +DETERMINING. In the University of Oxford, a Bachelor is entitled +to his degree of M.A. twelve terms after the regular time for +taking his first degree, having previously gone through the +ceremony of _determining_, which exercise consists in reading two +dissertations in Latin prose, or one in prose and a copy of Latin +verses. As this takes place in Lent, it is commonly called +_determining in Lent_.--_Oxf. Guide_. + + +DETUR. Latin; literally, _let it be given_. + +In 1657, the Hon. Edward Hopkins, dying, left, among other +donations to Harvard College, one "to be applied to the purchase +of books for presents to meritorious undergraduates." The +distribution of these books is made, at the commencement of each +academic year, to students of the Sophomore Class who have made +meritorious progress in their studies during their Freshman year; +also, as far as the state of the funds admits, to those members of +the Junior Class who entered as Sophomores, and have made +meritorious progress in their studies during the Sophomore year, +and to such Juniors as, having failed to receive a _detur_ at the +commencement of the Sophomore year, have, during that year, made +decided improvement in scholarship.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., +Mass._, 1848, p. 18. + +"From the first word in the short Latin label," Peirce says, +"which is signed by the President, and attached to the inside of +the cover, a book presented from this fund is familiarly called a +_Detur_."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 103. + + Now for my books; first Bunyan's Pilgrim, + (As he with thankful pleasure will grin,) + Tho' dogleaved, torn, in bad type set in, + 'T will do quite well for classmate B----, + And thus with complaisance to treat her, + 'T will answer for another _Detur_. + _The Will of Charles Prentiss_. + +Be not, then, painfully anxious about the Greek particles, and sit +not up all night lest you should miss prayers, only that you may +have a "_Detur_," and be chosen into the Phi Beta Kappa among the +first eight. Get a "_Detur_" by all means, and the square medal +with its cabalistic signs, the sooner the better; but do not +"stoop and lie in wait" for them.--_A Letter to a Young Man who +has just entered College_, 1849, p. 36. + + Or yet,--though 't were incredible, + --say hast obtained a _detur_! + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850. + + +DIG. To study hard; to spend much time in studying. + + Another, in his study chair, + _Digs_ up Greek roots with learned care,-- + Unpalatable eating.--_Harv. Reg._, 1827-28, p. 247. + +Here the sunken eye and sallow countenance bespoke the man who +_dug_ sixteen hours "per diem."--_Ibid._, p. 303. + +Some have gone to lounge away an hour in the libraries,--some to +ditto in the grove,--some to _dig_ upon the afternoon +lesson.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 77. + + +DIG. A diligent student; one who learns his lessons by hard and +long-continued exertion. + + A clever soul is one, I say, + Who wears a laughing face all day, + Who never misses declamation, + Nor cuts a stupid recitation, + And yet is no elaborate _dig_, + Nor for rank systems cares a fig. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 283. + +I could see, in the long vista of the past, the many honest _digs_ +who had in this room consumed the midnight oil.--_Collegian_, p. +231. + +And, truly, the picture of a college "_dig_" taking a walk--no, I +say not so, for he never "takes a walk," but "walking for +exercise"--justifies the contemptuous estimate.--_A Letter to a +Young Man who has just entered College_, 1849, p. 14. + +He is just the character to enjoy the treadmill, which perhaps +might be a useful appendage to a college, not as a punishment, but +as a recreation for "_digs_."--_Ibid._, p. 14. + + Resolves that he will be, in spite of toil or of fatigue, + That humbug of all humbugs, the staid, inveterate "_dig_." + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + There goes the _dig_, just look! + How like a parson he eyes his book! + _The Jobsiad_, in _Lit. World_, Oct. 11, 1851. + +The fact that I am thus getting the character of a man of no +talent, and a mere "_dig_," does, I confess, weigh down my +spirits.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 224. + + By this 't is that we get ahead of the _Dig_, + 'T is not we that prevail, but the wine that we swig. + _Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 252. + + +DIGGING. The act of studying hard; diligent application. + + I find my eyes in doleful case, + By _digging_ until midnight.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 312. + +I've had an easy time in College, and enjoyed well the "otium cum +dignitate,"--the learned leisure of a scholar's life,--always +despised _digging_, you know.--_Ibid._, p. 194. + +How often after his day of _digging_, when he comes to lay his +weary head to rest, he finds the cruel sheets giving him no +admittance.--_Ibid._, p. 377. + + Hopes to hit the mark + By _digging_ nightly into matters dark. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1835. + + He "makes up" for past "_digging_." + _Iadma Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + +DIGNITY. At Bowdoin College, "_Dignity_," says a correspondent, +"is the name applied to the regular holidays, varying from one +half-day per week, during the Freshman year, up to four in the +Senior." + + +DIKED. At the University of Virginia, one who is dressed with more +than ordinary elegance is said to be _diked out_. Probably +corrupted from the word _decked_, or the nearly obsolete +_dighted_. + + +DIPLOMA. Greek, [Greek: diploma], from [Greek: diploo], to +_double_ or fold. Anciently, a letter or other composition written +on paper or parchment, and folded; afterward, any letter, literary +monument, or public document. A letter or writing conferring some +power, authority, privilege, or honor. Diplomas are given to +graduates of colleges on their receiving the usual degrees; to +clergymen who are licensed to exercise the ministerial functions; +to physicians who are licensed to practise their profession; and +to agents who are authorized to transact business for their +principals. A diploma, then, is a writing or instrument, usually +under seal, and signed by the proper person or officer, conferring +merely honor, as in the case of graduates, or authority, as in the +case of physicians, agents, &c.--_Webster_. + + +DISCIPLINE. The punishments which are at present generally adopted +in American colleges are warning, admonition, the letter home, +suspension, rustication, and expulsion. Formerly they were more +numerous, and their execution was attended with great solemnity. +"The discipline of the College," says President Quincy, in his +History of Harvard University, "was enforced and sanctioned by +daily visits of the tutors to the chambers of the students, fines, +admonitions, confession in the hall, publicly asking pardon, +degradation to the bottom of the class, striking the name from the +College list, and expulsion, according to the nature and +aggravation of the offence."--Vol. I. p. 442. + +Of Yale College, President Woolsey in his Historical Discourse +says: "The old system of discipline may be described in general as +consisting of a series of minor punishments for various petty +offences, while the more extreme measure of separating a student +from College seems not to have been usually adopted until long +forbearance had been found fruitless, even in cases which would +now be visited in all American colleges with speedy dismission. +The chief of these punishments named in the laws are imposition of +school exercises,--of which we find little notice after the first +foundation of the College, but which we believe yet exists in the +colleges of England;[20] deprivation of the privilege of sending +Freshmen upon errands, or extension of the period during which +this servitude should be required beyond the end of the Freshman +year; fines either specified, of which there are a very great +number in the earlier laws, or arbitrarily imposed by the +officers; admonition and degradation. For the offence of +mischievously ringing the bell, which was very common whilst the +bell was in an exposed situation over an entry of a college +building, students were sometimes required to act as the butler's +waiters in ringing the bell for a certain time."--pp. 46, 47. + +See under titles ADMONITION, CONFESSION, CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, +DEGRADATION, FINES, LETTER HOME, SUSPENSION, &c. + + +DISCOMMUNE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., to prohibit an +undergraduate from dealing with any tradesman or inhabitant of the +town who has violated the University privileges or regulations. +The right to exercise this power is vested in the Vice-Chancellor. + +Any tradesman who allows a student to run in debt with him to an +amount exceeding $25, without informing his college tutor, or to +incur any debt for wine or spirituous liquors without giving +notice of it to the same functionary during the current quarter, +or who shall take any promissory note from a student without his +tutor's knowledge, is liable to be _discommuned_.--_Lit. World_, +Vol. XII. p. 283. + +In the following extracts, this word appears under a different +orthography. + +There is always a great demand for the rooms in college. Those at +lodging-houses are not so good, while the rules are equally +strict, the owners being solemnly bound to report all their +lodgers who stay out at night, under pain of being +"_discommonsed_," a species of college +excommunication.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 81. + +Any tradesman bringing a suit against an Undergraduate shall be +"_discommonsed_"; i.e. all the Undergraduates are forbidden to +deal with him.--_Ibid._, p. 83. + +This word is allied to the law term "discommon," to deprive of the +privileges of a place. + + +DISMISS. To separate from college, for an indefinite or limited +time. + + +DISMISSION. In college government, dismission is the separation of +a student from a college, for an indefinite or for a limited time, +at the discretion of the Faculty. It is required of the dismissed +student, on applying for readmittance to his own or any other +class, to furnish satisfactory testimonials of good conduct during +his separation, and to appear, on examination, to be well +qualified for such readmission.--_College Laws_. + +In England, a student, although precluded from returning to the +university whence he has been dismissed, is not hindered from +taking a degree at some other university. + + +DISPENSATION. In universities and colleges, the granting of a +license, or the license itself, to do what is forbidden by law, or +to omit something which is commanded. Also, an exemption from +attending a college exercise. + +The business of the first of these houses, or the oligarchal +portion of the constitution [the House of Congregation], is +chiefly to grant degrees, and pass graces and +_dispensations_.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xi. + +All the students who are under twenty-one years of age may be +excused from attending the private Hebrew lectures of the +Professor, upon their producing to the President a certificate +from their parents or guardians, desiring a _dispensation_.--_Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 12. + + +DISPERSE. A favorite word with tutors and proctors; used when +speaking to a number of students unlawfully collected. This +technical use of the word is burlesqued in the following passages. + +Minerva conveys the Freshman to his room, where his cries make +such a disturbance, that a proctor enters and commands the +blue-eyed goddess "_to disperse_." This order she reluctantly +obeys.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 23. + + And often grouping on the chains, he hums his own sweet verse, + Till Tutor ----, coming up, commands him to _disperse_. + _Poem before Y.H. Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + +DISPUTATION. An exercise in colleges, in which parties reason in +opposition to each other, on some question proposed.--_Webster_. + +Disputations were formerly, in American colleges, a part of the +exercises on Commencement and Exhibition days. + + +DISPUTE. To contend in argument; to reason or argue in opposition. +--_Webster_. + +The two Senior classes shall _dispute_ once or twice a week before +the President, a Professor, or the Tutor.--_Laws Yale Coll._, +1837, p. 15. + + +DIVINITY. A member of a theological school is often familiarly +called a _Divinity_, abbreviated for a Divinity student. + + One of the young _Divinities_ passed + Straight through the College yard. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 40. + + +DIVISION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., each of the three +terms is divided into two parts. _Division_ is the time when this +partition is made. + +After "_division_" in the Michaelmas and Lent terms, a student, +who can assign a good plea for absence to the college authorities, +may go down and take holiday for the rest of the time.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 63. + + +DOCTOR. One who has passed all the degrees of a faculty, and is +empowered to practise and teach it; as, a _doctor_ in divinity, in +physic, in law; or, according to modern usage, a person who has +received the highest degree in a faculty. The degree of _doctor_ +is conferred by universities and colleges, as an honorary mark of +literary distinction. It is also conferred on physicians as a +professional degree.--_Webster_. + + +DOCTORATE. The degree of a doctor.--_Webster_. + +The first diploma for a doctorate in divinity given in America was +presented under the seal of Harvard College to Mr. Increase +Mather, the President of that institution, in the year +1692.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 68. + + +DODGE. A trick; an artifice or stratagem for the purpose of +deception. Used often with _come_; as, "_to come a dodge_ over +him." + + No artful _dodge_ to leave my school could I just then prepare. + _Poem before Iadma, Harv. Coll._, 1850. + +Agreed; but I have another _dodge_ as good as yours.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 240. + +We may well admire the cleverness displayed by this would-be +Chatterton, in his attempt to sell the unwary with an Ossian +_dodge_.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 191. + + +DOMINUS. A title bestowed on Bachelors of Arts, in England. +_Dominus_ Nokes; _Dominus_ Stiles.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +DON. In the English universities, a short generic term for a +Fellow or any college authority. + +He had already told a lie to the _Dons_, by protesting against the +justice of his sentence.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 169. + +Never to order in any wine from an Oxford merchant, at least not +till I am a _Don_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 288. + + Nor hint how _Dons_, their untasked hours to pass, + Like Cato, warm their virtues with the glass.[21] + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +DONKEY. At Washington College, Penn., students of a religious +character are vulgarly called _donkeys_. + +See LAP-EAR. + + +DORMIAT. Latin; literally, _let him sleep_. To take out a +_dormiat_, i.e. a license to sleep. The licensed person is excused +from attending early prayers in the Chapel, from a plea of being +indisposed. Used in the English universities.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +DOUBLE FIRST. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student who +attains high honors in both the classical and the mathematical +tripos. + +The Calendar does not show an average of two "_Double Firsts_" +annually for the last ten years out of one hundred and +thirty-eight graduates in Honors.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 91. + +The reported saying of a distinguished judge,... "that the +standard of a _Double First_ was getting to be something beyond +human ability," seems hardly an exaggeration.--_Ibid._, p. 224. + + +DOUBLE MAN. In the English universities, a student who is a +proficient in both classics and mathematics. + +"_Double men_," as proficients in both classics and mathematics +are termed, are very rare.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 91. + +It not unfrequently happens that he now drops the intention of +being a "_double man_," and concentrates himself upon mathematics. +--_Ibid._, p. 104. + +To one danger mathematicians are more exposed than either +classical or _double men_,--disgust and satiety arising from +exclusive devotion to their unattractive studies.--_Ibid._, p. +225. + + +DOUBLE MARKS. It was formerly the custom in Harvard College with +the Professors in Rhetoric, when they had examined and corrected +the _themes_ of the students, to draw a straight line on the back +of each one of them, under the name of the writer. Under the names +of those whose themes were of more than ordinary correctness or +elegance, _two_ lines were drawn, which were called _double +marks_. + +They would take particular pains for securing the _double mark_ of +the English Professor to their poetical compositions.--_Monthly +Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 104. + +Many, if not the greater part of Paine's themes, were written in +verse; and his vanity was gratified, and his emulation roused, by +the honor of constant _double marks_.--_Works of R.T. Paine, +Biography_, p. xxii., Ed. 1812. + +See THEME. + + +DOUBLE SECOND. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., one who +obtains a high place in the second rank, in both mathematical and +classical honors. + +A good _double second_ will make, by his college scholarship, two +fifths or three fifths of his expenses during two thirds of the +time he passes at the University.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 427. + + +DOUGH-BALL. At the Anderson Collegiate Institute, Indiana, a name +given by the town's people to a student. + + +DRESS. A uniformity in dress has never been so prevalent in +American colleges as in the English and other universities. About +the middle of the last century, however, the habit among the +students of Harvard College of wearing gold lace attracted the +attention of the Overseers, and a law was passed "requiring that +on no occasion any of the scholars wear any gold or silver lace, +or any gold or silver brocades, in the College or town of +Cambridge," and "that no one wear any silk night-gowns." "In +1786," says Quincy, "in order to lessen the expense of dress, a +uniform was prescribed, the color and form of which were minutely +set forth, with a distinction of the classes by means of frogs on +the cuffs and button-holes; silk was prohibited, and home +manufactures were recommended." This system of uniform is fully +described in the laws of 1790, and is as follows:-- + +"All the Undergraduates shall be clothed in coats of blue-gray, +and with waistcoats and breeches of the same color, or of a black, +a nankeen, or an olive color. The coats of the Freshmen shall have +plain button-holes. The cuffs shall be without buttons. The coats +of the Sophomores shall have plain button-holes like those of the +Freshmen, but the cuffs shall have buttons. The coats of the +Juniors shall have cheap frogs to the button-holes, except the +button-holes of the cuffs. The coats of the Seniors shall have +frogs to the button-holes of the cuffs. The buttons upon the coats +of all the classes shall be as near the color of the coats as they +can be procured, or of a black color. And no student shall appear +within the limits of the College, or town of Cambridge, in any +other dress than in the uniform belonging to his respective class, +unless he shall have on a night-gown or such an outside garment as +may be necessary over a coat, except only that the Seniors and +Juniors are permitted to wear black gowns, and it is recommended +that they appear in them on all public occasions. Nor shall any +part of their garments be of silk; nor shall they wear gold or +silver lace, cord, or edging upon their hats, waistcoats, or any +other parts of their clothing. And whosoever shall violate these +regulations shall be fined a sum not exceeding ten shillings for +each offence."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1790, pp. 36, 37. + +It is to this dress that the poet alludes in these lines:-- + + "In blue-gray coat, with buttons on the cuffs, + First Modern Pride your ear with fustian stuffs; + 'Welcome, blest age, by holy seers foretold, + By ancient bards proclaimed the age of gold,'" &c.[22] + +But it was by the would-be reformers of that day alone that such +sentiments were held, and it was only by the severity of the +punishment attending non-conformity with these regulations that +they were ever enforced. In 1796, "the sumptuary law relative to +dress had fallen into neglect," and in the next year "it was found +so obnoxious and difficult to enforce," says Quincy, "that a law +was passed abrogating the whole system of distinction by 'frogs on +the cuffs and button-holes,' and the law respecting dress was +limited to prescribing a blue-gray or dark-blue coat, with +permission to wear a black gown, and a prohibition of wearing gold +or silver lace, cord, or edging."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. II. p. 277. + +A writer in the New England Magazine, in an article relating to +the customs of Harvard College at the close of the last century, +gives the following description of the uniform ordered by the +Corporation to be worn by the students:-- + +"Each head supported a three-cornered cocket hat. Yes, gentle +reader, no man or boy was considered in full dress, in those days, +unless his pericranium was thus surmounted, with the forward peak +directly over the right eye. Had a clergyman, especially, appeared +with a hat of any other form, it would have been deemed as great a +heresy as Unitarianism is at the present day. Whether or not the +three-cornered hat was considered as an emblem of Trinitarianism, +I am not able to determine. Our hair was worn in a _queue_, bound +with black ribbon, and reached to the small of the back, in the +shape of the tail of that motherly animal which furnishes +ungrateful bipeds of the human race with milk, butter, and cheese. +Where nature had not bestowed a sufficiency of this ornamental +appendage, the living and the dead contributed of their +superfluity to supply the deficiency. Our ear-locks,--_horresco +referens_!--my ears tingle and my countenance is distorted at the +recollection of the tortures inflicted on them by the heated +curling-tongs and crimping-irons. + +"The bosoms of our shirts were ruffled with lawn or cambric, and + 'Our fingers' ends were seen to peep + From ruffles, full five inches deep.' +Our coats were double-breasted, and of a black or priest-gray +color. The directions were not so particular respecting our +waistcoats, breeches,--I beg pardon,--small clothes, and +stockings. Our shoes ran to a point at the distance of two or +three inches from the extremity of the foot, and turned upward, +like the curve of a skate. Our dress was ornamented with shining +stock, knee, and shoe buckles, the last embracing at least one +half of the foot of ordinary dimensions. If any wore boots, they +were made to set as closely to the leg as its skin; for a handsome +calf and ankle were esteemed as great beauties as any portion of +the frame, or point in the physiognomy."--Vol. III. pp. 238, 239. + +In his late work, entitled, "Memories of Youth and Manhood," +Professor Sidney Willard has given an entertaining description of +the style of dress which was in vogue at Harvard College near the +close of the last century, in the following words:-- + +"Except on special occasions, which required more than ordinary +attention to dress, the students, when I was an undergraduate, +were generally very careless in this particular. They were obliged +by the College laws to wear coats of blue-gray; but as a +substitute in warm weather, they were allowed to wear gowns, +except on public occasions; and on these occasions they were +permitted to wear black gowns. Seldom, however, did any one avail +himself of this permission. In summer long gowns of calico or +gingham were the covering that distinguished the collegian, not +only about the College grounds, but in all parts of the village. +Still worse, when the season no longer tolerated this thin outer +garment, many adopted one much in the same shape, made of +colorless woollen stuff called lambskin. These were worn by many +without any under-coat in temperate weather, and in some cases for +a length of time in which they had become sadly soiled. In other +respects there was nothing peculiar in the common dress of the +young men and boys of College to distinguish it from that of +others of the same age. Breeches were generally worn, buttoned at +the knees, and tied or buckled a little below; not so convenient a +garment for a person dressing in haste as trousers or pantaloons. +Often did I see a fellow-student hurrying to the Chapel to escape +tardiness at morning prayers, with this garment unbuttoned at the +knees, the ribbons dangling over his legs, the hose refusing to +keep their elevation, and the calico or woollen gown wrapped about +him, ill concealing his dishabille. + +"Not all at once did pantaloons gain the supremacy as the nether +garment. About the beginning of the present century they grew +rapidly in favor with the young; but men past middle age were more +slow to adopt the change. Then, last, the aged very gradually were +converted to the fashion by the plea of convenience and comfort; +so that about the close of the first quarter of the present +century it became almost universal. In another particular, more +than half a century ago, the sons adopted a custom of their wiser +fathers. The young men had for several years worn shoes and boots +shaped in the toe part to a point, called peaked toes, while the +aged adhered to the shape similar to the present fashion; so that +the shoemaker, in a doubtful case, would ask his customer whether +he would have square-toed or peaked-toed. The distinction between +young and old in this fashion was so general, that sometimes a +graceless youth, who had been crossed by his father or guardian in +some of his unreasonable humors, would speak of him with the title +of _Old Square-toes_. + +"Boots with yellow tops inverted, and coming up to the knee-band, +were commonly worn by men somewhat advanced in years; but the +younger portion more generally wore half-boots, as they were +called, made of elastic leather, cordovan. These, when worn, left +a space of two or three inches between the top of the boot and the +knee-band. The great beauty of this fashion, as it was deemed by +many, consisted in restoring the boots, which were stretched by +drawing them on, to shape, and bringing them as nearly as possible +into contact with the legs; and he who prided himself most on the +form of his lower limbs would work the hardest in pressure on the +leather from the ankle upward in order to do this most +effectually."--Vol. I. pp. 318-320. + +In 1822 was passed the "Law of Harvard University, regulating the +dress of the students." The established uniform was as follows. +"The coat of black-mixed, single-breasted, with a rolling cape, +square at the end, and with pocket flaps; waist reaching to the +natural waist, with lapels of the same length; skirts reaching to +the bend of the knee; three crow's-feet, made of black-silk cord, +on the lower part of the sleeve of a Senior, two on that of a +Junior, and one on that of a Sophomore. The waistcoat of +black-mixed or of black; or when of cotton or linen fabric, of +white, single-breasted, with a standing collar. The pantaloons of +black-mixed or of black bombazette, or when of cotton or linen +fabric, of white. The surtout or great coat of black-mixed, with +not more than two capes. The buttons of the above dress must be +flat, covered with the same cloth as that of the garments, not +more than eight nor less than six on the front of the coat, and +four behind. A surtout or outside garment is not to be substituted +for the coat. But the students are permitted to wear black gowns, +in which they may appear on all public occasions. Night-gowns, of +cotton or linen or silk fabric, made in the usual form, or in that +of a frock coat, may be worn, except on the Sabbath, on exhibition +and other occasions when an undress would be improper. The +neckcloths must be plain black or plain white." + +No student, while in the State of Massachusetts, was allowed, +either in vacation or term time, to wear any different dress or +ornament from those above named, except in case of mourning, when +he could wear the customary badges. Although dismission was the +punishment for persisting in the violation of these regulations, +they do not appear to have been very well observed, and gradually, +like the other laws of an earlier date on this subject, fell into +disuse. The night-gowns or dressing-gowns continued to be worn at +prayers and in public until within a few years. The black-mixed, +otherwise called OXFORD MIXED cloth, is explained under the latter +title. + +The only law which now obtains at Harvard College on the subject +of dress is this: "On Sabbath, Exhibition, Examination, and +Commencement days, and on all other public occasions, each +student, in public, shall wear a black coat, with buttons of the +same color, and a black hat or cap."--_Orders and Regulations of +the Faculty of Harv. Coll._, July, 1853, p. 5. + +At one period in the history of Yale College, a passion for +expensive dress having become manifest among the students, the +Faculty endeavored to curb it by a direct appeal to the different +classes. The result was the establishment of the Lycurgan Society, +whose object was the encouragement of plainness in apparel. The +benefits which might have resulted from this organization were +contravened by the rashness of some of its members. The shape +which this rashness assumed is described in a work entitled +"Scenes and Characters in College," written by a Yale graduate of +the class of 1821. + +"Some members were seized with the notion of a _distinctive +dress_. It was strongly objected to; but the measure was carried +by a stroke of policy. The dress proposed was somewhat like that +of the Quakers, but less respectable,--a rustic cousin to it, or +rather a caricature; namely, a close coatee, with stand-up collar, +and _very_ short skirts,--_skirtees_, they might be called,--the +color gray; pantaloons and vest the same;--making the wearer a +monotonous gray man throughout, invisible at twilight. The +proposers of this metamorphosis, to make it go, selected an +individual of small and agreeable figure, and procuring a suit of +fine material, and a good fit, placed him on a platform as a +specimen. On _him_ it appeared very well, as a belted blouse does +on a graceful child; and all the more so, as he was a favorite +with the class, and lent to it the additional effect of agreeable +association. But it is bad logic to derive a general conclusion +from a single fact: it did not follow that the dress would be +universally becoming because it was so on him. However, majorities +govern; the dress was voted. The tailors were glad to hear of it, +expecting a fine run of business. + +"But when a tall son of Anak appeared in the little bodice of a +coat, stuck upon the hips; and still worse, when some very clumsy +forms assumed the dress, and one in particular, that I remember, +who was equally huge in person and coarse in manners, whose taste, +or economy, or both,--the one as probably as the other,--had led +him to the choice of an ugly pepper-and-salt, instead of the true +Oxford mix, or whatever the standard gray was called, and whose +tailor, or tailoress, probably a tailoress, had contrived to +aggravate his natural disproportions by the most awkward fit +imaginable,--then indeed you might have said that 'some of +nature's journeymen had made men, and not made them well, they +imitated humanity so abominably.' They looked like David's +messengers, maltreated and sent back by Hanun.[23] + +"The consequence was, the dress was unpopular; very few adopted +it; and the society itself went quietly into oblivion. +Nevertheless it had done some good; it had had a visible effect in +checking extravagance; and had accomplished all it would have +done, I imagine, had it continued longer. + +"There was a time, some three or four years previous to this, when +a rakish fashion began to be introduced of wearing white-topped +boots. It was a mere conceit of the wearers, such a fashion not +existing beyond College,--except as it appeared in here and there +an antiquated gentleman, a venerable remnant of the olden time, in +whom the boots were matched with buckles at the knee, and a +powdered queue. A practical satire quickly put an end to it. Some +humorists proposed to the waiters about College to furnish them +with such boots on condition of their wearing them. The offer was +accepted; a lot of them was ordered at a boot-and-shoe shop, and, +all at once, sweepers, sawyers, and the rest, appeared in +white-topped boots. I will not repeat the profaneness of a +Southerner when he first observed a pair of them upon a tall and +gawky shoe-black striding across the yard. He cursed the 'negro,' +and the boots; and, pulling off his own, flung them from him. +After this the servants had the fashion to themselves, and could +buy the article at any discount."--pp. 127-129. + +At Union College, soon after its foundation, there was enacted a +law, "forbidding any student to appear at chapel without the +College badge,--a piece of blue ribbon, tied in the button-hole of +the coat."--_Account of the First Semi-Centennial Anniversary of +the Philomathean Society, Union College_, 1847. + +Such laws as the above have often been passed in American +colleges, but have generally fallen into disuse in a very few +years, owing to the predominancy of the feeling of democratic +equality, the tendency of which is to narrow, in as great a degree +as possible, the intervals between different ages and conditions. + +See COSTUME. + + +DUDLEIAN LECTURE. An anniversary sermon which is preached at +Harvard College before the students; supported by the yearly +interest of one hundred pounds sterling, the gift of Paul Dudley, +from whom the lecture derives its name. The following topics were +chosen by him as subjects for this lecture. First, for "the +proving, explaining, and proper use and improvement of the +principles of Natural Religion." Second, "for the confirmation, +illustration, and improvement of the great articles of the +Christian Religion." Third, "for the detecting, convicting, and +exposing the idolatry, errors, and superstitions of the Romish +Church." Fourth, "for maintaining, explaining, and proving the +validity of the ordination of ministers or pastors of the +churches, and so their administration of the sacraments or +ordinances of religion, as the same hath been practised in New +England from the first beginning of it, and so continued to this +day." + +"The instrument proceeds to declare," says Quincy, "that he does +not intend to invalidate Episcopal ordination, or that practised +in Scotland, at Geneva, and among the Dissenters in England and in +this country, all which 'I esteem very safe, Scriptural, and +valid.' He directed these subjects to be discussed in rotation, +one every year, and appointed the President of the College, the +Professor of Divinity, the pastor of the First Church in +Cambridge, the Senior Tutor of the College, and the pastor of the +First Church in Roxbury, trustees of these lectures, which +commenced in 1755, and have since been annually continued without +intermission."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 139, +140. + + +DULCE DECUS. Latin; literally, _sweet honor_. At Williams College +a name given by a certain class of students to the game of whist; +the reason for which is evident. Whether Mæcenas would have +considered it an _honor_ to have had the compliment of Horace, + "O et præsidium et dulce decus meum," +transferred as a title for a game at cards, we leave for others to +decide. + + +DUMMER JUNGE,--literally, _stupid youth_,--among German students +"is the highest and most cutting insult, since it implies a denial +of sound, manly understanding and strength of capacity to him to +whom it is applied."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., +p. 127. + + +DUN. An importunate creditor who urges for payment. A character +not wholly unknown to collegians. + + Thanks heaven, flings by his cap and gown, and shuns + A place made odious by remorseless _duns_. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + + +_E_. + + +EGRESSES. At the older American colleges, when charges were made +and excuses rendered in Latin, the student who had left before the +conclusion of any of the religious services was accused of the +misdemeanor by the proper officer, who made use of the word +_egresses_, a kind of barbarous second person singular of some +imaginary verb, signifying, it is supposed, "you went out." + + Much absence, tardes and _egresses_, + The college-evil on him seizes. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +EIGHT. On the scale of merit, at Harvard College, eight is the +highest mark which a student can receive for a recitation. +Students speak of "_getting an eight_," which is equivalent to +saying, that they have made a perfect recitation. + + But since the Fates will not grant all _eights_, + Save to some disgusting fellow + Who'll fish and dig, I care not a fig, + We'll be hard boys and mellow. + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen. + + Numberless the _eights_ he showers + Full on my devoted head.--_MS. Ibid._ + +At the same college, when there were three exhibitions in the +year, it was customary for the first eight scholars in the Junior +Class to have "parts" at the first exhibition, the second eight at +the second exhibition, and the third eight at the third +exhibition. Eight Seniors performed with them at each of these +three exhibitions, but they were taken promiscuously from the +first twenty-four in their class. Although there are now but two +exhibitions in the year, twelve performing from each of the two +upper classes, yet the students still retain the old phraseology, +and you will often hear the question, "Is he in the first or +second _eight_?" + + The bell for morning prayers had long been sounding! + She says, "What makes you look so very pale?"-- + "I've had a dream."--"Spring to 't, or you'll be late!"-- + "Don't care! 'T was worth a part among the _Second Eight_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 121. + + +ELECTIONEERING. In many colleges in the United States, where there +are rival societies, it is customary, on the admission of a +student to college, for the partisans of the different societies +to wait upon him, and endeavor to secure him as a member. An +account of this _Society Electioneering_, as it is called, is +given in _Sketches of Yale College_, at page 162. + +Society _electioneering_ has mostly gone by.--_Williams +Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 285. + + +ELEGANT EXTRACTS. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a cant +title applied to some fifteen or twenty men who have just +succeeded in passing their final examination, and who are +bracketed together, at the foot of the Polloi list.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 250. + + +EMERITUS, _pl._ EMERITI. Latin; literally, _obtained by service_. +One who has been honorably discharged from public service, as, in +colleges and universities, a _Professor Emeritus_. + + +EMIGRANT. In the English universities, one who migrates, or +removes from one college to another. + +At Christ's, for three years successively,... the first man was an +_emigrant_ from John's.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 100. + +See MIGRATION. + + +EMPTY BOTTLE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the sobriquet +of a fellow-commoner. + +Indeed they [fellow-commoners] are popularly denominated "_empty +bottles_," the first word of the appellation being an adjective, +though were it taken as a verb there would be no untruth in +it.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + + +ENCENIA, _pl._ Greek [Greek: enkainia], _a feast of dedication_. +Festivals anciently kept on the days on which cities were built or +churches consecrated; and, in later times, ceremonies renewed at +certain periods, as at Oxford, at the celebration of founders and +benefactors.--_Hook_. + + +END WOMAN. At Bowdoin College, "end women," says a correspondent, +"are the venerable females who officiate as chambermaids in the +different entries." They are so called from the entries being +placed at the _ends_ of the buildings. + + +ENGAGEMENT. At Yale College, the student, on entering, signs an +_engagement_, as it is called, in the words following: "I, A.B., +on condition of being admitted as a member of Yale College, +promise, on my faith and honor, to observe all the laws and +regulations of this College; particularly that I will faithfully +avoid using profane language, gaming, and all indecent, disorderly +behavior, and disrespectful conduct to the Faculty, and all +combinations to resist their authority; as witness my hand. A.B." +--_Yale Coll. Cat._, 1837, p. 10. + +Nearly the same formula is used at Williams College. + + +ENGINE. At Harvard College, for many years before and succeeding +the year 1800, a fire-engine was owned by the government, and was +under the management of the students. In a MS. Journal, under date +of Oct. 29, 1792, is this note: "This day I turned out to exercise +the engine. P.M." The company were accustomed to attend all the +fires in the neighboring towns, and were noted for their skill and +efficiency. But they often mingled enjoyment with their labor, nor +were they always as scrupulous as they might have been in the +means used to advance it. In 1810, the engine having been newly +repaired, they agreed to try its power on an old house, which was +to be fired at a given time. By some mistake, the alarm was given +before the house was fairly burning. Many of the town's people +endeavored to save it, but the company, dragging the engine into a +pond near by, threw the dirty water on them in such quantities +that they were glad to desist from their laudable endeavors. + +It was about this time that the Engine Society was organized, +before which so many pleasant poems and orations were annually +delivered. Of these, that most noted is the "Rebelliad," which was +spoken in the year 1819, and was first published in the year 1842. +Of it the editor has well remarked: "It still remains the +text-book of the jocose, and is still regarded by all, even the +melancholy, as a most happy production of humorous taste." Its +author was Dr. Augustus Pierce, who died at Tyngsborough, May 20, +1849. + +The favorite beverage at fires was rum and molasses, commonly +called _black-strap_, which is referred to in the following lines, +commemorative of the engine company in its palmier days. + + "But oh! let _black-strap's_ sable god deplore + Those _engine-heroes_ so renowned of yore! + Gone is that spirit, which, in ancient time, + Inspired more deeds than ever shone in rhyme! + Ye, who remember the superb array, + The deafening cry, the engine's 'maddening play,' + The broken windows, and the floating floor, + Wherewith those masters of hydraulic lore + Were wont to make us tremble as we gazed, + Can tell how many a false alarm was raised, + How many a room by their o'erflowings drenched, + And how few fires by their assistance quenched?" + _Harvard Register_, p. 235. + +The habit of attending fires in Boston, as it had a tendency to +draw the attention of the students from their college duties, was +in part the cause of the dissolution of the company. Their +presence was always welcomed in the neighboring city, and although +they often left their engine behind them on returning to +Cambridge, it was usually sent out to them soon after. The company +would often parade through the streets of Cambridge in masquerade +dresses, headed by a chaplain, presenting a most ludicrous +appearance. In passing through the College yard, it was the custom +to throw water into any window that chanced to be open. Their +fellow-students, knowing when they were to appear, usually kept +their windows closed; but the officers were not always so +fortunate. About the year 1822, having discharged water into the +room of the College regent, thereby damaging a very valuable +library of books, the government disbanded the company, and +shortly after sold the engine to the then town of Cambridge, on +condition that it should never be taken out of the place. A few +years ago it was again sold to some young men of West Cambridge, +in whose hands it still remains. One of the brakes of the engine, +a relic of its former glory, was lately discovered in the cellar +of one of the College buildings, and that perchance has by this +time been used to kindle the element which it once assisted to +extinguish. + + +ESQUIRE BEDELL. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., three +_Esquire Bedells_ are appointed, whose office is to attend the +Vice-Chancellor, whom they precede with their silver maces upon +all public occasions.--_Cam. Guide_. + +At the University of Oxford, the Esquire Bedells are three in +number. They walk before the Vice-Chancellor in processions, and +carry golden staves as the insignia of their office.--_Guide to +Oxford_. + +See BEADLE. + + +EVANGELICAL. In student phrase, a religious, orthodox man, one who +is sound in the doctrines of the Gospel, or one who is reading +theology, is called an _Evangelical_. + +He was a King's College, London, man, an +_Evangelical_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 265. + +It has been said by some of the _Evangelicals_, that nothing can +be done to improve the state of morality in the Universities so +long as the present Church system continues.--_Ibid._, p. 348. + + +EXAMINATION. An inquiry into the acquisitions of the students, in +_colleges_ and _seminaries of learning_, by questioning them in +literature and the sciences, and by hearing their +recitals.--_Webster_. + +In all colleges candidates for entrance are required to be able to +pass an examination in certain branches of study before they can +be admitted. The students are generally examined, in most +colleges, at the close of each term. + +In the revised laws of Harvard College, printed in the year 1790, +was one for the purpose of introducing examinations, the first +part of which is as follows: "To animate the students in the +pursuit of literary merit and fame, and to excite in their breasts +a noble spirit of emulation, there shall be annually a public +examination, in the presence of a joint committee of the +Corporation and Overseers, and such other gentlemen as may be +inclined to attend it." It then proceeds to enumerate the times +and text-books for each class, and closes by stating, that, +"should any student neglect or refuse to attend such examination, +he shall be liable to be fined a sum not exceeding twenty +shillings, or to be admonished or suspended." Great discontent was +immediately evinced by the students at this regulation, and as it +was not with this understanding that they entered college, they +considered it as an _ex post facto_ law, and therefore not binding +upon them. With these views, in the year 1791, the Senior and +Junior Classes petitioned for exemption from the examination, but +their application was rejected by the Overseers. When this was +declared, some of the students determined to stop the exercises +for that year, if possible. For this purpose they obtained six +hundred grains of tartar emetic, and early on the morning of April +12th, the day on which the examination was to begin, emptied it +into the great cooking boilers in the kitchen. At breakfast, 150 +or more students and officers being present, the coffee was +brought on, made with the water from the boilers. Its effects were +soon visible. One after another left the hall, some in a slow, +others in a hurried manner, but all plainly showing that their +situation was by no means a pleasant one. Out of the whole number +there assembled, only four or five escaped without being made +unwell. Those who put the drug in the coffee had drank the most, +in order to escape detection, and were consequently the most +severely affected. Unluckily, one of them was seen putting +something into the boilers, and the names of the others were soon +after discovered. Their punishment is stated in the following +memoranda from a manuscript journal. + +"Exhibition, 1791. April 20th. This morning Trapier was rusticated +and Sullivan suspended to Groton for nine months, for mingling +tartar emetic with our commons on ye morning of April 12th." + +"May 21st. Ely was suspended to Amherst for five months, for +assisting Sullivan and Trapier in mingling tartar emetic with our +commons." + +Another student, who threw a stone into the examination-room, +which struck the chair in which Governor Hancock sat, was more +severely punished. The circumstance is mentioned in the manuscript +referred to above as follows:-- + +"April 14th, 1791. Henry W. Jones of H---- was expelled from +College upon evidence of a little boy that he sent a stone into ye +Philosopher's room while a committee of ye Corporation and +Overseers, and all ye Immediate Government, were engaged in +examination of ye Freshman Class." + +Although the examination was delayed for a day or two on account +of these occurrences, it was again renewed and carried on during +that year, although many attempts were made to stop it. For +several years after, whenever these periods occurred, disturbances +came with them, and it was not until the year 1797 that the +differences between the officers and the students were +satisfactorily adjusted, and examinations established on a sure +basis. + + +EXAMINE. To inquire into the improvements or qualifications of +students, by interrogatories, proposing problems, or by hearing +their recitals; as, to _examine_ the classes in college; to +_examine_ the candidates for a degree, or for a license to preach +or to practise in a profession.--_Webster_. + + +EXAMINEE. One who is examined; one who undergoes at examination. + +What loads of cold beef and lobster vanish before the _examinees_. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 72. + + +EXAMINER. One who examines. In colleges and seminaries of +learning, the person who interrogates the students, proposes +questions for them to answer, and problems to solve. + +Coming forward with assumed carelessness, he threw towards us the +formal reply of his _examiners_.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 9. + + +EXEAT. Latin; literally, _let him depart_. Leave of absence given +to a student in the English universities.--_Webster_. + +The students who wish to go home apply for an "_Exeat_," which is +a paper signed by the Tutor, Master, and Dean.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. +I. p. 162. + +[At King's College], _exeats_, or permission to go down during +term, were never granted but in cases of life and +death.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 140. + + +EXERCISE. A task or lesson; that which is appointed for one to +perform. In colleges, all the literary duties are called +_exercises_. + +It may be inquired, whether a great part of the _exercises_ be not +at best but serious follies.--_Cotton Mather's Suggestions_, in +_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 558. + +In the English universities, certain exercises, as acts, +opponencies, &c., are required to be performed for particular +degrees. + + +EXHIBIT. To take part in an exhibition; to speak in public at an +exhibition or commencement. + +No student who shall receive any appointment to _exhibit_ before +the class, the College, or the public, shall give any treat or +entertainment to his class, or any part thereof, for or on account +of those appointments.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 29. + +If any student shall fail to perform the exercise assigned him, or +shall _exhibit_ anything not allowed by the Faculty, he may be +sent home.--_Ibid._, 1837, p. 16. + +2. To provide for poor students by an exhibition. (See EXHIBITION, +second meaning.) An instance of this use is given in the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, where one Antony Wood says of Bishop Longland, "He +was a special friend to the University, in maintaining its +privileges and in _exhibiting_ to the wants of certain scholars." +In Mr. Peirce's History of Harvard University occurs this passage, +in an account of the will of the Hon. William Stoughton: "He +bequeathed a pasture in Dorchester, containing twenty-three acres +and four acres of marsh, 'the income of both to be _exhibited_, in +the first place, to a scholar of the town of Dorchester, and if +there be none such, to one of the town of Milton, and in want of +such, then to any other well deserving that shall be most needy.'" +--p. 77. + + +EXHIBITION. In colleges, a public literary and oratorical display. +The exercises at _exhibitions_ are original compositions, prose +translations from the English into Greek and Latin, and from other +languages into the English, metrical versions, dialogues, &c. + +At Harvard College, in the year 1760, it was voted, "that twice in +a year, in the spring and fall, each class should recite to their +Tutors, in the presence of the President, Professors, and Tutors, +in the several books in which they are reciting to their +respective Tutors, and that publicly in the College Hall or +Chapel." The next year, the Overseers being informed "that the +students are not required to translate English into Latin nor +Latin into English," their committee "thought it would be +convenient that specimens of such translations and other +performances in classical and polite literature should be from +time to time laid before" their board. A vote passed the Board of +Overseers recommending to the Corporation a conformity to these +suggestions; but it was not until the year 1766 that a law was +formally enacted in both boards, "that twice in the year, viz. at +the semiannual visitation of the committee of the Overseers, some +of the scholars, at the direction of the President and Tutors, +shall publicly exhibit specimens of their proficiency, by +pronouncing orations and delivering dialogues, either in English +or in one of the learned languages, or hearing a forensic +disputation, or such other exercises as the President and Tutors +shall direct."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. +128-132. + +A few years after this, two more exhibitions were added, and were +so arranged as to fall one in each quarter of the College year. +The last year in which there were four exhibitions was 1789. After +this time there were three exhibitions during the year until 1849, +when one was omitted, since which time the original plan has been +adopted. + +In the journal of a member of the class which graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1793, under the date of December 23d, 1789, +Exhibition, is the following memorandum: "Music was intermingled +with elocution, which (we read) has charms to soothe even a savage +breast." Again, on a similar occasion, April 13th, 1790, an +account of the exercises of the day closes with this note: "Tender +music being interspersed to enliven the audience." Vocal music was +sometimes introduced. In the same Journal, date October 1st, 1790, +Exhibition, the writer says: "The performances were enlivened with +an excellent piece of music, sung by Harvard Singing Club, +accompanied with a band of music." From this time to the present +day, music, either vocal or instrumental, has formed a very +entertaining part of the Exhibition performances.[24] + +The exercises for exhibitions are assigned by the Faculty to +meritorious students, usually of the two higher classes. The +exhibitions are held under the direction of the President, and a +refusal to perform the part assigned is regarded as a high +offence.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 19. _Laws Yale +Coll._, 1837, p. 16. + +2. Allowance of meat and drink; pension; benefaction settled for +the maintenance of scholars in the English Universities, not +depending on the foundation.--_Encyc._ + + What maintenance he from his friends receives, + Like _exhibition_ thou shalt have from me. + _Two Gent. Verona_, Act. I. Sc. 3. + +This word was formerly used in American colleges. + +I order and appoint ... ten pounds a year for one _exhibition_, to +assist one pious young man.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. +p. 530. + +As to the extending the time of his _exhibitions_, we agree to it. +--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 532. + +In the yearly "Statement of the Treasurer" of Harvard College, the +word is still retained. + +"A _school exhibition_," says a writer in the Literary World, with +reference to England, "is a stipend given to the head boys of a +school, conditional on their proceeding to some particular college +in one of the universities."--Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +EXHIBITIONER. One who has a pension or allowance, granted for the +encouragement of learning; one who enjoys an exhibition. Used +principally in the English universities. + +2. One who performs a part at an exhibition in American colleges +is sometimes called an _exhibitioner_. + + +EXPEL. In college government, to command to leave; to dissolve the +connection of a student; to interdict him from further connection. +--_Webster_. + + +EXPULSION. In college government, expulsion is the highest +censure, and is a final separation from the college or university. +--_Coll. Laws_. + +In the Diary of Mr. Leverett, who was President of Harvard College +from 1707 to 1724, is an account of the manner in which the +punishment of expulsion was then inflicted. It is as follows:--"In +the College Hall the President, after morning prayers, the +Fellows, Masters of Art, and the several classes of Undergraduates +being present, after a full opening of the crimes of the +delinquents, a pathetic admonition of them, and solemn obtestation +and caution to the scholars, pronounced the sentence of expulsion, +ordered their names to be rent off the tables, and them to depart +the Hall."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 442. + +In England, "an expelled man," says Bristed, "is shut out from the +learned professions, as well as from all Colleges at either +University."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 131. + + + +_F_. + + +FACILITIES. The means by which the performance of anything is +rendered easy.--_Webster_. + +Among students, a general name for what are technically called +_ponies_ or translations. + +All such subsidiary helps in learning lessons, he classed ... +under the opprobrious name of "_facilities_," and never scrupled +to seize them as contraband goods.--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, +D.D._, p. lxxvii. + + +FACULTY. In colleges, the masters and professors of the several +sciences.--_Johnson_. + +In America, the _faculty_ of a college or university consists of +the president, professors, and tutors.--_Webster_. + +The duties of the faculty are very extended. They have the general +control and direction of the studies pursued in the college. They +have cognizance of all offences committed by undergraduates, and +it is their special duty to enforce the observance of all the laws +and regulations for maintaining discipline, and promoting good +order, virtue, piety, and good learning in the institution with +which they are connected. The faculty hold meetings to communicate +and compare their opinions and information, respecting the conduct +and character of the students and the state of the college; to +decide upon the petitions or requests which may be offered them by +the members of college, and to consider and suggest such measures +as may tend to the advancement of learning, and the improvement of +the college. This assembly is called a _Faculty-meeting_, a word +very often in the mouths of students.--_Coll. Laws_. + +2. One of the members or departments of a university. + +"In the origin of the University of Paris," says Brande, "the +seven liberal arts (grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, +geometry, astronomy, and music) seem to have been the subjects of +academic instruction. These constituted what was afterwards +designated the Faculty of Arts. Three other faculties--those of +divinity, law, and medicine--were subsequently added. In all these +four, lectures were given, and degrees conferred by the +University. The four Faculties were transplanted to Oxford and +Cambridge, where they are still retained; although, in point of +fact, the faculty of arts is the only one in which substantial +instruction is communicated in the academical course."--_Brande's +Dict._, Art. FACULTY. + +In some American colleges, these four departments are established, +and sometimes a fifth, the Scientific, is added. + + +FAG. Scotch, _faik_, to fail, to languish. Ancient Swedish, +_wik-a_, cedere. To drudge; to labor to weariness; to become +weary. + +2. To study hard; to persevere in study. + + Place me 'midst every toil and care, + A hapless undergraduate still, + To _fag_ at mathematics dire, &c. + _Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 8. + +Dee, the famous mathematician, appears to have _fagged_ as +intensely as any man at Cambridge. For three years, he declares, +he only slept four hours a night, and allowed two hours for +refreshment. The remaining eighteen hours were spent in +study.--_Ibid._, p. 48. + + How did ye toil, and _fagg_, and fume, and fret, + And--what the bashful muse would blush to say. + But, now, your painful tremors are all o'er, + Cloath'd in the glories of a full-sleev'd gown, + Ye strut majestically up and down, + And now ye _fagg_, and now ye fear, no more! + _Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 20. + + +FAG. A laborious drudge; a drudge for another. In colleges and +schools, this term is applied to a boy of a lower form who is +forced to do menial services for another boy of a higher form or +class. + +But who are those three by-standers, that have such an air of +submission and awe in their countenances? They are +_fags_,--Freshmen, poor fellows, called out of their beds, and +shivering with fear in the apprehension of missing morning +prayers, to wait upon their lords the Sophomores in their midnight +revellings.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. II. p. 106. + + His _fag_ he had well-nigh killed by a blow. + _Wallenstein in Bohn's Stand. Lib._, p. 155. + +A sixth-form schoolboy is not a little astonished to find his +_fags_ becoming his masters.--_Lond. Quar. Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. +LXXIII, p. 53. + +Under the title FRESHMAN SERVITUDE will be found as account of the +manner in which members of that class were formerly treated in the +older American colleges. + +2. A diligent student, i.e. a _dig_. + + +FAG. Time spent in, or period of, studying. + +The afternoon's _fag_ is a pretty considerable one, lasting from +three till dark.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 248. + +After another _hard fag_ of a week or two, a land excursion would +be proposed.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 56. + + +FAGGING. Laborious drudgery; the acting as a drudge for another at +a college or school. + +2. Studying hard, equivalent to _digging, grubbing, &c._ + + Thrice happy ye, through toil and dangers past, + Who rest upon that peaceful shore, + Where all your _fagging_ is no more, + And gain the long-expected port at last. + _Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + +To _fagging_ I set to, therefore, with as keen a relish as ever +alderman sat down to turtle.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 123. + +See what I pay for liberty to leave school early, and to figure in +every ball-room in the country, and see the world, instead of +_fagging_ at college.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 307. + + +FAIR HARVARD. At the celebration of the era of the second century +from the origin of Harvard College, which was held at Cambridge, +September 8th, 1836, the following Ode, written by the Rev. Samuel +Gilman, D.D., of Charleston, S.C., was sung to the air, "Believe +me, if all those endearing young charms." + + "FAIR HARVARD! thy sons to thy Jubilee throng, + And with blessings surrender thee o'er, + By these festival-rites, from the Age that is past, + To the Age that is waiting before. + O Relic and Type of our ancestors' worth, + That hast long kept their memory warm! + First flower of their wilderness! Star of their night, + Calm rising through change and through storm! + + "To thy bowers we were led in the bloom of our youth, + From the home of our free-roving years, + When our fathers had warned, and our mothers had prayed, + And our sisters had blest, through their tears. + _Thou_ then wert our parent,--the nurse of our souls,-- + We were moulded to manhood by thee, + Till, freighted with treasure-thoughts, friendships, and hopes, + Thou didst launch us on Destiny's sea. + + "When, as pilgrims, we come to revisit thy halls, + To what kindlings the season gives birth! + Thy shades are more soothing, thy sunlight more dear, + Than descend on less privileged earth: + For the Good and the Great, in their beautiful prime, + Through thy precincts have musingly trod, + As they girded their spirits, or deepened the streams + That make glad the fair City of God. + + "Farewell! be thy destinies onward and bright! + To thy children the lesson still give, + With freedom to think, and with patience to bear, + And for right ever bravely to live. + Let not moss-covered Error moor _thee_ at its side, + As the world on Truth's current glides by; + Be the herald of Light, and the bearer of Love, + Till the stock of the Puritans die." + +Since the occasion on which this ode was sung, it has been the +practice with the odists of Class Day at Harvard College to write +the farewell class song to the tune of "Fair Harvard," the name by +which the Irish air "Believe me" has been adopted. The deep pathos +of this melody renders it peculiarly appropriate to the +circumstances with which it has been so happily connected, and +from which it is to be hoped it may never be severed. + +See CLASS DAY. + + +FAIR LICK. In the game of football, when the ball is fairly caught +or kicked beyond the bounds, the cry usually heard, is _Fair lick! +Fair lick!_ + + "_Fair lick_!" he cried, and raised his dreadful foot, + Armed at all points with the ancestral boot. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 22. + +See FOOTBALL. + + +FANTASTICS. At Princeton College, an exhibition on Commencement +evening, of a number of students on horseback, fantastically +dressed in masks, &c. + + +FAST. An epithet of one who is showy in dress, expensive or +apparently so in his mode of living, and inclined to spree. +Formerly used exclusively among students; now of more general +application. + +Speaking of the student signification of the word, Bristed +remarks: "A _fast man_ is not necessarily (like the London fast +man) a _rowing_ man, though the two attributes are often combined +in the same person; he is one who dresses flashily, talks big, and +spends, or affects to spend, money very freely."--_Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 23. + + The _Fast_ Man comes, with reeling tread, + Cigar in mouth, and swimming head. + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton. + + +FAT. At Princeton College, a letter with money or a draft is thus +denominated. + + +FATHER or PRÆLECTOR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., one of +the fellows of a college, who attends all the examinations for the +Bachelor's degree, to see that justice is done to the candidates +from his own college, who are at that time called his +_sons_.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +The _Fathers_ of the respective colleges, zealous for the credit +of the societies of which they are the guardians, are incessantly +employed in examining those students who appear most likely to +contest the palm of glory with their _sons_.--_Gent. Mag._, 1773, +p. 435. + + +FEBRUARY TWENTY-SECOND. At Shelby, Centre, and Bacon Colleges, in +Kentucky, it is customary to select the best orators and speakers +from the different literary societies to deliver addresses on the +twenty-second of February, in commemoration of the birthday of +Washington. At Bethany College, in Virginia, this day is observed +in a similar manner. + + +FEEZE. Usually spelled PHEEZE, q.v. + +Under FLOP, another, but probably a wrong or obsolete, +signification is given. + + +FELLOW. A member of a corporation; a trustee. In the English +universities, a residence at the college, engagement in +instruction, and receiving therefor a stipend, are essential +requisites to the character of a _fellow_. In American colleges, +it is not necessary that a _fellow_ should be a resident, a +stipendiary, or an instructor. In most cases the greater number of +the _Fellows of the Corporation_ are non-residents, and have no +part in the instruction at the college. + +With reference to the University of Cambridge, Eng., Bristed +remarks: "The Fellows, who form the general body from which the +other college officers are chosen, consist of those four or five +Bachelor Scholars in each year who pass the best examination in +classics, mathematics, and metaphysics. This examination being a +severe one, and only the last of many trials which they have gone +through, the inference is allowable that they are the most learned +of the College graduates. They have a handsome income, whether +resident or not; but if resident, enjoy the additional advantages +of a well-spread table for nothing, and good rooms at a very low +price. The only conditions of retaining their Fellowships are, +that they take orders after a certain time and remain unmarried. +Of those who do not fill college offices, some occupy themselves +with private pupils; others, who have property of their own, +prefer to live a life of literary leisure, like some of their +predecessors, the monks of old. The eight oldest Fellows at any +time in residence, together with the Master, have the government +of the college vested in them."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 16. + +For some remarks on the word Fellow, see under the title COLLEGE. + + +FELLOW-COMMONER. In the University of Cambridge, England, +_Fellow-Commoners_ are generally the younger sons of the nobility, +or young men of fortune, and have the privilege of dining at the +Fellows' table, whence the appellation originated. + +"Fellow-Commoners," says Bristed, "are 'young men of fortune,' as +the _Cambridge Calendar_ and _Cambridge Guide_ have it, who, in +consideration of their paying twice as much for everything as +anybody else, are allowed the privilege of sitting at the Fellows' +table in hall, and in their seats at chapel; of wearing a gown +with gold or silver lace, and a velvet cap with a metallic tassel; +of having the first choice of rooms; and as is generally believed, +and believed not without reason, of getting off with a less number +of chapels per week. Among them are included the Honorables _not_ +eldest sons,--only these wear a hat instead of the velvet cap, and +are thence popularly known as _Hat_ Fellow-Commoners."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 13. + +A _Fellow-Commoner_ at Cambridge is equivalent to an Oxford +_Gentleman-Commoner_, and is in all respects similar to what in +private schools and seminaries is called a _parlor boarder_. A +fuller account of this, the first rank at the University, will be +found in the Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 20, and in the Gradus +ad Cantabrigiam, p. 50. + +"Fellow-Commoners have been nicknamed '_Empty Bottles_'! They have +been called, likewise, 'Useless Members'! 'The licensed Sons of +Ignorance.'"--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +The Fellow-Commoners, alias _empty bottles_, (not so called +because they've let out anything during the examination,) are then +presented.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 101. + +In the old laws of Harvard College we find the following: "None +shall be admitted a _Fellow-Commoner_ unless he first pay thirteen +pounds six and eight pence to the college. And every +_Fellow-Commoner_ shall pay double tuition money. They shall have +the privilege of dining and supping with the Fellows at their +table in the hall; they shall be excused from going on errands, +and shall have the title of Masters, and have the privilege of +wearing their hats as the Masters do; but shall attend all duties +and exercises with the rest of their class, and be alike subject +to the laws and government of the College," &c. The Hon. Paine +Wingate, a graduate of the class of 1759, says in reference to +this subject: "I never heard anything about _Fellow-Commoners_ in +college excepting in this paragraph. I am satisfied there has been +no such description of scholars at Cambridge since I have known +anything about the place."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Coll._, p. 314. + +In the Appendix to "A Sketch of the History of Harvard College," +by Samuel A. Eliot, is a memorandum, in the list of donations to +that institution, under the date 1683, to this effect. "Mr. Joseph +Brown, Mr. Edward Page, Mr. Francis Wainwright, +_fellow-commoners_, gave each a silver goblet." Mr. Wainwright +graduated in 1686. The other two do not appear to have received a +degree. All things considered, it is probable that this order, +although introduced from the University of Cambridge, England, +into Harvard College, received but few members, on account of the +evil influence which such distinctions usually exert. + + +FELLOW OF THE HOUSE. See under HOUSE. + + +FELLOW, RESIDENT. At Harvard College, the tutors were formerly +called _resident fellows_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. +p. 278. + +The _resident fellows_ were tutors to the classes, and instructed +them in Hebrew, "and led them through all the liberal arts before +the four years were expired."--_Harv. Reg._, p. 249. + + +FELLOWSHIP. An establishment in colleges, for the maintenance of a +fellow.--_Webster_. + +In Harvard College, tutors were formerly called Fellows of the +House or College, and their office, _fellowships_. In this sense +that word is used in the following passage. + +Joseph Stevens was chosen "Fellow of the College, or House," and +as such was approved by that board [the Corporation], in the +language of the records, "to supply a vacancy in one of the +_Fellowships_ of the House."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. +I. p. 279. + + +FELLOWS' ORCHARD. See TUTORS' PASTURE. + + +FEMUR. Latin; _a thigh-bone_. At Yale College, a _femur_ was +formerly the badge of a medical bully. + + When hand in hand all joined in band, + With clubs, umbrellas, _femurs_, + Declaring death and broken teeth + 'Gainst blacksmiths, cobblers, seamers. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 14. + + "One hundred valiant warriors, who + (My Captain bid me say) + Three _femurs_ wield, with one to fight, + With two to run away, + + "Wait in Scull Castle, to receive, + With open gates, your men; + Their right arms nerved, their _femurs_ clenched, + Safe to protect ye then!"--_Ibid._, p. 23. + + +FERG. To lose the heat of excitement or passion; to become less +angry, ardent; to cool. A correspondent from the University of +Vermont, where this word is used, says: "If a man gets angry, we +'let him _ferg_,' and he feels better." + + +FESS. Probably abbreviated for CONFESS. In some of the Southern +Colleges, to fail in reciting; to silently request the teacher not +to put farther queries. + +This word is in use among the cadets at West Point, with the same +meaning. + + And when you and I, and Benny, and General Jackson too, + Are brought before a final board our course of life to view, + May we never "_fess_" on any "point," but then be told to go + To join the army of the blest, with Benny Havens, O! + _Song, Benny Havens, O!_ + + +FINES. In many of the colleges in the United States it was +formerly customary to impose fines upon the students as a +punishment for non-compliance with the laws. The practice is now +very generally abolished. + +About the middle of the eighteenth century, the custom of +punishing by pecuniary mulets began, at Harvard College, to be +considered objectionable. "Although," says Quincy, "little +regarded by the students, they were very annoying to their +parents." A list of the fines which were imposed on students at +that period presents a curious aggregate of offences and +punishments. + + £ s. d. +Absence from prayers, 0 0 2 +Tardiness at prayers, 0 0 1 +Absence from Professor's public lecture, 0 0 4 +Tardiness at do. 0 0 2 +Profanation of Lord's day, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Absence from public worship, 0 0 9 +Tardiness at do. 0 0 3 +Ill behavior at do. not exceeding 0 1 6 +Going to meeting before bell-ringing, 0 0 6 +Neglecting to repeat the sermon, 0 0 9 +Irreverent behavior at prayers, or public divinity + lectures, 0 1 6 +Absence from chambers, &c., not exceeding 0 0 6 +Not declaiming, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Not giving up a declamation, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Absence from recitation, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Neglecting analyzing, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Bachelors neglecting disputations, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Respondents neglecting do. from 1s. 6d. to 0 3 0 +Undergraduates out of town without leave, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town without leave, not + exceeding _per diem_, 0 1 3 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town one week without + leave, not exceeding 0 10 0 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town one month without + leave, not exceeding 2 10 0 +Lodging strangers without leave, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Entertaining persons of ill character, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Going out of College without proper garb, not exceeding 0 0 6 +Frequenting taverns, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Profane cursing, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Graduates playing cards, not exceeding 0 5 0 +Undergraduates playing cards, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Undergraduates playing any game for money, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Selling and exchanging without leave, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Lying, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Opening door by pick-locks, not exceeding 0 5 0 +Drunkenness, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Liquors prohibited under penalty, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Second offence, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Keeping prohibited liquors, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Sending for do. 0 0 6 +Fetching do. 0 1 6 +Going upon the top of the College, 0 1 6 +Cutting off the lead, 0 1 6 +Concealing the transgression of the 19th Law,[25] 0 1 6 +Tumultuous noises, 0 1 6 +Second offence, 0 3 0 +Refusing to give evidence, 0 3 0 +Rudeness at meals, 0 1 0 +Butler and cook to keep utensils clean, not + exceeding 0 5 0 +Not lodging at their chambers, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Sending Freshmen in studying time, 0 0 9 +Keeping guns, and going on skating, 0 1 0 +Firing guns or pistols in College yard, 0 2 6 +Fighting or hurting any person, not exceeding 0 1 6 + +In 1761, a committee, of which Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson was +a member, was appointed to consider of some other method of +punishing offenders. Although they did not altogether abolish +mulets, yet "they proposed that, in lieu of an increase of mulcts, +absences without justifiable cause from any exercise of the +College should subject the delinquent to warning, private +admonition, exhortation to duty, and public admonition, with a +notification to parents; when recitations had been omitted, +performance of them should be exacted at some other time; and, by +way of punishment for disorders, confinement, and the performance +of exercises during its continuance, should be +enjoined."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 135, 136. + +By the laws of 1798, fines not exceeding one dollar were imposed +by a Professor or Tutor, or the Librarian; not exceeding two +dollars, by the President; all above two dollars, by the +President, Professors, and Tutors, at a meeting. + +Upon this subject, with reference to Harvard College, Professor +Sidney Willard remarks: "For a long period fines constituted the +punishment of undergraduates for negligence in attendance at the +exercises and in the performance of the lessons assigned to them. +A fine was the lowest degree in the gradation of punishment. This +mode of punishment or disapprobation was liable to objections, as +a tax on the father rather than a rebuke of the son, (except it +might be, in some cases, for the indirect moral influence produced +upon the latter, operating on his filial feeling,) and as a +mercenary exaction, since the money went into the treasury of the +College. It was a good day for the College when this punishment +through the purse was abandoned as a part of the system of +punishments; which, not confined to neglect of study, had been +extended also to a variety of misdemeanors more or less aggravated +and aggravating."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. p. +304. + +"Of fines," says President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse +relating to Yale College, "the laws are full, and other documents +show that the laws did not sleep. Thus there was in 1748 a fine of +a penny for the absence of an undergraduate from prayers, and of a +half-penny for tardiness or coming in after the introductory +collect; of fourpence for absence from public worship; of from two +to six pence for absence from one's chamber during the time of +study; of one shilling for picking open a lock the first time, and +two shillings the second; of two and sixpence for playing at cards +or dice, or for bringing strong liquor into College; of one +shilling for doing damage to the College, or jumping out of the +windows,--and so in many other cases. + +"In the year 1759, a somewhat unfair pamphlet was written, which +gave occasion to several others in quick succession, wherein, +amidst other complaints of President Clap's administration, +mention is made of the large amount of fines imposed upon +students. The author, after mentioning that in three years' time +over one hundred and seventy-two pounds of lawful money was +collected in this way, goes on to add, that 'such an exorbitant +collection by fines tempts one to suspect that they have got +together a most disorderly set of young men training up for the +service of the churches, or that they are governed and corrected +chiefly by pecuniary punishments;--that almost all sins in that +society are purged and atoned for by money.' He adds, with +justice, that these fines do not fall on the persons of the +offenders,--most of the students being minors,--but upon their +parents; and that the practice takes place chiefly where there is +the least prospect of working a reformation, since the thoughtless +and extravagant, being the principal offenders against College +law, would not lay it to heart if their frolics should cost them a +little more by way of fine. He further expresses his opinion, that +this way of punishing the children of the College has but little +tendency to better their hearts and reform their manners; that +pecuniary impositions act only by touching the shame or +covetousness or necessities of those upon whom they are levied; +and that fines had ceased to become dishonorable at College, while +to appeal to the love of money was expelling one devil by another, +and to restrain the necessitous by fear of fine would be extremely +cruel and unequal. These and other considerations are very +properly urged, and the same feeling is manifested in the laws by +the gradual abolition of nearly all pecuniary mulcts. The +practice, it ought to be added, was by no means peculiar to Yale +College, but was transferred, even in a milder form, from the +colleges of England."--pp. 47, 48. + +In connection with this subject, it may not be inappropriate to +mention the following occurrence, which is said to have taken +place at Harvard College. + +Dr. ----, _in propria persona_, called upon a Southern student one +morning in the recitation-room to define logic. The question was +something in this form. "Mr. ----, what is logic?" Ans. "Logic, +Sir, is the art of reasoning." "Ay; but I wish you to give the +definition in the exact words of the _learned author_." "O, Sir, +he gives a very long, intricate, confused definition, with which I +did not think proper to burden my memory." "Are you aware who the +learned author is?" "O, yes! your honor, Sir." "Well, then, I fine +you one dollar for disrespect." Taking out a two-dollar note, the +student said, with the utmost _sang froid_, "If you will change +this, I will pay you on the spot." "I fine you another dollar," +said the Professor, emphatically, "for repeated disrespect." "Then +'tis just the change, Sir," said the student, coolly. + + +FIRST-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, England, the title +of _First-Year Men_, or _Freshmen_, is given to students during +the first year of their residence at the University. + + +FISH. At Harvard College, to seek or gain the good-will of an +instructor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious +civilities; to curry favor. The German word _fischen_ has a +secondary meaning, to get by cunning, which is similar to the +English word _fish_. Students speak of fishing for parts, +appointments, ranks, marks, &c. + + I give to those that _fish for parts_, + Long, sleepless nights, and aching hearts, + A little soul, a fawning spirit, + With half a grain of plodding merit, + Which is, as Heaven I hope will say, + Giving what's not my own away. + _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795. + + Who would let a Tutor knave + Screw him like a Guinea slave! + Who would _fish_ a fine to save! + Let him turn and flee.--_Rebelliad_, p. 35. + + Did I not promise those who _fished_ + And pimped most, any part they wished?--_Ibid._, p. 33. + + 'T is all well here; though 't were a grand mistake + To write so, should one "_fish_" for a "forty-eight!" + _Childe Harvard_, p. 33. + + Still achieving, still intriguing, + Learn to labor and to _fish_. + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849. + +The following passage explains more clearly, perhaps, the meaning +of this word. "Any attempt to raise your standing by ingratiating +yourself with the instructors, will not only be useless, but +dishonorable. Of course, in your intercourse with the Professors +and Tutors, you will not be wanting in that respect and courtesy +which is due to them, both as your superiors and as +gentlemen."--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 79. + +Washington Allston, who graduated at Harvard College in the year +1800, left a painting of a fishing scene, to be transmitted from +class to class. It was in existence in the year 1828, but has +disappeared of late. + + +FISH, FISHER. One who attempts to ingratiate himself with his +instructor, thereby to obtain favor or advantage; one who curries +favor. + +You besought me to respect my teachers, and to be attentive to my +studies, though it shall procure me the odious title of a +"_fisher_."--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 153. + + +FISHING. The act performed by a _fisher_. The full force of this +word is set forth in a letter from Dr. Popkin, a Professor at +Harvard College, to his brother William, dated Boston, October +17th, 1800. + +"I am sensible that the good conduct which I have advised you, and +which, I doubt not, you are inclined to preserve, may expose you +to the opprobrious epithet, _fishing_. You undoubtedly understand, +by this time, the meaning of that frightful term, which has done +more damage in college than all the bad wine, and roasted pigs, +that have ever fired the frenzy of Genius! The meaning of it, in +short, is nothing less than this, that every one who acts as a +reasonable being in the various relations and duties of a scholar +is using the basest means to ingratiate himself with the +government, and seeking by mean compliances to purchase their +honors and favors. At least, I thought this to be true when I was +in the government. If times and manners are altered, I am heartily +glad of it; but it will not injure you to hear the tales of former +times. If a scholar appeared to perform his exercises to his best +ability, if there were not a marked contempt and indifference in +his manner, I would hear the whisper run round the class, +_fishing_. If one appeared firm enough to perform an unpopular +duty, or showed common civility to his instructors, who certainly +wished him well, he was _fishing_. If he refused to join in some +general disorder, he was insulted with _fishing_. If he did not +appear to despise the esteem and approbation of his instructors, +and to disclaim all the rewards of diligence and virtue, he was +suspected of _fishing_. The fear of this suspicion or imputation +has, I believe, perverted many minds which, from good and +honorable motives, were better disposed."--_Memorial of John S. +Popkin, D.D._, pp. xxvi., xxvii. + + To those who've parts at exhibition, + Obtained by long, unwearied _fishing_, + I say, to such unlucky wretches, + I give, for wear, a brace of breeches. + _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795. + + And, since his _fishing_ on the land was vain, + To try his luck upon the azure main.--_Class Poem_, 1835. + +Whenever I needed advice or assistance, I did not hesitate, +through any fear of the charge of what, in the College cant, was +called "_fishing_," to ask it of Dr. Popkin.--_Memorial of John S. +Popkin, D.D._, p. ix. + +At Dartmouth College, the electioneering for members of the secret +societies was formerly called _fishing_. At the same institution, +individuals in the Senior Class were said to be _fishing for +appointments_, if they tried to gain the good-will of the Faculty +by any special means. + + +FIVES. A kind of play with a ball against the side of a building, +resembling tennis; so named, because three _fives_ or _fifteen_ +are counted to the game.--_Smart_. + +A correspondent, writing of Centre College, Ky., says: "Fives was +a game very much in vogue, at which the President would often take +a hand, and while the students would play for ice-cream or some +other refreshment, he would never fail to come in for his share." + + +FIZZLE. Halliwell says: "The half-hiss, half-sigh of an animal." +In many colleges in the United States, this word is applied to a +bad recitation, probably from the want of distinct articulation +which usually attends such performances. It is further explained +in the Yale Banger, November 10, 1846: "This figure of a wounded +snake is intended to represent what in technical language is +termed a _fizzle_. The best judges have decided, that to get just +one third of the meaning right constitutes a _perfect fizzle_." + +With a mind and body so nearly at rest, that naught interrupted my +inmost repose save cloudy reminiscences of a morning "_fizzle_" +and an afternoon "flunk," my tranquillity was sufficiently +enviable.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 114. + + Here he could _fizzles_ mark without a sigh, + And see orations unregarded die. + _The Tomahawk_, Nov., 1849. + + Not a wail was heard, or a "_fizzle's_" mild sigh, + As his corpse o'er the pavement we hurried. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec., 1849. + +At Princeton College, the word _blue_ is used with _fizzle_, to +render it intensive; as, he made a _blue fizzle_, he _fizzled +blue_. + + +FIZZLE. To fail in reciting; to recite badly. A correspondent from +Williams College says: "Flunk is the common word when some +unfortunate man makes an utter failure in recitation. He _fizzles_ +when he stumbles through at last." Another from Union writes: "If +you have been lazy, you will probably _fizzle_." A writer in the +Yale Literary Magazine thus humorously defines this word: +"_Fizzle_. To rise with modest reluctance, to hesitate often, to +decline finally; generally, to misunderstand the question."--Vol. +XIV. p. 144. + +My dignity is outraged at beholding those who _fizzle_ and flunk +in my presence tower above me.--_The Yale Banger_, Oct. 22, 1847. + + I "skinned," and "_fizzled_" through. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +The verb _to fizzle out_, which is used at the West, has a little +stronger signification, viz. to be quenched, extinguished; to +prove a failure.--_Bartlett's Dict. Americanisms_. + +The factious and revolutionary action of the fifteen has +interrupted the regular business of the Senate, disgraced the +actors, and _fizzled out_.--_Cincinnati Gazette_. + +2. To cause one to fail in reciting. Said of an instructor. + + _Fizzle_ him tenderly, + Bore him with care, + Fitted so slenderly, + Tutor, beware. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 321. + + +FIZZLING. Reciting badly; the act of making a poor recitation. + +Of this word, a writer jocosely remarks: "_Fizzling_ is a somewhat +_free_ translation of an intricate sentence; proving a proposition +in geometry from a wrong figure. Fizzling is caused sometimes by a +too hasty perusal of the pony, and generally by a total loss of +memory when called upon to recite."--_Sophomore Independent_, +Union College, Nov. 1854. + + Weather drizzling, + Freshmen _fizzling_. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 212. + + +FLAM. At the University of Vermont, in student phrase, to _flam_ +is to be attentive, at any time, to any lady or company of ladies. +E.g. "He spends half his time _flamming_" i.e. in the society of +the other sex. + + +FLASH-IN-THE-PAN. A student is said to make a _flash-in-the-pan_ +when he commences to recite brilliantly, and suddenly fails; the +latter part of such a recitation is a FIZZLE. The metaphor is +borrowed from a gun, which, after being primed, loaded, and ready +to be discharged, _flashes in the pan_. + + +FLOOR. Among collegians, to answer such questions as may be +propounded concerning a given subject. + + Then Olmsted took hold, but he couldn't make it go, + For we _floored_ the Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + +To _floor a paper_, is to answer every question in it.--_Bristed_. + +Somehow I nearly _floored the paper_, and came out feeling much +more comfortable than when I went in.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 12. + +Our best classic had not time to _floor_ the _paper_.--_Ibid._, p. +135. + + +FLOP. A correspondent from the University of Vermont writes: "Any +'cute' performance by which a man is sold [deceived] is a _good +flop_, and, by a phrase borrowed from the ball ground, is 'rightly +played.' The discomfited individual declares that they 'are all on +a side,' and gives up, or 'rolls over' by giving his opponent +'gowdy.'" "A man writes cards during examination to 'feeze the +profs'; said cards are 'gumming cards,' and he _flops_ the +examination if he gets a good mark by the means." One usually +_flops_ his marks by feigning sickness. + + +FLOP A TWENTY. At the University of Vermont, to _flop a twenty_ is +to make a perfect recitation, twenty being the maximum mark for +scholarship. + + +FLUMMUX. Any failure is called a _flummux_. In some colleges the +word is particularly applied to a poor recitation. At Williams +College, a failure on the play-ground is called a _flummux_. + + +FLUMMUX. To fail; to recite badly. Mr. Bartlett, in his Dictionary +of Americanisms, has the word _flummix_, to be overcome; to be +frightened; to give way to. + +Perhaps Parson Hyme didn't put it into Pokerville for two mortal +hours; and perhaps Pokerville didn't mizzle, wince, and finally +_flummix_ right beneath him.--_Field, Drama in Pokerville_. + + +FLUNK. This word is used in some American colleges to denote a +complete failure in recitation. + +This, O, [signifying neither beginning nor end,] Tutor H---- said +meant a perfect _flunk_.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + +I've made some twelve or fourteen _flunks_.--_The Gallinipper_, +Dec. 1849. + + And that bold man must bear a _flunk_, or die, + Who, when John pleased be captious, dared reply. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +The Sabbath dawns upon the poor student burdened with the thought +of the lesson, or _flunk_ of the morrow morning.--_Ibid._, Feb. +1851. + + He thought ... + First of his distant home and parents, tunc, + Of tutors' note-books, and the morrow's _flunk_. + _Ibid._, Feb. 1851. + + In moody meditation sunk, + Reflecting on my future _flunk_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 54. + + And so, in spite of scrapes and _flunks_, + I'll have a sheep-skin too. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +Some amusing anecdotes are told, such as the well-known one about +the lofty dignitary's macaronic injunction, "Exclude canem, et +shut the door"; and another of a tutor's dismal _flunk_ on +faba.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 263. + + +FLUNK. To make a complete failure when called on to recite. A +writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines it, "to decline +peremptorily, and then to whisper, 'I had it all, except that +confounded little place.'"--Vol. XIV. p. 144. + +They know that a man who has _flunked_, because too much of a +genius to get his lesson, is not in a state to appreciate joking. +--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 253. + +Nestor was appointed to deliver a poem, but most ingloriously +_flunked_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 256. + +The phrase _to flunk out_, which Bartlett, in his Dictionary of +Americanisms, defines, "to retire through fear, to back out," is +of the same nature as the above word. + +Why, little one, you must be cracked, if you _flunk out_ before we +begin.--_J.C. Neal_. + +It was formerly used in some American colleges as is now the word +_flunk_. + +We must have, at least, as many subscribers as there are students +in College, or "_flunk out."--The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 3. + + +FLUNKEY. In college parlance, one who makes a complete failure at +recitation; one who _flunks_. + + I bore him safe through Horace, + Saved him from the _flunkey's_ doom. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 76. + + +FLUNKING. Failing completely in reciting. + + _Flunking_ so gloomily, + Crushed by contumely. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 322. + + +We made our earliest call while the man first called up in the +division-room was deliberately and gracefully +"_flunking_."--_Ibid._, Vol. XIV. p. 190. + + See what a spot a _flunking_ Soph'more made! + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + +FLUNKOLOGY. A farcical word, designed to express the science _of +flunking_. + +The ---- scholarship, is awarded to the student in each Freshman +Class who passes the poorest examination in +_Flunkology_.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 28. + + +FOOTBALL. For many years, the game of football has been the +favorite amusement at some of the American colleges, during +certain seasons of the year. At Harvard and Yale, it is customary +for the Sophomore Class to challenge the Freshmen to a trial game, +soon after their entrance into College. The interest excited on +this occasion is always very great, the Seniors usually siding +with the former, and the Juniors with the latter class. The result +is generally in favor of the Sophomores. College poets and +prose-writers have often chosen the game of football as a topic on +which to exercise their descriptive powers. One invokes his muse, +in imitation of a great poet, as follows:-- + + "The Freshmen's wrath, to Sophs the direful spring + Of shins unnumbered bruised, great goddess, sing!" + +Another, speaking of the size of the ball in ancient times +compared with what it is at present, says:-- + + "A ball like this, so monstrous and so hard, + Six eager Freshmen scarce could kick a yard!" + +Further compositions on this subject are to be found in the +Harvard Register, Harvardiana, Yale Banger, &c. + +See WRESTLING-MATCH. + + +FORENSIC. A written argument, maintaining either the affirmative +or the negative side of a question. + +In Harvard College, the two senior classes are required to write +_forensics_ once in every four weeks, on a subject assigned by the +Professor of Moral Philosophy; these they read before him and the +division of the class to which they belong, on appointed days. It +was formerly customary for the teacher to name those who were to +write on the affirmative and those on the negative, but it is now +left optional with the student which side he will take. This word +was originally used as an adjective, and it was usual to speak of +a forensic dispute, which has now been shortened into _forensic_. + +For every unexcused omission of a _forensic_, or of reading a +_forensic_, a deduction shall be made of the highest number of +marks to which that exercise is entitled. Seventy-two is the +highest mark for _forensics_.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, +1848. + +What with themes, _forensics_, letters, memoranda, notes on +lectures, verses, and articles, I find myself considerably +hurried.--_Collegian_, 1830, p. 241. + + When + I call to mind _Forensics_ numberless, + With arguments so grave and erudite, + I never understood their force myself, + But trusted that my sage instructor would. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 403. + + +FORK ON. At Hamilton College, _to fork on_, to appropriate to +one's self. + + +FORTS. At Jefferson and at Washington Colleges in Pennsylvania, +the boarding-houses for the students are called _forts_. + + +FOUNDATION. A donation or legacy appropriated to support an +institution, and constituting a permanent fund, usually for a +charitable purpose.--_Webster_. + +In America it is also applied to a donation or legacy appropriated +especially to maintain poor and deserving, or other students, at a +college. + +In the selection of candidates for the various beneficiary +_foundations_, the preference will be given to those who are of +exemplary conduct and scholarship.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., +Mass._, 1848, p. 19. + +Scholars on this _foundation_ are to be called "scholars of the +house."--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. 86. + + +FOUNDATIONER. One who derives support from the funds or foundation +of a college or a great school.--_Jackson_. + +This word is not in use in the _United States_. + +See BENEFICIARY. + + +FOUNDATION SCHOLAR. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +scholar who enjoys certain privileges, and who is of that class +whence Fellows are taken. + +Of the scholars of this name, Bristed remarks: "The table nearer +the door is filled by students in the ordinary Undergraduate blue +gown; but from the better service of their table, and perhaps some +little consequential air of their own, it is plain that they have +something peculiar to boast of. They are the Foundation Scholars, +from whom the future Fellows are to be chosen, in the proportion +of about one out of three. Their Scholarships are gained by +examination in the second or third year, and entitle them to a +pecuniary allowance from the college, and also to their commons +gratis (these latter subject to certain attendance at and service +in chapel), a first choice of rooms, and some other little +privileges, of which they are somewhat proud, and occasionally +they look as if conscious that some Don may be saying to a chance +visitor at the high table, 'Those over yonder are the scholars, +the best men of their year.'"--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 20. + + +FOX. In the German universities, a student during the first +half-year is called a Fox (Fuchs), the same as Freshman. To this +the epithet _nasty_ is sometimes added. + +On this subject, Howitt remarks: "On entering the University, he +becomes a _Kameel_,--a Camel. This happy transition-state of a few +weeks gone by, he comes forth finally, on entering a Chore, a +_Fox_, and runs joyfully into the new Burschen life. During the +first _semester_ or half-year, he is a gold fox, which means, that +he has _foxes_, or rich gold in plenty yet; or he is a +_Crass-fucks_, or fat fox, meaning that he yet swells or puffs +himself up with gold."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +124. + +"Halloo there, Herdman, _fox_!" yelled another lusty tippler, and +Herdman, thus appealed to, arose and emptied the contents of his +glass.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 116. + +At the same moment, a door at the end of the hall was thrown open, +and a procession of new-comers, or _Nasty Foxes_, as they are +called in the college dialect, entered two by two, looking wild, +and green, and foolish.--_Longfellow's Hyperion_, p. 109. + +See also in the last-mentioned work the Fox song. + + +FREEZE. A correspondent from Williams College writes: "But by far +the most expressive word in use among us is _Freeze_. The meaning +of it might be felt, if, some cold morning, you would place your +tender hand upon some frosty door-latch; it would be a striking +specimen on the part of the door-latch of what we mean by +_Freeze_. Thus we _freeze_ to apples in the orchards, to fellows +whom we electioneer for in our secret societies, and alas! some +even go so far as to _freeze_ to the ladies." + +"Now, boys," said Bob, "_freeze on_," and at it they went.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 111. + + +FRESH. An abbreviation for Freshman or Freshmen; FRESHES is +sometimes used for the plural. + +When Sophs met _Fresh_, power met opposing power. _Harv. Reg._, p. +251. + +The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +_Fresh_, as they call us.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + +Listen to the low murmurings of some annihilated _Fresh_ upon the +Delta.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + + +FRESH. Newly come; likewise, awkward, like a Freshman.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + +For their behavior at table, spitting and coughing, and speaking +loud, was counted uncivil in any but a gentleman; as we say in the +university, that nothing is _fresh_ in a Senior, and to him it was +a glory.--_Archæol. Atticæ_, Edit. Oxon., 1675, B. VI. + + +FRESHMAN, _pl._ FRESHMEN. In England, a student during his first +year's residence at the university. In America, one who belongs to +the youngest of the four classes in college, called the _Freshman +Class_.--_Webster_. + + +FRESHMAN. Pertaining to a Freshman, or to the class called +_Freshman_. + + +FRESHMAN, BUTLER'S. At Harvard and Yale Colleges, a Freshman, +formerly hired by the Butler, to perform certain duties pertaining +to his office, was called by this name. + +The Butler may be allowed a Freshman, to do the foregoing duties, +and to deliver articles to the students from the Buttery, who +shall be appointed by the President and Tutors, and he shall be +allowed the same provision in the Hall as the Waiters; and he +shall not be charged in the Steward's quarter-bills under the +heads of Steward and Instruction and Sweepers, Catalogue and +Dinner.--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1793, p. 61. + +With being _butler's freshman_, and ringing the bell the first +year, waiter the three last, and keeping school in the vacations, +I rubbed through.--_The Algerine Captive_, Walpole, 1797, Vol. I. +p. 54. + +See BUTLER, BUTTERY. + + +FRESHMAN CLUB. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the new +Sophomore Class to present to the Freshmen at the commencement of +the first term a heavy cudgel, six feet long, of black walnut, +brass bound, with a silver plate inscribed "_Freshman Club_." The +club is given to the one who can hold it out at arm's length the +longest time, and the presentation is accompanied with an address +from one of the Sophomores in behalf of his class. He who receives +the club is styled the "leader." The "leader" having been +declared, after an appropriate speech from a Freshman appointed +for that purpose, "the class," writes a correspondent, "form a +procession, and march around the College yard, the leader carrying +the club before them. A trial is then made by the class of the +virtues of the club, on the Chapel door." + + +FRESHMAN, COLLEGE. In Harvard University, a member of the Freshman +Class, whose duties are enumerated below. "On Saturday, after the +exercises, any student not specially prohibited may go out of +town. If the students thus going out of town fail to return so as +to be present at evening prayers, they must enter their names with +the _College Freshman_ within the hour next preceding the evening +study bell; and all students who shall be absent from evening +prayers on Saturday must in like manner enter their +names."--_Statutes and Laws of the Univ. in Cam., Mass._, 1825, p. +42. + +The _College Freshman_ lived in No. 1, Massachusetts Hall, and was +commonly called the _book-keeper_. The duties of this office are +now performed by one of the Proctors. + + +FRESHMANHOOD. The state of a _Freshman_, or the time in which one +is a Freshman, which is in duration a year. + + But yearneth not thy laboring heart, O Tom, + For those dear hours of simple _Freshmanhood_? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 405. + + When to the college I came, + in the first dear day of _my freshhood_, + Like to the school we had left + I imagined the new situation. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 98. + + +FRESHMANIC. Pertaining to a _Freshman_; resembling a _Freshman_, +or his condition. + +The Junior Class had heard of our miraculous doings, and asserted +with that peculiar dignity which should at all times excite terror +and awe in the _Freshmanic_ breast, that they would countenance no +such proceedings.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 316. + +I do not pine for those _Freshmanic_ days.--_Ibid._, Vol. III. p. +405. + + +FRESHMAN, PARIETAL. In Harvard College, the member of the Freshman +Class who gives notice to those whom the chairman of the Parietal +Committee wishes to see, is known by the name of the _Parietal +Freshman_. For his services he receives about forty dollars per +annum, and the rent of his room. + + +FRESHMAN, PRESIDENT'S. A member of the Freshman Class who performs +the official errands of the President, for which he receives the +same compensation as the PARIETAL FRESHMAN. + + Then Bibo kicked his carpet thrice, + Which brought his _Freshman_ in a trice. + "You little rascal! go and call + The persons mentioned in this scroll." + The fellow, hearing, scarcely feels + The ground, so quickly fly his heels. + _Rebelliad_, p. 27. + + +FRESHMAN, REGENT'S. In Harvard College, a member of the Freshman +Class whose duties are given below. + +"When any student shall return to town, after having had leave of +absence for one night or more, or after any vacation, he shall +apply to the _Regent's Freshman_, at his room, to enter the time +of his return; and shall tarry till he see it entered. + +"The _Regent's Freshman_ is not charged under the heads of +Steward, Instruction, Sweepers, Catalogue, and Dinner."--_Laws of +Harv. Coll._, 1816, pp. 46, 47. + +This office is now abolished. + + +FRESHMAN'S BIBLE. Among collegians, the name by which the body of +laws, the catalogue, or the calendar of a collegiate institution +is often designated. The significancy of the word _Bible_ is seen, +when the position in which the laws are intended to be regarded is +considered. The _Freshman_ is supposed to have studied and to be +more familiar with the laws than any one else, hence the propriety +of using his name in this connection. A copy of the laws are +usually presented to each student on his entrance into college. + +Every year there issues from the warehouse of Messrs. Deighton, +the publishers to the University of Cambridge, an octavo volume, +bound in white canvas, and of a very periodical and business-like +appearance. Among the Undergraduates it is commonly known by the +name of the "_Freshman's Bible_,"--the public usually ask for the +"University Calendar."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +230. + +See COLLEGE BIBLE. + + +FRESHMAN SERVITUDE. The custom which formerly prevailed in the +older American colleges of allowing the members of all the upper +classes to send Freshmen upon errands, and in other ways to treat +them as inferiors, appears at the present day strange and almost +unaccountable. That our forefathers had reasons which they deemed +sufficient, not only for allowing, but sanctioning, this +subjection, we cannot doubt; but what these were, we are not able +to know from any accounts which have come down to us from the +past. + +"On attending prayers the first evening," says one who graduated +at Harvard College near the close of the last century, "no sooner +had the President pronounced the concluding 'Amen,' than one of +the Sophomores sung out, 'Stop, Freshmen, and hear the customs +read.'" An account of these customs is given in President Quincy's +History of Harvard University, Vol. II. p. 539. It is entitled, + +"THE ANCIENT CUSTOMS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, ESTABLISHED BY THE +GOVERNMENT OF IT." + +"1. No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, unless it +rains, hails, or snows, provided he be on foot, and have not both +hands full. + +"2. No Undergraduate shall wear his hat in the College yard when +any of the Governors of the College are there; and no Bachelor +shall wear his hat when the President is there. + +"3. Freshmen are to consider all the other classes as their +seniors. + +"4. No Freshman shall speak to a Senior[26] with his hat on, or +have it on in a Senior's chamber, or in his own, if a Senior be +there. + +"5. All the Undergraduates shall treat those in the Government of +the College with respect and deference; particularly they shall +not be seated without leave in their presence; they shall be +uncovered when they speak to them or are spoken to by them. + +"6. All Freshmen (except those employed by the Immediate +Government of the College) shall be obliged to go on any errand +(except such as shall be judged improper by some one in the +Government of the College) for any of his Seniors, Graduates or +Undergraduates, at any time, except in studying hours, or after +nine o'clock in the evening. + +"7. A Senior Sophister has authority to take a Freshman from a +Sophomore, a Middle Bachelor from a Junior Sophister, a Master +from a Senior Sophister, and any Governor of the College from a +Master. + +"8. Every Freshman before he goes for the person who takes him +away (unless it be one in the Government of the College) shall +return and inform the person from whom he is taken. + +"9. No Freshman, when sent on an errand, shall make any +unnecessary delay, neglect to make due return, or go away till +dismissed by the person who sent him. + +"10. No Freshman shall be detained by a Senior, when not actually +employed on some suitable errand. + +"11. No Freshman shall be obliged to observe any order of a Senior +to come to him, or go on any errand for him, unless he be wanted +immediately. + +"12. No Freshman, when sent on an errand, shall tell who he is +going for, unless he be asked; nor be obliged to tell what he is +going for, unless asked by a Governor of the College. + +"13. When any person knocks at a Freshman's door, except in +studying time, he shall immediately open the door, without +inquiring who is there. + +"14. No scholar shall call up or down, to or from, any chamber in +the College. + +"15. No scholar shall play football or any other game in the +College yard, or throw any thing across the yard. + +"16. The Freshmen shall furnish bats, balls, and footballs for the +use of the students, to be kept at the Buttery.[27] + +"17. Every Freshman shall pay the Butler for putting up his name +in the Buttery. + +"18. Strict attention shall be paid by all the students to the +common rules of cleanliness, decency, and politeness. + +"The Sophomores shall publish these customs to the Freshmen in the +Chapel, whenever ordered by any in the Government of the College; +at which time the Freshmen are enjoined to keep their places in +their seats, and attend with decency to the reading." + +At the close of a manuscript copy of the laws of Harvard College, +transcribed by Richard Waldron, a graduate of the class of 1738, +when a Freshman, are recorded the following regulations, which +differ from those already cited, not only in arrangement, but in +other respects. + +COLLEGE CUSTOMS, ANNO 1734-5. + +"1. No Freshman shall ware his hat in the College yard except it +rains, snows, or hails, or he be on horse back or haith both hands +full. + +"2. No Freshman shall ware his hat in his Seniors Chamber, or in +his own if his Senior be there. + +"3. No Freshman shall go by his Senior, without taking his hat of +if it be on. + +"4. No Freshman shall intrude into his Seniors company. + +"5. No Freshman shall laugh in his Seniors face. + +"6. No Freshman shall talk saucily to his Senior, or speak to him +with his hat on. + +"7. No Freshman shall ask his Senior an impertinent question. + +"8. Freshmen are to take notice that a Senior Sophister can take a +Freshman from a Sophimore,[28] a Middle Batcelour from a Junior +Sophister, a Master from a Senior Sophister, and a Fellow[29] from +a Master. + +"9. Freshmen are to find the rest of the Scholars with bats, +balls, and foot balls. + +"10. Freshmen must pay three shillings a peice to the Butler to +have there names set up in the Buttery. + +"11. No Freshman shall loiter by the [way] when he is sent of an +errand, but shall make hast and give a direct answer when he is +asked who he is going [for]. No Freshman shall use lying or +equivocation to escape going of an errand. + +"12. No Freshman shall tell who [he] is going [for] except he be +asked, nor for what except he be asked by a Fellow. + +"13. No Freshman shall go away when he haith been sent of an +errand before he be dismissed, which may be understood by saying, +it is well, I thank you, you may go, or the like. + +"14. When a Freshman knocks at his Seniors door he shall tell +[his] name if asked who. + +"15. When anybody knocks at a Freshmans door, he shall not aske +who is there, but shall immediately open the door. + +"16. No Freshman shall lean at prayrs but shall stand upright. + +"17. No Freshman shall call his classmate by the name of Freshmen. + +"18. No Freshman shall call up or down to or from his Seniors +chamber or his own. + +"19. No Freshman shall call or throw anything across the College +yard. + +"20. No Freshman shall mingo against the College wall, nor go into +the Fellows cus john.[30] + +"21. Freshmen may ware there hats at dinner and supper, except +when they go to receive there Commons of bread and bear. + +"22. Freshmen are so to carry themselves to there Seniors in all +respects so as to be in no wise saucy to them, and who soever of +the Freshmen shall brake any of these customs shall be severely +punished." + +Another manuscript copy of these singular regulations bears date +September, 1741, and is entitled, + +"THE CUSTOMS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, WHICH IF THE FRESHMEN DON'T +OBSERVE AND OBEY, THEY SHALL BE SEVERELY PUNISHED IF THEY HAVE +HEARD THEM READ." + +"1. No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, except it +rains, hails, or snows, he be on horseback, or hath both hands +full. + +"2. No Freshman shall pass by his Senior, without pulling his hat +off. + +"3. No Freshman shall be saucy to his Senior, or speak to him with +his hat on. + +"4. No Freshman shall laugh in his Senior's face. + +"5. No Freshman shall ask his Senior any impertinent question. + +"6. No Freshman shall intrude into his Senior's company. + +"7. Freshmen are to take notice that a Senior Sophister can take a +Freshman from a Sophimore, a Master from a Senior Sophister, and a +Fellow from a Master. + +"8. When a Freshman is sent of an errand, he shall not loiter by +the way, but shall make haste, and give a direct answer if asked +who he is going for. + +"9. No Freshman shall tell who he is a going for (unless asked), +or what he is a going for, unless asked by a Fellow. + +"10. No Freshman, when he is going of errands, shall go away, +except he be dismissed, which is known by saying, 'It is well,' +'You may go,' 'I thank you,' or the like. + +"11. Freshman are to find the rest of the scholars with bats, +balls, and footballs. + +"12. Freshmen shall pay three shillings to the Butler to have +their names set up in the Buttery. + +"13. No Freshman shall wear his hat in his Senior's chambers, nor +in his own if his Senior be there. + +"14. When anybody knocks at a Freshman's door, he shall not ask +who is there, but immediately open the door. + +"15. When a Freshman knocks at his Senior's door, he shall tell +his name immediately. + +"16. No Freshman shall call his classmate by the name of Freshman. + +"17. No Freshman shall call up or down, to or from his Senior's +chamber or his own. + +"18. No Freshman shall call or throw anything across the College +yard, nor go into the Fellows' Cuz-John. + +"19. No Freshman shall mingo against the College walls. + +"20. Freshmen are to carry themselves, in all respects, as to be +in no wise saucy to their Seniors. + +"21. Whatsoever Freshman shall break any of these customs, he +shall be severely punished." + + +A written copy of these regulations in Latin, of a very early +date, is still extant. They appear first in English, in the fourth +volume of the Immediate Government Books, 1781, p. 257. The two +following laws--one of which was passed soon after the +establishment of the College, the other in the year 1734--seem to +have been the foundation of these rules. "Nulli ex scholaribus +senioribus, solis tutoribus et collegii sociis exceptis, recentem +sive juniorem, ad itinerandum, aut ad aliud quodvis faciendum, +minis, verberibus, vel aliis modis impellere licebit. Et siquis +non gradatus in hanc legem peccaverit, castigatione corporali, +expulsione, vel aliter, prout præsidi cum sociis visum fuerit +punietur."--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 133. + +"None belonging to the College, except the President, Fellows, +Professors, and Tutors, shall by threats or blows compel a +Freshman or any Undergraduate to any duty or obedience; and if any +Undergraduate shall offend against this law, he shall be liable to +have the privilege of sending Freshmen taken from him by the +President and Tutors, or be degraded or expelled, according to the +aggravation of the offence. Neither shall any Senior scholars, +Graduates or Undergraduates, send any Freshman on errands in +studying hours, without leave from one of the Tutors, his own +Tutor if in College."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 141. + +That this privilege of sending Freshmen on errands was abused in +some cases, we see from an account of "a meeting of the +Corporation in Cambridge, March 27th, 1682," at which time notice +was given that "great complaints have been made and proved against +----, for his abusive carriage, in requiring some of the Freshmen +to go upon his private errands, and in striking the said +Freshmen." + +In the year 1772, "the Overseers having repeatedly recommended +abolishing the custom of allowing the upper classes to send +Freshmen on errands, and the making of a law exempting them from +such services, the Corporation voted, that, 'after deliberate +consideration and weighing all circumstances, they are not able to +project any plan in the room of this long and ancient custom, that +will not, in their opinion, be attended with equal, if not +greater, inconveniences.'" It seems, however, to have fallen into +disuse, for a time at least, after this period; for in June, 1786, +"the retaining men or boys to perform the services for which +Freshmen had been heretofore employed," was declared to be a +growing evil, and was prohibited by the Corporation.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 515; Vol. II. pp. 274, 277. + +The upper classes being thus forbidden to employ persons not +connected with the College to wait upon them, the services of +Freshmen were again brought into requisition, and they were not +wholly exempted from menial labor until after the year 1800. + +Another service which the Freshmen were called on to perform, was +once every year to shake the carpets of the library and Philosophy +Chamber in the Chapel. + +Those who refused to comply with these regulations were not +allowed to remain in College, as appears from the following +circumstance, which happened about the year 1790. A young man from +the West Indies, of wealthy and highly respectable parents, +entered Freshman, and soon after, being ordered by a member of one +of the upper classes to go upon an errand for him, refused, at the +same time saying, that if he had known it was the custom to +require the lower class to wait on the other classes, he would +have brought a slave with him to perform his share of these +duties. In the common phrase of the day, he was _hoisted_, i.e. +complained of to a tutor, and on being told that he could not +remain at College if he did not comply with its regulations, he +took up his connections and returned home. + +With reference to some of the observances which were in vogue at +Harvard College in the year 1794, the recollections of Professor +Sidney Willard are these:-- + +"It was the practice, at the time of my entrance at College, for +the Sophomore Class, by a member selected for the purpose, to +communicate to the Freshmen, in the Chapel, 'the Customs,' so +called; the Freshmen being required to 'keep their places in their +seats, and attend with decency to the reading.' These customs had +been handed down from remote times, with some modifications not +essentially changing them. Not many days after our seats were +assigned to us in the Chapel, we were directed to remain after +evening prayers and attend to the reading of the customs; which +direction was accordingly complied with, and they were read and +listened to with decorum and gravity. Whether the ancient customs +of outward respect, which forbade a Freshman 'to wear his hat in +the College yard, unless it rains, hails, or snows, provided he be +on foot, and have not both hands full,' as if the ground on which +he trod and the atmosphere around him were consecrated, and the +article which extends the same prohibition to all undergraduates, +when any of the governors of the College are in the yard, were +read, I cannot say; but I think they were not; for it would have +disturbed that gravity which I am confident was preserved during +the whole reading. These prescripts, after a long period of +obsolescence, had become entirely obsolete. + +"The most degrading item in the list of customs was that which +made Freshmen subservient to all the other classes; which obliged +those who were not employed by the Immediate Government of the +College to go on any errand, not judged improper by an officer of +the government, or in study hours, for any of the other classes, +the Senior having the prior right to the service.... The privilege +of claiming such service, and the obligation, on the other hand, +to perform it, doubtless gave rise to much abuse, and sometimes to +unpleasant conflict. A Senior having a claim to the service of a +Freshman prior to that of the classes below them, it had become a +practice not uncommon, for a Freshman to obtain a Senior, to whom, +as a patron and friend, he acknowledged and avowed a permanent +service due, and whom he called _his_ Senior by way of eminence, +thus escaping the demands that might otherwise be made upon him +for trivial or unpleasant errands. The ancient custom was never +abolished by authority, but died with the change of feeling; so +that what might be demanded as a right came to be asked as a +favor, and the right was resorted to only as a sort of defensive +weapon, as a rebuke of a supposed impertinence, or resentment of a +real injury."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. 258, +259. + +The following account of this system, as it formerly obtained at +Yale College, is from President Woolsey's Historical Discourse +before the Graduates of that Institution, Aug. 14, 1850:-- + +"Another remarkable particular in the old system here was the +servitude of Freshmen,--for such it really deserved to be called. +The new-comers--as if it had been to try their patience and +endurance in a novitiate before being received into some monastic +order--were put into the hands of Seniors, to be reproved and +instructed in manners, and were obliged to run upon errands for +the members of all the upper classes. And all this was very +gravely meant, and continued long in use. The Seniors considered +it as a part of the system to initiate the ignorant striplings +into the college system, and performed it with the decorum of +dancing-masters. And, if the Freshmen felt the burden, the upper +classes who had outlived it, and were now reaping the advantages +of it, were not willing that the custom should die in their time. + +"The following paper, printed I cannot tell when, but as early as +the year 1764, gives information to the Freshmen in regard to +their duty of respect towards the officers, and towards the older +students. It is entitled 'FRESHMAN LAWS,' and is perhaps part of a +book of customs which was annually read for the instruction of +new-comers. + +"'It being the duty of the Seniors to teach Freshmen the laws, +usages, and customs of the College, to this end they are empowered +to order the whole Freshman Class, or any particular member of it, +to appear, in order to be instructed or reproved, at such time and +place as they shall appoint; when and where every Freshman shall +attend, answer all proper questions, and behave decently. The +Seniors, however, are not to detain a Freshman more than five +minutes after study bell, without special order from the +President, Professor, or Tutor. + +"'The Freshmen, as well as all other Undergraduates, are to be +uncovered, and are forbidden to wear their hats (unless in stormy +weather) in the front door-yard of the President's or Professor's +house, or within ten rods of the person of the President, eight +rods of the Professor, and five rods of a Tutor. + +"'The Freshmen are forbidden to wear their hats in College yard +(except in stormy weather, or when they are obliged to carry +something in their hands) until May vacation; nor shall they +afterwards wear them in College or Chapel. + +"'No Freshman shall wear a gown, or walk with a cane, or appear +out of his room without being completely dressed, and with his +hat; and whenever a Freshman either speaks to a superior or is +spoken to by one, he shall keep his hat off until he is bidden to +put it on. A Freshman shall not play with any members of an upper +class, without being asked; nor is he permitted to use any acts of +familiarity with them, even in study time. + +"'In case of personal insult, a Junior may call up a Freshman and +reprehend him. A Sophomore, in like case, must obtain leave from a +Senior, and then he may discipline a Freshman, not detaining him +more than five minutes, after which the Freshman may retire, even +without being dismissed, but must retire in a respectful manner. + +"'Freshmen are obliged to perform all reasonable errands for any +superior, always returning an account of the same to the person +who sent them. When called, they shall attend and give a +respectful answer; and when attending on their superior, they are +not to depart until regularly dismissed. They are responsible for +all damage done to anything put into their hands by way of errand. +They are not obliged to go for the Undergraduates in study time, +without permission obtained from the authority; nor are they +obliged to go for a graduate out of the yard in study time. A +Senior may take a Freshman from a Sophimore, a Bachelor from a +Junior, and a Master from a Senior. None may order a Freshman in +one play time, to do an errand in another. + +"'When a Freshman is near a gate or door belonging to College or +College yard, he shall look around and observe whether any of his +superiors are coming to the same; and if any are coming within +three rods, he shall not enter without a signal to proceed. In +passing up or down stairs, or through an entry or any other narrow +passage, if a Freshman meets a superior, he shall stop and give +way, leaving the most convenient side,--if on the stairs, the +banister side. Freshmen shall not run in College yard, or up or +down stairs, or call to any one through a College window. When +going into the chamber of a superior, they shall knock at the +door, and shall leave it as they find it, whether open or shut. +Upon entering the chamber of a superior, they shall not speak +until spoken to; they shall reply modestly to all questions, and +perform their messages decently and respectfully. They shall not +tarry in a superior's room, after they are dismissed, unless asked +to sit. They shall always rise whenever a superior enters or +leaves the room where they are, and not sit in his presence until +permitted. + +"'These rules are to be observed, not only about College, but +everywhere else within the limits of the city of New Haven.' + +"This is certainly a very remarkable document, one which it +requires some faith to look on as originating in this land of +universal suffrage, in the same century with the Declaration of +Independence. He who had been moulded and reduced into shape by +such a system might soon become expert in the punctilios of the +court of Louis the Fourteenth. + +"This system, however, had more tenacity of life than might be +supposed. In 1800 we still find it laid down as the Senior's duty +to inspect the manners and customs of the lower classes, and +especially of the Freshmen; and as the duty of the latter to do +any proper errand, not only for the authorities of the College, +but also, within the limits of one mile, for Resident Graduates +and for the two upper classes. By degrees the old usage sank down +so far, that what the laws permitted was frequently abused for the +purpose of playing tricks upon the inexperienced Freshmen; and +then all evidence of its ever having been current disappeared from +the College code. The Freshmen were formally exempted from the +duty of running upon errands in 1804."--pp. 54-56. + +Among the "Laws of Yale College," published in 1774, appears the +following regulation: "Every Freshman is obliged to do any proper +Errand or Message, required of him by any one in an upper class, +which if he shall refuse to do, he shall be punished. Provided +that in Study Time no Graduate may send a Freshman out of College +Yard, or an Undergraduate send him anywhere at all without Liberty +first obtained of the President or Tutor."--pp. 14, 15. + +In a copy of the "Laws" of the above date, which formerly belonged +to Amasa Paine, who entered the Freshman Class at Yale in 1781, is +to be found a note in pencil appended to the above regulation, in +these words: "This Law was annulled when Dr. [Matthew] Marvin, Dr. +M.J. Lyman, John D. Dickinson, William Bradley, and Amasa Paine +were classmates, and [they] claimed the Honor of abolishing it." +The first three were graduated at Yale in the class of 1785; +Bradley was graduated at the same college in 1784 and Paine, after +spending three years at Yale, was graduated at Harvard College in +the class of 1785. + +As a part of college discipline, the upper classes were sometimes +deprived of the privilege of employing the services of Freshmen. +The laws on this subject were these:-- + +"If any Scholar shall write or publish any scandalous Libel about +the President, a Fellow, Professor, or Tutor, or shall treat any +one of them with any reproachful or reviling Language, or behave +obstinately, refractorily, or contemptuously towards either of +them, or be guilty of any Kind of Contempt, he may be punished by +Fine, Admonition, be deprived the Liberty of sending Freshmen for +a Time; by Suspension from all the Privileges of College; or +Expulsion, according as the Nature and Aggravation of the Crime +may require." + +"If any Freshman near the Time of Commencement shall fire the +great Guns, or give or promise any Money, Counsel, or Assistance +towards their being fired; or shall illuminate College with +Candles, either on the Inside or Outside of the Windows, or +exhibit any such Kind of Show, or dig or scrape the College Yard +otherwise than with the Liberty and according to the Directions of +the President in the Manner formerly practised, or run in the +College Yard in Company, they shall be deprived the Privilege of +sending Freshmen three Months after the End of the Year."--_Laws +Yale Coll._, 1774, pp. 13, 25, 26. + +To the latter of these laws, a clause was subsequently added, +declaring that every Freshman who should "do anything unsuitable +for a Freshman" should be deprived of the privilege "of sending +Freshmen on errands, or teaching them manners, during the first +three months of _his_ Sophomore year."--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1787, +in _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 140. + +In the Sketches of Yale College, p. 174, is the following +anecdote, relating to this subject:--"A Freshman was once +furnished with a dollar, and ordered by one of the upper classes +to procure for him pipes and tobacco, from the farthest store on +Long Wharf, a good mile distant. Being at that time compelled by +College laws to obey the unreasonable demand, he proceeded +according to orders, and returned with ninety-nine cents' worth of +pipes and one pennyworth of tobacco. It is needless to add that he +was not again sent on a similar errand." + +The custom of obliging the Freshmen to run on errands for the +Seniors was done away with at Dartmouth College, by the class of +1797, at the close of their Freshman year, when, having served +their own time out, they presented a petition to the Trustees to +have it abolished. + +In the old laws of Middlebury College are the two following +regulations in regard to Freshmen, which seem to breathe the same +spirit as those cited above. "Every Freshman shall be obliged to +do any proper errand or message for the Authority of the College." +--"It shall be the duty of the Senior Class to inspect the manners +of the Freshman Class, and to instruct them in the customs of the +College, and in that graceful and decent behavior toward +superiors, which politeness and a just and reasonable +subordination require."--_Laws_, 1804, pp. 6, 7. + + +FRESHMANSHIP. The state of a Freshman. + +A man who had been my fellow-pupil with him from the beginning of +our _Freshmanship_, would meet him there.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 150. + + +FRESHMAN'S LANDMARK. At Cambridge, Eng., King's College Chapel is +thus designated. "This stupendous edifice may be seen for several +miles on the London road, and indeed from most parts of the +adjacent country."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +FRESHMAN, TUTOR'S. In Harvard College, the _Freshman_ who occupies +a room under a _Tutor_. He is required to do the errands of the +Tutor which relate to College, and in return has a high choice of +rooms in his Sophomore year. + +The same remarks, _mutatis mutandis_, apply to the _Proctor's +Freshman_. + + +FRESH-SOPH. An abbreviation of _Freshman-Sophomore_. One who +enters college in the _Sophomore_ year, having passed the time of +the _Freshman_ year elsewhere. + +I was a _Fresh-Sophomore_ then, and a waiter in the commons' hall. +--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 114. + + +FROG. In Germany, a student while in the gymnasium, and before +entering the university, is called a _Frosch_,--a frog. + + +FUNK. Disgust; weariness; fright. A sensation sometimes +experienced by students in view of an examination. + +In Cantab phrase I was suffering examination _funk_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 61. + +A singular case of _funk_ occurred at this examination. The man +who would have been second, took fright when four of the six days +were over, and fairly ran away, not only from the examination, but +out of Cambridge, and was not discovered by his friends or family +till some time after.--_Ibid._, p. 125. + +One of our Scholars, who stood a much better chance than myself, +gave up from mere _funk_, and resolved to go out in the +Poll.--_Ibid._, p. 229. + +2. Fear or sensibility to fear. The general application of the +term. + +So my friend's first fault is timidity, which is only not +recognized as such on account of its vast proportions. I grant, +then, that the _funk_ is sublime, which is a true and friendly +admission.--_A letter to the N.Y. Tribune_, in _Lit. World_, Nov. +30, 1850. + + + +_G_. + + +GAS. To impose upon another by a consequential address, or by +detailing improbable stories or using "great swelling words"; to +deceive; to cheat. + +Found that Fairspeech only wanted to "_gas_" me, which he did +pretty effectually.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 72. + + +GATE BILL. In the English universities, the record of a pupil's +failures to be within his college at or before a specified hour of +the night. + +To avoid gate-bills, he will be out at night as late as he +pleases, and will defy any one to discover his absence; for he +will climb over the college walls, and fee his Gyp well, when he +is out all night--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 128. + + +GATED. At the English universities, students who, for +misdemeanors, are not permitted to be out of their college after +ten in the evening, are said to be _gated_. + +"_Gated_," i.e. obliged to be within the college walls by ten +o'clock at night; by this he is prevented from partaking in +suppers, or other nocturnal festivities, in any other college or +in lodgings.--Note to _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, +1849. + +The lighter college offences, such as staying out at night or +missing chapel, are punished by what they term "_gating_"; in one +form of which, a man is actually confined to his rooms: in a more +mild way, he is simply restricted to the precincts of the college. +--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 241. + + +GAUDY. In the University of Oxford, a feast or festival. The days +on which they occur are called _gaudies_ or _gaudy days_. "Blount, +in his Glossographia," says Archdeacon Nares in his Glossary, +"speaks of a foolish derivation of the word from a Judge _Gaudy_, +said to have been the institutor of such days. But _such_ days +were held in all times, and did not want a judge to invent them." + + Come, + Let's have one other _gaudy_ night: call to me + All my sad captains; fill our bowls; once more + Let's mock the midnight bell. + _Antony and Cleopatra_, Act. III. Sc. 11. + + A foolish utensil of state, + Which like old plate upon a _gaudy day_, + 's brought forth to make a show, and that is all. + _Goblins_, Old Play, X. 143. + +Edmund Riche, called of Pontigny, Archbishop of Canterbury. After +his death he was canonized by Pope Innocent V., and his day in the +calendar, 16 Nov., was formerly kept as a "_gaudy_" by the members +of the hall.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 121. + +2. An entertainment; a treat; a spree. + +Cut lectures, go to chapel as little as possible, dine in hall +seldom more than once a week, give _Gaudies_ and spreads.--_Gradus +ad Cantab._, p. 122. + + +GENTLEMAN-COMMONER. The highest class of Commoners at Oxford +University. Equivalent to a Cambridge _Fellow-Commoner_. + +Gentlemen Commoners "are eldest sons, or only sons, or men already +in possession of estates, or else (which is as common a case as +all the rest put together), they are the heirs of newly acquired +wealth,--sons of the _nouveaux riches_"; they enjoy a privilege as +regards the choice of rooms; associate at meals with the Fellows +and other authorities of the College; are the possessors of two +gowns, "an undress for the morning, and a full dress-gown for the +evening," both of which are made of silk, the latter being very +elaborately ornamented; wear a cap, covered with velvet instead of +cloth; pay double caution money, at entrance, viz. fifty guineas, +and are charged twenty guineas a year for tutorage, twice the +amount of the usual fee.--Compiled from _De Quincey's Life and +Manners_, pp. 278-280. + + +GET UP A SUBJECT. See SUBJECT. + +This was the fourth time I had begun Algebra, and essayed with no +weakness of purpose to _get_ it _up_ properly.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 157. + + +GILL. The projecting parts of a standing collar are, from their +situation, sometimes denominated _gills_. + + But, O, what rage his maddening bosom fills! + Far worse than dust-soiled coat are ruined "_gills_." + _Poem before the Class of 1828, Harv. Coll., by J.C. + Richmond_, p. 6. + + +GOBBLE. At Yale College, to seize; to lay hold of; to appropriate; +nearly the same as to _collar_, q.v. + + Alas! how dearly for the fun they paid, + Whom the Proffs _gobbled_, and the Tutors too. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + I never _gobbled_ one poor flat, + To cheer me with his soft dark eye, &c. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + I went and performed, and got through the burning, + But oh! and alas! I was _gobbled_ returning. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + +Upon that night, in the broad street, was I by one of the +brain-deficient men _gobbled_.--_Yale Battery_, Feb. 1850. + + Then shout for the hero who _gobbles_ the prize. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 39. + +At Cambridge, Eng., this word is used in the phrase _gobbling +Greek_, i.e. studying or speaking that tongue. + +Ambitious to "_gobble_" his Greek in the _haute monde_.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 79. + +It was now ten o'clock, and up stairs we therefore flew to +_gobble_ Greek with Professor ----.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 127. + +You may have seen him, traversing the grass-plots, "_gobbling +Greek_" to himself.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 210. + + +GOLGOTHA. _The place of a skull_. At Cambridge, Eng., in the +University Church, "a particular part," says the Westminster +Review, "is appropriated to the _heads_ of the houses, and is +called _Golgotha_ therefrom, a name which the appearance of its +occupants renders peculiarly fitting, independent of the +pun."--Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 236. + + +GONUS. A stupid fellow. + +He was a _gonus_; perhaps, though, you don't know what _gonus_ +means. One day I heard a Senior call a fellow a _gonus_. "A what?" +said I. "A great gonus," repeated he. "_Gonus_," echoed I, "what's +that mean?" "O," said he, "you're a Freshman and don't +understand." A stupid fellow, a dolt, a boot-jack, an ignoramus, +is called here a _gonus_. "All Freshmen," continued he gravely, +"are _gonuses_."--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 116. + +If the disquisitionist should ever reform his habits, and turn his +really brilliant talents to some good account, then future +_gonuses_ will swear by his name, and quote him in their daily +maledictions of the appointment system.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. +I. p. 76. + +The word _goney_, with the same meaning, is often used. + +"How the _goney_ swallowed it all, didn't he?" said Mr. Slick, +with great glee.--_Slick in England_, Chap. XXI. + +Some on 'em were fools enough to believe the _goney_; that's a +fact.--_Ibid._ + + +GOOD FELLOW. At the University of Vermont, this term is used with +a signification directly opposite to that which it usually has. It +there designates a soft-brained boy; one who is lacking in +intellect, or, as a correspondent observes, "an _epithetical_ +fool." + + +GOODY. At Harvard College, a woman who has the care of the +students' rooms. The word seems to be an abbreviated form of the +word _goodwife_. It has long been in use, as a low term of +civility or sport, and in some cases with the signification of a +good old dame; but in the sense above given it is believed to be +peculiar to Harvard College. In early times, _sweeper_ was in use +instead of _goody_, and even now at Yale College the word _sweep_ +is retained. The words _bed-maker_ at Cambridge, Eng., and _gyp_ +at Oxford, express the same idea. + +The Rebelliad, an epic poem, opens with an invocation to the +Goody, as follows. + + Old _Goody_ Muse! on thee I call, + _Pro more_, (as do poets all,) + To string thy fiddle, wax thy bow, + And scrape a ditty, jig, or so. + Now don't wax wrathy, but excuse + My calling you old _Goody_ Muse; + Because "_Old Goody_" is a name + Applied to every college dame. + Aloft in pendent dignity, + Astride her magic broom, + And wrapt in dazzling majesty, + See! see! the _Goody_ come!--p. 11. + + Go on, dear _Goody_! and recite + The direful mishaps of the fight.--_Ibid._, p. 20. + + The _Goodies_ hearing, cease to sweep, + And listen; while the cook-maids weep.--_Ibid._, p. 47. + + The _Goody_ entered with her broom, + To make his bed and sweep his room.--_Ibid._, p. 73. + +On opening the papers left to his care, he found a request that +his effects might be bestowed on his friend, the _Goody_, who had +been so attentive to him during his declining hours.--_Harvard +Register_, 1827-28, p. 86. + +I was interrupted by a low knock at my door, followed by the +entrance of our old _Goody_, with a bundle of musty papers in her +hand, tied round with a soiled red ribbon.--_Collegian_, 1830, p. +231. + +Were there any _Goodies_ when you were in college, father? Perhaps +you did not call them by that name. They are nice old ladies (not +so _very_ nice, either), who come in every morning, after we have +been to prayers, and sweep the rooms, and make the beds, and do +all that sort of work. However, they don't much like their title, +I find; for I called one, the other day, _Mrs. Goodie_, thinking +it was her real name, and she was as sulky as she could +be.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + + Yet these half-emptied bottles shall I take, + And, having purged them of this wicked stuff, + Make a small present unto _Goody_ Bush. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 257. + +Reader! wert ever beset by a dun? ducked by the _Goody_ from thine +own window, when "creeping like snail unwillingly" to morning +prayers?--_Ibid._, Vol. IV. p. 274. + + The crowd delighted + Saw them, like _Goodies_, clothed in gowns of satin, + Of silk or cotton.--_Childe Harvard_, p. 26, 1848. + + On the wall hangs a Horse-shoe I found in the street; + 'T is the shoe that to-day sets in motion my feet; + Though its charms are all vanished this many a year, + And not even my _Goody_ regards it with fear. + _The Horse-Shoe, a Poem, by J.B. Felton_, 1849, p. 4. + +A very clever elegy on the death of Goody Morse, who + "For forty years or more + ... contrived the while + No little dust to raise" +in the rooms of the students of Harvard College, is to be found in +Harvardiana, Vol. I. p. 233. It was written by Mr. (afterwards +Rev.) Benjamin Davis Winslow. In the poem which he read before his +class in the University Chapel at Cambridge, July 14, 1835, he +referred to her in these lines: + + "'New brooms sweep clean': 't was thine, dear _Goody_ Morse, + To prove the musty proverb hath no force, + Since fifty years to vanished centuries crept, + While thy old broom our cloisters duly swept. + All changed but thee! beneath thine aged eye + Whole generations came and flitted by, + Yet saw thee still in office;--e'en reform + Spared thee the pelting of its angry storm. + Rest to thy bones in yonder church-yard laid, + Where thy last bed the village sexton made!"--p. 19. + + +GORM. From _gormandize_. At Hamilton College, to eat voraciously. + + +GOT. In Princeton College, when a student or any one else has been +cheated or taken in, it is customary to say, he was _got_. + + +GOVERNMENT. In American colleges, the general government is +usually vested in a corporation or a board of trustees, whose +powers, rights, and duties are established by the respective +charters of the colleges over which they are placed. The immediate +government of the undergraduates is in the hands of the president, +professors, and tutors, who are styled _the Government_, or _the +College Government_, and more frequently _the Faculty_, or _the +College Faculty_.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, pp. 7, 8. +_Laws of Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 5. + +For many years he was the most conspicuous figure among those who +constituted what was formerly called "the +_Government_."--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. vii. + + [Greek: Kudiste], mighty President!!! + [Greek: Kalomen nun] the _Government_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 27. + + Did I not jaw the _Government_, + For cheating more than ten per cent?--_Ibid._, p. 32. + + They shall receive due punishment + From Harvard College _Government_.--_Ibid._, p. 44. + +The annexed production, printed from a MS. in the author's +handwriting, and in the possession of the editor of this work, is +now, it is believed, for the first time presented to the public. +The time is 1787; the scene, Harvard College. The poem was +"written by John Q. Adams, son of the President, when an +undergraduate." + + "A DESCRIPTION OF A GOVERNMENT MEETING. + + "The Government of College met, + And _Willard_[31] rul'd the stern debate. + The witty _Jennison_[32] declar'd + As how, he'd been completely scar'd; + Last night, quoth he, as I came home, + I heard a noise in _Prescott's_[33] room. + I went and listen'd at the door, + As I had often done before; + I found the Juniors in a high rant, + They call'd the President a tyrant; + And said as how I was a fool, + A long ear'd ass, a sottish mule, + Without the smallest grain of spunk; + So I concluded they were drunk. + At length I knock'd, and Prescott came: + I told him 't was a burning shame, + That he should give his classmates wine; + And he should pay a heavy fine. + Meanwhile the rest grew so outragious, + Altho' I boast of being couragious, + I could not help being in a fright, + For one of them put out the light. + I thought 't was best to come away, + And wait for vengeance 'till this day; + And he's a fool at any rate + Who'll fight, when he can RUSTICATE. + When they [had] found that I was gone, + They ran through College up and down; + And I could hear them very plain + Take the Lord's holy name in vain. + To Wier's[34] chamber they then repair'd, + And there the wine they freely shar'd; + They drank and sung till they were tir'd. + And then they peacefully retir'd. + When this Homeric speech was said, + With drolling tongue and hanging head, + The learned Doctor took his seat, + Thinking he'd done a noble feat. + Quoth Joe,[35] the crime is great I own, + Send for the Juniors one by one. + By this almighty wig I swear, + Which with such majesty I wear, + Which in its orbit vast contains + My dignity, my power and brains, + That Wier and Prescott both shall see, + That College boys must not be free. + He spake, and gave the awful nod + Like Homer's Didonean God, + The College from its centre shook, + And every pipe and wine-glass broke. + + "_Williams_,[36] with countenance humane, + While scarce from laughter could refrain, + Thought that such youthful scenes of mirth + To punishment could not give birth; + Nor could he easily divine + What was the harm of drinking wine. + + "But _Pearson_,[37] with an awful frown, + Full of his article and noun, + Spake thus: by all the parts of speech + Which I so elegantly teach, + By mercy I will never stain + The character which I sustain. + Pray tell me why the laws were made, + If they're not to be obey'd; + Besides, _that Wier_ I can't endure, + For he's a wicked rake, I'm sure. + But whether I am right or not, + I'll not recede a single jot. + + "_James_[38] saw 'twould be in vain t' oppose, + And therefore to be silent chose. + + "_Burr_,[39] who had little wit or pride, + Preferr'd to take the strongest side. + And Willard soon receiv'd commission + To give a publick admonition. + With pedant strut to prayers he came, + Call'd out the criminals by name; + Obedient to his dire command, + Prescott and Wier before him stand. + The rulers merciful and kind, + With equal grief and wonder find, + That you do drink, and play, and sing, + And make with noise the College ring. + I therefore warn you to beware + Of drinking more than you can bear. + Wine an incentive is to riot, + Disturbance of the publick quiet. + Full well your Tutors know the truth, + For sad experience taught their youth. + Take then this friendly exhortation; + The next offence is RUSTICATION." + + +GOWN. A long, loose upper garment or robe, worn by professional +men, as divines, lawyers, students, &c., who are called _men of +the gown_, or _gownmen_. It is made of any kind of cloth, worn +over ordinary clothes, and hangs down to the ankles, or nearly so. +--_Encyc._ + +From a letter written in the year 1766, by Mr. Holyoke, then +President of Harvard College, it would appear that gowns were +first worn by the members of that institution about the year 1760. +The gown, although worn by the students in the English +universities, is now seldom worn in American colleges except on +Commencement, Exhibition, or other days of a similar public +character. + +The students are permitted to wear black _gowns_, in which they +may appear on all public occasions.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +37. + +Every candidate for a first degree shall wear a black dress and +the usual black _gown_.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 20. + +The performers all wore black _gowns_ with sleeves large enough to +hold me in, and shouted and swung their arms, till they looked +like so many Methodist ministers just ordained.--_Harvardiana_, +Vol. III. p. 111. + + Saw them ... clothed in _gowns_ of satin, + Or silk or cotton, black as souls benighted.-- + All, save the _gowns_, was startling, splendid, tragic, + But gowns on men have lost their wonted magic. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 26. + + The door swings open--and--he comes! behold him + Wrapt in his mantling _gown_, that round him flows + Waving, as Cæsar's toga did enfold him.--_Ibid._, p. 36. + +On Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Saints' days, the students wear +surplices instead of their _gowns_, and very innocent and +exemplary they look in them.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + +2. One who wears a gown. + +And here, I think, I may properly introduce a very singular +gallant, a sort of mongrel between town and _gown_,--I mean a +bibliopola, or (as the vulgar have it) a bookseller.--_The +Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. II. p. 226. + + +GOWNMAN, GOWNSMAN. One whose professional habit is a gown, as a +divine or lawyer, and particularly a member of an English +university.--_Webster_. + + The _gownman_ learned.--_Pope_. + + Oft has some fair inquirer bid me say, + What tasks, what sports beguile the _gownsman's_ day. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + +For if townsmen by our influence are so enlightened, what must we +_gownsmen_ be ourselves?--_The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. +56. + +Nor must it be supposed that the _gownsmen_ are thin, study-worn, +consumptive-looking individuals.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 5. + +See CAP. + + +GRACE. In English universities, an act, vote, or decree of the +government of the institution.--_Webster_. + +"All _Graces_ (as the legislative measures proposed by the Senate +are termed) have to be submitted first to the Caput, each member +of which has an absolute veto on the grace. If it passes the +Caput, it is then publicly recited in both houses, [the regent and +non-regent,] and at a subsequent meeting voted on, first in the +Non-Regent House, and then in the other. If it passes both, it +becomes valid."--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +See CAPUT SENATUS. + + +GRADUATE. To honor with a degree or diploma, in a college or +university; to confer a degree on; as, to _graduate_ a master of +arts.--_Wotton_. + + _Graduated_ a doctor, and dubb'd a knight.--_Carew_. + +Pickering, in his Vocabulary, says of the word _graduate_: +"Johnson has it as a verb active only. But an English friend +observes, that 'the active sense of this word is rare in England.' +I have met with one instance in an English publication where it is +used in a dialogue, in the following manner: 'You, methinks, _are +graduated_.' See a review in the British Critic, Vol. XXXIV. p. +538." + +In Mr. Todd's edition of Johnson's Dictionary, this word is given +as a verb intransitive also: "To take an academical degree; to +become a graduate; as he _graduated_ at Oxford." + +In America, the use of the phrase _he was graduated_, instead of +_he graduated_, which has been of late so common, "is merely," +says Mr. Bartlett in his Dictionary of Americanisms, "a return to +former practice, the verb being originally active transitive." + +He _was graduated_ with the esteem of the government, and the +regard of his contemporaries--_Works of R.T. Paine_, p. xxix. The +latter, who _was graduated_ thirteen years after.--_Peirce's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, p. 219. + +In this perplexity the President had resolved "to yield to the +torrent, and _graduate_ Hartshorn."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 398. (The quotation was written in 1737.) + +In May, 1749, three gentlemen who had sons about _to be +graduated_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 92. + +Mr. Peirce was born in September, 1778; and, after _being +graduated_ at Harvard College, with the highest honors of his +class.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 390, and Chap. XXXVII. _passim_. + +He _was graduated_ in 1789 with distinguished honors, at the age +of nineteen.--_Mr. Young's Discourse on the Life of President +Kirkland_. + +His class when _graduated_, in 1785, consisted of thirty-two +persons.--_Dr. Palfrey's Discourse on the Life and Character of +Dr. Ware_. + +2. _Intransitively_. To receive a degree from a college or +university. + +He _graduated_ at Leyden in 1691.--_London Monthly Mag._, Oct. +1808, p. 224. + +Wherever Magnol _graduated_.--_Rees's Cyclopædia_, Art. MAGNOL. + + +GRADUATE. One who has received a degree in a college or +university, or from some professional incorporated +society.--_Webster_. + + +GRADUATE IN A SCHOOL. A degree given, in the University of +Virginia, to those who have been through a course of study less +than is required for the degree of B.A. + + +GRADUATION. The act of conferring or receiving academical degrees. +--_Charter of Dartmouth College_. + +After his _graduation_ at Yale College, in 1744, he continued his +studies at Harvard University, where he took his second degree in +1747.--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia Coll._, p. 122. + +Bachelors were called Senior, Middle, or Junior Bachelors +according to the year since _graduation_, and before taking the +degree of Master.--_Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, p. 122. + + +GRAND COMPOUNDER. At the English Universities, one who pays double +fees for his degree. + +"Candidates for all degrees, who possess certain property," says +the Oxford University Calendar, "must go out, as it is termed, +_Grand Compounders_. The property required for this purpose may +arise from two distinct sources; either from some ecclesiastical +benefice or benefices, or else from some other revenue, civil or +ecclesiastical. The ratio of computation in the first case is +expressly limited by statute to the value of the benefice or +benefices, as _rated in the King's books_, without regard to the +actual estimation at the present period; and the amount of that +value must not be _less than forty pounds_. In the second +instance, which includes all other cases, comprising +ecclesiastical as well as civil income, (academical income alone +excepted,) property to the extent of _three hundred pounds_ a year +is required; nor is any difference made between property in land +and property in money, so that a _legal_ revenue to this extent of +any description, not arising from a benefice or benefices, and not +being strictly academical, renders the qualification +complete."--Ed. 1832, p. 92. + +At Oxford "a '_grand compounder_' is one who has income to the +amount of $1,500, and is made to pay $150 for his degree, while +the ordinary fee is $42." _Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 247. + + +GRAND TRIBUNAL. The Grand Tribunal is an institution peculiar to +Trinity College, Hartford. A correspondent describes it as +follows. "The Grand Tribunal is a mock court composed of the +Senior and Junior Classes, and has for its special object the +regulation and discipline of Sophomores. The first officer of the +Tribunal is the 'Grand High Chancellor,' who presides at all +business meetings. The Tribunal has its judges, advocates, +sheriff, and his aids. According to the laws of the Tribunal, no +Sophomore can be tried who has three votes in his favor. This +regulation makes a trial a difficult matter; there is rarely more +than one trial a year, and sometimes two years elapse without +there being a session of the court. When a selection of an +offending and unlucky Soph has been made, he is arrested some time +during the day of the evening on which his trial takes place. The +court provides him with one advocate, while he has the privilege +of choosing another. These trials are often the scenes of +considerable wit and eloquence. One of the most famous of them was +held in 1853. When the Tribunal is in session, it is customary for +the Faculty of the College to act as its police, by preserving +order amongst the Sophs, who generally assemble at the door, to +disturb, if possible, the proceedings of the Court." + + +GRANTA. The name by which the University of Cambridge, Eng., was +formerly known. At present it is sometimes designated by this +title in poetry, and in addresses written in other tongues than +the vernacular. + + Warm with fond hope, and Learning's sacred flame, + To _Granta's_ bowers the youthful Poet came. + + _Lines in Memory of H.K. White, by Prof. William Smyth_, in + _Cam. Guide_. + + +GRATULATORY. Expressing gratulation; congratulatory. + +At Harvard College, while Wadsworth was President, in the early +part of the last century, it was customary to close the exercises +of Commencement day with a _gratulatory oration_, pronounced by +one of the candidates for a degree. This has now given place to +what is generally called the _valedictory oration_. + + +GRAVEL DAY. The following account of this day is given in a work +entitled Sketches of Williams College. "On the second Monday of +the first term in the year, if the weather be at all favorable, it +has been customary from time immemorial to hold a college meeting, +and petition the President for '_Gravel day_.' We did so this +morning. The day was granted, and, recitations being dispensed +with, the students turned out _en masse_ to re-gravel the college +walks. The gravel which we obtain here is of such a nature that it +packs down very closely, and renders the walks as hard and smooth +as a pavement. The Faculty grant this day for the purpose of +fostering in the students the habit of physical labor and +exercise, so essential to vigorous mental exertion."--1847, pp. +78, 79. + +The improved method of observing this day is noted in the annexed +extract. "Nearly every college has its own peculiar customs, which +have been transmitted from far antiquity; but Williams has perhaps +less than any other. Among ours are '_gravel day_,' 'chip day,' +and 'mountain day,' occurring one in each of the three terms. The +first usually comes in the early part of the Fall term. In old +times, when the students were few, and rather fonder of _work_ +than at the present, they turned out with spades, hoes, and other +implements, and spread gravel over the walks, to the College +grounds; but in later days, they have preferred to tax themselves +to a small amount and delegate the work to others, while they +spend the day in visiting the Cascade, the Natural Bridge, or +others of the numerous places of interest near us."--_Boston Daily +Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +GREAT GO. In the English universities the final and most important +examination is called the _great go_, in contradistinction to the +_little go_, an examination about the middle of the course. + +In my way back I stepped into the _Great Go_ schools.--_The +Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 287. + +Read through the whole five volumes folio, Latin, previous to +going up for his _Great Go_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 381. + + +GREEN. Inexperienced, unsophisticated, verdant. Among collegians +this term is the favorite appellation for Freshmen. + +When a man is called _verdant_ or _green_, it means that he is +unsophisticated and raw. For instance, when a man rushes to chapel +in the morning at the ringing of the first bell, it is called +_green_. At least, we were, for it. This greenness, we would +remark, is not, like the verdure in the vision of the poet, +necessarily perennial.--_Williams Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. +I. p. 463. + + +GRIND. An exaction; an oppressive action. Students speak of a very +long lesson which they are required to learn, or of any thing +which it is very unpleasant or difficult to perform, as a _grind_. +This meaning is derived from the verb _to grind_, in the sense of +to harass, to afflict; as, to _grind_ the faces of the poor +(Isaiah iii. 15). + + I must say 't is a _grind_, though + --(perchance I spoke too loud). + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 12. + + +GRINDING. Hard study; diligent application. + +The successful candidate enjoys especial and excessive _grinding_ +during the four years of his college course. _Burlesque Catalogue, +Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 28. + + +GROATS. At the English universities, "nine _groats_" says Grose, +in his Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, "are deposited in the +hands of an academic officer by every person standing for a +degree, which, if the depositor obtains with honor, are returned +to him." + +_To save his groats_; to come off handsomely.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +GROUP. A crowd or throng; a number collected without any regular +form or arrangement. At Harvard College, students are not allowed +to assemble in _groups_, as is seen by the following extract from +the laws. Three persons together are considered as a _group_. + +Collecting in _groups_ round the doors of the College buildings, +or in the yard, shall be considered a violation of decorum.--_Laws +Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, Suppl., p. 4. + + +GROUPING. Collecting together. + +It will surely be incomprehensible to most students how so large a +number as six could be suffered with impunity to horde themselves +together within the limits of the college yard. In those days the +very learned laws about _grouping_ were not in existence. A +collection of two was not then considered a sure prognostic of +rebellion, and spied out vigilantly by tutoric eyes. A _group_ of +three was not reckoned a gross outrage of the college peace, and +punished severely by the subtraction of some dozens from the +numerical rank of the unfortunate youth engaged in so high a +misdemeanor. A congregation of four was not esteemed an open, +avowed contempt of the laws of decency and propriety, prophesying +utter combustion, desolation, and destruction to all buildings and +trees in the neighborhood; and lastly, a multitude of five, though +watched with a little jealousy, was not called an intolerable, +unparalleled violation of everything approaching the name of +order, absolute, downright shamelessness, worthy capital +mark-punishment, alias the loss of 87-3/4 digits!--_Harvardiana_, +Vol. III. p. 314. + +The above passage and the following are both evidently of a +satirical nature. + + And often _grouping_ on the chains, he hums his own sweet verse, + Till Tutor ----, coming up, commands him to disperse! + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849, p. 14. + + +GRUB. A hard student. Used at Williams College, and synonymous +with DIG at other colleges. A correspondent says, writing from +Williams: "Our real delvers, midnight students, are familiarly +called _Grubs_. This is a very expressive name." + +A man must not be ashamed to be called a _grub_ in college, if he +would shine in the world.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 76. + +Some there are who, though never known to read or study, are ever +ready to debate,--not "_grubs_" or "reading men," only "wordy +men."--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 246. + + +GRUB. To study hard; to be what is denominated a _grub_, or hard +student. "The primary sense," says Dr. Webster, "is probably to +rub, to rake, scrape, or scratch, as wild animals dig by +scratching." + +I can _grub out_ a lesson in Latin or mathematics as well as the +best of them.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 223. + + +GUARDING. "The custom of _guarding_ Freshmen," says a +correspondent from Dartmouth College, "is comparatively a late +one. Persons masked would go into another's room at night, and +oblige him to do anything they commanded him, as to get under his +bed, sit with his feet in a pail of water," &c. + + +GULF. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., one who obtains the +degree of B.A., but has not his name inserted in the Calendar, is +said to be in the _gulf_. + +He now begins to ... be anxious about ... that classical +acquaintance who is in danger of the _gulf_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 95. + +Some ten or fifteen men just on the line, not bad enough to be +plucked or good enough to be placed, are put into the "_gulf_," as +it is popularly called (the Examiners' phrase is "Degrees +allowed"), and have their degrees given them, but are not printed +in the Calendar.--_Ibid._, p. 205. + + +GULFING. In the University of Cambridge, England, "those +candidates for B.A. who, but for sickness or some other sufficient +cause, might have obtained an honor, have their degree given them +without examination, and thus avoid having their names inserted in +the lists. This is called _Gulfing_." A degree taken in this +manner is called "an Ægrotat Degree."--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. pp. +60, 105. + +I discovered that my name was nowhere to be found,--that I was +_Gulfed_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 97. + + +GUM. A trick; a deception. In use at Dartmouth College. + +_Gum_ is another word they have here. It means something like +chaw. To say, "It's all a _gum_," or "a regular chaw," is the same +thing.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +GUM. At the University of Vermont, to cheat in recitation by using +_ponies_, _interliners_, &c.; e.g. "he _gummed_ in geometry." + +2. To cheat; to deceive. Not confined to college. + +He was speaking of the "moon hoax" which "_gummed_" so many +learned philosophers.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. 189. + + +GUMMATION. A trick; raillery. + +Our reception to college ground was by no means the most +hospitable, considering our unacquaintance with the manners of the +place, for, as poor "Fresh," we soon found ourselves subject to +all manner of sly tricks and "_gummations_" from our predecessors, +the Sophs.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 13. + + +GYP. A cant term for a servant at Cambridge, England, at _scout_ +is used at Oxford. Said to be a sportive application of [Greek: +gyps], a vulture.--_Smart_. + +The word _Gyp_ very properly characterizes them.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 56. + + And many a yawning _gyp_ comes slipshod in, + To wake his master ere the bells begin. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + +The Freshman, when once safe through his examination, is first +inducted into his rooms by a _gyp_, usually recommended to him by +his tutor. The gyp (from [Greek: gyps], vulture, evidently a +nickname at first, but now the only name applied to this class of +persons) is a college servant, who attends upon a number of +students, sometimes as many as twenty, calls them in the morning, +brushes their clothes, carries for them parcels and the queerly +twisted notes they are continually writing to one another, waits +at their parties, and so on. Cleaning their boots is not in his +branch of the profession; there is a regular brigade of college +shoeblacks.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +14. + +It is sometimes spelled _Jip_, though probably by mistake. + +My _Jip_ brought one in this morning; faith! and told me I was +focussed.--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. 1085. + + + +_H_. + + +HALF-LESSON. In some American colleges on certain occasions the +students are required to learn only one half of the amount of an +ordinary lesson. + +They promote it [the value of distinctions conferred by the +students on one another] by formally acknowledging the existence +of the larger debating societies in such acts as giving +"_half-lessons_" for the morning after the Wednesday night +debates.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 386. + + +HALF-YEAR. In the German universities, a collegiate term is called +a _half-year_. + +The annual courses of instruction are divided into summer and +winter _half-years_.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. Ed., +pp. 34, 35. + + +HALL. A college or large edifice belonging to a collegiate +institution.--_Webster_. + +2. A collegiate body in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. +In the former institution a hall differs from a college, in that +halls are not incorporated; consequently, whatever estate or other +property they possess is held in trust by the University. In the +latter, colleges and halls are synonymous.--_Cam. and Oxf. +Calendars_. + +"In Cambridge," says the author of the Collegian's Guide, "the +halls stand on the same footing as the colleges, but at Oxford +they did not, in my time, hold by any means so high a place in +general estimation. Certainly those halls which admit the outcasts +of other colleges, and of those alone I am now speaking, used to +be precisely what one would expect to find them; indeed, I had +rather that a son of mine should forego a university education +altogether, than that he should have so sorry a counterfeit of +academic advantages as one of these halls affords."--p. 172. + +"All the Colleges at Cambridge," says Bristed, "have equal +privileges and rights, with the solitary exception of King's, and +though some of them are called _Halls_, the difference is merely +one of name. But the Halls at Oxford, of which there are five, are +not incorporated bodies, and have no vote in University matters, +indeed are but a sort of boarding-houses at which students may +remain until it is time for them to take a degree. I dined at one +of those establishments; it was very like an officers' mess. The +men had their own wine, and did not wear their gowns, and the only +Don belonging to the Hall was not present at table. There was a +tradition of a chapel belonging to the concern, but no one present +knew where it was. This Hall seemed to be a small Botany Bay of +both Universities, its members made up of all sorts of incapables +and incorrigibles."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. +140, 141. + +3. At Cambridge and Oxford, the public eating-room. + +I went into the public "_hall_" [so is called in Oxford the public +eating-room].--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 231. + +Dinner is, in all colleges, a public meal, taken in the refectory +or "_hall_" of the society.--_Ibid._, p. 273. + +4. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., dinner, the name of the +place where the meal is taken being given to the meal itself. + +_Hall_ lasts about three quarters of an hour.--_Bristed's Five +Year in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 20. + +After _Hall_ is emphatically lounging-time, it being the wise +practice of Englishmen to attempt no hard exercise, physical or +mental, immediately after a hearty meal.--_Ibid._, p. 21. + +It is not safe to read after _Hall_ (i.e. after dinner).--_Ibid._, +p. 331. + + +HANG-OUT. An entertainment. + +I remember the date from the Fourth of July occurring just +afterwards, which I celebrated by a "_hang-out_."--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 80. + +He had kept me six hours at table, on the occasion of a dinner +which he gave ... as an appendix to and a return for some of my +"_hangings-out_."--_Ibid._, p. 198. + + +HANG OUT. To treat, to live, to have or possess. Among English +Cantabs, a verb of all-work.--_Bristed_. + +There were but few pensioners who "_hung out_" servants of their +own.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 90. + +I had become ... a man who knew and "_hung out_ to" clever and +pleasant people, and introduced agreeable lions to one +another.--_Ibid._, p. 158. + +I had gained such a reputation for dinner-giving, that men going +to "_hang out_" sometimes asked me to compose bills of fare for +them.--_Ibid._, p. 195. + + +HARRY SOPHS, or HENRY SOPHISTERS; in reality Harisophs, a +corruption of Erisophs ([Greek: erisophos], _valde eruditus_). At +Cambridge, England, students who have kept all the terms required +for a law act, and hence are ranked as Bachelors of Law by +courtesy.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +See, also, Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 818. + + +HARVARD WASHINGTON CORPS. From a memorandum on a fly leaf of an +old Triennial Catalogue, it would appear that a military company +was first established among the students of Harvard College about +the year 1769, and that its first captain was Mr. William Wetmore, +a graduate of the Class of 1770. The motto which it then assumed, +and continued to bear through every period of its existence, was, +"Tam Marti quam Mercurio." It was called at that time the Marti +Mercurian Band. The prescribed uniform was a blue coat, the skirts +turned with white, nankeen breeches, white stockings, top-boots, +and a cocked hat. This association continued for nearly twenty +years from the time of its organization, but the chivalrous spirit +which had called it into existence seems at the end of that time +to have faded away. The last captain, it is believed, was Mr. +Solomon Vose, a graduate of the class of 1787. + +Under the auspices of Governor Gerry, in December of the year +1811, it was revived, and through his influence received a new +loan of arms from the State, taking at the same time the name of +the Harvard Washington Corps. In 1812, Mr. George Thacher was +appointed its commander. The members of the company wore a blue +coat, white vest, white pantaloons, white gaiters, a common black +hat, and around the waist a white belt, which was always kept very +neat, and to which were attached a bayonet and cartridge-box. The +officers wore the same dress, with the exceptions of a sash +instead of the belt, and a chapeau in place of the hat. Soon after +this reorganization, in the fall of 1812, a banner, with the arms +of the College on one side and the arms of the State on the other, +was presented by the beautiful Miss Mellen, daughter of Judge +Mellen of Cambridge, in the name of the ladies of that place. The +presentation took place before the door of her father's house. +Appropriate addresses were made, both by the fair donor and the +captain of the company. Mr. Frisbie, a Professor in the College, +who was at that time engaged to Miss Mellen, whom he afterwards +married, recited on the occasion the following verses impromptu, +which were received with great _eclat_. + + "The standard's victory's leading star, + 'T is danger to forsake it; + How altered are the scenes of war, + They're vanquished now who take it." + +A writer in the Harvardiana, 1836, referring to this banner, says: +"The gilded banner now moulders away in inglorious quiet, in the +dusty retirement of a Senior Sophister's study. What a desecration +for that 'flag by angel hands to valor given'!"[40] Within the +last two years it has wholly disappeared from its accustomed +resting-place. Though departed, its memory will be ever dear to +those who saw it in its better days, and under its shadow enjoyed +many of the proudest moments of college life. + +At its second organization, the company was one of the finest and +best drilled in the State. The members were from the Senior and +Junior Classes. The armory was in the fifth story of Hollis Hall. +The regular time for exercise was after the evening commons. The +drum would often beat before the meal was finished, and the +students could then be seen rushing forth with the half-eaten +biscuit, and at the same time buckling on their armor for the +accustomed drill. They usually paraded on exhibition-days, when +the large concourse of people afforded an excellent opportunity +for showing off their skill in military tactics and manoeuvring. +On the arrival of the news of the peace of 1815, it appears, from +an interleaved almanac, that "the H.W. Corps paraded and fired a +salute; Mr. Porter treated the company." Again, on the 12th of +May, same year, "H.W. Corps paraded in Charlestown, saluted Com. +Bainbridge, and returned by the way of Boston." The captain for +that year, Mr. W.H. Moulton, dying, on the 6th of July, at five +o'clock, P.M., "the class," says the same authority, "attended the +funeral of Br. Moulton in Boston. The H.W. Corps attended in +uniform, without arms, the ceremony of entombing their late +Captain." + +In the year 1825, it received a third loan of arms, and was again +reorganized, admitting the members of all the classes to its +ranks. From this period until the year 1834, very great interest +was manifested in it; but a rebellion having broken out at that +time among the students, and the guns of the company having been +considerably damaged by being thrown from the windows of the +armory, which was then in University Hall, the company was +disbanded, and the arms were returned to the State. + +The feelings with which it was regarded by the students generally +cannot be better shown than by quoting from some of the +publications in which reference is made to it. "Many are the grave +discussions and entry caucuses," says a writer in the Harvard +Register, published in 1828, "to determine what favored few are to +be graced with the sash and epaulets, and march as leaders in the +martial band. Whilst these important canvassings are going on, it +behooves even the humblest and meekest to beware how he buttons +his coat, or stiffens himself to a perpendicular, lest he be more +than suspected of aspiring to some military capacity. But the +_Harvard Washington Corps_ must not be passed over without further +notice. Who can tell what eagerness fills its ranks on an +exhibition-day? with what spirit and bounding step the glorious +phalanx wheels into the College yard? with what exultation they +mark their banner, as it comes floating on the breeze from +Holworthy? And ah! who cannot tell how this spirit expires, this +exultation goes out, when the clerk calls again and again for the +assessments."--p. 378. + +A college poet has thus immortalized this distinguished band:-- + + "But see where yonder light-armed ranks advance!-- + Their colors gleaming in the noonday glance, + Their steps symphonious with the drum's deep notes, + While high the buoyant, breeze-borne banner floats! + O, let not allied hosts yon band deride! + 'T is _Harvard Corps_, our bulwark and our pride! + Mark, how like one great whole, instinct with life, + They seem to woo the dangers of the strife! + Who would not brave the heat, the dust, the rain, + To march the leader of that valiant train?" + _Harvard Register_, p. 235. + +Another has sung its requiem in the following strain:-- + + "That martial band, 'neath waving stripes and stars + Inscribed alike to Mercury and Mars, + Those gallant warriors in their dread array, + Who shook these halls,--O where, alas! are they? + Gone! gone! and never to our ears shall come + The sounds of fife and spirit-stirring drum; + That war-worn banner slumbers in the dust, + Those bristling arms are dim with gathering rust; + That crested helm, that glittering sword, that plume, + Are laid to rest in reckless faction's tomb." + _Winslow's Class Poem_, 1835. + + +HAT FELLOW-COMMONER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +popular name given to a baronet, the eldest son of a baronet, or +the younger son of a nobleman. A _Hat Fellow-Commoner_ wears the +gown of a Fellow-Commoner, with a hat instead of the velvet cap +with metallic tassel which a Fellow-Commoner wears, and is +admitted to the degree of M.A. after two years' residence. + + +HAULED UP. In many colleges, one brought up before the Faculty is +said to be _hauled up_. + + +HAZE. To trouble; to harass; to disturb. This word is used at +Harvard College, to express the treatment which Freshmen sometimes +receive from the higher classes, and especially from the +Sophomores. It is used among sailors with the meanings _to urge_, +_to drive_, _to harass_, especially with labor. In his Dictionary +of Americanisms, Mr. Bartlett says, "To haze round, is to go +rioting about." + +Be ready, in fine, to cut, to drink, to smoke, to swear, to +_haze_, to dead, to spree,--in one word, to be a +Sophomore.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848, p. 11. + + To him no orchard is unknown,--no grape-vine unappraised,-- + No farmer's hen-roost yet unrobbed,--no Freshman yet _unhazed_! + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849, p. 9. + + 'T is the Sophomores rushing the Freshmen to _haze_. + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 22. + + Never again + Leave unbolted your door when to rest you retire, + And, _unhazed_ and unmartyred, you proudly may scorn + Those foes to all Freshmen who 'gainst thee conspire. + _Ibid._, p. 23. + +Freshmen have got quietly settled down to work, Sophs have given +up their _hazing_.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 285. + +We are glad to be able to record, that the absurd and barbarous +custom of _hazing_, which has long prevailed in College, is, to a +great degree, discontinued.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 413. + +The various means which are made use of in _hazing_ the Freshmen +are enumerated in part below. In the first passage, a Sophomore +speaks in soliloquy. + + I am a man, + Have human feelings, though mistaken Fresh + Affirmed I was a savage or a brute, + When I did dash cold water in their necks, + Discharged green squashes through their window-panes, + And stript their beds of soft, luxurious sheets, + Placing instead harsh briers and rough sticks, + So that their sluggish bodies might not sleep, + Unroused by morning bell; or when perforce, + From leaden syringe, engine of fierce might, + I drave black ink upon their ruffle shirts, + Or drenched with showers of melancholy hue, + The new-fledged dickey peering o'er the stock, + Fit emblem of a young ambitious mind! + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 254. + +A Freshman writes thus on the subject:-- + +The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +Fresh, as they call us. They would come to our rooms with masks +on, and frighten us dreadfully; and sometimes squirt water through +our keyholes, or throw a whole pailful on to one of us from the +upper windows.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + + +HEAD OF THE HOUSE. The generic name for the highest officer of a +college in the English Universities. + +The Master of the College, or "_Head of the House_," is a D.D. who +has been a Fellow.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 16. + +The _heads of houses_ [are] styled, according to the usage of the +college, President, Master, Principal, Provost, Warden, or Rector. +--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xiii. + +Written often simply _Head_. + +The "_Head_," as he is called generically, of an Oxford college, +is a greater man than the uninitiated suppose.--_De Quincey's Life +and Manners_, p. 244. + +The new _Head_ was a gentleman of most commanding personal +appearance.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +87. + + +HEADSHIP. The office and place of head or president of a college. + +Most of the college _Headships_ are not at the disposal of the +Crown.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, note, p. +89, and _errata_. + +The _Headships_ of the colleges are, with the exception of +Worcester, filled by one chosen by the Fellows from among +themselves, or one who has been a Fellow.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. +1847, p. xiv. + + +HEADS OUT. At Princeton College, the cry when anything occurs in +the _Campus_. Used, also, to give the alarm when a professor or +tutor is about to interrupt a spree. + +See CAMPUS. + + +HEBDOMADAL BOARD. At Oxford, the local governing authority of the +University, composed of the Heads of colleges and the two +Proctors, and expressing itself through the Vice-Chancellor. An +institution of Charles I.'s time, it has possessed, since the year +1631, "the sole initiative power in the legislation of the +University, and the chief share in its administration." Its +meetings are held weekly, whence the name.--_Oxford Guide. +Literary World_, Vol. XII., p. 223. + + +HIGH-GO. A merry frolic, usually with drinking. + + Songs of Scholars in revelling roundelays, + Belched out with hickups at bacchanal Go, + Bellowed, till heaven's high concave rebound the lays, + Are all for college carousals too low. + Of dullness quite tired, with merriment fired, + And fully inspired with amity's glow, + With hate-drowning wine, boys, and punch all divine, boys, + The Juniors combine, boys, in friendly HIGH-GO. + _Glossology, by William Biglow_, inserted in _Buckingham's + Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. 281-284. + +He it was who broached the idea of a _high-go_, as being requisite +to give us a rank among the classes in college. _D.A. White's +Address before Soc. of the Alumni of Harv. Univ._, Aug. 27, 1844, +p. 35. + +This word is now seldom used; the words _High_ and _Go_ are, +however, often used separately, with the same meaning; as the +compound. The phrase _to get high_, i.e. to become intoxicated, +is allied with the above expression. + + Or men "_get high_" by drinking abstract toddies? + _Childe Harvard_, p. 71. + + +HIGH STEWARD. In the English universities, an officer who has +special power to hear and determine capital causes, according to +the laws of the land and the privileges of the university, +whenever a scholar is the party offending. He also holds the +university _court-leet_, according to the established charter and +custom.--_Oxf. and Cam. Cals._ + +At Cambridge, in addition to his other duties, the High Steward is +the officer who represents the University in the House of Lords. + + +HIGH TABLE. At Oxford, the table at which the Fellows and some +other privileged persons are entitled to dine. + +Wine is not generally allowed in the public hall, except to the +"_high table_."--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 278. + +I dine at the "_high table_" with the reverend deans, and hobnob +with professors.--_Household Words_, Am. ed., Vol. XI. p 521. + + +HIGH-TI. At Williams College, a term by which is designated a +showy recitation. Equivalent to the word _squirt_ at Harvard +College. + + +HILLS. At Cambridge, Eng., Gogmagog Hills are commonly called _the +Hills_. + + Or to the _Hills_ on horseback strays, + (Unasked his tutor,) or his chaise + To famed Newmarket guides. + _Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 35. + + +HISS. To condemn by hissing. + +This is a favorite method, especially among students, of +expressing their disapprobation of any person or measure. + + I'll tell you what; your crime is this, + That, Touchy, you did scrape, and _hiss_. + _Rebelliad_, p. 45. + + Who will bully, scrape, and _hiss_! + Who, I say, will do all this! + Let him follow me,--_Ibid._, p. 53. + + +HOAXING. At Princeton College, inducing new-comers to join the +secret societies is called _hoaxing_. + + +HOBBY. A translation. Hobbies are used by some students in +translating Latin, Greek, and other languages, who from this +reason are said to ride, in contradistinction to others who learn +their lessons by study, who are said to _dig_ or _grub_. + +See PONY. + + +HOBSON'S CHOICE. Thomas Hobson, during the first third of the +seventeenth century, was the University carrier between Cambridge +and London. He died January 1st, 1631. "He rendered himself famous +by furnishing the students with horses; and, making it an +unalterable rule that every horse should have an equal portion of +rest as well as labor, he would never let one out of its turn; +hence the celebrated saying, 'Hobson's Choice: _this_, or none.'" +Milton has perpetuated his fame in two whimsical epitaphs, which +may be found among his miscellaneous poems. + + +HOE IN. At Hamilton College, to strive vigorously; a metaphorical +meaning, taken from labor with the hoe. + + +HOIST. It was formerly customary at Harvard College, when the +Freshmen were used as servants, to report them to their Tutor if +they refused to go when sent on an errand; this complaint was +called a _hoisting_, and the delinquent was said to be _hoisted_. + +The refusal to perform a reasonable service required by a member +of the class above him, subjected the Freshmen to a complaint to +be brought before his Tutor, technically called _hoisting_ him to +his Tutor. The threat was commonly sufficient to exact the +service.--_Willard's Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. +p. 259. + + +HOLD INS. At Bowdoin College, "near the commencement of each +year," says a correspondent, "the Sophs are wont, on some +particular evening, to attempt to '_hold in_' the Freshmen when +coming out of prayers, generally producing quite a skirmish." + + +HOLLIS. Mr. Thomas Hollis of Lincoln's Inn, to whom, with many +others of the same name, Harvard College is so much indebted, +among other presents to its library, gave "sixty-four volumes of +valuable books, curiously bound." To these reference is made in +the following extract from the Gentleman's Magazine for September, +1781. "Mr. Hollis employed Mr. Fingo to cut a number of +emblematical devices, such as the caduceus of Mercury, the wand of +Æsculapius, the owl, the cap of liberty, &c.; and these devices +were to adorn the backs and sometimes the sides of books. When +patriotism animated a work, instead of unmeaning ornaments on the +binding, he adorned it with caps of liberty. When wisdom filled +the page, the owl's majestic gravity bespoke its contents. The +caduceus pointed out the works of eloquence, and the wand of +Æsculapius was a signal of good medicine. The different emblems +were used on the same book, when possessed of different merits, +and to express his disapprobation of the whole or parts of any +work, the figure or figures were reversed. Thus each cover +exhibited a critique on the book, and was a proof that they were +not kept for show, as he must read before he could judge. Read +this, ye admirers of gilded books, and imitate." + + +HONORARIUM, HONORARY. A term applied, in Europe, to the recompense +offered to professors in universities, and to medical or other +professional gentlemen for their services. It is nearly equivalent +to _fee_, with the additional idea of being given _honoris causa_, +as a token of respect.--_Brande. Webster_. + +There are regular receivers, quæstors, appointed for the reception +of the _honorarium_, or charge for the attendance of +lectures.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 30. + + +HONORIS CAUSA. Latin; _as an honor_. Any honorary degree given by +a college. + +Degrees in the faculties of Divinity and Law are conferred, at +present, either in course, _honoris causa_, or on admission _ad +eundem_.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 10. + + +HONORS. In American colleges, the principal honors are +appointments as speakers at Exhibitions and Commencements. These +are given for excellence in scholarship. The appointments for +Exhibitions are different in different colleges. Those of +Commencement do not vary so much. The following is a list of the +appointments at Harvard College, in the order in which they are +usually assigned: Valedictory Oration, called also _the_ English +Oration, Salutatory in Latin, English Orations, Dissertations, +Disquisitions, and Essays. The salutatorian is not always the +second scholar in the class, but must be the best, or, in case +this distinction is enjoyed by the valedictorian, the second-best +Latin scholar. Latin or Greek poems or orations or English poems +sometimes form a part of the exercises, and may be assigned, as +are the other appointments, to persons in the first part of the +class. At Yale College the order is as follows: Valedictory +Oration, Salutatory in Latin, Philosophical Orations, Orations, +Dissertations, Disputations, and Colloquies. A person who receives +the appointment of a Colloquy can either write or speak in a +colloquy, or write a poem. Any other appointee can also write a +poem. Other colleges usually adopt one or the other of these +arrangements, or combine the two. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., those who at the final +examination in the Senate-House are classed as Wranglers, Senior +Optimes, or Junior Optimes, are said to go out in _honors_. + +I very early in the Sophomore year gave up all thoughts of +obtaining high _honors_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 6. + + +HOOD. An ornamented fold that hangs down the back of a graduate, +to mark his degree.--_Johnson_. + + My head with ample square-cap crown, + And deck with _hood_ my shoulders. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. 349. + + +HORN-BLOWING. At Princeton College, the students often provide +themselves at night with horns, bugles, &c., climb the trees in +the Campus, and set up a blowing which is continued as long as +prudence and safety allow. + + +HORSE-SHEDDING. At the University of Vermont, among secret and +literary societies, this term is used to express the idea conveyed +by the word _electioneering_. + + +HOUSE. A college. The word was formerly used with this +signification in Harvard and Yale Colleges. + +If any scholar shall transgress any of the laws of God, or the +_House_, he shall be liable, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 517. + +If detriment come by any out of the society, then those officers +[the butler and cook] themselves shall be responsible to the +_House_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 583. + +A member of the college was also called a _Member of the House_. + +The steward is to see that one third part be reserved of all the +payments to him by the _members of the House_ quarterly +made.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 582. + +A college officer was called an _Officer of the House_. + +The steward shall be bound to give an account of the necessary +disbursements which have been issued out to the steward himself, +butler, cook, or any other _officer of the House_.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 582. + +Neither shall the butler or cook suffer any scholar or scholars +whatever, except the Fellows, Masters of Art, Fellow-Commoners or +_officers of the House_, to come into the butteries, &c.--_Ibid._, +Vol. I. p. 584. + +Before the year 1708, the term _Fellows of the House_ was applied, +at Harvard College, both to the members of the Corporation, and to +the instructors who did not belong to the Corporation. The +equivocal meaning of this title was noticed by President Leverett, +for, in his duplicate record of the proceedings of the Corporation +and the Overseers, he designated certain persons to whom he refers +as "Fellows of the House, i.e. of the Corporation." Soon after +this, an attempt was made to distinguish between these two classes +of Fellows, and in 1711 the distinction was settled, when one +Whiting, "who had been for several years known as Tutor and +'Fellow of the House,' but had never in consequence been deemed or +pretended to be a member of the Corporation, was admitted to a +seat in that board."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. pp. +278, 279. See SCHOLAR OF THE HOUSE. + +2. An assembly for transacting business. + +See CONGREGATION, CONVOCATION. + + +HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. At Union College, the members of the +Junior Class compose what is called the _House of +Representatives_, a body organized after the manner of the +national House, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the +forms and manner of legislation. The following account has been +furnished by a member of that College. + +"At the end of the third term, Sophomore year, when the members of +that class are looking forward to the honors awaiting them, comes +off the initiation to the House. The Friday of the tenth week is +the day usually selected for the occasion. On the afternoon of +that day the Sophomores assemble in the Junior recitation-room, +and, after organizing themselves by the appointment of a chairman, +are waited upon by a committee of the House of Representatives of +the Junior Class, who announce that they are ready to proceed with +the initiation, and occasionally dilate upon the importance and +responsibility of the future position of the Sophomores. + +"The invitation thus given is accepted, and the class, headed by +the committee, proceeds to the Representatives' Hall. On their +arrival, the members of the House retire, and the incoming +members, under the direction of the committee, arrange themselves +around the platform of the Speaker, all in the room at the same +time rising in their seats. The Speaker of the House now addresses +the Sophomores, announcing to them their election to the high +position of Representatives, and exhorting them to discharge well +all their duties to their constituents and their common country. +He closes, by stating it to be their first business to elect the +officers of the House. + +"The election of Speaker, Vice-Speaker, Clerk, and Treasurer by +ballot then follows, two tellers being appointed by the Chair. The +Speaker is elected for one year, and must be one of the Faculty; +the other officers hold only during the ensuing term. The Speaker, +however, is never expected to be present at the meetings of the +House, with the exception of that at the beginning of each term +session, so that the whole duty of presiding falls on the +Vice-Speaker. This is the only meeting of the _new_ House during +that term. + +"On the second Friday afternoon of the fall term, the Speaker +usually delivers an inaugural address, and soon after leaves the +chair to the Vice-Speaker, who then announces the representation +from the different States, and also the list of committees. The +members are apportioned by him according to population, each State +having at least one, and some two or three, as the number of the +Junior Class may allow. The committees are constituted in the +manner common to the National House, the number of each, however, +being less. Business then follows, as described in Jefferson's +Manual; petitions, remonstrances, resolutions, reports, debates, +and all the 'toggery' of legislation, come on in regular, or +rather irregular succession. The exercises, as may be well +conceived, furnish an excellent opportunity for improvement in +parliamentary tactics and political oratory." + +The House of Representatives was founded by Professor John Austin +Tates. It is not constituted by every Junior Class, and may be +regarded as intermittent in its character. + +See SENATE. + + +HUMANIST. One who pursues the study of the _humanities (literæ +humaniores)_, or polite literature; a term used in various +European universities, especially the Scotch.--_Brandt_. + + +HUMANITY, _pl._ HUMANITIES. In the plural signifying grammar, +rhetoric, the Latin and Greek languages, and poetry; for teaching +which there are professors in the English and Scotch universities. +--_Encyc._ + + +HUMMEL. At the University of Vermont, a foot, especially a large +one. + + +HYPHENUTE. At Princeton College, the aristocratic or would-be +aristocratic in dress, manners, &c., are called _Hyphenutes_. Used +both as a noun and adjective. Same as [Greek: Oi Aristoi] q.v. + + + +_I_. + + +ILLUMINATE. To interline with a translation. Students _illuminate_ +a book when they write between the printed lines a translation of +the text. _Illuminated_ books are preferred by good judges to +ponies or hobbies, as the text and translation in them are brought +nearer to one another. The idea of calling books thus prepared +_illuminated_, is taken partly from the meaning of the word +_illuminate_, to adorn with ornamental letters, substituting, +however, in this case, useful for ornamental, and partly from one +of its other meanings, to throw light on, as on obscure subjects. + + +ILLUSTRATION. That which elucidates a subject. A word used with a +peculiar application by undergraduates in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. + +I went back,... and did a few more bits of _illustration_, such as +noting down the relative resources of Athens and Sparta when the +Peloponnesian war broke out, and the sources of the Athenian +revenue.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 51. + +IMPOSITION. In the English universities, a supernumerary exercise +enjoined on students as a punishment. + +Minor offences are punished by rustication, and those of a more +trivial nature by fines, or by literary tasks, here termed +_Impositions_.--_Oxford Guide_, p. 149. + +Literary tasks called _impositions_, or frequent compulsive +attendances on tedious and unimproving exercises in a college +hall.--_T. Warton, Minor Poems of Milton_, p. 432. + +_Impositions_ are of various lengths. For missing chapel, about +one hundred lines to copy; for missing a lecture, the lecture to +translate. This is the measure for an occasional offence.... For +coming in late at night repeatedly, or for any offence nearly +deserving rustication, I have known a whole book of Thucydides +given to translate, or the Ethics of Aristotle to analyze, when +the offender has been a good scholar, while others, who could only +do mechanical work, have had a book of Euclid to write out. + +Long _impositions_ are very rarely _barberized_. When college +tutors intend to be severe, which is very seldom, they are not to +be trifled with. + +At Cambridge, _impositions_ are not always in writing, but +sometimes two or three hundred lines to repeat by heart. This is +ruin to the barber.--_Collegian's Guide_, pp. 159, 160. + +In an abbreviated form, _impos._ + +He is obliged to stomach the _impos._, and retire.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._, p. 125. + +He satisfies the Proctor and the Dean by saying a part of each +_impos._--_Ibid._, p. 128. + +See BARBER. + + +INCEPT. To take the degree of Master of Arts. + +They may nevertheless take the degree of M.A. at the usual period, +by putting their names on the _College boards_ a few days previous +to _incepting_.--_Cambridge Calendar_. + +The M.A. _incepts_ in about three years and two months from the +time of taking his first degree.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 285. + + +INCEPTOR. One who has proceeded to the degree of M.A., but who, +not enjoying all the privileges of an M.A. until the Commencement, +is in the mean time termed an Inceptor. + +Used in the English universities, and formerly at Harvard College. + +And, in case any of the Sophisters, Questionists, or _Inceptors_ +fail in the premises required at their hands ... they shall be +deferred to the following year.--_Laws of 1650, in Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +The Admissio _Inceptorum_ was as follows: "Admitto te ad secundum +gradum in artibus pro more Academiarum in Angliâ: tibique trado +hunc librum unâ cum potestate publice profitendi, ubicunque ad hoc +munus publicè evocatus fueris."--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 580. + + +INDIAN SOCIETY. At the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a society +of smokers was established, in the year 1837, by an Indian named +Zachary Colbert, and called the Indian Society. The members and +those who have been invited to join the society, to the number of +sixty or eighty, are accustomed to meet in a small room, ten feet +by eighteen; all are obliged to smoke, and he who first desists is +required to pay for the cigars smoked at that meeting. + + +INDIGO. At Dartmouth College, a member of the party called the +Blues. The same as a BLUE, which see. + +The Howes, years ago, used to room in Dartmouth Hall, though none +room there now, and so they made up some verses. Here is one:-- + + "Hurrah for Dartmouth Hall! + Success to every student + That rooms in Dartmouth Hall, + Unless he be an _Indigo_, + Then, no success at all." + _The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +INITIATION. Secret societies exist in almost all the colleges in +the United States, which require those who are admitted to pass +through certain ceremonies called the initiation. This fact is +often made use of to deceive Freshmen, upon their entrance into +college, who are sometimes initiated into societies which have no +existence, and again into societies where initiation is not +necessary for membership. + +A correspondent from Dartmouth College writes as follows: "I +believe several of the colleges have various exercises of +_initiating_ Freshmen. Ours is done by the 'United Fraternity,' +one of our library societies (they are neither of them secret), +which gives out word that the _initiation_ is a fearful ceremony. +It is simply every kind of operation that can be contrived to +terrify, and annoy, and make fun of Freshmen, who do not find out +for some time that it is not the necessary and serious ceremony of +making them members of the society." + +In the University of Virginia, students on entering are sometimes +initiated into the ways of college life by very novel and unique +ceremonies, an account of which has been furnished by a graduate +of that institution. "The first thing, by way of admitting the +novitiate to all the mysteries of college life, is to require of +him in an official communication, under apparent signature of one +of the professors, a written list, tested under oath, of the +entire number of his shirts and other necessary articles in his +wardrobe. The list he is requested to commit to memory, and be +prepared for an examination on it, before the Faculty, at some +specified hour. This the new-comer usually passes with due +satisfaction, and no little trepidation, in the presence of an +august assemblage of his student professors. He is now remanded to +his room to take his bed, and to rise about midnight bell for +breakfast. The 'Callithumpians' (in this Institution a regularly +organized company), 'Squallinaders,' or 'Masquers,' perform their +part during the livelong night with instruments 'harsh thunder +grating,' to insure to the poor youth a sleepless night, and give +him full time to con over and curse in his heart the miseries of a +college existence. Our fellow-comrade is now up, dressed, and +washed, perhaps two hours in advance of the first light of dawn, +and, under the guidance of a _posse comitatus_ of older students, +is kindly conducted to his morning meal. A long alley, technically +'Green Alley,' terminating with a brick wall, informing all, 'Thus +far shalt thou go, and no farther,' is pointed out to him, with +directions 'to follow his nose and keep straight ahead.' Of course +the unsophisticated finds himself completely nonplused, and gropes +his way back, amidst the loud vociferations of 'Go it, green un!' +With due apologies for the treatment he has received, and violent +denunciations against the former _posse_ for their unheard-of +insolence towards the gentleman, he is now placed under different +guides, who volunteer their services 'to see him through.' Suffice +it to be said, that he is again egregiously 'taken in,' being +deposited in the Rotunda or Lecture-room, and told to ring for +whatever he wants, either coffee or hot biscuit, but particularly +enjoined not to leave without special permission from one of the +Faculty. The length of his sojourn in this place, where he is +finally left, is of course in proportion to his state of +verdancy." + + +INSPECTOR OF THE COLLEGE. At Yale College, a person appointed to +ascertain, inspect, and estimate all damages done to the College +buildings and appurtenances, whenever required by the President. +All repairs, additions, and alterations are made under his +inspection, and he is also authorized to determine whether the +College chambers are fit for the reception of the students. +Formerly the inspectorship in Harvard College was held by one of +the members of the College government. His duty was to examine the +state of the College public buildings, and also at stated times to +examine the exterior and interior of the buildings occupied by the +students, and to cause such repairs to be made as were in his +opinion proper. The same duties are now performed by the +_Superintendent of Public Buildings_.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, +p. 22. _Laws Harv. Coll._, 1814, p. 58, and 1848, p 29. + +The duties of the _Inspector of the College Buildings_, at +Middlebury, are similar to those required of the inspector at +Yale.--_Laws Md. Coll._, 1839, pp. 15, 16. + +IN STATU PUPILLARI. Latin; literally, _in a state of pupilage_. In +the English universities, one who is subject to collegiate laws, +discipline, and officers is said to be _in statu pupillari_. + + And the short space that here we tarry, + At least "_in statu pupillari_," + Forbids our growing hopes to germ, + Alas! beyond the appointed term. + _Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 109. + + +INTERLINEAR. A printed book, with a written translation between +the lines. The same as an _illuminated_ book; for an account of +which, see under ILLUMINATE. + + Then devotes himself to study, with a steady, earnest zeal, + And scorns an _Interlinear_, or a Pony's meek appeal. + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 20. + + +INTERLINER. Same as INTERLINEAR. + +In the "Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," a Professor at Harvard +College, Professor Felton observes: "He was a mortal enemy to +translations, '_interliners_,' and all such subsidiary helps in +learning lessons; he classed them all under the opprobrious name +of 'facilities,' and never scrupled to seize them as contraband +goods. When he withdrew from College, he had a large and valuable +collection of this species of literature. In one of the notes to +his Three Lectures he says: 'I have on hand a goodly number of +these confiscated wares, full of manuscript innotations, which I +seized in the way of duty, and would now restore to the owners on +demand, without their proving property or paying charges.'"--p. +lxxvii. + +Ponies, _Interliners_, Ticks, Screws, and Deads (these are all +college verbalities) were all put under contribution.--_A Tour +through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 25. + + +INTONITANS BOLUS. Greek, [Greek: bolos], a lump. Latin, _bolus_, a +bit, a morsel. English, _bolus_, a mass of anything made into a +large pill. It may be translated _a thundering pill_. At Harvard +College, the _Intonitans Bolus_ was a great cane or club which was +given nominally to the strongest fellow in the graduating class; +"but really," says a correspondent, "to the greatest bully," and +thus was transmitted, as an entailed estate, to the Samsons of +College. If any one felt that he had been wronged in not receiving +this emblem of valor, he was permitted to take it from its +possessor if he could. In later years the club presented a very +curious appearance; being almost entirely covered with the names +of those who had held it, carved on its surface in letters of all +imaginable shapes and descriptions. At one period, it was in the +possession of Richard Jeffrey Cleveland, a member of the class of +1827, and was by him transmitted to Jonathan Saunderson of the +class of 1828. It has disappeared within the last fifteen or +twenty years, and its hiding-place, even if it is in existence, is +not known. + +See BULLY CLUB. + + +INVALID'S TABLE. At Yale College, in former times, a table at +which those who were not in health could obtain more nutritious +food than was supplied at the common board. A graduate at that +institution has referred to the subject in the annexed extract. +"It was extremely difficult to obtain permission to board out, and +indeed impossible except in extreme cases: the beginning of such +permits would have been like the letting out of water. To take +away all pretext for it, an '_invalid's table_' was provided, +where, if one chose to avail himself of it, having a doctor's +certificate that his health required it, he might have a somewhat +different diet."--_Scenes and Characters in College, New Haven_, +1847, pp. 117, 118. + + + +_J_. + + +JACK-KNIFE. At Harvard College it has long been the custom for the +ugliest member of the Senior Class to receive from his classmates +a _Jack-knife_, as a reward or consolation for the plainness of +his features. In former times, it was transmitted from class to +class, its possessor in the graduating class presenting it to the +one who was deemed the ugliest in the class next below. + +Mr. William Biglow, a member of the class of 1794, the recipient +for that year of the Jack-knife,--in an article under the head of +"Omnium Gatherum," published in the Federal Orrery, April 27, +1795, entitled, "A Will: Being the last words of CHARLES +CHATTERBOX, Esq., late worthy and much lamented member of the +Laughing Club of Harvard University, who departed college life, +June 21, 1794, in the twenty-first year of his age,"--presents +this _transmittendum_ to his successor, with the following +words:-- + + "_Item_. C---- P----s[41] has my knife, + During his natural college life; + That knife, which ugliness inherits, + And due to his superior merits, + And when from Harvard he shall steer, + I order him to leave it here, + That't may from class to class descend, + Till time and ugliness shall end." + +Mr. Prentiss, in the autumn of 1795, soon after graduating, +commenced the publication of the Rural Repository, at Leominster, +Mass. In one of the earliest numbers of this paper, following the +example of Mr. Biglow, he published his will, which Mr. Paine, the +editor of the Federal Orrery, immediately transferred to his +columns with this introductory note:--"Having, in the second +number of 'Omnium Gatherum' presented to our readers the last will +and testament of Charles Chatterbox, Esq., of witty memory, +wherein the said Charles, now deceased, did lawfully bequeath to +Ch----s Pr----s the celebrated 'Ugly Knife,' to be by him +transmitted, at his college demise, to the next succeeding +candidate; -------- and whereas the said Ch----s Pr----s, on the +21st of June last, departed his aforesaid college life, thereby +leaving to the inheritance of his successor the valuable legacy +which his illustrious friend had bequeathed, as an entailed +estate, to the poets of the university,--we have thought proper to +insert a full, true, and attested copy of the will of the last +deceased heir, in order that the world may be furnished with a +correct genealogy of this renowned _Jack-knife_, whose pedigree +will become as illustrious in after time as the family of the +'ROLLES,' and which will be celebrated by future wits as the most +formidable _weapon_ of modern genius." + +That part of the will only is here inserted which refers +particularly to the Knife. It is as follows:-- + + "I--I say I, now make this will; + Let those whom I assign fulfil. + I give, grant, render, and convey + My goods and chattels thus away; + That _honor of a college life, + That celebrated_ UGLY KNIFE, + Which predecessor SAWNEY[42] orders, + Descending to time's utmost borders, + To _noblest bard_ of _homeliest phiz_, + To have and hold and use, as his, + I now present C----s P----y S----r,[43] + To keep with his poetic lumber, + To scrape his quid, and make a split, + To point his pen for sharpening wit; + And order that he ne'er abuse + Said ugly knife, in dirtier use, + And let said CHARLES, that best of writers, + In prose satiric skilled to bite us, + And equally in verse delight us, + Take special care to keep it clean + From unpoetic hands,--I ween. + And when those walls, the muses' seat, + Said S----r is obliged to quit, + Let some one of APOLLO'S firing, + To such heroic joys aspiring, + Who long has borne a poet's name, + With said Knife cut his way to fame." + See _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. 281, 270. + +Tradition asserts that the original Jack-knife was terminated at +one end of the handle by a large blade, and at the other by a +projecting piece of iron, to which a chain of the same metal was +attached, and that it was customary to carry it in the pocket +fastened by this chain to some part of the person. When this was +lost, and the custom of transmitting the Knife went out of +fashion, the class, guided by no rule but that of their own fancy, +were accustomed to present any thing in the shape of a knife, +whether oyster or case, it made no difference. In one instance a +wooden one was given, and was immediately burned by the person who +received it. At present the Jack-knife is voted to the ugliest +member of the Senior Class, at the meeting for the election of +officers for Class Day, and the sum appropriated for its purchase +varies in different years from fifty cents to twenty dollars. The +custom of presenting the Jack-knife is one of the most amusing of +those which have come down to us from the past, and if any +conclusion may be drawn from the interest which is now manifested +in its observance, it is safe to infer, in the words of the poet, +that it will continue + "Till time and ugliness shall end." + +In the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a Jack-knife is given to +the greatest liar, as a reward of merit. + +See WILL. + + +JAPANNED. A cant term in use at the University of Cambridge, Eng., +explained in the following passage. "Many ... step ... into the +Church, without any pretence of other change than in the attire of +their outward man,--the being '_japanned_,' as assuming the black +dress and white cravat is called in University slang."--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 344. + + +JESUIT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Jesus +College. + + +JOBATION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a sharp reprimand +from the Dean for some offence, not eminently heinous. + +Thus dismissed the august presence, he recounts this _jobation_ to +his friends, and enters into a discourse on masters, deans, +tutors, and proctors.--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 124. + + +JOBE. To reprove; to reprimand. "In the University of Cambridge, +[Eng.,] the young scholars are wont to call chiding, +_jobing_."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +I heard a lively young man assert, that, in consequence of an +intimation from the tutor relative to his irregularities, his +father came from the country to _jobe_ him.--_Gent. Mag._, Dec. +1794. + + +JOE. A name given at several American colleges to a privy. It is +said that when Joseph Penney was President of Hamilton College, a +request from the students that the privies might be cleansed was +met by him with a denial. In consequence of this refusal, the +offices were purified by fire on the night of November 5th. The +derivation of the word, allowing the truth of this story, is +apparent. + +The following account of _Joe-Burning_ is by a correspondent from +Hamilton College:--"On the night of the 5th of November, every +year, the Sophomore Class burn 'Joe.' A large pile is made of +rails, logs, and light wood, in the form of a triangle. The space +within is filled level to the top, with all manner of +combustibles. A 'Joe' is then sought for by the class, carried +from its foundations on a rude bier, and placed on this pile. The +interior is filled with wood and straw, surrounding a barrel of +tar placed in the middle, over all of which gallons of turpentine +are thrown, and then set fire to. From the top of the lofty hill +on which the College buildings are situated, this fire can be seen +for twenty miles around. The Sophomores are all disguised in the +most odd and grotesque dresses. A ring is formed around the +burning 'Joe,' and a chant is sung. Horses of the neighbors are +obtained and ridden indiscriminately, without saddle or bridle. +The burning continues usually until daylight." + + Ponamus Convivium + _Josephi_ in locum + Et id uremus. + _Convivii Exsequiæ, Hamilton Coll._, 1850. + + +JOHNIAN. A member of St. John's College in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. + +The _Johnians_ are always known by the name of pigs; they put up a +new organ the other day, which was immediately christened "Baconi +Novum Organum."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV., p 236. + + +JUN. Abbreviated for Junior. + +The target for all the venomed darts of rowdy Sophs, magnificent +_Juns_, and lazy Senes.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + +JUNE. An abbreviation of Junior. + + I once to Yale a Fresh did come, + But now a jolly _June_, + Returning to my distant home, + I bear the wooden spoon. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 36. + + But now, when no longer a Fresh or a Soph, + Each blade is a gentleman _June_. + _Ibid._, p. 39. + + +JUNE TRAINING. The following interesting and entertaining account +of one of the distinguishing customs of the University of Vermont, +is from the pen of one of her graduates, to whom the editor of +this work is under many obligations for the valuable assistance he +has rendered in effecting the completeness of this Collection. + +"In the old time when militia trainings were in fashion, the +authorities of Burlington decided that, whereas the students of +the University of Vermont claimed and were allowed the right of +suffrage, they were to be considered citizens, and consequently +subject to military duty. The students having refused to appear on +parade, were threatened with prosecution; and at last they +determined to make their appearance. This they did on a certain +'training day,' (the year I do not recollect,) to the full +satisfaction of the authorities, who did not expect _such_ a +parade, and had no desire to see it repeated. But the students +being unwilling to expose themselves to 'the rigor of the law,' +paraded annually; and when at last the statute was repealed and +militia musters abolished, they continued the practice for the +sake of old association. Thus it passed into a custom, and the +first Wednesday of June is as eagerly anticipated by the citizens +of Burlington and the youth of the surrounding country for its +'training,' as is the first Wednesday of August for its annual +Commencement. The Faculty always smile propitiously, and in the +afternoon the performance commences. The army, or more +euphoniously the 'UNIVERSITY INVINCIBLES,' take up 'their line of +march' from the College campus, and proceed through all the +principal streets to the great square, where, in the presence of +an immense audience, a speech is delivered by the +Commander-in-chief, and a sermon by the Chaplain, the roll is +called, and the annual health report is read by the surgeon. These +productions are noted for their patriotism and fervid eloquence +rather than high literary merit. Formerly the music to which they +marched consisted solely of the good old-fashioned drum and fife; +but of late years the Invincibles have added to these a brass +band, composed of as many obsolete instruments as can be procured, +in the hands of inexperienced performers. None who have ever +handled a musical instrument before are allowed to become members +of the band, lest the music should be too sweet and regular to +comport with the general order of the parade. The uniform (or +rather the _multiform_) of the company varies from year to year, +owing to the regulation that each soldier shall consult his own +taste,--provided that no two are to have the same taste in their +equipments. The artillery consists of divers joints of rusty +stove-pipe, in each of which is inserted a toy cannon of about one +quarter of an inch calibre, mounted on an old dray, and drawn by +as many horse-apologies as can be conveniently attached to it. +When these guns are discharged, the effect--as might be +expected--is terrific. The banners, built of cotton sheeting and +mounted on a rake-handle, although they do not always exhibit +great artistic genius, often display vast originality of design. +For instance, one contained on the face a diagram (done in ink +with the wrong end of a quill) of the _pons asinorum_, with the +rather belligerent inscription, 'REMEMBER NAPOLEON AT LODI.' On +the reverse was the head of an extremely doubtful-looking +individual viewing 'his natural face in a glass.' +Inscription,--'O wad some pow'r the giftie gie us To see oursel's +as others see us.' + +"The surgeon's equipment is an ox-cart containing jars of drugs +(most of them marked 'N.E.R.' and 'O.B.J.'), boxes of homoeopathic +pills (about the size of a child's head), immense saws and knives, +skeletons of animals, &c.; over which preside the surgeon and his +assistant in appropriate dresses, with tin spectacles. This +surgeon is generally the chief feature of the parade, and his +reports are astonishing additions to the surgical lore of our +country. He is the wit of the College,--the one who above all +others is celebrated for the loudest laugh, the deepest bumper, +the best joke, and the poorest song. How well he sustains his +reputation may be known by listening to his annual reading, or by +reference to the reports of 'Trotwood,' 'Gubbins,' or 'Deppity +Sawbones,' who at different times have immortalized themselves by +their contributions to science. The cavalcade is preceded by the +'pioneers,' who clear the way for the advancing troops; which is +generally effected by the panic among the boys, occasioned by the +savage aspect of the pioneers,--their faces being hideously +painted, and their dress consisting of gleanings from every +costume, Christian, Pagan, and Turkish, known among men. As the +body passes through the different streets, the martial men receive +sundry testimonials of regard and approval in the shape of boquets +and wreaths from the fair 'Peruvians,' who of course bestow them +on those who, in their opinion, have best succeeded in the object +of the day,--uncouth appearance. After the ceremonies, the +students quietly congregate in some room in college to _count_ +these favors and to ascertain who is to be considered the hero of +the day, as having rendered himself pre-eminently ridiculous. This +honor generally falls to the lot of the surgeon. As the sun sinks +behind the Adirondacs over the lake, the parade ends; the many +lookers-on having nothing to see but the bright visions of the +next year's training, retire to their homes; while the now weary +students, gathered in knots in the windows of the upper stories, +lazily and comfortably puff their black pipes, and watch the +lessening forms of the retreating countrymen." + +Further to elucidate the peculiarities of the June Training, the +annexed account of the custom, as it was observed on the first +Wednesday in June of the current year, is here inserted, taken +from the "Daily Free Press," published at Burlington, June 8th, +1855. + +"The annual parade of the principal military body in Vermont is an +event of importance. The first Wednesday in June, the day assigned +to it, is becoming the great day of the year in Burlington. +Already it rivals, if it does not exceed, Commencement day in +glory and honor. The people crowd in from the adjoining towns, the +steamboats bring numbers from across the lake, and the inhabitants +of the town turn out in full force. The yearly recurrence of such +scenes shows the fondness of the people for a hearty laugh, and +the general acceptableness of the entertainment provided. + +"The day of the parade this year was a very favorable +one,--without dust, and neither too hot nor too cold for comfort +The performances properly--or rather _im_properly--commenced in +the small hours of the night previous by the discharge of a cannon +in front of the college buildings, which, as the cannon was +stupidly or wantonly pointed _towards_ the college buildings, blew +in several hundred panes of glass. We have not heard that anybody +laughed at this piece of heavy wit. + +"At four o'clock in the afternoon, the Invincibles took up their +line of march, with scream of fife and roll of drum, down Pearl +Street to the Square, where the flying artillery discharged a +grand national salute of one gun; thence to the Exchange, where a +halt was made and a refreshment of water partaken of by the +company, and then to the Square in front of the American, where +they were duly paraded, reviewed, exhorted, and reported upon, in +presence of two or three thousand people. + +"The scene presented was worth seeing. The windows of the American +and Wheeler's Block had all been taken out, and were filled with +bright female faces; the roofs of the same buildings were lined +with spectators, and the top of the portico of the American was a +condensed mass of loveliness and bright colors. The Town Hall +windows, steps, doors, &c. were also filled. Every good look-out +anywhere near the spot was occupied, and a dense mass of +by-standers and lookers-on in carriages crowded the southern part +of the Square. + +"Of the cortege itself, the pencil of a Hogarth only could give an +adequate idea. The valorous Colonel Brick was of course the centre +of all eyes. He was fitly supported by his two aids. The three +were in elegant uniforms, were handsomely mounted, rode well and +with gallant bearing, and presented a particularly attractive +appearance. + +"Behind them appeared a scarlet robe, surmounted by a white wig of +Brobdinagian dimensions and spectacles to match, which it is +supposed contained in the interior the physical system of the +Reverendissimus Boanerges Diogenes Lanternarius, Chaplain, the +whole mounted upon the vertebræ of a solemn-looking donkey. + +"The representative of the Church Militant was properly backed up +by the Flying Artillery. Their banner announced that they were +'for the reduction of Sebastopol,' and it is safe to say that they +will certainly take that fortress, if they get a chance. If the +Russians hold out against those four ghostly steeds, tandem, with +their bandy-legged and kettle-stomached riders,--that gun, so +strikingly like a joint of old stove-pipe in its exterior, but +which upon occasion could vomit forth your real smoke and sound +and smell of unmistakable brimstone,--and those slashed and +blood-stained artillerymen,--they will do more than anybody did on +Wednesday. + +"The T.L.N. Horn-et Band, with Sackbut, Psaltery, Dulcimer, and +Shawm, Tanglang, Locofodeon, and Hugag, marched next. They +reserved their efforts for special occasions, when they woke the +echoes with strains of altogether unearthly music, composed for +them expressly by Saufylur, the eminent self-taught New Zealand +composer. + +"Barnum's Baby-Show, on four wheels, in charge of the great +showman himself, aided by that experienced nurse, Mrs. Gamp, in +somewhat dilapidated attire, followed. The babies, from a span +long to an indefinite length, of all shapes and sizes, black, +white, and snuff-colored, twins, triplets, quartettes, and +quincunxes, in calico and sackcloth, and in a state of nature, +filled the vehicle, and were hung about it by the leg or neck or +middle. A half-starved quadruped of osseous and slightly equine +appearance drew the concern, and the shrieking axles drowned the +cries of the innocents. + +"Mr. Joseph Hiss and Mrs. Patterson of Massachusetts were not +absent. Joseph's rubicund complexion, brassy and distinctly +Know-Nothing look, and nasal organ well developed by his +experience on the olfactory committee, were just what might have +been expected. The 'make up' of Mrs. P., a bright brunette, was +capital, and she looked the woman, if not the lady, to perfection. +The two appeared in a handsome livery buggy, paid for, we suppose, +by the State of Massachusetts. + +"A wagon-load of two or three tattered and desperate looking +individuals, labelled 'Recruits for the Crimea,' with a generous +supply of old iron and brick-bats as material of war, was dragged +along by the frame and most of the skin of what was once a horse. + +"Towards the rear, but by no means least in consequence or in the +amount of attention attracted, was the army hospital, drawn by two +staid and well-fed oxen. In front appeared the snowy locks and +'fair round belly, with good _cotton_ lined' of the worthy Dr. +Esculapius Liverwort Tarand Cantchuget-urlegawa Opodeldoc, while +by his side his assistant sawbones brayed in a huge iron mortar, +with a weighty pestle, much noise, and indefatigable zeal, the +drugs and dye-stuffs. Thigh-bones, shoulder-blades, vertebræ, and +even skulls, hanging round the establishment, testified to the +numerous and successful amputations performed by the skilful +surgeon. + +"Noticeable among the cavalry were Don Quixote de la U.V.M., +Knight of the patent-leather gaiters, terrible in his bright +rectangular cuirass of tin (once a tea-chest), and his glittering +harpoon; his doughty squire, Sancho Panza; and a dashing young +lady, whose tasteful riding-dress of black cambric, wealth of +embroidered skirts and undersleeves, and bold riding, took not a +little attention. + +"Of the rank and file on foot it is useless to attempt a +description. Beards of awful size, moustaches of every shade and +length under a foot, phizzes of all colors and contortions, +four-story hats with sky-scraping feathers, costumes +ring-streaked, speckled, monstrous, and incredible, made up the +motley crew. There was a Northern emigrant just returned from +Kansas, with garments torn and water-soaked, and but half cleaned +of the adhesive tar and feathers, watched closely by a burly +Missourian, with any quantity of hair and fire-arms and +bowie-knives. There were Rev. Antoinette Brown, and Neal Dow; +there was a darky whose banner proclaimed his faith in Stowe and +Seward and Parker, an aboriginal from the prairies, an ancient +minstrel with a modern fiddle, and a modern minstrel with an +ancient hurdy- gurdy. All these and more. Each man was a study in +himself, and to all, Falstaff's description of his recruits would +apply:-- + +"'My whole charge consists of corporals, lieutenants, gentlemen of +companies, slaves as ragged as Lazarus in the painted cloth, where +the glutton's dogs licked his sores; the cankers of a calm world +and a long peace; ten times more dishonorable ragged than an +old-faced ancient: and such have I, that you would think I had a +hundred and fifty tattered prodigals lately come from +swine-keeping, from eating draff and husks. A mad fellow met me on +the way and told me I had unloaded all the gibbets and pressed the +dead bodies. No eye hath seen such scarecrows.' + +"The proceedings on the review were exciting. After the calling of +the roll, the idol of his regiment, Col. Martin Van Buren Brick, +discharged an eloquent and touching speech. + +"From the report of Dr. Opodeldoc, which was thirty-six feet in +length, we can of course give but a few extracts. He commenced by +informing the Invincibles that his cures the year past had been +more astounding than ever, and that his fame would continue to +grow brighter and brighter, until eclipsed by the advent of some +younger Dr. Esculapius Liverwort Tar Cant-ye-get-your-leg-away +Opodeldoc, who in after years would shoot up like a meteor and +reproduce his father's greatness; and went on as follows:-- + +"'The first academic that appeared after the last report was the +_desideratum graduatere_, or graduating fever. Twenty-seven were +taken down. Symptoms, morality in the head,--dignity in the walk, +--hints about graduating,--remarkable tendency to +swell,--literary movement of the superior and inferior maxillary +bones, &c., &c. Strictures on bleeding were first applied; then +treating homoeopathically _similis similibus_, applied roots +extracted, roots Latin and Greek, infinitesimal extracts of +calculus, mathematical formulas, psychological inductions, &c., +&c. No avail. Finally applied huge sheep-skin plasters under the +axilla, with a composition of printers' ink, paste, paper, +ribbons, and writing-ink besmeared thereon, and all were +despatched in one short day. + +"'Sophomore Exhibition furnished many cases. One man hit by a +Soph-bug, drove eye down into stomach, carrying with it brains and +all inside of the head. In order to draw them back to their proper +place, your Surgeon caused a leaf from Barnum's Autobiography to +be placed on patient's head, thinking that to contain more true, +genuine _suction_ than anything yet discovered. + + * * * * * + +"'Nebraska _cancers_ have appeared in our ranks, especially in +Missouri division. Surgeon recommends 385 eighty-pounders be +loaded to the muzzle, first with blank cartridges,--to wit, Frank +Pierce and Stephen A. Douglas, Free-Soil sermons, Fern Leaves, Hot +Corn, together with all the fancy literature of the day,--and +cause the same to be fired upon the disputed territory; this would +cause all the breakings out to be removed, and drive off +everybody.' + +"The close of the report was as follows. It affected many even to +tears. + +"'May you all remember your Surgeon, and may your thoracic duck +ever continue to sail peacefully down the common carrotted +arteries, under the keystone of the arch of the aorta, and not +rush madly into the abominable cavity and eclipse the semi-lunar +dandelions, nor, still worse, play the dickens with the +pneumogastric nerve and auxiliary artery, reverse the doododen, +upset the flamingo, irritate the _high-old-glossus_, and be for +ever lost in the receptaculum chyli. No, no, but, &c. Yours +feelingly, + +'Dr. E.L.T.C.O., M.D.' + +"Dr. O., we notice, has added a new branch, that of dentistry, to +his former accomplishments. By his new system, his customers are +not obliged to undergo the pain of the operations in person, but, +by merely sending their heads to him, can have everything done +with a great decrease of trouble. From a calf's head thus sent in, +the Doctor, after cutting the gums with a hay-cutter, and filing +between the teeth with a wood-saw, skilfully extracted with a pair +of blacksmith tongs a very great number of molars and incisors. + +"Miss Lucy Amazonia Crura Longa Lignea, thirteen feet high, and +Mr. Rattleshanks Don Skyphax, a swain a foot taller, advanced from +the ranks, and were made one by the chaplain. The bride promised +to own the groom, but _protested_ formally against his custody of +her person, property, and progeny. The groom pledged himself to +mend the unmentionables of his spouse, or to resign his own when +required to rock the cradle, and spank the babies. He placed no +ring upon her finger, but instead transferred his whiskers to her +face, when the chaplain pronounced them 'wife and man,' and the +happy pair stalked off, their heads on a level with the +second-story windows. + +"Music from the Keeseville Band who were present followed; the +flying artillery fired another salute; the fife and drums struck +up; and the Invincibles took their winding way to the University, +where they were disbanded in good season." + + +JUNIOR. One in the third year of his collegiate course in an +American college, formerly called JUNIOR SOPHISTER. + +See SOPHISTER. + +2. One in the first year of his course at a theological seminary. +--_Webster_. + + +JUNIOR. Noting the third year of the collegiate course in American +colleges, or the first year in the theological +seminaries.--_Webster_. + + +JUNIOR APPOINTMENTS. At Yale College, there appears yearly, in the +papers conducted by the students, a burlesque imitation of the +regular appointments of the Junior exhibition. These mock +appointments are generally of a satirical nature, referring to +peculiarities of habits, character, or manners. The following, +taken from some of the Yale newspapers, may be considered as +specimens of the subjects usually assigned. Philosophical Oration, +given to one distinguished for a certain peculiarity, subject, +"The Advantage of a Great Breadth of Base." Latin Oration, to a +vain person, subject, "Amor Sui." Dissertations: to a meddling +person, subject, "The Busybody"; to a poor punster, subject, +"Diseased Razors"; to a poor scholar, subject, "Flunk on,--flunk +ever." Colloquy, to a joker whose wit was not estimated, subject, +"Unappreciated Facetiousness." When a play upon names is +attempted, the subject "Perfect Looseness" is assigned to Mr. +Slack; Mr. Barnes discourses upon "_Stability_ of character, or +pull down and build greater"; Mr. Todd treats upon "The Student's +Manual," and incentives to action are presented, based on the line + "Lives of great men all remind us," +by students who rejoice in the Christian names, George Washington, +Patrick Henry, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, Charles James +Fox, and Henry Clay. + +See MOCK PART. + + +JUNIOR BACHELOR. One who is in his first year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. + +No _Junior Bachelor_ shall continue in the College after the +commencement in the Summer vacation.--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1798, +p. 19. + + +JUNIOR FELLOW. At Oxford, one who stands upon the foundation of +the college to which he belongs, and is an aspirant for academic +emoluments.--_De Quincey_. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, a Junior Fellow is one chosen by +the House of Convocation to be a member of the examining committee +for three years. Junior Fellows must have attained the M.A. +degree, and can only be voted for by Masters in Arts. Six Junior +Fellows are elected every three years. + + +JUNIOR FRESHMAN. The name of the first of the four classes into +which undergraduates are divided at Trinity College, Dublin. + + +JUNIOR OPTIME. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., those who +occupy the third rank in honors, at the close of the final +examination in the Senate-House, are called _Junior Optimes_. + +The third class, or that of _Junior Optimes_, is usually about at +numerous as the first [that of the Wranglers], but its limits are +more extensive, varying from twenty-five to sixty. A majority of +the Classical men are in it; the rest of its contents are those +who have broken down before the examination from ill-health or +laziness, and choose the Junior Optime as an easier pass degree +under their circumstances than the Poll, and those who break down +in the examination; among these last may be sometimes found an +expectant Wrangler.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d p. 228. + +The word is frequently abbreviated. + +Two years ago he got up enough of his low subjects to go on among +the _Junior Ops._--_Ibid._, p. 53. + +There are only two mathematical papers, and these consist almost +entirely of high questions; what a _Junior Op._ or low Senior Op. +can do in them amounts to nothing.--_Ibid._, p. 286. + + +JUNIOR SOPHISTER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student +in the second year of his residence is called Junior Soph or +Sophister. + +2. In some American colleges, a member of the Junior Class, i.e. +of the third year, was formerly designated a Junior Sophister. + +See SOPHISTER. + + + +_K_. + + +KEEP. To lodge, live, dwell, or inhabit. To _keep_ in such a +place, is to have rooms there. This word, though formerly used +extensively, is now confined to colleges and universities. + +Inquire of anybody you meet in the court of a college at Cambridge +your way to Mr. A----'s room, you will be told that he _keeps_ on +such a staircase, up so many pair of stairs, door to the right or +left.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, Vol. II. p. 178. + +He said I ought to have asked for his rooms, or inquired where he +_kept_.--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 118. + +Dr. Johnson, in his Dictionary, cites this very apposite passage +from Shakespeare: "Knock at the study where they say he keeps." +Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, says of the word: "This is noted +as an Americanism in the Monthly Anthology, Vol. V. p. 428. It is +less used now than formerly." + +_To keep an act_, in the English universities, "to perform an +exercise in the public schools preparatory to the proceeding in +degrees." The phrase was formerly in use in Harvard College. In an +account in the Mass. Hist. Coll., Vol. I. p. 245, entitled New +England's First Fruits, is the following in reference to that +institution: "The students of the first classis that have beene +these foure yeeres trained up in University learning, and are +approved for their manners, as they have _kept their publick Acts_ +in former yeeres, ourselves being present at them; so have they +lately _kept two solemn Acts_ for their Commencement." + +_To keep chapel_, in colleges, to attend Divine services, which +are there performed daily. + +"As you have failed to _make up your number_ of chapels the last +two weeks," such are the very words of the Dean, "you will, if you +please, _keep every chapel_ till the end of the term."--_Household +Words_, Vol. II. p. 161. + +_To keep a term_, in universities, is to reside during a +term.--_Webster_. + + +KEYS. Caius, the name of one of the colleges in the University of +Cambridge, Eng., is familiarly pronounced _Keys_. + + +KINGSMAN. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of King's +College. + +He came out the winner, with the _Kingsman_ and one of our three +close at his heels.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 127. + + +KITCHEN-HATCH. A half-door between the kitchen and the hall in +colleges and old mansions. At Harvard College, the students in +former times received at the _kitchen-hatch_ their food for the +evening meal, which they were allowed to eat in the yard or at +their rooms. At the same place the waiters also took the food +which they carried to the tables. + +The waiters when the bell rings at meal-time shall take the +victuals at the _kitchen-hatch_, and carry the Same to the several +tables for which they are designed.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +41. + +See BUTTERY-HATCH. + + +KNOCK IN. A phrase used at Oxford, and thus explained in the +Collegian's Guide: "_Knocking in_ late, or coming into college +after eleven or twelve o'clock, is punished frequently with being +'confined to gates,' or being forbidden to '_knock in_' or come in +after nine o'clock for a week or more, sometimes all the +term."--p. 161. + + +KNOCKS. From KNUCKLES. At some of the Southern colleges, a game at +marbles called _Knucks_ is a common diversion among the students. + + +[Greek: Kudos]. Greek; literally, _glory, fame_. Used among +students, with the meaning _credit, reputation_. + +I was actuated not merely by a desire after the promotion of my +own [Greek: kudos], but by an honest wish to represent my country +well.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 27, +28. + + + +_L_. + + +LANDSMANNSCHAFT. German. The name of an association of students in +German universities. + + +LAP-EAR. At Washington College, Penn., students of a religious +character are called _lap-ears_ or _donkeys_. The opposite class +are known by the common name of _bloods_. + + +LATIN SPOKEN AT COLLEGES. At our older American colleges, students +were formerly required to be able to speak and write Latin before +admission, and to continue the use of it after they had become +members. In his History of Harvard University, Quincy remarks on +this subject:-- + +"At a period when Latin was the common instrument of communication +among the learned, and the official language of statesmen, great +attention was naturally paid to this branch of education. +Accordingly, 'to speak true Latin, both in prose and verse,' was +made an essential requisite for admission. Among the 'Laws and +Liberties' of the College we also find the following: 'The +scholars _shall never use their mother tongue_, except that, in +public exercises of oratory or such like, they be called to make +them in English.' This law appears upon the records of the College +in the Latin as well as in the English language. The terms in the +former are indeed less restrictive and more practical: 'Scholares +vernaculâ linguâ, _intra Collegii limites_, nullo pretextu +utentur.' There is reason to believe that those educated at the +College, and destined for the learned professions, acquired an +adequate acquaintance with the Latin, and those destined to become +divines, with the Greek and Hebrew. In other respects, although +the sphere of instruction was limited, it was sufficient for the +age and country, and amply supplied all their purposes and wants." +--Vol. I. pp. 193, 194. + +By the laws of 1734, the undergraduates were required to "declaim +publicly in the hall, in one of the three learned languages; and +in no other without leave or direction from the President." The +observance of this rule seems to have been first laid aside, when, +"at an Overseers' meeting at the College, April 27th, 1756, John +Vassall, Jonathan Allen, Tristram Gilman, Thomas Toppan, Edward +Walker, Samuel Barrett, presented themselves before the Board, and +pronounced, in the respective characters assigned them, a dialogue +in _the English tongue_, translated from Castalio, and then +withdrew,"--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 240. + +The first English Oration was spoken by Mr. Jedediah Huntington in +the year 1763, and the first English Poem by Mr. John Davis in +1781. + +In reference to this subject, as connected with Yale College, +President Wholsey remarks, in his Historical Discourse:-- + +"With regard to practice in the learned languages, particularly +the Latin, it is prescribed that 'no scholar shall use the English +tongue in the College with his fellow-scholars, unless he be +called to a public exercise proper to be attended in the English +tongue, but scholars in their chambers, and when they are +together, shall talk Latin.'"--p. 59. + +"The fluent use of Latin was acquired by the great body of the +students; nay, certain phrases were caught up by the very cooks in +the kitchen. Yet it cannot be said that elegant Latin was either +spoken or written. There was not, it would appear, much practice +in writing this language, except on the part of those who were +candidates for Berkeleian prizes. And the extant specimens of +Latin discourses written by the officers of the College in the +past century are not eminently Ciceronian in their style. The +speaking of Latin, which was kept up as the College dialect in +rendering excuses for absences, in syllogistic disputes, and in +much of the intercourse between the officers and students, became +nearly extinct about the time of Dr. Dwight's accession. And at +the same period syllogistic disputes as distinguished from +forensic seem to have entirely ceased."--p. 62. + +The following story is from the Sketches of Yale College. "In +former times, the students were accustomed to assemble together to +render excuses for absence in Latin. One of the Presidents was in +the habit of answering to almost every excuse presented, 'Ratio +non sufficit' (The reason is not sufficient). On one occasion, a +young man who had died a short time previous was called upon for +an excuse. Some one answered, 'Mortuus est' (He is dead). 'Ratio +non sufficit,' repeated the grave President, to the infinite +merriment of his auditors."--p. 182. + +The story is current of one of the old Presidents of Harvard +College, that, wishing to have a dog that had strayed in at +evening prayers driven out of the Chapel, he exclaimed, half in +Latin and half in English, "Exclude canem, et shut the door." It +is also related that a Freshman who had been shut up in the +buttery by some Sophomores, and had on that account been absent +from a recitation, when called upon with a number of others to +render an excuse, not knowing how to express his ideas in Latin, +replied in as learned a manner as possible, hoping that his answer +would pass as Latin, "Shut m' up in t' Buttery." + +A very pleasant story, entitled "The Tutor's Ghost," in which are +narrated the misfortunes which befell a tutor in the olden time, +on account of his inability to remember the Latin for the word +"beans," while engaged in conversation, may be found in the "Yale +Literary Magazine," Vol. XX. pp. 190-195. + +See NON PARAVI and NON VALUI. + + +LAUREATE. To honor with a degree in the university, and a present +of a wreath of laurel.--_Warton_. + + +LAUREATION. The act of conferring a degree in the university, +together with a wreath of laurel; an honor bestowed on those who +excelled in writing verse. This was an ancient practice at Oxford, +from which, probably, originated the denomination of _poet +laureate_.--_Warton_. + +The laurel crown, according to Brande, "was customarily given at +the universities in the Middle Ages to such persons as took +degrees in grammar and rhetoric, of which poetry formed a branch; +whence, according to some authors, the term Baccalaureatus has +been derived. The academical custom of bestowing the laurel, and +the court custom, were distinct, until the former was abolished. +The last instance in which the laurel was bestowed in the +universities, was in the reign of Henry the Eighth." + + +LAWS. In early times, the laws in the oldest colleges in the +United States were as often in Latin as in English. They were +usually in manuscript, and the students were required to make +copies for themselves on entering college. The Rev. Henry Dunster, +who was the first President of Harvard College, formed the first +code of laws for the College. They were styled, "The Laws, +Liberties, and Orders of Harvard College, confirmed by the +Overseers and President of the College in the years 1642, 1643, +1644, 1645, and 1646, and published to the scholars for the +perpetual preservation of their welfare and government." Referring +to him, Quincy says: "Under his administration, the first code of +laws was formed; rules of admission, and the principles on which +degrees should be granted, were established; and scholastic forms, +similar to those customary in the English universities, were +adopted; many of which continue, with little variation, to be used +at the present time."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 15. + +In 1732, the laws were revised, and it was voted that they should +all be in Latin, and that each student should have a copy, which +he was to write out for himself and subscribe. In 1790, they were +again revised and printed in English, since which time many +editions have been issued. + +Of the laws of Yale College, President Woolsey gives the following +account, in his Historical Discourse before the Graduates of that +institution, Aug. 14, 1850:-- + +"In the very first year of the legal existence of the College, we +find the Trustees ordaining, that, 'until they should provide +further, the Rector or Tutors should make use of the orders and +institutions of Harvard College, for the instructing and ruling of +the collegiate school, so far as they should judge them suitable, +and wherein the Trustees had not at that meeting made provision.' +The regulations then made by the Trustees went no further than to +provide for the religious education of the College, and to give to +the College officers the power of imposing extraordinary school +exercises or degradation in the class. The earliest known laws of +the College belong to the years 1720 and 1726, and are in +manuscript; which is explained by the custom that every Freshman, +on his admission, was required to write off a copy of them for +himself, to which the admittatur of the officers was subscribed. +In the year 1745 a new revision of the laws was completed, which +exists in manuscript; but the first printed code was in Latin, and +issued from the press of T. Green at New London, in 1748. Various +editions, with sundry changes in them, appeared between that time +and the year 1774, when the first edition in English saw the +light. + +"It is said of this edition, that it was printed by particular +order of the Legislature. That honorable body, being importuned to +extend aid to the College, not long after the time when President +Clap's measures had excited no inconsiderable ill-will, demanded +to see the laws; and accordingly a bundle of the Latin laws--the +only ones in existence--were sent over to the State-House. Not +admiring legislation in a dead language, and being desirous to pry +into the mysteries which it sealed up from some of the members, +they ordered the code to be translated. From that time the +numberless editions of the laws have all been in the English +tongue."--pp. 45, 46. + +The College of William and Mary, which was founded in 1693, +imitated in its laws and customs the English universities, but +especially the University of Oxford. The other colleges which were +founded before the Revolution, viz. New Jersey College, Columbia +College, Pennsylvania University, Brown University, Dartmouth, and +Rutgers College, "generally imitated Harvard in the order of +classes, the course of studies, the use of text-books, and the +manner of instruction."--_Am. Quart. Reg._, Vol. XV. 1843, p. 426. + +The colleges which were founded after the Revolution compiled +their laws, in a great measure, from those of the above-named +colleges. + + +LEATHER MEDAL. At Harvard College, the _leather Medal_ was +formerly bestowed upon the _laziest_ fellow in College. He was to +be last at recitation, last at commons, seldom at morning prayers, +and always asleep in church. + + +LECTURE. A discourse _read_, as the derivation of the word +implies, by a professor to his pupils; more generally, it is +applied to every species of instruction communicated _vivâ voce_. +--_Brande_. + +In American colleges, lectures form a part of the collegiate +instruction, especially during the last two years, in the latter +part of which, in some colleges, they divide the time nearly +equally with recitations. + +2. A rehearsal of a lesson.--_Eng. Univ._ + +Of this word, De Quincey says: "But what is the meaning of a +lecture in Oxford and elsewhere? Elsewhere, it means a solemn +dissertation, read, or sometimes histrionically declaimed, by the +professor. In Oxford, it means an exercise performed orally by the +students, occasionally assisted by the tutor, and subject, in its +whole course, to his corrections, and what may be called his +_scholia_, or collateral suggestions and improvements."--_Life and +Manners_, p. 253. + + +LECTURER. At the University of Cambridge, England, the _lecturers_ +assist in tuition, and especially attend to the exercises of the +students in Greek and Latin composition, themes, declamations, +verses, &c.--_Cam. Guide_. + + +LEM. At Williams College, a privy. + +Night had thrown its mantle over earth. Sol had gone to lay his +weary head in the lap of Thetis, as friend Hudibras has it; The +horned moon, and the sweet pale stars, were looking serenely! upon +the darkened earth, when the denizens of this little village were +disturbed by the cry of fire. The engines would have been rattling +through the streets with considerable alacrity, if the fathers of +the town had not neglected to provide them; but the energetic +citizens were soon on hand. There was much difficulty in finding +where the fire was, and heads and feet were turned in various +directions, till at length some wight of superior optical powers +discovered a faint, ruddy light in the rear of West College. It +was an ancient building,--a time-honored structure,--an edifice +erected by our forefathers, and by them christened LEMUEL, which +in the vernacular tongue is called _Lem_ "for short." The +dimensions of the edifice were about 120 by 62 inches. The loss is +almost irreparable, estimated at not less than 2,000 pounds, +avoirdupois. May it rise like a Phoenix from its ashes!--_Williams +Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. I. p. 464, 465. + + +LETTER HOME. A writer in the American Literary Magazine thus +explains and remarks upon the custom of punishing students by +sending a letter to their parents:--"In some institutions, there +is what is called the '_letter home_,'--which, however, in justice +to professors and tutors in general, we ought to say, is a +punishment inflicted upon parents for sending their sons to +college, rather than upon delinquent students. A certain number of +absences from matins or vespers, or from recitations, entitles the +culprit to a heartrending epistle, addressed, not to himself, but +to his anxious father or guardian at home. The document is always +conceived in a spirit of severity, in order to make it likely to +take effect. It is meant to be impressive, less by the heinousness +of the offence upon which it is predicated, than by the pregnant +terms in which it is couched. It often creates a misery and +anxiety far away from the place wherein it is indited, not because +it is understood, but because it is misunderstood and exaggerated +by the recipient. While the student considers it a farcical +proceeding, it is a leaf of tragedy to fathers and mothers. Then +the thing is explained. The offence is sifted. The father finds +out that less than a dozen morning naps are all that is necessary +to bring about this stupendous correspondence. The moral effect of +the act of discipline is neutralized, and the parent is perhaps +too glad, at finding his anxiety all but groundless, to denounce +the puerile, infant-school system, which he has been made to +comprehend by so painful a process."--Vol. IV. p. 402. + +Avaunt, ye terrific dreams of "failures," "conditions," "_letters +home_," and "admonitions."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 407. + +The birch twig sprouts into--_letters home_ and +dismissions.--_Ibid._, Vol. XIII. p. 869. + +But if they, capricious through long indulgence, did not choose to +get up, what then? Why, absent marks and _letters home_.--_Yale +Banger_, Oct. 22, 1847. + +He thinks it very hard that the faculty write "_letters +home_."--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + + And threats of "_Letters home_, young man," + Now cause us no alarm. + _Presentation Day Song_, June 14, 1854. + + +LIBERTY TREE. At Harvard College, a tree which formerly stood +between Massachusetts and Harvard Halls received, about the year +1760, the name of the Liberty Tree, on an occasion which is +mentioned in Hutchinson's posthumous volume of the History of +Massachusetts Bay. "The spirit of liberty," says he, "spread where +it was not intended. The Undergraduates of Harvard College had +been long used to make excuses for absence from prayers and +college exercises; pretending detention at their chambers by their +parents, or friends, who come to visit them. The tutors came into +an agreement not to admit such excuses, unless the scholar came to +the tutor, before prayers or college exercises, and obtained leave +to be absent. This gave such offence, that the scholars met in a +body, under and about a great tree, to which they gave the name of +the _tree of liberty_! There they came into several resolves in +favor of liberty; one of them, that the rule or order of the +tutors was _unconstitutional_. The windows of some of the tutors +were broken soon after, by persons unknown. Several of the +scholars were suspected, and examined. One of them falsely +reported that he had been confined without victuals or drink, in +order to compel him to a confession; and another declared, that he +had seen him under this confinement. This caused an attack upon +the tutors, and brickbats were thrown into the room, where they +had met together in the evening, through the windows. Three or +four of the rioters were discovered and expelled. The three junior +classes went to the President, and desired to give up their +chambers, and to leave the college. The fourth class, which was to +remain but about three months, and then to be admitted to their +degrees, applied to the President for a recommendation to the +college in Connecticut, that they might be admitted there. The +Overseers of the College met on the occasion, and, by a vigorous +exertion of the powers with which they were intrusted, +strengthened the hands of the President and tutors, by confirming +the expulsions, and declaring their resolution to support the +subordinate government of the College; and the scholars were +brought to a sense and acknowledgment of their fault, and a stop +was put to the revolt."--Vol. III. p. 187. + +Some years after, this tree was either blown or cut down, and the +name was transferred to another. A few of the old inhabitants of +Cambridge remember the stump of the former Liberty Tree, but all +traces of it seem to have been removed before the year 1800. The +present Liberty Tree stands between Holden Chapel and Harvard +Hall, to the west of Hollis. As early as the year 1815 there were +gatherings under its branches on Class Day, and it is probable +that this was the case even at an earlier date. At present it is +customary for the members of the Senior Class, at the close of the +exercises incident to Class Day, (the day on which the members of +that class finish their collegiate studies, and retire to make +preparations for the ensuing Commencement,) after cheering the +buildings, to encircle this tree, and, with hands joined, to sing +their favorite ballad, "Auld Lang Syne." They then run and dance +around it, and afterwards cheer their own class, the other +classes, and many of the College professors. At parting, each +takes a sprig or a flower from the beautiful wreath which is hung +around the tree, and this is sacredly preserved as a last memento +of the scenes and enjoyments of college life. + +In the poem delivered before the Class of 1849, on their Class +Day, occur the following beautiful stanzas in memory of departed +classmates, in which reference is made to some of the customs +mentioned above:-- + + "They are listening now to our parting prayers; + And the farewell song that we pour + Their distant voices will echo + From the far-off spirit shore; + + "And the wreath that we break with our scattered band, + As it twines round the aged elm,-- + Its fragments we'll keep with a sacred hand, + But the fragrance shall rise to them. + + "So to-day we will dance right merrily, + An unbroken band, round the old elm-tree; + And they shall not ask for a greener shrine + Than the hearts of the class of '49." + +Its grateful shade has in later times been used for purposes +similar to those which Hutchinson records, as the accompanying +lines will show, written in commemoration of the Rebellion of +1819. + + "Wreaths to the chiefs who our rights have defended; + Hallowed and blessed be the Liberty Tree: + Where Lenox[44] his pies 'neath its shelter hath vended, + We Sophs have assembled, and sworn to be free." + _The Rebelliad_, p. 54. + +The poet imagines the spirits of the different trees in the +College yard assembled under the Liberty Tree to utter their +sorrows. + + "It was not many centuries since, + When, gathered on the moonlit green, + Beneath the Tree of Liberty, + A ring of weeping sprites was seen." + _Meeting of the Dryads,[45] Holmes's Poems_, p. 102. + +It is sometimes called "the Farewell Tree," for obvious reasons. + + "Just fifty years ago, good friends, + a young and gallant band + Were dancing round the Farewell Tree, + --each hand in comrade's hand." + _Song, at Semi-centennial Anniversary of the Class of 1798_. + +See CLASS DAY. + + +LICEAT MIGRARE. Latin; literally, _let it be permitted him to +remove_. + +At Oxford, a form of modified dismissal from College. This +punishment "is usually the consequence of mental inefficiency +rather than moral obliquity, and does not hinder the student so +dismissed from entering at another college or at +Cambridge."--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 224. + +Same as LICET MIGRARI. + + +LICET MIGRARI. Latin; literally, _it is permitted him to be +removed_. In the University of Cambridge, England, a permission to +leave one's college. This differs from the Bene Discessit, for +although you may leave with consent, it by no means follows in +this case that you have the approbation of the Master and Fellows +so to do.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +LIKE A BRICK OR A BEAN, LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE, LIKE BRICKS. Among +the students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., intensive +phrases, to express the most energetic way of doing anything. +"These phrases," observes Bristed, "are sometimes in very odd +contexts. You hear men talk of a balloon going up _like bricks_, +and rain coming down _like a house on fire_."--_Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 24. + +Still it was not in human nature for a classical man, living among +classical men, and knowing that there were a dozen and more close +to him reading away "_like bricks_," to be long entirely separated +from his Greek and Latin books.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 218. + +"_Like bricks_," is the commonest of their expressions, or used to +be. There was an old landlady at Huntingdon who said she always +charged Cambridge men twice as much as any one else. Then, "How do +you know them?" asked somebody. "O sir, they always tell us to get +the beer _like bricks_."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. +p. 231. + + +LITERÆ HUMANIORES. Latin; freely, _the humanities; classical +literature_. At Oxford "the _Literæ Humaniores_ now include Latin +and Greek Translation and Composition, Ancient History and +Rhetoric, Political and Moral Philosophy, and Logic."--_Lit. +World_, Vol. XII. p. 245. + +See HUMANITY. + + +LITERARY CONTESTS. At Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania, "there +is," says a correspondent, "an unusual interest taken in the two +literary societies, and once a year a challenge is passed between +them, to meet in an open literary contest upon an appointed +evening, usually that preceding the close of the second session. +The _contestors_ are a Debater, an Orator, an Essayist, and a +Declaimer, elected from each society by the majority, some time +previous to their public appearance. An umpire and two associate +judges, selected either by the societies or by the _contestors_ +themselves, preside over the performances, and award the honors to +those whom they deem most worthy of them. The greatest excitement +prevails upon this occasion, and an honor thus conferred is +preferable to any given in the institution." + +At Washington College, in Pennsylvania, the contest performances +are conducted upon the same principle as at Jefferson. + + +LITTLE-GO. In the English universities, a cant name for a public +examination about the middle of the course, which, being less +strict and less important in its consequences than the final one, +has received this appellation.--_Lyell_. + +Whether a regular attendance on the lecture of the college would +secure me a qualification against my first public examination; +which is here called _the Little-go_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +283. + +Also called at Oxford _Smalls_, or _Small-go_. + +You must be prepared with your list of books, your testamur for +Responsions (by Undergraduates called "_Little-go_" or +"_Smalls_"), and also your certificate of +matriculation.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 241. + +See RESPONSION. + + +LL.B. An abbreviation for _Legum Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of Laws. +In American colleges, this degree is conferred on students who +fulfil the conditions of the statutes of the law school to which +they belong. The law schools in the different colleges are +regulated on this point by different rules, but in many the degree +of LL.B. is given to a B.A. who has been a member of a law school +for a year and a half. + +See B.C.L. + + +LL.D. An abbreviation for _Legum Doctor_, Doctor of Laws. + +In American colleges, an honorary degree, conferred _pro meritis_ +on those who are distinguished as lawyers, statesmen, &c. + +See D.C.L. + + +L.M. An abbreviation for the words _Licentiate in Medicine_. At +the University of Cambridge, Eng., an L.M. must be an M.A. or M.B. +of two years' standing. No exercise, but examination by the +Professor and another Doctor in the Faculty. + + +LOAF. At Princeton College, to borrow anything, whether returning +it or not; usually in the latter sense. + + +LODGE. At the University of Cambridge, England, the technical name +given to the house occupied by the master of a +college.--_Bristed_. + +When Undergraduates were invited to the _conversaziones_ at the +_Lodge_, they were expected never to sit down in the Master's +presence.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 90. + + +LONG. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the long vacation, or, +as it is more familiarly called, "The Long," commences according +to statute in July, at the close of the Easter term, but +practically early in June, and ends October 20th, at the beginning +of the Michaelmas term. + +For a month or six weeks in the "_Long_," they rambled off to see +the sights of Paris.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 37. + +In the vacations, particularly the _Long_, there is every facility +for reading.--_Ibid._, p. 78. + +So attractive is the Vacation-College-life that the great trouble +of the Dons is to keep the men from staying up during the _Long_. +--_Ibid._, p. 79. + +Some were going on reading parties, some taking a holiday before +settling down to their work in the "_Long_."--_Ibid._, p. 104. + +See VACATION. + + +LONG-EAR. At Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, a student of a sober +or religious character is denominated a _long-ear_. The opposite +is _short-ear_. + + +LOTTERY. The method of obtaining money by lottery has at different +times been adopted in several of our American colleges. In 1747, a +new building being wanted at Yale College, the "Liberty of a +Lottery" was obtained from the General Assembly, "by which," says +Clap, "Five Hundred Pounds Sterling was raised, clear of all +Charge and Deductions."--_Hist. of Yale Coll._, p. 55. + +This sum defrayed one third of the expense of building what was +then called Connecticut Hall, and is known now by the name of "the +South Middle College." + +In 1772, Harvard College being in an embarrassed condition, the +Legislature granted it the benefit of a lottery; in 1794 this +grant was renewed, and for the purpose of enabling the College to +erect an additional building. The proceeds of the lottery amounted +to $18,400, which, with $5,300 from the general funds of the +College, were applied to the erection of Stoughton Hall, which was +completed in 1805. In 1806 the Legislature again authorized a +lottery, which enabled the Corporation in 1813 to erect a new +building, called Holworthy Hall, at an expense of about $24,500, +the lottery having produced about $29,000.--_Quincy's Hist. of +Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 162, 273, 292. + + +LOUNGE. A treat, a comfort. A word introduced into the vocabulary +of the English Cantabs, from Eton.--_Bristed_. + + +LOW. The term applied to the questions, subjects, papers, &c., +pertaining to a LOW MAN. + +The "_low_" questions were chiefly confined to the first day's +papers.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 205. + +The "_low_ subjects," as got up to pass men among the Junior +Optimes, comprise, etc.--_Ibid._, p. 205. + +The _low_ papers were longer.--_Ibid._, p. 206. + + +LOWER HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +LOW MAN. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the name given to a +Junior Optime as compared with a Senior Optime or with a Wrangler. + +I was fortunate enough to find a place in the team of a capital +tutor,... who had but six pupils, all going out this time, and +five of them "_low men_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 204. + + + +_M_. + + +M.A. An abbreviation of _Magister Artium_, Master of Arts. The +second degree given by universities and colleges. Sometimes +written A.M., which, is in accordance with the proper Latin +arrangement. + +In the English universities, every B.A. of three years' standing +may proceed to this degree on payment of certain fees. In America, +this degree is conferred, without examination, on Bachelors of +three years' standing. At Harvard, this degree was formerly +conferred only upon examination, as will be seen by the following +extract. "Every schollar that giveth up in writing a System, or +Synopsis, or summe of Logick, naturall and morall Philosophy, +Arithmetick, Geometry and Astronomy: And is ready to defend his +Theses or positions: Withall skilled in the originalls as +above-said; And of godly life and conversation; And so approved by +the Overseers and Master of the Colledge, at any publique Act, is +fit to be dignified with his 2d degree."--_New England's First +Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 246. + +Until the year 1792, it was customary for those who applied for +the degree of M.A. to defend what were called _Master's +questions_; after this time an oration was substituted in place of +these, which continued until 1844, when for the first time there +were no Master's exercises. The degree is now given to any +graduate of three or more years' standing, on the payment of a +certain sum of money. + +The degree is also presented by special vote to individuals wholly +unconnected with any college, but who are distinguished for their +literary attainments. In this case, where the honor is given, no +fee is required. + + +MAKE UP. To recite a lesson which was not recited with the class +at the regular recitation. It is properly used as a transitive +verb, but in conversation is very often used intransitively. The +following passage explains the meaning of the phrase more fully. + +A student may be permitted, on petition to the Faculty, to _make +up_ a recitation or other exercise from which he was absent and +has been excused, provided his application to this effect be made +within the term in-which the absence occurred.--_Laws of Univ. at +Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 16. + +... sleeping,--a luxury, however, which is sadly diminished by the +anticipated necessity of _making up_ back lessons.--_Harv. Reg._, +p. 202. + + +MAN. An undergraduate in a university or college. + +At Cambridge and eke at Oxford, every stripling is accounted a +_Man_ from the moment of his putting on the gown and cap.--_Gradus +ad Cantab._, p. 75. + +Sweet are the slumbers, indeed, of a Freshman, who, just escaped +the trammels of "home, sweet home," and the pedagogue's tyrannical +birch, for the first time in his life, with the academical gown, +assumes the _toga virilis_, and feels himself a _Man_.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 30. + +In College all are "_men_" from the hirsute Senior to the tender +Freshman who carries off a pound of candy and paper of raisins +from the maternal domicile weekly.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 264. + + +MANCIPLE. Latin, _manceps_; _manu capio_, to take with the hand. + +In the English universities, the person who purchases the +provisions; the college victualler. The office is now obsolete. + + Our _Manciple_ I lately met, + Of visage wise and prudent. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. 115. + + +MANDAMUS. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a special mandate +under the great seal, which enables a candidate to proceed to his +degree before the regular period.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +MANNERS. The outward observances of respect which were formerly +required of the students by college officers seem very strange to +us of the present time, and we cannot but notice the omissions +which have been made in college laws during the present century in +reference to this subject. Among the laws of Harvard College, +passed in 1734, is one declaring, that "all scholars shall show +due respect and honor in speech and behavior, as to their natural +parents, so to magistrates, elders, the President and Fellows of +the Corporation, and to all others concerned in the instruction or +government of the College, and to all superiors, keeping due +silence in their presence, and not disorderly gainsaying them; but +showing all laudable expressions of honor and reverence that are +in use; such as uncovering the head, rising up in their presence, +and the like. And particularly undergraduates shall be uncovered +in the College yard when any of the Overseers, the President or +Fellows of the Corporation, or any other concerned in the +government or instruction of the College, are therein, and +Bachelors of Arts shall be uncovered when the President is there." +This law was still further enforced by some of the regulations +contained in a list of "The Ancient Customs of Harvard College." +Those which refer particularly to this point are the following:-- + +"No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, unless it +rains, hails, or snows, provided he be on foot, and have not both +hands full. + +"No Undergraduate shall wear his hat in the College yard, when any +of the Governors of the College are there; and no Bachelor shall +wear his hat when the President is there. + +"No Freshman shall speak to a Senior with his hat on; or have it +on in a Senior's chamber, or in his own, if a Senior be there. + +"All the Undergraduates shall treat those in the government of the +College with respect and deference; particularly, they shall not +be seated without leave in their presence; they shall be uncovered +when they speak to them, or are spoken to by them." + +Such were the laws of the last century, and their observance was +enforced with the greatest strictness. After the Revolution, the +spirit of the people had become more republican, and about the +year 1796, "considering the spirit of the times and the extreme +difficulty the executive must encounter in attempting to enforce +the law prohibiting students from wearing hats in the College +yard," a vote passed repealing it.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. II. p. 278. + +On this subject, Professor Sidney Willard, with reference to the +time of the presidency of Joseph Willard at Harvard College, +during the latter part of the last century, remarks: "Outward +tokens of respect required to be paid to the immediate government, +and particularly to the President, were attended with formalities +that seemed to be somewhat excessive; such, for instance, as made +it an offence for a student to wear his hat in the College yard, +or enclosure, when the President was within it. This, indeed, in +the fulness of the letter, gradually died out, and was compromised +by the observance only when the student was so near, or in such a +position, that he was likely to be recognized. Still, when the +students assembled for morning and evening prayer, which was +performed with great constancy by the President, they were careful +to avoid a close proximity to the outer steps of the Chapel, until +the President had reached and passed within the threshold. This +was a point of decorum which it was pleasing to witness, and I +never saw it violated."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, 1855, +Vol. I. p. 132. + +"In connection with the subject of discipline," says President +Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse before the Graduates of Yale +College, "we may aptly introduce that of the respect required by +the officers of the College, and of the subordination which +younger classes were to observe towards older. The germ, and +perhaps the details, of this system of college manners, are to be +referred back to the English universities. Thus the Oxford laws +require that juniors shall show all due and befitting reverence to +seniors, that is, Undergraduates to Bachelors, they to Masters, +Masters to Doctors, as well in private as in public, by giving +them the better place when they are together, by withdrawing out +of their way when they meet, by uncovering the head at the proper +distance, and by reverently saluting and addressing them." + +After citing the law of Harvard College passed in 1734, which is +given above, he remarks as follows. "Our laws of 1745 contain the +same identical provisions. These regulations were not a dead +letter, nor do they seem to have been more irksome than many other +college restraints. They presupposed originally that the college +rank of the individual towards whom respect is to be shown could +be discovered at a distance by peculiarities of dress; the gown +and the wig of the President could be seen far beyond the point +where features and gait would cease to mark the person."--pp. 52, +53. + +As an illustration of the severity with which the laws on this +subject were enforced, it may not be inappropriate to insert the +annexed account from the Sketches of Yale College:--"The servile +requisition of making obeisance to the officers of College within +a prescribed distance was common, not only to Yale, but to all +kindred institutions throughout the United States. Some young men +were found whose high spirit would not brook the degrading law +imposed upon them without some opposition, which, however, was +always ineffectual. The following anecdote, related by Hon. +Ezekiel Bacon, in his Recollections of Fifty Years Since, although +the scene of its occurrence was in another college, yet is thought +proper to be inserted here, as a fair sample of the +insubordination caused in every institution by an enactment so +absurd and degrading. In order to escape from the requirements of +striking his colors and doffing his chapeau when within the +prescribed striking distance from the venerable President or the +dignified tutors, young Ellsworth, who afterwards rose to the +honorable rank of Chief Justice of the United States, and to many +other elevated stations in this country, and who was then a +student there, cut off entirely the brim portion of his hat, +leaving of it nothing but the crown, which he wore in the form of +a skull-cap on his head, putting it under his arm when he +approached their reverences. Being reproved for his perversity, +and told that this was not a hat within the meaning and intent of +the law, which he was required to do his obeisance with by +removing it from his head, he then made bold to wear his skull-cap +into the Chapel and recitation-room, in presence of the authority. +Being also then again reproved for wearing his hat in those +forbidden and sacred places, he replied that he had once supposed +that it was in truth a veritable hat, but having been informed by +his superiors that it was _no hat_ at all, he had ventured to come +into their presence as he supposed with his head uncovered by that +proscribed garment. But the dilemma was, as in his former +position, decided against him; and no other alternative remained +to him but to resume his full-brimmed beaver, and to comply +literally with the enactments of the collegiate pandect."--pp. +179, 180. + + +MAN WHO IS JUST GOING OUT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., +the popular name of a student who is in the last term of his +collegiate course. + + +MARK. The figure given to denote the quality of a recitation. In +most colleges, the merit of each performance is expressed by some +number of a series, in which a certain fixed number indicates the +highest value. + +In Harvard College the highest mark is eight. Four is considered +as the average, and a student not receiving this average in all +the studies of a term is not allowed to remain as a member of +college. At Yale the marks range from zero to four. Two is the +average, and a student not receiving this is obliged to leave +college, not to return until he can pass an examination in all the +branches which his class has pursued. + +In Harvard College, where the system of marks is most strictly +followed, the merit of each individual is ascertained by adding +together the term aggregates of each instructor, these "term +aggregates being the sum of all the marks given during the term, +for the current work of each month, and for omitted lessons made +up by permission, and of the marks given for examination by the +instructor and the examining committee at the close of the term." +From the aggregate of these numbers deductions are made for +delinquencies unexcused, and the result is the rank of the +student, according to which his appointment (if he receives one) +is given.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848. + + That's the way to stand in college, + High in "_marks_" and want of knowledge! + _Childe Harvard_, p. 154. + +If he does not understand his lesson, he swallows it whole, +without understanding it; his object being, not the lesson, but +the "_mark_," which he is frequently at the President's office to +inquire about.--_A Letter to a Young Man who has Just entered +College_, 1849, p. 21. + +I have spoken slightingly, too, of certain parts of college +machinery, and particularly of the system of "_marks_." I do +confess that I hold them in small reverence, reckoning them as +rather belonging to a college in embryo than to one fully grown. I +suppose it is "dangerous" advice; but I would be so intent upon my +studies as not to inquire or think about my "_marks_."--_Ibid._ p. +36. + +Then he makes mistakes in examinations also, and "loses _marks_." +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 388. + + +MARKER. In the University of Cambridge, England, three or four +persons called _markers_ are employed to walk up and down chapel +during a considerable part of the service, with lists of the names +of the members in their hands; they an required to run a pin +through the names of those present. + +As to the method adopted by the markers, Bristed says: "The +students, as they enter, are _marked_ with pins on long +alphabetical lists, by two college servants, who are so +experienced and clever at their business that they never have to +ask the name of a new-comer more than once."--_Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 15. + + His name pricked off upon the _marker's_ roll, + No twinge of conscience racks his easy soul. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +MARSHAL. In the University of Oxford, an officer who is usually in +attendance on one of the proctors.--_Collegian's Guide_. + + +MARSHAL'S TREAT. An account of the manner in which this +observance, peculiar to Williams College, is annually kept, is +given in the annexed passage from the columns of a newspaper. + +"Another custom here is the Marshal's Treat. The two gentlemen who +are elected to act as Marshals during Commencement week are +expected to _treat_ the class, and this year it was done in fine +style. The Seniors assembled at about seven o'clock in their +recitation-room, and, with Marshals Whiting and Taft at their +head, marched down to a grove, rather more than half a mile from +the Chapel, where tables had been set, and various luxuries +provided for the occasion. The Philharmonia Musical Society +discoursed sweet strains during the entertainment, and speeches, +songs, and toasts were kept up till a late hour in the evening, +when after giving cheers for the three lower classes, and three +times three for '54, they marched back to the President's. A song +written for the occasion was there performed, to which he replied +in a few words, speaking of his attachment to the class, and his +regret at the parting which must soon take place. The class then +returned to East College, and after joining hands and singing Auld +Lang Syne, separated."--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, +1854. + + +MASQUERADE. It was formerly the custom at Harvard College for the +Tutors, on leaving their office, to invite their friends to a +masquerade ball, which was held at some time during the vacation, +usually in the rooms which they occupied in the College buildings. +One of the most splendid entertainments of this kind was given by +Mr. Kirkland, afterwards President of the College, in the year +1794. The same custom also prevailed to a certain extent among the +students, and these balls were not wholly discontinued until the +year 1811. After this period, members of societies would often +appear in masquerade dresses in the streets, and would sometimes +in this garb enter houses, with the occupants of which they were +not acquainted, thereby causing much sport, and not unfrequently +much mischief. + + +MASTER. The head of a college. This word is used in the English +Universities, and was formerly in use in this country, in this +sense. + +The _Master_ of the College, or "Head of the House," is a D.D., +who has been a Fellow. He is the supreme ruler within the college +Trails, and moves about like an Undergraduate's deity, keeping at +an awful distance from the students, and not letting himself be +seen too frequently even at chapel. Besides his fat salary and +house, he enjoys many perquisites and privileges, not the least of +which is that of committing matrimony.--_Bristed's Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 16. + +Every schollar, that on proofe is found able to read the originals +of the Old and New Testament into the Latine tongue, &c. and at +any publick act hath the approbation of the Overseers and _Master_ +of the Colledge, is fit to be dignified with his first +degree.--_New England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, +Vol. I. pp. 245, 246. + +2. A title of dignity in colleges and universities; as, _Master_ +of Arts.--_Webster_. + +They, likewise, which peruse the questiones published by the +_Masters_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. pp. 131, 132. + + +MASTER OF THE KITCHEN. In Harvard College, a person who formerly +made all the contracts, and performed all the duties necessary for +the providing of commons, under the direction of the Steward. He +was required to be "discreet and capable."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, +1814, p. 42. + + +MASTER'S QUESTION. A proposition advanced by a candidate for the +degree of Master of Arts. + +In the older American colleges it seems to have been the +established custom, at a very early period, for those who +proceeded Masters, to maintain in public _questions_ or +propositions on scientific or moral topics. Dr. Cotton Mather, in +his _Magnalia_, p. 132, referring to Harvard College, speaks of +"the _questiones_ published by the Masters," and remarks that they +"now and then presume to fly as high as divinity." These questions +were in Latin, and the discussions upon them were carried on in +the same language. The earliest list of Masters' questions extant +was published at Harvard College in the year 1655. It was +entitled, "Quæstiones in Philosophia Discutiendæ ... in comitiis +per Inceptores in artib[us]." In 1669 the title was changed to +"Quæstiones pro Modulo Discutiendæ ... per Inceptores." The last +Masters' questions were presented at the Commencement in 1789. The +next year Masters' exercises were substituted, which usually +consisted of an English Oration, a Poem, and a Valedictory Latin +Oration, delivered by three out of the number of candidates for +the second degree. A few years after, the Poem was omitted. The +last Masters' exercises were performed in the year 1843. At Yale +College, from 1787 onwards, there were no Masters' valedictories, +nor syllogistic disputes in Latin, and in 1793 there were no +Master's exercises at all. + + +MATHEMATICAL SLATE. At Harvard College, the best mathematician +received in former times a large slate, which, on leaving college, +he gave to the best mathematician in the next class, and thus +transmitted it from class to class. The slate disappeared a few +years since, and the custom is no longer observed. + + +MATRICULA. A roll or register, from _matrix_. In _colleges_ +the register or record which contains the names of the students, +times of entering into college, remarks on their character, +&c. + +The remarks made in the _Matricula_ of the College respecting +those who entered the Freshman Class together with him are, of +one, that he "in his third year went to Philadelphia +College."--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia College_, p. 42. + +Similar brief remarks are found throughout the _Matricula_ of +King's College.--_Ibid._, p. 42. + +We find in its _Matricula_ the names of William Walton, +&c.--_Ibid._, p. 64. + + +MATRICULATE. Latin, _Matricula_, a roll or register, from +_matrix_. To enter or admit to membership in a body or society, +particularly in a college or university, by enrolling the name in +a register.--_Wotton_. + +In July, 1778, he was examined at that university, and +_matriculated_.--_Works of R.T. Paine, Biography_, p. xviii. + +In 1787, he _matriculated_ at St. John's College, +Cambridge.--_Household Words_, Vol. I. p. 210. + + +MATRICULATE. One enrolled in a register, and thus admitted to +membership in a society.--_Arbuthnot_. + +The number of _Matriculates_ has in every instance been greater +than that stated in the table.--_Cat. Univ. of North Carolina_, +1848-49. + + +MATRICULATION. The act of registering a name and admitting to +membership.--_Ayliffe_. + +In American colleges, students who are found qualified on +examination to enter usually join the class to which they are +admitted, on probation, and are matriculated as members of the +college in full standing, either at the close of their first or +second term. The time of probation seldom exceeds one year; and if +at the end of this time, or of a shorter, as the case may be, the +conduct of a student has not been such as is deemed satisfactory +by the Faculty, his connection with the college ceases. As a +punishment, the _matriculation certificate_ of a student is +sometimes taken from him, and during the time in which he is +unmatriculated, he is under especial probation, and disobedience +to college laws is then punished with more severity than at other +times.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 12. _Laws Yale +Coll._, 1837, p. 9. + +MAUDLIN. The name by which Magdalen College, Cambridge, Eng., is +always known and spoken of by Englishmen. + +The "_Maudlin Men_" were at one time so famous for tea-drinking, +that the Cam, which licks the very walls of the college, is said +to have been absolutely rendered unnavigable with +tea-leaves.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 202. + +MAX. Abbreviated for _maximum_, greatest. At Union College, he who +receives the highest possible number of marks, which is one +hundred, in each study, for a term, is said to _take Max_ (or +maximum); to be a _Max scholar_. On the Merit Roll all the _Maxs_ +are clustered at the top. + +A writer remarks jocosely of this word. It is "that indication of +perfect scholarship to which none but Freshmen aspire, and which +is never attained except by accident."--_Sophomore Independent_, +Union College, Nov. 1854. + +Probably not less than one third of all who enter each new class +confidently expect to "mark _max_," during their whole course, and +to have the Valedictory at Commencement.--_Ibid._ + +See MERIT ROLL. + + +MAY. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the college Easter term +examination is familiarly spoken of as _the May_. + +The "_May_" is one of the features which distinguishes Cambridge +from Oxford; at the latter there are no public College +examinations.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 64. + +As the "_May_" approached, I began to feel nervous.--_Ibid._, p. +70. + + +MAY TRAINING. A correspondent from Bowdoin College where the +farcical custom of May Training is observed writes as follows in +reference to its origin: "In 1836, a law passed the Legislature +requiring students to perform military duty, and they were +summoned to appear at muster equipped as the law directs, to be +inspected and drilled with the common militia. Great excitement +prevailed in consequence, but they finally concluded to _train_. +At the appointed time and place, they made their appearance armed +_cap-à-pie_ for grotesque deeds, some on foot, some on horse, with +banners and music appropriate, and altogether presenting as +ludicrous a spectacle as could easily be conceived of. They +paraded pretty much 'on their own hook,' threw the whole field +into disorder by their evolutions, and were finally ordered off +the ground by the commanding officer. They were never called upon +again, but the day is still commemorated." + + +M.B. An abbreviation for _Medicinæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of +Physic. At Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must +have had his name five years on the boards of some college, have +resided three years, and attended medical lectures and hospital +practice during the other two; also have attended the lectures of +the Professors of Anatomy, Chemistry, and Botany, and the Downing +Professor of Medicine, and passed an examination to their +satisfaction. At Oxford, Eng., the degree is given to an M.A. of +one year's standing, who is also a regent of the same length of +time. The exercises are disputations upon two distinct days before +the Professors of the Faculty of Medicine. The degree was formerly +given in American colleges before that of M.D., but has of late +years been laid aside. + + +M.D. An abbreviation for _Medicines Doctor_, Doctor of Physic. At +Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must be a Bachelor +of Physic of five years' standing, must have attended hospital +practice for three years, and passed an examination satisfactory +to the Medical Professors of the University, + +At Oxford, an M.D. must be an M.B. of three years' standing. The +exercises are three distinct lectures, to be read on three +different days. In American colleges the degree is usually given +to those who have pursued their studies in a medical school for +three years; but the regulations differ in different institutions. + + +MED, MEDIC. A name sometimes given to a student in medicine. + + ---- who sent + The _Medic_ to our aid. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 23. + + "The Council are among ye, Yale!" + Some roaring _Medic_ cries. + _Ibid._, p. 24. + + The slain, the _Medics_ stowed away. + _Ibid._, p. 24. + + Seniors, Juniors, Freshmen blue, + And _Medics_ sing the anthem too. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + + Take ... + Sixteen interesting "_Meds_," + With dirty hands and towzeled heads. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 16. + + +MEDALIST. In universities, colleges, &c., one who has gained a +medal as the reward of merit.--_Ed. Rev. Gradus ad Cantab._ + +These _Medalists_ then are the best scholars among the men who +have taken a certain mathematical standing; but as out of the +University these niceties of discrimination are apt to be dropped +they usually pass at home for absolutely the first and second +scholars of the year, and sometimes they are so.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 62. + + +MEDICAL FACULTY. Usually abbreviated Med. Fac. The Medical Faculty +Society was established one evening after commons, in the year +1818, by four students of Harvard College, James F. Deering, +Charles Butterfield, David P. Hall, and Joseph Palmer, members of +the class of 1820. Like many other societies, it originated in +sport, and, as in after history shows, was carried on in the same +spirit. The young men above named happening to be assembled in +Hollis Hall, No. 13, a proposition was started that Deering should +deliver a mock lecture, which having been done, to the great +amusement of the rest, he in his turn proposed that they should at +some future time initiate members by solemn rites, in order that +others might enjoy their edifying exercises. From this small +beginning sprang the renowned Med. Fac. Society. Deering, a +"fellow of infinite jest," was chosen its first President; he was +much esteemed for his talents, but died early, the victim of +melancholy madness. + +The following entertaining account of the early history of this +Society has been kindly furnished, in a letter to the editor, by a +distinguished gentleman who was its President in the year 1820, +and a graduate of the class of 1822. + +"With regard to the Medical Faculty," he writes, "I suppose that +you are aware that its object was mere fun. That object was +pursued with great diligence during the earlier period of its +history, and probably through its whole existence. I do not +remember that it ever had a constitution, or any stated meetings, +except the annual one for the choice of officers. Frequent +meetings, however, were called by the President to carry out the +object of the institution. They were held always in some student's +room in the afternoon. The room was made as dark as possible, and +brilliantly lighted. The Faculty sat round a long table, in some +singular and antique costume, almost all in large wigs, and +breeches with knee-buckles. This practice was adopted to make a +strong impression on students who were invited in for examination. +Members were always examined for admission. The strangest +questions were asked by the venerable board, and often strange +answers elicited,--no matter how remote from the purpose, provided +there was wit or drollery. Sometimes a singularly slow person +would be invited, on purpose to puzzle and tease him with +questions that he could make nothing of; and he would stand in +helpless imbecility, without being able to cover his retreat with +even the faintest suspicion of a joke. He would then be gravely +admonished of the necessity of diligent study, reminded of the +anxiety of his parents on his account, and his duty to them, and +at length a month or two would be allowed him to prepare himself +for another examination, or he would be set aside altogether. But +if he appeared again for another trial, he was sure to fare no +better. He would be set aside at last. I remember an instance in +which a member was expelled for a reason purely fictitious,--droll +enough to be worth telling, if I could remember it,--and the +secretary directed 'to write to his father, and break the matter +gently to him, that it might not bring down the gray hairs of the +old man with sorrow to the grave.' + +"I have a pleasant recollection of the mock gravity, the broad +humor, and often exquisite wit of those meetings, but it is +impossible to give you any adequate idea of them. Burlesque +lectures on all conceivable and inconceivable subjects were +frequently read or improvised by members _ad libitum_. I remember +something of a remarkable one from Dr. Alden, upon part of a +skeleton of a superannuated horse, which he made to do duty for +the remains of a great German Professor with an unspeakable name. + +"Degrees were conferred upon all the members,--M.D. or D.M.[46] +according to their rank, which is explained in the Catalogue. +Honorary degrees were liberally conferred upon conspicuous persons +at home and abroad. It is said that one gentleman, at the South, I +believe, considered himself insulted by the honor, and complained +of it to the College government, who forthwith broke up the +Society. But this was long after my time, and I cannot answer for +the truth of the tradition. Diplomas were given to the M.D.'s and +D.M.'s in ludicrous Latin, with a great seal appended by a green +ribbon. I have one, somewhere. My name is rendered _Filius +Steti_." + +A graduate of the class of 1828 writes: "I well remember that my +invitation to attend the meeting of the Med. Fac. Soc. was written +in barbarous Latin, commencing 'Domine Crux,' and I think I passed +so good an examination that I was made _Professor longis +extremitatibus_, or Professor with long shanks. It was a society +for purposes of mere fun and burlesque, meeting secretly, and +always foiling the government in their attempts to break it up." + +The members of the Society were accustomed to array themselves in +masquerade dresses, and in the evening would enter the houses of +the inhabitants of Cambridge, unbidden, though not always +unwelcome guests. This practice, however, and that of conferring +degrees on public characters, brought the Society, as is above +stated, into great disrepute with the College Faculty, by whom it +was abolished in the year 1834. + +The Catalogue of the Society was a burlesque on the Triennial of +the College. The first was printed in the year 1821, the others +followed in the years 1824, 1827, 1830, and 1833. The title on the +cover of the Catalogue of 1833, the last issued, similar to the +titles borne by the others, was, "Catalogus Senatus Facultatis, et +eorum qui munera et officia gesserunt, quique alicujus gradus +laurea donati sunt in Facultate Medicinæ in Universitate +Harvardiana constituta, Cantabrigiæ in Republica Massachusettensi. +Cantabrigiæ: Sumptibus Societatis. MDCCCXXXIII. Sanguinis +circulationis post patefactionem Anno CCV." + +The Prefaces to the Catalogues were written in Latin, the +character of which might well be denominated _piggish_. In the +following translations by an esteemed friend, the beauty and force +of the originals are well preserved. + +_Preface to the Catalogue of 1824_. + +"To many, the first edition of the Medical Faculty Catalogue was a +wonderful and extraordinary thing. Those who boasted that they +could comprehend it, found themselves at length terribly and +widely in error. Those who did not deny their inability to get the +idea of it, were astonished and struck with amazement. To certain +individuals, it seemed to possess somewhat of wit and humor, and +these laughed immoderately; to others, the thing seemed so absurd +and foolish, that they preserved a grave and serious countenance. + +"Now, a new edition is necessary, in which it is proposed to state +briefly in order the rise and progress of the Medical Faculty. It +is an undoubted matter of history, that the Medical Faculty is the +most ancient of all societies in the whole world. In fact, its +archives contain documents and annals of the Society, written on +birch-bark, which are so ancient that they cannot be read at all; +and, moreover, other writings belong to the Society, legible it is +true, but, by ill-luck, in the words of an unknown and long-buried +language, and therefore unintelligible. Nearly all the documents +of the Society have been reduced to ashes at some time amid the +rolling years since the creation of man. On this account the +Medical Faculty cannot pride itself on an uninterrupted series of +records. But many oral traditions in regard to it have reached us +from our ancestors, from which it may be inferred that this +society formerly flourished under the name of the 'Society of +Wits' (Societas Jocosorum); and you might often gain an idea of it +from many shrewd remarks that have found their way to various +parts of the world. + +"The Society, after various changes, has at length been brought to +its present form, and its present name has been given it. It is, +by the way, worthy of note, that this name is of peculiar +signification, the word 'medical' having the same force as +'sanative' (sanans), as far as relates to the mind, and not to the +body, as in the vulgar signification. To be brief, the meaning of +'medical' is 'diverting' (divertens), that is, _turning_ the mind +from misery, evil, and grief. Under this interpretation, the +Medical Faculty signifies neither more nor less than the 'Faculty +of Recreation.' The thing proposed by the Society is, to _divert_ +its immediate and honorary members from unbecoming and foolish +thoughts, and is twofold, namely, relating both to manners and to +letters. Professors in the departments appropriated to letters +read lectures; and the alumni, as the case requires, are sometimes +publicly examined and questioned. The Library at present contains +a single book, but this _one_ is called for more and more every +day. A collection of medical apparatus belongs to the Society, +beyond doubt the most grand and extensive in the whole world, +intended to sharpen the _faculties_ of all the members. + +"Honorary degrees have been conferred on illustrious and +remarkable men of all countries. + +"A certain part of the members go into all academies and literary +'gymnasia,' to act as nuclei, around which branches of this +Society may be enabled to form." + +_Preface to the Catalogue of 1830_. + +"As the members of the Medical Faculty have increased, as many +members have been distinguished by honorary degrees, and as the +former Catalogues have all been sold, the Senate orders a new +Catalogue to be printed. + +"It seemed good to the editors of the former Catalogue briefly to +state the nature and to defend the antiquity of this Faculty. +Nevertheless, some have refused their assent to the statements, +and demand some reasons for what is asserted. We therefore, once +for all, declare that, of all societies, this is the most ancient, +the most extensive, the most learned, and the most divine. We +establish its antiquity by two arguments: firstly, because +everywhere in the world there are found many monuments of our +ancestors; secondly, because all other societies derive their +origin from this. It appears from our annals, that different +curators have laid their bones beneath the Pyramids, Naples, Rome, +and Paris. These, as described by a faithful secretary, are found +at this day. + +"The obelisks of Egypt contain in hieroglyphic characters many +secrets of our Faculty. The Chinese Wall, and the Colossus at +Rhodes, were erected by our ancestors in sport. We could cite many +other examples, were it necessary. + +"All societies to whom belong either wonderful art, or nothing +except secrecy, have been founded on our pattern. It appears that +the Society of Free-Masons was founded by eleven disciples of the +Med. Fac. expelled A.D. 1425. But these ignorant fellows were +never able to raise their brotherhood to our standard of +perfection: in this respect alone they agree with us, in admitting +only the _masculine_ gender ('masc. gen.').[47] + +"Therefore we have always been Antimason. No one who has ever +gained admittance to our assembly has the slightest doubt that we +have extended our power to the farthest regions of the earth, for +we have embassies from every part of the world, and Satan himself +has learned many particulars from our Senate in regard to the +administration of affairs and the means of torture. + +"We pride ourselves in being the most learned society on earth, +for men versed in all literature and erudition, when hurried into +our presence for examination, quail and stand in silent amazement. +'Placid Death' alone is coeval with this Society, and resembles +it, for in its own Catalogue it equalizes rich and poor, great and +small, white and black, old and young. + +"Since these things are so, and you, kind reader, have been +instructed on these points, I will not longer detain you from the +book and the picture.[48] Farewell." + +_Preface to the Catalogue of_ 1833. + +"It was much less than three years since the third edition of this +Catalogue saw the light, when the most learned Med. Fac. began to +be reminded that the time had arrived for preparing to polish up +and publish a new one. Accordingly, special curators were selected +to bring this work to perfection. These curators would not neglect +the opportunity of saying a few words on matters of great moment. + +"We have carefully revised the whole text, and, as far as we +could, we have taken pains to remove typographical errors. The +duty is not light. But the number of medical men in the world has +increased, and it is becoming that the whole world should know the +true authors of its greatest blessing. Therefore we have inserted +their names and titles in their proper places. + +"Among other changes, we would not forget the creation of a new +office. Many healing remedies, foreign, rare, and wonderful, have +been brought for the use of the Faculty from Egypt and Arabia +Felix. It was proper that some worthy, capable man, of quick +discernment, should have charge of these most precious remedies. +Accordingly, the Faculty has chosen a curator to be called the +'Apothecarius.' Many quacks and cheats have desired to hold the +new office; but the present occupant has thrown all others into +the shade. The names, surnames, and titles of this excellent man +will be found in the following pages.[49] + +"We have done well, not only towards others, but also towards +ourselves. Our library contains quite a number of books; among +others, ten thousand obtained through the munificence and +liberality of great societies in the almost unknown regions of +Kamtschatka and the North Pole, and especially also through the +munificence of the Emperor of all the Russias. It has become so +immense, that, at the request of the Librarian, the Faculty have +prohibited any further donations. + +"In the next session of the General Court of Massachusetts, the +Senate of the Faculty (assisted by the President of Harvard +University) will petition for forty thousand sesterces, for the +purpose of erecting a large building to contain the immense +accumulation of books. From the well-known liberality of the +Legislature, no doubts are felt of obtaining it. + +"To say more would make a long story. And this, kind reader, is +what we have to communicate to you at the outset. The fruit will +show with how much fidelity we have performed the task imposed +upon us by the most illustrious men. Farewell." + +As a specimen of the character of the honorary degrees conferred +by the Society, the following are taken from the list given in the +Catalogues. They embrace, as will be seen, the names of +distinguished personages only, from the King and President to Day +and Martin, Sam Patch, and the world-renowned Sea-Serpent. + +"Henricus Christophe, Rex Haytiæ quondam, M.D. Med. Fac. +honorarius."[50] + +"Gulielmus Cobbett, qui ad Angliam ossa Thomæ Paine ferebat, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[51] + +"Johannes-Cleaves Symmes, qui in terræ ilia penetravissit, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[52] + +"ALEXANDER I. Russ. Imp. Illust. et Sanct. Foed. et Mass. Pac. +Soc. Socius, qui per Legat. American. claro Med. Fac., +'_curiositatem raram et archaicam_,' regie transmisit, 1825, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[53] + +"ANDREAS JACKSON, Major-General in bello ultimo Americano, et +_Nov. Orleans Heros_ fortissimus; et _ergo_ nunc Præsidis +Rerumpub. Foed, muneris _candidatus_ et 'Old Hickory,' M.D. et +M.U.D. 1827, Med. Fac. honorarius, et 1829 Præses Rerumpub. +Foed., et LL.D. 1833." + +"Gulielmus Emmons, prænominatus Pickleïus, qui orator +eloquentissimus nostræ ætatis; poma, nuces, _panem-zingiberis_, +suas orationes, '_Egg-popque_' vendit, D.M. Med. Fac. +honorarius."[54] + +"Day et Martin, Angli, qui per quinquaginta annos toto Christiano +Orbi et præcipue _Univ. Harv._ optimum _Real Japan Atramentum_ ab +'XCVII. Altâ Holborniâ' subministrârunt, M.D. et M.U.D. Med. Fac. +honorarius." + +"Samuel Patch, socius multum deploratus, qui multa experimenta, de +gravitate et 'faciles descensus' suo corpore fecit; qui gradum, +M.D. _per saltum_ consecutus est. Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Cheng et Heng, Siamesi juvenes, invicem _a mans_ et intime +attacti, Med. Fac. que honorarii." + +"Gulielmus Grimke, et quadraginta sodales qui 'omnes in uno' Conic +Sections sine Tabulis aspernati sunt, et contra Facultatem, Col. +Yal. rebellaverunt, posteaque expulsi et 'obumbrati' sunt et Med. +Fac. honorarii." + +"MARTIN VAN BUREN, _Armig._, Civitatis Scriba Reipub. Foed. apud +Aul. Brit. Legat. Extraord. sibi constitutus. Reip. Nov. Ebor. +Gub. 'Don Whiskerandos'; 'Little Dutchman'; atque 'Great +Rejected.' Nunc (1832), Rerumpub. Foed. Vice-Præses et 'Kitchen +Cabinet' Moderator, M.D. et Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Magnus Serpens Maris, suppositus, aut porpoises aut +horse-mackerel, grex; 'very like a whale' (Shak.); M.D. et +peculiariter M.U.D. Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Timotheus Tibbets et Gulielmus J. Snelling 'par nobile sed +hostile fratrum'; 'victor et victus,' unus buster et rake, alter +lupinarum cockpitsque purgator, et nuper Edit. Nov. Ang. Galax. +Med. Fac. honorarii."[55] + +"Capt. Basil Hall, Tabitha Trollope, atque _Isaacus Fiddler_ +Reverendus; semi-pay centurio, famelica transfuga, et semicoctus +grammaticaster, qui scriptitant solum ut prandere possint. Tres in +uno Mend. Munch. Prof. M.D., M.U.D. et Med. Fac. Honorarium." + +A college poet thus laments the fall of this respected society:-- + + "Gone, too, for aye, that merry masquerade, + Which danced so gayly in the evening shade, + And Learning weeps, and Science hangs her head, + To mourn--vain toil!--their cherished offspring dead. + What though she sped her honors wide and far, + Hailing as son Muscovia's haughty Czar, + Who in his palace humbly knelt to greet, + And laid his costly presents at her feet?[56] + Relentless fate her sudden fall decreed, + Dooming each votary's tender heart to bleed, + And yet, as if in mercy to atone, + That fate hushed sighs, and silenced many a _groan_." + _Winslow's Class Poem_, 1835. + + +MERIT ROLL. At Union College, "the _Merit Rolls_ of the several +classes," says a correspondent, "are sheets of paper put up in the +College post-office, at the opening of each term, containing a +list of all students present in the different classes during the +previous term, with a statement of the conduct, attendance, and +scholarship of each member of the class. The names are numbered +according to the standing of the student, all the best scholars +being clustered at the head, and the poorer following in a +melancholy train. To be at the head, or 'to head the roll,' is an +object of ambition, while 'to foot the roll' is anything but +desirable." + + +MIDDLE BACHELOR. One who is in his second year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. + +A Senior Sophister has authority to take a Freshman from a +Sophomore, a _Middle Bachelor_ from a Junior Sophister.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 540. + + +MIGRATE. In the English universities, to remove from one college +to another. + +One of the unsuccessful candidates _migrated_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 100. + + +MIGRATION. In the English universities, a removal from one college +to another. + +"_A migration_," remarks Bristed, "is generally tantamount to a +confession of inferiority, and an acknowledgment that the migrator +is not likely to become a Fellow in his own College, and therefore +takes refuge in another, where a more moderate Degree will insure +him a Fellowship. A great deal of this _migration_ goes on from +John's to the Small Colleges."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 100. + + +MIGRATOR. In the English universities, one who removes from one +college to another. + + +MILD. A student epithet of depreciation, answering nearly to the +phrases, "no great shakes," and "small potatoes."--_Bristed_. + +Some of us were very heavy men to all appearance, and our first +attempts _mild_ enough.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 169. + + +MINGO. Latin. At Harvard College, this word was formerly used to +designate a chamber-pot. + + To him that occupies my study, + I give for use of making toddy, + A bottle full of _white-face Stingo_, + Another, handy, called a _mingo_. + _Will of Charles Prentiss_, in _Rural Repository_, 1795. + +Many years ago, some of the students of Harvard College wishing to +make a present to their Tutor, Mr. Flynt, called on him, informed +him of their intention, and requested him to select a gift which +would be acceptable to him. He replied that he was a single man, +that he already had a well-filled library, and in reality wanted +nothing. The students, not all satisfied with this answer, +determined to present him with a silver chamber-pot. One was +accordingly made, of the appropriate dimensions, and inscribed +with these words: + "Mingere cum bombis + Res est saluberrima lumbis." + +On the morning of Commencement Day, this was borne in procession, +in a morocco case, and presented to the Tutor. Tradition does not +say with what feelings he received it, but it remained for many +years at a room in Quincy, where he was accustomed to spend his +Saturdays and Sundays, and finally disappeared, about the +beginning of the Revolutionary War. It is supposed to have been +carried to England. + + +MINOR. A privy. From the Latin _minor_, smaller; the word _house_ +being understood. Other derivations are given, but this seems to +be the most classical. This word is peculiar to Harvard College. + + +MISS. An omission of a recitation, or any college exercise. An +instructor is said _to give a miss_, when he omits a recitation. + +A quaint Professor of Harvard College, being once asked by his +class to omit the recitation for that day, is said to have replied +in the words of Scripture: "Ye ask and receive not, for ye ask +a-_miss_." + +In the "Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," Professor Felton has +referred to this story, and has appended to it the contradiction +of the worthy Doctor. "Amusing anecdotes, some true and many +apocryphal, were handed down in College from class to class, and, +so far from being yet forgotten, they are rather on the increase. +One of these mythical stories was, that on a certain occasion one +of the classes applied to the Doctor for what used to be called, +in College jargon, a _miss_, i.e. an omission of recitation. The +Doctor replied, as the legend run, 'Ye ask, and ye receive not, +because ye ask a-_miss_.' Many years later, this was told to him. +'It is not true,' he exclaimed, energetically. 'In the first +place, I have not wit enough; in the next place, I have too much +wit, for I mortally hate a pun. Besides, _I never allude +irreverently to the Scriptures_.'"--p. lxxvii. + + Or are there some who scrape and hiss + Because you never give a _miss_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 62. + + ---- is good to all his subjects, + _Misses_ gives he every hour.--_MS. Poem_. + + +MISS. To be absent from a recitation or any college exercise. Said +of a student. See CUT. + + Who will recitations _miss_!--_Rebelliad_, p. 53. + + At every corner let us hiss 'em; + And as for recitations,--_miss_ 'em.--_Ibid._, p. 58. + + Who never _misses_ declamation, + Nor cuts a stupid recitation. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 283. + +_Missing_ chambers will be visited with consequences more to be +dreaded than the penalties of _missing_ lecture.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 304. + + +MITTEN. At the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a student who is +expelled is said _to get the mitten_. + + +MOCK-PART. At Harvard College, it is customary, when the parts for +the first exhibition in the Junior year have been read, as +described under PART, for the part-reader to announce what are +called the _mock-parts_. These mock-parts which are burlesques on +the regular appointments, are also satires on the habits, +character, or manners of those to whom they are assigned. They are +never given to any but members of the Junior Class. It was +formerly customary for the Sophomore Class to read them in the +last term of that year when the parts were given out for the +Sophomore exhibition but as there is now no exhibition for that +class, they are read only in the Junior year. The following may do +as specimens of the subjects usually assigned:--The difference +between alluvial and original soils; a discussion between two +persons not noted for personal cleanliness. The last term of a +decreasing series; a subject for an insignificant but conceited +fellow. An essay on the Humbug, by a dabbler in natural history. A +conference on the three dimensions, length, breadth, and +thickness, between three persons, one very tall, another very +broad, and the third very fat. + + +MODERATE. In colleges and universities, to superintend the +exercises and disputations in philosophy, and the Commencements +when degrees are conferred. + +They had their weekly declamations on Friday, in the Colledge +Hall, besides publick disputations, which either the Præsident or +the Fellows _moderated_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 127. + +Mr. Mather _moderated_ at the Masters' +disputations.--_Hutchinson's Hist. of Mass._, Vol. I. p. 175, +note. + +Mr. Andrew _moderated_ at the Commencements.--_Clap's Hist. of +Yale Coll._, p. 15. + +President Holyoke was of a noble, commanding presence. He was +perfectly acquainted with academic matters, and _moderated_ at +Commencements with great dignity.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, +p. 26. + +Mr. Woodbridge _moderated_ at Commencement, 1723.--_Woolsey's +Hist. Disc._, p. 103. + + +MODERATOR. In the English universities, one who superintends the +exercises and disputations in philosophy, and the examination for +the degree of B.A.--_Cam. Cal._ + +The disputations at which the _Moderators_ presided in the English +universities "are now reduced," says Brande, "to little more than +matters of form." + +The word was formerly in use in American colleges. + +Five scholars performed public exercises; the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge +acted as _Moderator_.--_Clap's Hist. of Yale Coll._, p. 27. + +He [the President] was occasionally present at the weekly +declamations and public disputations, and then acted as +_Moderator_; an office which, in his absence, was filled by one of +the Tutors.--_Quincy's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 440. + + +MONITOR. In schools or universities, a pupil selected to look to +the scholars in the absence of the instructor, or to notice the +absence or faults of the scholars, or to instruct a division or +class.--_Webster_. + +In American colleges, the monitors are usually appointed by the +President, their duty being to keep bills of absence from, and +tardiness at, devotional and other exercises. See _Laws of Harv. +and Yale Colls._, &c. + + Let _monitors_ scratch as they please, + We'll lie in bed and take our ease. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +MOONLIGHT. At Williams College, the prize rhetorical exercise is +called by this name; the reason is not given. The students speak +of "making a rush for _moonlight_," i.e. of attempting to gain the +prize for elocution. + +In the evening comes _Moonlight_ Exhibition, when three men from +each of the three lower classes exhibit their oratorical powers, +and are followed by an oration before the Adelphic Union, by Ralph +Waldo Emerson.--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +MOONLIGHT RANGERS. At Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania, a title +applied to a band composed of the most noisy and turbulent +students, commanded by a captain and sub-officer, who, in the most +fantastic disguises, or in any dress to which the moonlight will +give most effect, appear on certain nights designated, prepared to +obey any command in the way of engaging in any sport of a pleasant +nature. They are all required to have instruments which will make +the loudest noise and create the greatest excitement. + + +MOSS-COVERED HEAD. In the German universities, students during the +sixth and last term, or _semester_, are called _Moss-covered +Heads_, or, in an abbreviated form, _Mossy Heads_. + + +MOUNTAIN DAY. The manner in which this day is observed at Williams +College is described in the accompanying extracts. + +"Greylock is to the student in his rambles, what Mecca is to the +Mahometan; and a pilgrimage to the summit is considered necessary, +at least once during the collegiate course. There is an ancient +and time-honored custom, which has existed from the establishment +of the College, of granting to the students, once a year, a +certain day of relaxation and amusement, known by the name of +'_Mountain Day_.' It usually occurs about the middle of June, when +the weather is most favorable for excursions to the mountains and +other places of interest in the vicinity. It is customary, on this +and other occasions during the summer, for parties to pass the +night upon the summit, both for the novelty of the thing, and also +to enjoy the unrivalled prospect at sunrise next +morning."--_Sketches of Will. Coll._, 1847, pp. 85-89. + +"It so happens that Greylock, in our immediate vicinity, is the +highest mountain in the Commonwealth, and gives a view from its +summit 'that for vastness and sublimity is equalled by nothing in +New England except the White Hills.' And it is an ancient +observance to go up from this valley once in the year to 'see the +world.' We were not of the number who availed themselves of this +_lex non scripta_, forasmuch as more than one visit in time past +hath somewhat worn off the novelty of the thing. But a goodly +number 'went aloft,' some in wagons, some on horseback, and some, +of a sturdier make, on foot. Some, not content with a mountain +_day_, carried their knapsacks and blankets to encamp till morning +on the summit and see the sun rise. Not in the open air, however, +for a magnificent timber observatory has been set up,--a +rough-hewn, sober, substantial 'light-house in the skies,' under +whose roof is a limited portion of infinite space shielded from +the winds."--_Williams Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. I. p. 555. + +"'_Mountain day_,' the date to which most of the imaginary _rows_ +have been assigned, comes at the beginning of the summer term, and +the various classes then ascend Greylock, the highest peak in the +State, from which may be had a very fine view. Frequently they +pass the night there, and beds are made of leaves in the old +tower, bonfires are built, and they get through it quite +comfortable."--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +MOUTH. To recite in an affected manner, as if one knew the lesson, +when in reality he does not. + +Never shall you allow yourself to think of going into the +recitation-room, and there trust to "skinning," as it is called in +some colleges, or "phrasing," as in others, or "_mouthing_ it," as +in others.--_Todd's Student's Manual_, p. 115. + + +MRS. GOFF. Formerly a cant phrase for any woman. + + But cease the touching chords to sweep, + For _Mrs. Goff_ has deigned to weep. + _Rebelliad_, p. 21. + + +MUFF. A foolish fellow. + +Many affected to sneer at him, as a "_muff_" who would have been +exceedingly flattered by his personal acquaintance.--_Blackwood's +Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 147. + + +MULE. In Germany, a student during the vacation between the time +of his quitting the gymnasium and entering the university, is +known as a mule. + + +MUS.B. An abbreviation for _Musicæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of +Music. In the English universities, a Bachelor of Music must enter +his name at some college, and compose and perform a solemn piece +of music, as an exercise before the University. + + +MUS.D. An abbreviation for _Musicæ Doctor_, Doctor of Music. A +Mus.D. is generally a Mus.B., and his exercise is the same. + + +MUSES. A college or university is often designated the _Temple, +Retreat, Seat_, &c. _of the Muses_. + +Having passed this outer court of the _Temple of the Muses_, you +are ushered into the Sanctum Sanctorum itself.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. +I. p. 87. + +Inviting ... such distinguished visitors as happen then to be on a +tour to this attractive _retreat of the Muses_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I, +p. 156. + +My instructor ventured to offer me as a candidate for admission +into that renowned _seat of the Muses_, Harvard College.--_New +England Mag._, Vol. III. p. 237. + +A student at a college or university is sometimes called a _Son of +the Muses_. + +It might perhaps suit some inveterate idlers, smokers, and +drinkers, but no true _son of the Muses_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. +XV. p. 3. + +While it was his earnest desire that the beloved _sons of the +Muses_ might leave the institutions enriched with the erudition, +&c.--_Judge Kent's Address before [Greek: Phi Beta Kappa] of Yale +Coll._, p. 39, 1831. + + + +_N_. + + +NAVY CLUB. The Navy Club, or the Navy, as it was formerly called, +originated among the students of Harvard College about the year +1796, but did not reach its full perfection until several years +after. What the primary design of the association was is not +known, nor can the causes be ascertained which led to its +formation. At a later period its object seems to have been to +imitate, as far as possible, the customs and discipline peculiar +to the flag-ship of a navy, and to afford some consolation to +those who received no appointments at Commencement, as such were +always chosen its officers. The _Lord High Admiral_ was appointed +by the admiral of the preceding class, but his election was not +known to any of the members of his class until within six weeks of +Commencement, when the parts for that occasion were assigned. It +was generally understood that this officer was to be one of the +poorest in point of scholarship, yet the jolliest of all the +"Jolly Blades." At the time designated, he broke the seal of a +package which had been given him by his predecessor in office, the +contents of which were known only to himself; but these were +supposed to be the insignia of his office, and the instructions +pertaining to the admiralty. He then appointed his assistant +officers, a vice-admiral, rear-admiral, captain, sailing-master, +boatswain, &c. To the boatswain a whistle was given, transmitted, +like the admiral's package, from class to class. + +The Flag-ship for the year 1815 was a large marquee, called "The +Good Ship Harvard," which was moored in the woods, near the place +where the residence of the Hon. John G. Palfrey now stands. The +floor was arranged like the deck of a man-of-war, being divided +into the main and quarter decks. The latter was occupied by the +admiral, and no one was allowed to be there with him without +special order or permission. In his sway he was very despotic, and +on board ship might often have been seen reclining on his couch, +attended by two of his subordinates (classmates), who made his +slumbers pleasant by guarding his sacred person from the visits of +any stray mosquito, and kept him cool by the vibrations of a fan. +The marquee stood for several weeks, during which time meetings +were frequently held in it. At the command of the admiral, the +boatswain would sound his whistle in front of Holworthy Hall, the +building where the Seniors then, as now, resided, and the student +sailors, issuing forth, would form in procession, and march to the +place of meeting, there to await further orders. If the members of +the Navy remained on board ship over night, those who had received +appointments at Commencement, then called the "Marines," were +obliged to keep guard while the members slept or caroused. + +The operations of the Navy were usually closed with an excursion +down the harbor. A vessel well stocked with certain kinds of +provisions afforded, with some assistance from the stores of old +Ocean, the requisites for a grand clam-bake or a mammoth chowder. +The spot usually selected for this entertainment was the shores of +Cape Cod. On the third day the party usually returned from their +voyage, and their entry into Cambridge was generally accompanied +with no little noise and disorder. The Admiral then appointed +privately his successor, and the Navy was disbanded for the year. + +The exercises of the association varied from year to year. Many of +the old customs gradually went out of fashion, until finally but +little of the original Navy remained. The officers were, as usual, +appointed yearly, but the power of appointing them was transferred +to the class, and a public parade was substituted for the forms +and ceremonies once peculiar to the society. The excursion down +the harbor was omitted for the first time the present year,[57] +and the last procession made its appearance in the year 1846. + +At present the Navy Club is organized after the parts for the last +Senior Exhibition have been assigned. It is composed of three +classes of persons; namely, the true NAVY, which consists of those +who have _never_ had parts; the MARINES, those who have had a +_major_ or _second_ part in the Senior year, but no _minor_ or +_first_ part in the Junior; and the HORSE-MARINES, those who have +had a _minor_ or _first_ part in the Junior year, but have +subsequently fallen off, so as not to get a _major_ or _second_ +part in the Senior. Of the Navy officers, the Lord High Admiral is +usually he who has been sent from College the greatest number of +times; the Vice-Admiral is the poorest scholar in the class; the +Rear-Admiral the laziest fellow in the class; the Commodore, one +addicted to boating; the Captain, a jolly blade; the Lieutenant +and Midshipman, fellows of the same description; the Chaplain, the +most profane; the Surgeon, a dabbler in surgery, or in medicine, +or anything else; the Ensign, the tallest member of the class; the +Boatswain, one most inclined to obscenity; the Drum Major, the +most aristocratic, and his assistants, fellows of the same +character. These constitute the Band. Such are the general rules +of choice, but they are not always followed. The remainder of the +class who have had no parts and are not officers of the Navy Club +are members, under the name of Privates. On the morning when the +parts for Commencement are assigned, the members who receive +appointments resign the stations which they have held in the Navy +Club. This resignation takes place immediately after the parts +have been read to the class. The door-way of the middle entry of +Holworthy Hall is the place usually chosen for this affecting +scene. The performance is carried on in the mock-oratorical style, +a person concealed under a white sheet being placed behind the +speaker to make the gestures for him. The names of those members +who, having received Commencement appointments, have refused to +resign their trusts in the Navy Club, are then read by the Lord +High Admiral, and by his authority they are expelled from the +society. This closes the exercises of the Club. + +The following entertaining account of the last procession, in +1846, has been furnished by a graduate of that year:-- + +"The class had nearly all assembled, and the procession, which +extended through the rooms of the Natural History Society, began +to move. The principal officers, as also the whole band, were +dressed in full uniform. The Rear-Admiral brought up the rear, as +was fitting. He was borne in a sort of triumphal car, composed of +something like a couch, elevated upon wheels, and drawn by a white +horse. On this his excellency, dressed in uniform, and enveloped +in his cloak, reclined at full length. One of the Marines played +the part of driver. Behind the car walked a colored man, with a +most fantastic head-dress, whose duty it was to carry his Honor +the Rear-Admiral's pipe. Immediately before the car walked the +other two Marines, with guns on their shoulders. The 'Digs'[58] +came immediately before the Marines, preceded by the tallest of +their number, carrying a white satin banner, bearing on it, in +gold letters, the word 'HARVARD,' with a _spade_ of gold paper +fastened beneath. The Digs were all dressed in black, with Oxford +caps on their heads, and small iron spades over their shoulders. +They walked two and two, except in one instance, namely, that of +the first three scholars, who walked together, the last of their +brethren, immediately preceding the Marines. The second and third +scholars did not carry spades, but pointed shovels, much larger +and heavier; while the first scholar, who walked between the other +two, carried an enormously great square shovel,--such as is often +seen hung out at hardware-stores for a sign,--with 'SPADES AND +SHOVELS,' or some such thing, painted on one side, and 'ALL SIZES' +on the other. This shovel was about two feet square. The idea of +carrying real, _bonâ fide_ spades and shovels originated wholly in +our class. It has always been the custom before to wear a spade, +cut out of white paper, on the lapel of the coat. The Navy +Privates were dressed in blue shirts, monkey-jackets, &c., and +presented a very sailor-like appearance. Two of them carried small +kedges over their shoulders. The Ensign bore an old and tattered +flag, the same which was originally presented by Miss Mellen of +Cambridge to the Harvard Washington Corps. The Chaplain was +dressed in a black gown, with an old-fashioned curly white wig on +his head, which, with a powdered face, gave him a very +sanctimonious look. He carried a large French Bible, which by much +use had lost its covers. The Surgeon rode a beast which might well +have been taken for the Rosinante of the world-renowned Don +Quixote. This worthy Æsculapius had an infinite number of +brown-paper bags attached to his person. He was enveloped in an +old plaid cloak, with a huge sign for _pills_ fastened upon his +shoulders, and carried before him a skull on a staff. His nag was +very spirited, so much so as to leap over the chains, posts, &c., +and put to flight the crowd assembled to see the fun. The +procession, after having cheered all the College buildings, and +the houses of the Professors, separated about seven o'clock, P.M." + + At first like a badger the Freshman dug, + Fed on Latin and Greek, in his room kept snug; + And he fondly hoped that on _Navy Club_ day + The highest spade he might bear away. + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton, Harv. Coll. + + +NECK. To _run one's neck_, at Williams College, to trust to luck +for the success of any undertaking. + + +NESCIO. Latin; literally, _I do not know_. At the University of +Cambridge, England, _to sport a nescio_, to shake the head, a +signal that one does not understand or is ignorant of the subject. +"After the Senate-House examination for degrees," says Grose, in +his Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, "the students +proceed to the schools, to be questioned by the proctor. According +to custom immemorial, the answers _must_ be _Nescio_. The +following is a translated specimen:-- + +"_Ques._ What is your, name? _Ans._ I do not know. + +"_Ques._ What is the name of this University? _Ans._ I do not +know. + +"_Ques._ Who was your father? _Ans._ I do not know. + +"The last is probably the only true answer of the three!" + + +NEWLING. In the German universities, a Freshman; one in his first +half-year. + + +NEWY. At Princeton College, a fresh arrival. + + +NIGHTGOWN. A dressing-gown; a _deshabille_. + +No student shall appear within the limits of the College, or town +of Cambridge, in any other dress than in the uniform belonging to +his respective class, unless he shall have on a _nightgown_, or +such an outside garment as may be necessary over a coat.--_Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1790. + + +NOBLEMAN. In the English universities, among the Undergraduates, +the nobleman enjoys privileges and exemptions not accorded to +others. At Oxford he wears a black-silk gown with full sleeves +"couped" at the elbows, and a velvet cap with gold tassel, except +on full-dress occasions, when his habit is of violet-figured +damask silk, richly bedight with gold lace. At Cambridge he wears +the plain black-silk gown and the hat of an M.A., except on feast +days and state occasions, when he appears in a gown still more +gorgeous than that of a Fellow-Commoner.--_Oxford Guide. Bristed_. + + +NO END OF. Bristed records this phrase as an intensive peculiar to +the English Cantabs. Its import is obvious "They have _no end of_ +tin; i.e. a great deal of money. He is _no end of_ a fool; i.e. +the greatest fool possible."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 24. + +The use of this expression, with a similar signification, is +common in some portions of the United States. + + +NON ENS. Latin; literally _not being_. At the University of +Cambridge, Eng., one who has not been matriculated, though he has +resided some time at the University; consequently is not +considered as having any being. A Freshman in embryo.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +NON PARAVI. Latin; literally, _I have not prepared_. When Latin +was spoken in the American colleges, this excuse was commonly +given by scholars not prepared for recitation. + + With sleepy eyes and countenance heavy, + With much excuse of _non paravi_. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, 1794, p. 8. + +The same excuse is now frequently given in English. + +The same individuals were also observed to be "_not prepared_" for +the morning's recitation.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. II. p. 261. + +I hear you whispering, with white lips, "_Not prepared_, +sir."--_Burial of Euclid_, 1850, p. 9. + + +NON PLACET. Latin; literally, _It is not pleasing_. In the +University of Cambridge, Eng., the term in which a _negative_ vote +is given in the Senate-House. + +To _non-placet_, with the meaning of the verb _to reject_, is +sometimes used in familiar language. + +A classical examiner, having marked two candidates belonging to +his own College much higher than the other three examiners did, +was suspected of partiality to them, and _non-placeted_ (rejected) +next year when he came up for approval.--_Bristed's Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 231. + + +NON-READING MAN. See READING MAN. + +The result of the May decides whether he will go out in honors or +not,--that is, whether he will be a reading or a _non-reading +man_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 85. + + +NON-REGENT. In the English universities, a term applied to those +Masters of Arts whose regency has ceased.--_Webster_. + +See REGENT. SENATE. + + +NON-TERM. "When any member of the Senate," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "dies within the University during term, on +application to the Vice-Chancellor, the University bell rings an +hour; from which period _Non-Term_, as to public lectures and +disputations, commences for three days." + + +NON VALUI. Latin; literally, _I was sick_. At Harvard College, +when the students were obliged to speak Latin, it was usual for +them to give the excuse _non valui_ for almost every absence or +omission. The President called upon delinquents for their excuses +in the chapel, after morning prayers, and these words were often +pronounced so broadly as to sound like _non volui_, I did not wish +[to go]. The quibble was not perceived for a long time, and was +heartily enjoyed, as may be well supposed, by those who made use +of it. + + +[Greek: Nous]. Greek; _sense_. A word adopted by, and in use +among, students. + +He is a lad of more [Greek: nous], and keeps better +company.--_Pref. to Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Getting the better of them in anything which required the smallest +exertion of [Greek: nous], was like being first in a donkey-race. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 30. + + +NUMBER FIFTY, NUMBER FORTY-NINE. At Trinity College, Hartford, the +privies are known by these names. Jarvis Hall contains forty-eight +rooms, and the numbers forty-nine and fifty follow in numerical +continuation, but with a different application. + + +NUMBER TEN. At the Wesleyan University, the names "No. 10, and, as +a sort of derivative, No. 1001, are applied to the privy." The +former title is used also at the University of Vermont, and at +Dartmouth College. + + +NUTS. A correspondent from Williams College says, "We speak of a +person whom we despise as being a _nuts_." This word is used in +the Yorkshire dialect with the meaning of a "silly fellow." Mr. +Halliwell, in his Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, +remarks: "It is not applied to an idiot, but to one who has been +doing a foolish action." + + + +_O_. + + +OAK. In the English universities, the outer door of a student's +room. + +No man has a right to attack the rooms of one with whom he is not +in the habit of intimacy. From ignorance of this axiom I had near +got a horse-whipping, and was kicked down stairs for going to a +wrong _oak_, whose tenant was not in the habit of taking jokes of +this kind.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 287. + +A pecker, I must explain, is a heavy pointed hammer for splitting +large coals; an instrument often put into requisition to force +open an _oak_ (an outer door), when the key of the spring latch +happens to be left inside, and the scout has gone away.--_The +Collegian's Guide_, p. 119. + +Every set of rooms is provided with an _oak_ or outer door, with a +spring lock, of which the master has one latch-key, and the +servant another.--_Ibid._, p. 141. + +"To _sport oak_, or a door," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "is, +in the modern phrase, to exclude duns, or other unpleasant +intruders." It generally signifies, however, nothing more than +locking or fastening one's door for safety or convenience. + +I always "_sported my oak_" whenever I went out; and if ever I +found any article removed from its usual place, I inquired for it; +and thus showed I knew where everything was last +placed.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 141. + +If you persist, and say you cannot join them, you must _sport your +oak_, and shut yourself into your room, and all intruders +out.--_Ibid._, p. 340. + +Used also in some American colleges. + +And little did they dream who knocked hard and often at his _oak_ +in vain, &c.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. X. p. 47. + + +OATHS. At Yale College, those who were engaged in the government +were formerly required to take the oaths of allegiance and +abjuration appointed by the Parliament of England. In his +Discourse before the Graduates of Yale College, President Woolsey +gives the following account of this obligation:-- + +"The charter of 1745 imposed another test in the form of a +political oath upon all governing officers in the College. They +were required before they undertook the execution of their trusts, +or within three months after, 'publicly in the College hall [to] +take the oaths, and subscribe the declaration, appointed by an act +of Parliament made in the first year of George the First, +entitled, An Act for the further security of his Majesty's person +and government, and the succession of the Crown in the heirs of +the late Princess Sophia, being Protestants, and for extinguishing +the hopes of the pretended Prince of Wales, and his open and +secret abettors.' We cannot find the motive for prescribing this +oath of allegiance and abjuration in the Protestant zeal which was +enkindled by the second Pretender's movements in England,--for, +although belonging to this same year 1745, these movements were +subsequent to the charter,--but rather in the desire of removing +suspicion of disloyalty, and conforming the practice in the +College to that required by the law in the English universities. +This oath was taken until it became an unlawful one, when the +State assumed complete sovereignty at the Revolution. For some +years afterwards, the officers took the oath of fidelity to the +State of Connecticut, and I believe that the last instance of this +occurred at the very end of the eighteenth century."--p. 40. + +In the Diary of President Stiles, under the date of July 8, 1778, +is the annexed entry, in which is given the formula of the oath +required by the State:-- + +"The oath of fidelity administered to me by the Hon. Col. Hamlin, +one of the Council of the State of Connecticut, at my +inauguration. + +"'You, Ezra Stiles, do swear by the name of the ever-living God, +that you will be true and faithful to the State of Connecticut, as +a free and independent State, and in all things do your duty as a +good and faithful subject of the said State, in supporting the +rights, liberties, and privileges of the same. So help you God.' + +"This oath, substituted instead of that of allegiance to the King +by the Assembly of Connecticut, May, 1777, to be taken by all in +this State; and so it comes into use in Yale College."--_Woolsey's +Hist. Discourse_, Appendix, p. 117. + + +[Greek: Hoi Aristoi.] Greek; literally, _the bravest_. At +Princeton College, the aristocrats, or would-be aristocrats, are +so called. + + +[Greek: Hoi Polloi.] Greek; literally, _the many_. + +See POLLOI. + + +OLD BURSCH. A name given in the German universities to a student +during his fourth term. Students of this term are also designated +_Old Ones_. + +As they came forward, they were obliged to pass under a pair of +naked swords, held crosswise by two _Old Ones_.--_Longfellow's +Hyperion_, p. 110. + + +OLD HOUSE. A name given in the German universities to a student +during his fifth term. + + +OPPONENCY. The opening of an academical disputation; the +proposition of objections to a tenet; an exercise for a +degree.--_Todd_. + +Mr. Webster remarks, "I believe not used in America." + +In the old times, the university discharged this duty [teaching] +by means of the public readings or lectures,... and by the keeping +of acts and _opponencies_--being certain _vivâ voce_ disputations +--by the students.--_The English Universities and their Reforms_, +in _Blackwood's Magazine_, Feb. 1849. + + +OPPONENT. In universities and colleges, where disputations are +carried on, the opponent is, in technical application, the person +who begins the dispute by raising objections to some tenet or +doctrine. + + +OPTIME. The title of those who stand in the second and third ranks +of honors, immediately after the Wranglers, in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. They are called respectively _Senior_ and _Junior +Optimes_. + +See JUNIOR OPTIME, POLLOI, and SENIOR OPTIME. + + +OPTIONAL. At some American colleges, the student is obliged to +pursue during a part of the course such studies as are prescribed. +During another portion of the course, he is allowed to select from +certain branches those which he desires to follow. The latter are +called _optional_ studies. In familiar conversation and writing, +the word _optional_ is used alone. + + For _optional_ will come our way, + And lectures furnish time to play, + 'Neath elm-tree shade to smoke all day. + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, Yale Coll., 1855. + + +ORIGINAL COMPOSITION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +essay or theme written by a student in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, is +termed _original_ composition. + +Composition there is of course, but more Latin than Greek, and +some _original Composition_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 137. + +_Original Composition_--that is, Composition in the true sense of +the word--in the dead languages is not much practised.--_Ibid._, +p. 185. + + +OVERSEER. The general government of the colleges in the United +States is vested in some instances in a Corporation, in others in +a Board of Trustees or Overseers, or, as in the case of Harvard +College, in the two combined. The duties of the Overseers are, +generally, to pass such orders and statutes as seem to them +necessary for the prosperity of the college whose affairs they +oversee, to dispose of its funds in such a manner as will be most +advantageous, to appoint committees to visit it and examine the +students connected with it, to ratify the appointment of +instructors, and to hear such reports of the proceedings of the +college government as require their concurrence. + + +OXFORD. The cap worn by the members of the University of Oxford, +England, is called an _Oxford_ or _Oxford cap_. The same is worn +at some American colleges on Exhibition and Commencement Days. In +shape, it is square and flat, covered with black cloth; from the +centre depends a tassel of black cord. It is further described in +the following passage. + + My back equipped, it was not fair + My head should 'scape, and so, as square + As chessboard, + A _cap_ I bought, my skull to screen, + Of cloth without, and all within + Of pasteboard. + _Terræ-Filius_, Vol. II. p. 225. + + Thunders of clapping!--As he bows, on high + "Præses" his "_Oxford_" doffs, and bows reply. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 36. + +It is sometimes called a _trencher cap_, from its shape. + +See CAP. + + +OXFORD-MIXED. Cloth such as is worn at the University of Oxford, +England. The students in Harvard College were formerly required to +wear this kind of cloth as their uniform. The color is given in +the following passage: "By black-mixed (called also +_Oxford-mixed_) is understood, black with a mixture of not more +than one twentieth, nor less than one twenty-fifth, part of +white."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1826, p. 25. + +He generally dresses in _Oxford-mixed_ pantaloons, and a brown +surtout.--_Collegian_, p. 240. + +It has disappeared along with Commons, the servility of Freshmen +and brutality of Sophomores, the _Oxford-mixed_ uniform and +buttons of the same color.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 263. + + +OXONIAN. A student or graduate of the University of Oxford, +England. + + + +_P_. + + +PANDOWDY BAND. A correspondent writing from Bowdoin College says: +"We use the word _pandowdy_, and we have a custom of +_pandowdying_. The Pandowdy Band, as it is called, has no regular +place nor time of meeting. The number of performers varies from +half a dozen and less to fifty or more. The instruments used are +commonly horns, drums, tin-kettles, tongs, shovels, triangles, +pumpkin-vines, &c. The object of the band is serenading Professors +who have rendered themselves obnoxious to students; and sometimes +others,--frequently tutors are entertained by 'heavenly music' +under their windows, at dead of night. This is regarded on all +hands as an unequivocal expression of the feelings of the +students. + +"The band corresponds to the _Calliathump_ of Yale. Its name is a +burlesque on the _Pandean Band_ which formerly existed in this +college." + +See HORN-BLOWING. + + +PAPE. Abbreviated from PAPER, q.v. + + Old Hamlen, the printer, he got out the _papes_. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + + But Soph'more "_papes_," and Soph'more scrapes, + Have long since passed away.--_Ibid._ + + +PAPER. In the English Universities, a sheet containing certain +questions, to which answers are to be given, is called _a paper_. + +_To beat a paper_, is to get more than full marks for it. In +explanation of this "apparent Hibernicism," Bristed remarks: "The +ordinary text-books are taken as the standard of excellence, and a +very good man will sometimes express the operations more neatly +and cleverly than they are worded in these books, in which case he +is entitled to extra marks for style."--_Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 238. + +2. This name is applied at Yale College to the printed scheme +which is used at the Biennial Examinations. Also, at Harvard +College, to the printed sheet by means of which the examination +for entrance is conducted. + + +PARCHMENT. A diploma, from the substance on which it is usually +printed, is in familiar language sometimes called a _parchment_. + +There are some, who, relying not upon the "_parchment_ and seal" +as a passport to favor, bear that with them which shall challenge +notice and admiration.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 365. + + The passer-by, unskilled in ancient lore, + Whose hands the ribboned _parchment_ never bore. + _Class Poem at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 7. + +See SHEEPSKIN. + + +PARIETAL. From Latin _paries_, a wall; properly, _a +partition-wall_, from the root of _part_ or _pare_. Pertaining to +a wall.--_Webster_. + +At Harvard College the officers resident within the College walls +constitute a permanent standing committee, called the Parietal +Committee. They have particular cognizance of all tardinesses at +prayers and Sabbath services, and of all offences against good +order and decorum. They are allowed to deduct from the rank of a +student, not exceeding one hundred for one offence. In case any +offence seems to them to require a higher punishment than +deduction, it is reported to the Faculty.--_Laws_, 1850, App. + + Had I forgotten, alas! the stern _pariètal_ monitions? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + +The chairman of the Parietal Committee is often called the +_Parietal Tutor_. + +I see them shaking their fists in the face of the _parietal +tutor_.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1849. + +The members of the committee are called, in common parlance, +_Parietals_. + +Four rash and inconsiderate proctors, two tutors, and five +_parietals_, each with a mug and pail in his hand, in their great +haste to arrive at the scene of conflagration, ran over the Devil, +and knocked him down stairs.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 124. + + And at the loud laugh of thy gurgling throat, + The _pariètals_ would forget themselves. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 399 et passim. + + Did not thy starting eyeballs think to see + Some goblin _pariètal_ grin at thee? + _Ibid._, Vol. IV. p. 197. + +The deductions made by the Parietal Committee are also called +_Parietals_. + + How now, ye secret, dark, and tuneless chanters, + What is 't ye do? Beware the _pariètals_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 44. + +Reckon on the fingers of your mind the reprimands, deductions, +_parietals_, and privates in store for you.--_Orat. H.L. of I.O. +of O.F._, 1848. + +The accent of this word is on the antepenult; by _poetic license_, +in four of the passages above quoted, it is placed on the penult. + + +PART. A literary appointment assigned to a student to be kept at +an Exhibition or Commencement. In Harvard College as soon as the +parts for an Exhibition or Commencement are assigned, the subjects +and the names of the performers are given to some member of one of +the higher classes, who proceeds to read them to the students from +a window of one of the buildings, after proposing the usual "three +cheers" for each of the classes, designating them by the years in +which they are to graduate. As the name of each person who has a +part assigned him is read, the students respond with cheers. This +over, the classes are again cheered, the reader of the parts is +applauded, and the crowd disperses except when the mock parts are +read, or the officers of the Navy Club resign their trusts. + +Referring to the proceedings consequent upon the announcement of +appointments, Professor Sidney Willard, in his late work, entitled +"Memories of Youth and Manhood," says of Harvard College: "The +distribution of parts to be performed at public exhibitions by the +students was, particularly for the Commencement exhibition, more +than fifty years ago, as it still is, one of the most exciting +events of College life among those immediately interested, in +which parents and near friends also deeply sympathized with them. +These parts were communicated to the individuals appointed to +perform them by the President, who gave to them, severally, a +paper with the name of the person and of the part assigned, and +the subject to be written upon. But they were not then, as in +recent times, after being thus communicated by the President, +proclaimed by a voluntary herald of stentorian lungs, mounted on +the steps of one of the College halls, to the assembled crowd of +students. Curiosity, however, was all alive. Each one's part was +soon ascertained; the comparative merits of those who obtained the +prizes were discussed in groups; prompt judgments were pronounced, +that A had received a higher prize than he could rightfully claim, +and that B was cruelly wronged; that some were unjustly passed +over, and others raised above them through partiality. But at +whatever length their discussion might have been prolonged, they +would have found it difficult in solemn conclave to adjust the +distribution to their own satisfaction, while severally they +deemed themselves competent to measure the degree in the scale of +merit to which each was entitled."--Vol. I. pp. 328, 329. + +I took but little pains with these exercises myself, lest I should +appear to be anxious for "_parts_."--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, +1804, Vol. I. p. 154. + +Often, too, the qualifications for a _part_ ... are discussed in +the fireside circles so peculiar to college.--_Harv. Reg._, p. +378. + +The refusal of a student to perform the _part_ assigned him will +be regarded as a high offence.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, +p. 19. + +Young men within the College walls are incited to good conduct and +diligence, by the system of awarding _parts_, as they are called, +at the exhibitions which take place each year, and at the annual +Commencement.--_Eliot's Sketch of Hist. Harv. Coll._, pp. 114, +115. + +It is very common to speak of _getting parts_. + + Here + Are acres of orations, and so forth, + The glorious nonsense that enchants young hearts + With all the humdrumology of "_getting parts_." + _Our Chronicle of '26_, Boston, 1827, p. 28. + +See under MOCK-PART and NAVY CLUB. + + +PASS. At Oxford, permission to receive the degree of B.A. after +passing the necessary examinations. + +The good news of the _pass_ will be a set-off against the few +small debts.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 254. + + +PASS EXAMINATION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +examination which is required for the B.A. degree. Of these +examinations there are three during a student's undergraduateship. + +Even the examinations which are disparagingly known as "_pass_" +ones, the Previous, the Poll, and (since the new regulations) the +Junior Optime, require more than half marks on their +papers.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 319. + + +PASSMAN. At Oxford, one who merely passes his examination, and +obtains testimonials for a degree, but is not able to obtain any +honors or distinctions. Opposed to CLASSMAN, q.v. + +"Have the _passmen_ done their paper work yet?" asked Whitbread. +"However, the schools, I dare say, will not be open to the +classmen till Monday."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 309. + + +PATRON. At some of the Colleges in the United States, the patron +is appointed to take charge of the funds, and to regulate the +expenses, of students who reside at a distance. Formerly, students +who came within this provision were obliged to conform to the laws +in reference to the patron; it is now left optional. + + +P.D. An abbreviation of _Philosophiæ Doctor_, Doctor of +Philosophy. "In the German universities," says Brande, "the title +'Doctor Philosophiæ' has long been substituted for Baccalaureus +Artium or Literarium." + + +PEACH. To inform against; to communicate facts by way of +accusation. + +It being rather advisable to enter college before twelve, or to +stay out all night, bribing the bed-maker next morning not to +_peach_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 190. + + When, by a little spying, I can reach + The height of my ambition, I must _peach_. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +PEMBROKER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of +Pembroke College. + +The _Pembroker_ was booked to lead the Tripos.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 158. + + +PENE. Latin, _almost, nearly_. A candidate for admission to the +Freshman Class is called a _Pene_, that is, _almost_ a Freshman. + + +PENNILESS BENCH. Archdeacon Nares, in his Glossary, says of this +phrase: "A cant term for a state of poverty. There was a public +seat so called in Oxford; but I fancy it was rather named from the +common saying, than that derived from it." + + Bid him bear up, he shall not + Sit long on _penniless bench_. + _Mass. City Mad._, IV. 1. + +That everie stool he sate on was _pennilesse bench_, that his +robes were rags.--_Euphues and his Engl._, D. 3. + + +PENSIONER. French, _pensionnaire_, one who pays for his board. In +the University of Cambridge, Eng., and in that of Dublin, a +student of the second rank, who is not dependent on the foundation +for support, but pays for his board and other charges. Equivalent +to COMMONER at Oxford, or OPPIDANT of Eton school.--_Brande. Gent. +Mag._, 1795. + + +PERUVIAN. At the University of Vermont, a name by which the +students designate a lady; e.g., "There are two hundred +_Peruvians_ at the Seminary"; or, "The _Peruvians_ are in the +observatory." As illustrative of the use of this word, a +correspondent observes: "If John Smith has a particular regard for +any one of the Burlington ladies, and Tom Brown happens to meet +the said lady in his town peregrinations, when he returns to +College, if he meets John Smith, he (Tom) says to John, 'In yonder +village I espied a _Peruvian_'; by which John understands that Tom +has had the very great pleasure of meeting John's Dulcinea." + + +PETTY COMPOUNDER. At Oxford, one who pays more than ordinary fees +for his degree. + +"A _Petty Compounder_," says the Oxford University Calendar, "must +possess ecclesiastical income of the annual value of five +shillings, or property of any other description amounting in all +to the sum of five pounds, per annum."--Ed. 1832, p. 92. + + +PHEEZE, or FEEZE. At the University of Vermont, to pledge. If a +student is pledged to join any secret society, he is said to be +_pheezed_ or _feezed_. + + +PHI BETA KAPPA. The fraternity of the [Greek: Phi Beta Kappa] "was +imported," says Allyn in his Ritual, "into this country from +France, in the year 1776; and, as it is said, by Thomas Jefferson, +late President of the United States." It was originally chartered +as a society in William and Mary College, in Virginia, and was +organized at Yale College, Nov. 13th, 1780. By virtue of a charter +formally executed by the president, officers, and members of the +original society, it was established soon after at Harvard +College, through the influence of Mr. Elisha Parmele, a graduate +of the year 1778. The first meeting in Cambridge was held Sept. +5th, 1781. The original Alpha of Virginia is now extinct. + +"Its objects," says Mr. Quincy, in his History of Harvard +University, "were the 'promotion of literature and friendly +intercourse among scholars'; and its name and motto indicate, that +'philosophy, including therein religion as well as ethics, is +worthy of cultivation as the guide of life.' This society took an +early and a deep root in the University; its exercises became +public, and admittance into it an object of ambition; but the +'discrimination' which its selection of members made among +students, became an early subject of question and discontent. In +October, 1789, a committee of the Overseers, of which John Hancock +was chairman, reported to that board, 'that there is an +institution in the University, with the nature of which the +government is not acquainted, which tends to make a discrimination +among the students'; and submitted to the board 'the propriety of +inquiring into its nature and designs.' The subject occasioned +considerable debate, and a petition, of the nature of a complaint +against the society, by a number of the members of the Senior +Class, having been presented, its consideration was postponed, and +it was committed; but it does not appear from the records, that +any further notice was taken of the petition. The influence of the +society was upon the whole deemed salutary, since literary merit +was assumed as the principle on which its members were selected; +and, so far, its influence harmonized with the honorable motives +to exertion which have ever been held out to the students by the +laws and usages of the College. In process of time, its catalogue +included almost every member of the Immediate Government, and +fairness in the selection of members has been in a great degree +secured by the practice it has adopted, of ascertaining those in +every class who stand the highest, in point of conduct and +scholarship, according to the estimates of the Faculty of the +College, and of generally regarding those estimates. Having +gradually increased in numbers, popularity, and importance, the +day after Commencement was adopted for its annual celebration. +These occasions have uniformly attracted a highly intelligent and +cultivated audience, having been marked by a display of learning +and eloquence, and having enriched the literature of the country +with some of its brightest gems."--Vol. II. p. 398. + +The immediate members of the society at Cambridge were formerly +accustomed to hold semi-monthly meetings, the exercises of which +were such as are usual in literary associations. At present, +meetings are seldom held except for the purpose of electing +members. Affiliated societies have been established at Dartmouth, +Union, and Bowdoin Colleges, at Brown and the Wesleyan +Universities, at the Western Reserve College, at the University of +Vermont, and at Amherst College, and they number among their +members many of the most distinguished men in our country. The +letters which constitute the name of the society are the initials +of its motto, [Greek: Philosophia, Biou Kubernaetaes], Philosophy, +the Guide of Life. + +A further account of this society may be found in Allyn's Ritual +of Freemasonry, ed. 1831, pp. 296-302. + + +PHILISTINE. In Germany this name, or what corresponds to it in +that country, _Philister_, is given by the students to tradesmen +and others not belonging to the university. + + Und hat der Bursch kein Geld im Beutel, + So pumpt er die Philister an. + + And has the Bursch his cash expended? + To sponge the _Philistine's_ his plan. + _The Crambambuli Song_. + +Mr. Halliwell, in his Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, +says of this word, "a cant term applied to bailiffs, sheriffs' +officers, and drunkards." The idea of narrowmindedness, a +contracted mode of thinking, and meanness, is usually connected +with it, and in some colleges in the United States the name has +been given to those whose characters correspond with this +description. + +See SNOB. + + +PHRASING. Reciting by, or giving the words or phraseology of the +book, without understanding their meaning. + +Never should you allow yourself to think of going into the +recitation-room, and there trust to "skinning it," as it is called +in some colleges, or "_phrasing_," as in others.--_Todd's Students +Manual_, p. 115. + + +PIECE. "Be it known, at Cambridge the various Commons and other +places open for the gymnastic games, and the like public +amusements, are usually denominated _Pieces_."--_Alma Mater_, +London, 1827, Vol. II. p. 49. + + +PIETAS ET GRATULATIO. On the death of George the Second, and +accession of George the Third, Mr. Bernard, Governor of +Massachusetts, suggested to Harvard College "the expediency of +expressing sympathy and congratulation on these events, in +conformity with the practice of the English universities." +Accordingly, on Saturday, March 14, 1761, there was placed in the +Chapel of Harvard College the following "Proposal for a +Celebration of the Death of the late King, and the Accession of +his present Majesty, by members of Harvard College." + +"Six guineas are given for a prize of a guinea each to the Author +of the best composition of the following several kinds:--1. A +Latin Oration. 2. A Latin Poem, in hexameters. 3. A Latin Elegy, +in hexameters and pentameters. 4 A Latin Ode. 5. An English Poem, +in long verse. 6. An English Ode. + +"Other Compositions, besides those that obtain the prizes, that +are most deserving, will be taken particular notice of. + +"The candidates are to be, all, Gentlemen who are now members of +said College, or have taken a degree within seven years. + +"Any Candidate may deliver two or more compositions of different +kinds, but not more than one of the same kind. + +"That Gentlemen may be more encouraged to try their talents upon +this occasion, it is proposed that the names of the Candidates +shall be kept secret, except those who shall be adjudged to +deserve the prizes, or to have particular notice taken of their +Compositions, and even these shall be kept secret if desired. + +"For this purpose, each Candidate is desired to send his +Composition to the President, on or before the first day of July +next, subscribed at the bottom with, a feigned name or motto, and, +in a distinct paper, to write his own name and seal it up, writing +the feigned name or motto on the outside. None of the sealed +papers containing the real names will be opened, except those that +are adjudged to obtain the prizes or to deserve particular notice; +the rest will be burned sealed." + +This proposal resulted in a work entitled, "Pietas et Gratulatio +Collegii Cantabrigiensis apud Novanglos." In January, 1762, the +Corporation passed a vote, "that the collections in prose and +verse in several languages composed by some of the members of the +College, on the motion of his Excellency our Governor, Francis +Bernard, Esq., on occasion of the death of his late Majesty, and +the accession of his present Majesty, be printed; and that his +Excellency be desired to send, if he shall judge it proper, a copy +of the same to Great Britain, to be presented to his Majesty, in +the name of the Corporation." + +Quincy thus speaks of the collection:--"Governor Bernard not only +suggested the work, but contributed to it. Five of the thirty-one +compositions, of which it consists, were from his pen. The Address +to the King is stated to have been written by him, or by +Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson. Its style and turn of thought +indicate the politician rather than the student, and savor of the +senate-chamber more than of the academy. The classical and poetic +merits of the work bear a fair comparison with those of European +universities on similar occasions, allowance being made for the +difference in the state of science and literature in the +respective countries; and it is the most creditable specimen +extant of the art of printing, at that period, in the Colonies. +The work is respectfully noticed by the 'Critical' and 'Monthly' +Reviews, and an Ode of the President is pronounced by both to be +written in a style truly Horatian. In the address prefixed, the +hope is expressed, that, as 'English colleges have had kings for +their nursing fathers, and queens for their nursing mothers, this +of North America might experience the royal munificence, and look +up to the throne for favor and patronage.' In May, 1763, letters +were received from Jasper Mauduit, agent of the Province, +mentioning 'the presentation to his Majesty of the book of verses +from the College,' but the records give no indication of the +manner in which it was received. The thoughts of George the Third +were occupied, not with patronizing learning in the Colonies, but +with deriving revenue from them, and Harvard College was indebted +to him for no act of acknowledgment or munificence."--_Quincy's +Hist. of Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 103-105. + +The Charleston Courier, in an article entitled "Literary +Sparring," says of this production:--"When, as late as 1761, +Harvard University sent forth, in Greek, Latin, and English, its +congratulations on the accession of George the Third to the +throne, it was called, in England, a curiosity."--_Buckingham's +Miscellanies from the Public Journals_, Vol. I. p. 103. + +Mr. Kendall, an English traveller, who visited Cambridge in the +year 1807-8, notices this work as follows:--"In the year 1761, on +the death of George the Second and the accession of his present +Majesty, Harvard College, or, as on this occasion it styles +itself, Cambridge College, produced a volume of tributary verses, +in English, Latin, and Greek, entitled, Pietas et Gratulatio +Collegii Cantabrigiensis apud Novanglos; and this collection, the +first received, and, as it has since appeared, the last to be +received, from this seminary, by an English king, was cordially +welcomed by the critical journals of the time."--_Kendall's +Travels_, Vol. III. p. 12. + +For further remarks, consult the Monthly Review, Vol. XXIX. p. 22; +Critical Review, Vol. X. p. 284; and the Monthly Anthology, Vol. +VI. pp. 422-427; Vol. VII. p. 67. + + +PILL. In English Cantab parlance, twaddle, platitude.--_Bristed_. + + +PIMP. To do little, mean actions for the purpose of gaining favor +with a superior, as, in college, with an instructor. The verb with +this meaning is derived from the adjective _pimping_, which +signifies _little, petty_. + + Did I not promise those who fished + And _pimped_ most, any part they wished. + _The Rebelliad_, p. 33. + + +PISCATORIAN. From the Latin _piscator_, a fisherman. One who seeks +or gains favor with a teacher by being officious toward him. + +This word was much used at Harvard College in the year 1822, and +for a few years after; it is now very seldom heard. + +See under FISH. + + +PIT. In the University of Cambridge, the place in St. Mary's +Church reserved for the accommodation of Masters of Arts and +Fellow-Commoners is jocularly styled the _pit_.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +PLACE. In the older American colleges, the situation of a student +in the class of which he was a member was formerly decided, in a +measure, by the rank and circumstances of his family; this was +called _placing_. The Hon. Paine Wingate, who graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1759, says, in one of his letters to Mr. +Peirce:-- + +"You inquire of me whether any regard was paid to a student on +account of the rank of his parent, otherwise than his being +arranged or _placed_ in the order of his class? + +"The right of precedence on every occasion is an object of +importance in the state of society. And there is scarce anything +which more sensibly affects the feelings of ambition than the rank +which a man is allowed to hold. This excitement was generally +called up whenever a class in college was _placed_. The parents +were not wholly free from influence; but the scholars were often +enraged beyond bounds for their disappointment in their _place_, +and it was some time before a class could be settled down to an +acquiescence in their allotment. The highest and the lowest in the +class was often ascertained more easily (though not without some +difficulty) than the intermediate members of the class, where +there was room for uncertainty whose claim was best, and where +partiality, no doubt, was sometimes indulged. But I must add, +that, although the honor of a _place_ in the class was chiefly +ideal, yet there were some substantial advantages. The higher part +of the class had generally the most influential friends, and they +commonly had the best chambers in College assigned to them. They +had also a right to help themselves first at table in Commons, and +I believe generally, wherever there was occasional precedence +allowed, it was very freely yielded to the higher of the class by +those who were below. + +"The Freshman Class was, in my day at college, usually _placed_ +(as it was termed) within six or nine months after their +admission. The official notice of this was given by having their +names written in a large German text, in a handsome style, and +placed in a conspicuous part of the College _Buttery_, where the +names of the four classes of undergraduates were kept suspended +until they left College. If a scholar was expelled, his name was +taken from its place; or if he was degraded (which was considered +the next highest punishment to expulsion), it was moved +accordingly. As soon as the Freshmen were apprised of their +places, each one took his station according to the new arrangement +at recitation, and at Commons, and in the Chapel, and on all other +occasions. And this arrangement was never afterward altered, +either in College or in the Catalogue, however the rank of their +parents might be varied. Considering how much dissatisfaction was +often excited by placing the classes (and I believe all other +colleges had laid aside the practice), I think that it was a +judicious expedient in Harvard to conform to the custom of putting +the names in _alphabetical_ order, and they have accordingly so +remained since the year 1772."--_Peirce's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, +pp. 308-811. + +In his "Annals of Yale College," Ebenezer Baldwin observes on the +subject: "Doctor Dwight, soon after his election to the Presidency +[1795], effected various important alterations in the collegiate +laws. The statutes of the institution had been chiefly adopted +from those of European universities, where the footsteps of +monarchical regulation were discerned even in the walks of +science. So difficult was it to divest the minds of wise men of +the influence of venerable follies, that the printed catalogues of +students, until the year 1768, were arranged according to +respectability of parentage."--p. 147. + +See DEGRADATION. + + +PLACET. Latin; literally, _it is pleasing_. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., the term in which an _affirmative_ vote is given +in the Senate-House. + + +PLUCK. In the English universities, a refusal of testimonials for +a degree. + +The origin of this word is thus stated in the Collegian's Guide: +"At the time of conferring a degree, just as the name of each man +to be presented to the Vice-Chancellor is read out, a proctor +walks once up and down, to give any person who can object to the +degree an opportunity of signifying his dissent, which is done by +plucking or pulling the proctor's gown. Hence another and more +common mode of stopping a degree, by refusing the testamur, or +certificate of proficiency, is also called plucking."--p. 203. + +On the same word, the author in another place remarks as follows: +"As long back as my memory will carry me, down to the present day, +there has been scarcely a monosyllable in our language which +seemed to convey so stinging a reproach, or to let a man down in +the general estimation half as much, as this one word PLUCK."--p. +288. + + +PLUCKED. A cant term at the English universities, applied to those +who, for want of scholarship, are refused their testimonials for a +degree.--_Oxford Guide_. + +Who had at length scrambled through the pales and discipline of +the Senate-House without being _plucked_, and miraculously +obtained the title of A.B.--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + +O what a misery is it to be _plucked_! Not long since, an +undergraduate was driven mad by it, and committed suicide.--The +term itself is contemptible: it is associated with the meanest, +the most stupid and spiritless animals of creation. When we hear +of a man being _plucked_, we think he is necessarily a +goose.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 288. + + Poor Lentulus, twice _plucked_, some happy day + Just shuffles through, and dubs himself B.A. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +POKER. At Oxford, Eng., a cant name for a _bedel_. + +If the visitor see an unusual "state" walking about, in shape of +an individual preceded by a quantity of _pokers_, or, which is the +same thing, men, that is bedels, carrying maces, jocularly called +_pokers_, he may be sure that that individual is the +Vice-Chancellor. _Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xii. + + +POLE. At Princeton and Union Colleges, to study hard, e.g. to +_pole_ out the lesson. To _pole_ on a composition, to take pains +with it. + + +POLER. One who studies hard; a close student. As a boat is +impelled with _poles_, so is the student by _poling_, and it is +perhaps from this analogy that the word _poler_ is applied to a +diligent student. + + +POLING. Close application to study; diligent attention to the +specified pursuits of college. + +A writer defines poling, "wasting the midnight oil in company with +a wine-bottle, box of cigars, a 'deck of eucre,' and three kindred +spirits," thus leaving its real meaning to be deduced from its +opposite.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov., 1854. + + +POLL. Abbreviated from POLLOI. + +Several declared that they would go out in "the _Poll_" (among the +[Greek: polloi], those not candidates for honors).--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 62. + +At Cambridge, those candidates for a degree who do not aspire to +honors are said to go out in the _poll_; this being the +abbreviated term to denote those who were classically designated +[Greek: hoi polloi].--_The English Universities and their +Reforms_, in _Blackwood's Magazine_, Feb. 1849. + + +POLLOI. [Greek: Hoi Polloi], the many. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., those who take their degree without any honor. +After residing something more than three years at this University, +at the conclusion of the tenth term comes off the final +examination in the Senate-House. He who passes this examination in +the best manner is called Senior Wrangler. "Then follow about +twenty, all called Wranglers, arranged in the order of merit. Two +other ranks of honors are there,--Senior Optimes and Junior +Optimes, each containing about twenty. The last Junior Optime is +termed the Wooden Spoon. Then comes the list of the large +majority, called the _Hoy Polloi_, the first of whom is named the +_Captain of the Poll_, and the twelve last, the Apostles."--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 3. + +2. Used by students to denote the rabble. + + On Learning's sea, his hopes of safety buoy, + He sinks for ever lost among the [Greek: hoi polloi]. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 21. + + +PONS ASINORUM. Vide ASSES' BRIDGE. + + +PONY. A translation. So called, it may be, from the fleetness and +ease with which a skilful rider is enabled to pass over places +which to a common plodder present many obstacles. + +One writer jocosely defines this literary nag as "the animal that +ambulates so delightfully through all the pleasant paths of +knowledge, from whose back the student may look down on the weary +pedestrian, and 'thank his stars' that 'he who runs may +read.'"--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854 + +And stick to the law, Tom, without a _Pony_.--_Harv. Reg._, p. +194. + + And when leaving, leave behind us + _Ponies_ for a lower class; + _Ponies_, which perhaps another, + Toiling up the College hill, + A forlorn, a "younger brother," + "Riding," may rise higher still. + _Poem before the Y.H. Soc._, 1849, p. 12. + +Their lexicons, _ponies_, and text-books were strewed round their +lamps on the table.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. +30. + +In the way of "_pony_," or translation, to the Greek of Father +Griesbach, the New Testament was wonderfully convenient.--_New +England Magazine_, Vol. III. p. 208. + +The notes are just what notes should be; they are not a _pony_, +but a guide.--_Southern Lit. Mess._ + +Instead of plodding on foot along the dusty, well-worn McAdam of +learning, why will you take nigh cuts on _ponies_?--_Yale Lit. +Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 281. + +The "board" requests that all who present themselves will bring +along the _ponies_ they have used since their first entrance into +College.--_The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + The tutors with _ponies_ their lessons were learning. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + +We do think, that, with such a team of "_ponies_" and load of +commentators, his instruction might evince more accuracy.--_Yale +Tomahawk_, Feb. 1851. + + In knowledge's road ye are but asses, + While we on _ponies_ ride before. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 7. + + +PONY. To use a translation. + +We learn that they do not _pony_ their lessons.--_Yale Tomahawk_, +May, 1852. + + If you _pony_, he will see, + And before the Faculty + You will surely summoned be. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 23. + + +POPPING. At William and Mary College, getting the advantage over +another in argument is called _popping_ him. + + +POPULARITY. In the college _use_, favor of one's classmates, or of +the members of all the classes, generally. Nowhere is this term +employed so often, and with so much significance, as among +collegians. The first wish of the Freshman is to be popular, and +the desire does not leave him during all his college life. For +remarks on this subject, see the Literary Miscellany, Vol. II. p. +56; Amherst Indicator, Vol. II. p. 123, _et passim_. + + +PORTIONIST. One who has a certain academical allowance or portion. +--_Webster_. + +See POSTMASTER. + + +POSTED. Rejected in a college examination. Term used at the +University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + +Fifty marks will prevent one from being "_posted_" but there are +always two or three too stupid as well as idle to save their +"_Post_." These drones are _posted_ separately, as "not worthy to +be classed," and privately slanged afterwards by the Master and +Seniors. Should a man be _posted_ twice in succession, he is +generally recommended to try the air of some Small College, or +devote his energies to some other walk of life.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 74. + + +POSTMASTER. In Merton College, Oxford, the scholars who are +supported on the foundation are called Postmasters, or Portionists +(_Portionistæ_).--_Oxf. Guide_. + +The _postmasters_ anciently performed the duties of choristers, +and their payment for this duty was six shillings and fourpence +per annum.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 36. + + +POW-WOW. At Yale College on the evening of Presentation Day, the +Seniors being excused from further attendance at prayers, the +classes who remain change their seats in the chapel. It was +formerly customary for the Freshmen, on taking the Sophomore +seats, to signalize the event by appearing at chapel in grotesque +dresses. The impropriety of such conduct has abolished this +custom, but on the recurrence of the day, a uniformity is +sometimes observable in the paper collars or white neck-cloths of +the in-coming Sophomores, as they file in at vespers. During the +evening, the Freshmen are accustomed to assemble on the steps of +the State-House, and celebrate the occasion by speeches, a +torch-light procession, and the accompaniment of a band of music. + +The students are forbidden to occupy the State-House steps on the +evening of Presentation Day, since the Faculty design hereafter to +have a _Pow-wow_ there, as on the last.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, +Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 35. + + +PRÆSES. The Latin for President. + + "_Præses_" his "Oxford" doffs, and bows reply. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 36. + + Did not the _Præses_ himself most kindly and oft reprimand me? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + + --the good old _Præses_ cries, + While the tears stand in his eyes, + "You have passed and are classed + With the boys of 'Twenty-Nine.'" + _Knick. Mag._, Vol. XLV. p. 195. + + +PRAYERS. In colleges and universities, the religious exercises +performed in the chapel at morning and evening, at which all the +students are required to attend. + +These exercises in some institutions were formerly much more +extended than at present, and must on some occasions have been +very onerous. Mr. Quincy, in his History of Harvard University, +writing in relation to the customs which were prevalent in the +College at the beginning of the last century, says on this +subject: "Previous to the accession of Leverett to the Presidency, +the practice of obliging the undergraduates to read portions of +the Scripture from Latin or English into Greek, at morning and +evening service, had been discontinued. But in January and May, +1708, this 'ancient and laudable practice was revived' by the +Corporation. At morning prayers all the undergraduates were +ordered, beginning with the youngest, to read a verse out of the +Old Testament from the Hebrew into Greek, except the Freshmen, who +were permitted to use their English Bibles in this exercise; and +at evening service, to read from the New Testament out of the +English or Latin translation into Greek, whenever the President +performed this service in the Hall." In less than twenty years +after the revival of these exercises, they were again +discontinued. The following was then established as the order of +morning and evening worship: "The morning service began with a +short prayer; then a chapter of the Old Testament was read, which +the President expounded, and concluded with prayer. The evening +service was the same, except that the chapter read was from the +New Testament, and on Saturday a psalm was sung in the Hall. On +Sunday, exposition was omitted; a psalm was sung morning and +evening; and one of the scholars, in course, was called upon to +repeat, in the evening, the sermons preached on that day."--Vol. +I. pp. 439, 440. + +The custom of singing at prayers on Sunday evening continued for +many years. In a manuscript journal kept during the year 1793, +notices to the following effect frequently occur. "Feb. 24th, +Sunday. The singing club performed Man's Victory, at evening +prayers." "Sund. April 14th, P.M. At prayers the club performed +Brandon." "May 19th, Sabbath, P.M. At prayers the club performed +Holden's Descend ye nine, etc." Soon after this, prayers were +discontinued on Sunday evenings. + +The President was required to officiate at prayers, but when +unable to attend, the office devolved on one of the Tutors, "they +taking their turns by course weekly." Whenever they performed this +duty "for any considerable time," they were "suitably rewarded for +their service." In one instance, in 1794, all the officers being +absent, Mr., afterwards Prof. McKean, then an undergraduate, +performed the duties of chaplain. In the journal above referred +to, under date of Feb. 22, 1793, is this note: "At prayers, I +declaimed in Latin"; which would seem to show, that this season +was sometimes made the occasion for exercises of a literary as +well as religious character. + +In a late work by Professor Sidney Willard, he says of his father, +who was President of Harvard College: "In the early period of his +Presidency, Mr. Willard not unfrequently delivered a sermon at +evening prayers on Sunday. In the year 1794, I remember he +preached once or twice on that evening, but in the next year and +onward he discontinued the service. His predecessor used to +expound passages of Scripture as a part of the religious service. +These expositions are frequently spoken of in the diary of Mr. +Caleb Gannett when he was a Tutor. On Saturday evening and Sunday +morning and evening, generally the College choir sang a hymn or an +anthem. When these Sunday services were observed in the Chapel, +the Faculty and students worshipped on Lord's day, at the stated +hours of meeting, in the Congregational or the Episcopal Church." +--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. 137, 138. + +At Yale College, one of the earliest laws ordains that "all +undergraduates shall publicly repeat sermons in the hall in their +course, and also bachelors; and be constantly examined on Sabbaths +[at] evening prayer."--_Pres. Woolsey's Discourse_, p. 59. + +Prayers at this institution were at one period regulated by the +following rule. "The President, or in his Absence, one of the +Tutors in their Turn, shall constantly pray in the Chapel every +Morning and Evening, and read a Chapter, or some suitable Portion +of Scripture, unless a Sermon, or some Theological Discourse shall +then be delivered. And every Member of College is obliged to +attend, upon the Penalty of one Penny for every Instance of +Absence, without a sufficient Reason, and a half Penny for being +tardy, i.e. when any one shall come in after the President, or go +out before him."--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 5. + +A writer in the American Literary Magazine, in noticing some of +the evils connected with the American college system, describes +very truthfully, in the following question, a scene not at all +novel in student life. "But when the young man is compelled to +rise at an unusually early hour to attend public prayers, under +all kinds of disagreeable circumstances; when he rushes into the +chapel breathless, with wet feet, half dressed, and with the +prospect of a recitation immediately to succeed the devotions,--is +it not natural that he should be listless, or drowsy, or excited +about his recitation, during the whole sacred exercise?"--Vol. IV. +p. 517. + +This season formerly afforded an excellent opportunity, for those +who were so disposed, to play off practical jokes on the person +officiating. On one occasion, at one of our colleges, a goose was +tied to the desk by some of the students, intended as emblematic +of the person who was accustomed to occupy that place. But the +laugh was artfully turned upon them by the minister, who, seeing +the bird with his head directed to the audience, remarked, that he +perceived the young gentlemen were for once provided with a parson +admirably suited to their capacities, and with these words left +them to swallow his well-timed sarcasm. On another occasion, a ram +was placed in the pulpit, with his head turned to the door by +which the minister usually entered. On opening the door, the +animal, diving between the legs of the fat shepherd, bolted down +the pulpit stairs, carrying on his back the sacred load, and with +it rushed out of the chapel, leaving the assemblage to indulge in +the reflections excited by the expressive looks of the astonished +beast, and of his more astonished rider. + +The Bible was often kept covered, when not in use, with a cloth. +It was formerly a very common trick to place under this cloth a +pewter plate obtained from the commons hall, which the minister, +on uncovering, would, if he were a shrewd man, quietly slide under +the desk, and proceed as usual with the exercises. + +At Harvard College, about the year 1785, two Indian images were +missing from their accustomed place on the top of the gate-posts +which stood in front of the dwelling of a gentleman of Cambridge. +At the same time the Bible was taken from the Chapel, and another, +which was purchased to supply its place, soon followed it, no one +knew where. One day, as a tutor was passing by the room of a +student, hearing within an uncommonly loud noise, he entered, as +was his right and office. There stood the occupant,[59] holding in +his hands one of the Chapel Bibles, while before him on the table +were placed the images, to which he appeared to be reading, but in +reality was vociferating all kinds of senseless gibberish. "What +is the meaning of this noise?" inquired the tutor in great anger. +"Propagating the _Gospel_ among the _Indians_, Sir," replied the +student calmly. + +While Professor Ashur Ware was a tutor in Harvard College, he in +his turn, when the President was absent, officiated at prayers. +Inclined to be longer in his devotions than was thought necessary +by the students, they were often on such occasions seized with +violent fits of sneezing, which generally made themselves audible +in the word "A-a-shur," "A-a-shur." + +The following lines, written by William C. Bradley when an +undergraduate at Harvard College, cannot fail to be appreciated by +those who have been cognizant of similar scenes and sentiments in +their own experience of student life. + + "Hark! the morning Bell is pealing + Faintly on the drowsy ear, + Far abroad the tidings dealing, + Now the hour of prayer is near. + To the pious Sons of Harvard, + Starting from the land of Nod, + Loudly comes the rousing summons, + Let us run and worship God. + + "'T is the hour for deep contrition, + 'T is the hour for peaceful thought, + 'T is the hour to win the blessing + In the early stillness sought; + Kneeling in the quiet chamber, + On the deck, or on the sod, + In the still and early morning, + 'T is the hour to worship God. + + "But don't _you_ stop to pray in secret, + No time for _you_ to worship there, + The hour approaches, 'Tempus fugit,' + Tear your shirt or miss a prayer. + Don't stop to wash, don't stop to button, + Go the ways your fathers trod; + Leg it, put it, rush it, streak it, + _Run_ and worship God. + + "On the staircase, stamping, tramping, + Bounding, sounding, down you go; + Jumping, bumping, crashing, smashing, + Jarring, bruising, heel and toe. + See your comrades far before you + Through the open door-way jam, + Heaven and earth! the bell is stopping! + Now it dies in silence--d**n!" + + +PRELECTION. Latin, _prælectio_. A lecture or discourse read in +public or to a select company. + +Further explained by Dr. Popkin: "In the introductory schools, I +think, _Prelections_ were given by the teachers to the learners. +According to the meaning of the word, the Preceptor went before, +as I suppose, and explained and probably interpreted the lesson or +lection; and the scholar was required to receive it in memory, or +in notes, and in due time to render it in recitation."--_Memorial +of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. 19. + + +PRELECTOR. Latin, _prælector_. One who reads an author to others +and adds explanations; a reader; a lecturer. + +Their so famous a _prelectour_ doth teach.--_Sheldon, Mir. of +Anti-Christ_, p. 38. + +If his reproof be private, or with the cathedrated authority of a +_prælector_ or public reader.--_Whitlock, Mann. of the English_, +p. 385. + +2. Same as FATHER, which see. + + +PREPOSITOR. Latin. A scholar appointed by the master to overlook +the rest. + +And when requested for the salt-cellar, I handed it with as much +trepidation as a _præposter_ gives the Doctor a list, when he is +conscious of a mistake in the excuses.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +281. + + +PRESENTATION DAY. At Yale College, Presentation Day is the time +when the Senior Class, having finished the prescribed course of +study, and passed a satisfactory examination, are _presented_ by +the examiners to the President, as properly qualified to be +admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. A distinguished +professor of the institution where this day is observed has kindly +furnished the following interesting historical account of this +observance. + +"This presentation," he writes, "is a ceremony of long standing. +It has certainly existed for more than a century. It is very early +alluded to, not as a _novelty_, but as an established custom. +There is now less formality on such occasions, but the substantial +parts of the exercises are retained. The examination is now begun +on Saturday and finished on Tuesday, and the day after, Wednesday, +six weeks before the public Commencement, is the day of +Presentation. There have sometimes been literary exercises on that +day by one or more of the candidates, and sometimes they have been +omitted. I have in my possession a Latin Oration, what, I suppose, +was called a _Cliosophic Oration_, pronounced by William Samuel +Johnson in 1744, at the presentation of his class. Sometimes a +member of the class exhibited an English Oration, which was +responded to by some one of the College Faculty, generally by one +who had been the principal instructor of the class presented. A +case of this kind occurred in 1776, when Mr., afterwards President +Dwight, responded to the class orator in an address, which, being +delivered the same July in which Independence was declared, drew, +from its patriotic allusions, as well as for other reasons, +unusual attention. It was published,--a rare thing at that period. +Another response was delivered in 1796, by J. Stebbins, Tutor, +which was likewise published. There has been no exhibition of the +kind since. For a few years past, there have been an oration and a +poem exhibited by members of the graduating class, at the time of +presentation. The appointments for these exercises are made by the +class. + +"So much of an exhibition as there was at the presentation in 1778 +has not been usual. More was then done, probably, from the fact, +that for several years, during the Revolutionary war, there was no +public Commencement. Perhaps it should be added, that, so far back +as my information extends, after the literary exercises of +Presentation Day, there has always been a dinner, or collation, at +which the College Faculty, graduates, invited guests, and the +Senior Class have been present." + +A graduate of the present year[60] writes more particularly in +relation to the observances of the day at the present time. "In +the morning the Senior Class are met in one of the lecture-rooms +by the chairman of the Faculty and the senior Tutor. The latter +reads the names of those who have passed a satisfactory +examination, and are to be recommended for degrees. The Class then +adjourn to the College Chapel, where the President and some of the +Professors are waiting to receive them. The senior Tutor reads the +names as before, after which Professor Kingsley recommends the +Class to the President and Faculty for the degree of B.A., in a +Latin discourse. The President then responds in the same tongue, +and addresses a few words of counsel to the Class. + +"These exercises are followed by the Poem and Oration, delivered +by members of the Class chosen for these offices by the Class. +Then comes the dinner, given in one of the lecture-rooms. After +this the Class meet in the College yard, and spend the afternoon +in smoking (the old clay pipe is used, but no cigars) and singing. +Thus ends the active life of our college days." + +"Presentation Day," says the writer of the preface to the "Songs +of Yale," "is the sixth Wednesday of the Summer Term, when the +graduating Class, after having passed their second 'Biennial,' are +presented to the President as qualified for the first degree, or +the B.A. After this 'presentation,' a farewell oration and poem +are pronounced by members of the Class, previously elected by +their classmates for the purpose. After a public dinner, they seat +themselves under the elms before the College, and smoke and sing +for the last time together. Each has his pipe, and 'they who +never' smoked 'before' now smoke, or seem to. The exercises are +closed with a procession about the buildings, bidding each +farewell." 1853, p. 4. + +This last smoke is referred to in the following lines:-- + + "Green elms are waving o'er us, + Green grass beneath our feet, + The ring is round, and on the ground + We sit a class complete." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + "It is a very jolly thing, + Our sitting down in this great ring, + To smoke our pipes and loudly sing."--_Ibid._ + +Pleasant reference is had to some of the more modern features of +Presentation Day, in the annexed extract from the "Yale Literary +Magazine":-- + +"There is one spot where the elms stretch their long arms, not 'in +quest of thought,' but as though they would afford their friendly +shade to make pleasant the last scene of the academic life. Seated +in a circle in this place, which has been so often trampled by the +'stag-dance' of preceding classes, and made hallowed by +associations which will cling around such places, are the present +graduates. They have met together for the last time as a body, for +they will not all be present at the closing ceremony of +Commencement, nor all answer to the muster in the future Class +reunions. It is hard to tell whether such a ceremony should be sad +or joyous, for, despite the boisterous merriment and exuberance +which arises from the prospect of freedom, there is something +tender in the thought of meeting for the last time, to break +strong ties, and lose individuality as a Class for ever. + +"In the centre of the circle are the Class band, with horns, +flutes, and violins, braying, piping, or saw-filing, at the option +of the owners,--toot,--toot,--bum,--bang,--boo-o-o,--in a most +melodious discord. Songs are distributed, pipes filled, and the +smoke cloud rises, trembles as the chorus of a hundred voices +rings out in a merry cadence, and then, breaking, soars off,--a +fit emblem of the separation of those at whose parting it received +its birth. + +"'Braxton on the history of the Class!' + +"'The Class history!--Braxton!--Braxton!' + +"'In a moment, gentlemen,'--and our hero mounts upon a cask, and +proceeds to give in burlesque a description of Class exploits and +the wonderful success of its _early_ graduates. Speeches follow, +and the joke, and song, till the lengthening shadows bring a +warning, and a preparation for the final ceremony. The ring is +spread out, the last pipes smoked in College laid down, and the +'stag-dance,' with its rush, and their destruction ended. Again +the ring forms, and each classmate moves around it to grasp each +hand for the last time, and exchange a parting blessing. + +"The band strike up, and the long procession march around the +College, plant their ivy, and return to cheer the +buildings."--Vol. XX. p. 228. + +The following song was written by Francis Miles Finch of the class +of 1849, for the Presentation Day of that year. + + "Gather ye smiles from the ocean isles, + Warm hearts from river and fountain, + A playful chime from the palm-tree clime, + From the land of rock and mountain: + And roll the song in waves along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And grand and hale are the elms of Yale, + Like fathers, bending o'er us. + + "Summon our band from the prairie land, + From the granite hills, dark frowning, + From the lakelet blue, and the black bayou, + From the snows our pine peaks crowning; + And pour the song in joy along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And grand and hale are the towers of Yale, + Like giants, watching o'er us. + + "Count not the tears of the long-gone years, + With their moments of pain and sorrow, + But laugh in the light of their memories bright, + And treasure them all for the morrow; + Then roll the song in waves along, + While the hours are bright before us, + And high and hale are the spires of Yale, + Like guardians, towering o'er us. + + "Dream of the days when the rainbow rays + Of Hope on our hearts fell lightly, + And each fair hour some cheerful flower + In our pathway blossomed brightly; + And pour the song in joy along, + Ere the moments fly before us, + While portly and hale the sires of Yale + Are kindly gazing o'er us. + + "Linger again in memory's glen, + 'Mid the tendrilled vines of feeling, + Till a voice or a sigh floats softly by, + Once more to the glad heart stealing; + And roll the song on waves along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And in cottage and vale are the brides of Yale, + Like angels, watching o'er us. + + "Clasp ye the hand 'neath the arches grand + That with garlands span our greeting, + With a silent prayer that an hour as fair + May smile on each after meeting; + And long may the song, the joyous song, + Roll on in the hours before us, + And grand and hale may the elms of Yale, + For many a year, bend o'er us." + +In the Appendix to President Woolsey's Historical Discourse +delivered before the Graduates of Yale College, is the following +account of Presentation Day, in 1778. + +"The Professor of Divinity, two ministers of the town, and another +minister, having accompanied me to the Library about 1, P.M., the +middle Tutor waited upon me there, and informed me that the +examination was finished, and they were ready for the +presentation. I gave leave, being seated in the Library between +the above ministers. Hereupon the examiners, preceded by the +Professor of Mathematics, entered the Library, and introduced +thirty candidates, a beautiful sight! The Diploma Examinatorium, +with the return and minutes inscribed upon it, was delivered to +the President, who gave it to the Vice-Bedellus, directing him to +read it. He read it and returned it to the President, to be +deposited among the College archives _in perpetuam rei memoriam_. +The senior Tutor thereupon made a very eloquent Latin speech, and +presented the candidates for the honors of the College. This +presentation the President in a Latin speech accepted, and +addressed the gentlemen examiners and the candidates, and gave the +latter liberty to return home till Commencement. Then dismissed. + +"At about 3, P.M., the afternoon exercises were appointed to +begin. At 3-1/2, the bell tolled, and the assembly convened in the +chapel, ladies and gentlemen. The President introduced the +exercises in a Latin speech, and then delivered the Diploma +Examinatorium to the Vice-Bedellus, who, standing on the pulpit +stairs, read it publicly. Then succeeded,-- + + Cliosophic Oration in Latin, by Sir Meigs. + Poetical Composition in English, by Sir Barlow. + Dialogue, English, by Sir Miller, Sir Chaplin, Sir Ely. + Cliosophic Oration, English, by Sir Webster. + Disputation, English, by Sir Wolcott, Sir Swift, Sir Smith. + Valedictory Oration, English, by Sir Tracy. + An Anthem. Exercises two hours."--p. 121. + + +PRESIDENT. In the United States, the chief officer of a college or +university. His duties are, to preside at the meetings of the +Faculty, at Exhibitions and Commencements, to sign the diplomas or +letters of degree, to carry on the official correspondence, to +address counsel and instruction to the students, and to exercise a +general superintendence in the affairs of the college over which +he presides. + +At Harvard College it was formerly the duty of the President "to +inspect the manners of the students, and unto his morning and +evening prayers to join some exposition of the chapters which they +read from Hebrew into Greek, from the Old Testament, in the +morning, and out of English into Greek, from the New Testament, in +the evening." At the same College, in the early part of the last +century, Mr. Wadsworth, the President, states, "that he expounded +the Scriptures, once eleven, and sometimes eight or nine times in +the course of a week."--_Harv. Reg._, p. 249, and _Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 440. + +Similar duties were formerly required of the President at other +American colleges. In some, at the present day, he performs the +duties of a professor in connection with those of his own office, +and presides at the daily religious exercises in the Chapel. + +The title of President is given to the chief officer in some of +the colleges of the English universities. + + +PRESIDENT'S CHAIR. At Harvard College, there is in the Library an +antique chair, venerable by age and association, which is used +only on Commencement Day, when it is occupied by the President +while engaged in delivering the diplomas for degrees. "Vague +report," says Quincy, "represents it to have been brought to the +College during the presidency of Holyoke, as the gift of the Rev. +Ebenezer Turell of Medford (the author of the Life of Dr. Colman). +Turell was connected by marriage with the Mathers, by some of whom +it is said to have been brought from England." Holyoke was +President from 1737 to 1769. The round knobs on the chair were +turned by President Holyoke, and attached to it by his own hands. +In the picture of this honored gentleman, belonging to the +College, he is painted in the old chair, which seems peculiarly +adapted by its strength to support the weight which fills it. + +Before the erection of Gore Hall, the present library building, +the books of the College were kept in Harvard Hall. In the same +building, also, was the Philosophy Chamber, where the chair +usually stood for the inspection of the curious. Over this domain, +from the year 1793 to 1800, presided Mr. Samuel Shapleigh, the +Librarian. He was a dapper little bachelor, very active and +remarkably attentive to the ladies who visited the Library, +especially the younger portion of them. When ushered into the room +where stood the old chair, he would watch them with eager eyes, +and, as soon as one, prompted by a desire of being able to say, "I +have sat in the President's Chair," took this seat, rubbing his +hands together, he would exclaim, in great glee, "A forfeit! a +forfeit!" and demand from the fair occupant a kiss, a fee which, +whether refused or not, he very seldom failed to obtain.[61] + +This custom, which seems now-a-days to be going out of fashion, is +mentioned by Mr. William Biglow, in a poem before the Phi Beta +Kappa Society, recited in their dining-hall, August 29, 1811. +Speaking of Commencement Day and its observances, he says:-- + + "Now young gallants allure their favorite fair + To take a seat in Presidential chair; + Then seize the long-accustomed fee, the bliss + Of the half ravished, half free-granted kiss." + +The editor of Mr. Peirce's History of Harvard University publishes +the following curious extracts from Horace Walpole's Private +Correspondence, giving a description of some antique chairs found +in England, exactly of the same construction with the College +chair; a circumstance which corroborates the supposition that this +also was brought from England. + +HORACE WALPOLE TO GEORGE MONTAGU, ESQ. + +"_Strawberry Hill, August_ 20, 1761. + +"Dickey Bateman has picked up a whole cloister full of old chairs +in Herefordshire. He bought them one by one, here and there in +farm-houses, for three and sixpence and a crown apiece. They are +of wood, the seats triangular, the backs, arms, and legs loaded +with turnery. A thousand to one but there are plenty up and down +Cheshire, too. If Mr. and Mrs. Wetenhall, as they ride or drive +out, would now and then pick up such a chair, it would oblige me +greatly. Take notice, no two need be of the same +pattern."--_Private Correspondence of Horace Walpole, Earl of +Orford_, Vol. II. p. 279. + +HORACE WALPOLE TO THE REV. MR. COLE. + +"_Strawberry Hill, March_ 9, 1765. + +"When you go into Cheshire, and upon your ramble, may I trouble +you with a commission? but about which you must promise me not to +go a step out of your way. Mr. Bateman has got a cloister at old +Windsor furnished with ancient wooden chairs, most of them +triangular, but all of various patterns, and carved and turned in +the most uncouth and whimsical forms. He picked them up one by +one, for two, three, five, or six shillings apiece, from different +farm-houses in Herefordshire. I have long envied and coveted them. +There may be such in poor cottages in so neighboring a county as +Cheshire. I should not grudge any expense for purchase or +carriage, and should be glad even of a couple such for my cloister +here. When you are copying inscriptions in a churchyard in any +Village, think of me, and step into the first cottage you see, but +don't take further trouble than that."--_Ibid._, Vol. III. pp. 23, +24, from _Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 312. + +An engraving of the chair is to be found in President Quincy's +History of Harvard University, Vol. I. p. 288. + + +PREVARICATOR. A sort of an occasional orator; an academical phrase +in the University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Johnson_. + +He should not need have pursued me through the various shapes of a +divine, a doctor, a head of a college, a professor, a +_prevaricator_, a mathematician.--_Bp. Wren, Monarchy Asserted_, +Pref. + +It would have made you smile to hear the _prevaricator_, in his +jocular way, give him his title and character to face.--_A. +Philips, Life of Abp. Williams_, p. 34. + +See TERRÆ-FILIUS. + + +PREVIOUS EXAMINATION. In the English universities, the University +examination in the second year. + +Called also the LITTLE-GO. + +The only practical connection that the Undergraduate usually has +with the University, in its corporate capacity, consists in his +_previous examination_, _alias_ the "Little-Go," and his final +examination for a degree, with or without honors.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 10. + + +PREX. A cant term for President. + +After examination, I went to the old _Prex_, and was admitted. +_Prex_, by the way, is the same as President.--_The Dartmouth_, +Vol. IV. p. 117. + +But take a peep with us, dear reader, into that _sanctum +sanctorum_, that skull and bones of college mysteries, the +_Prex's_ room.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + +Good old _Prex_ used to get the students together and advise them +on keeping their faces clean, and blacking their boots, +&c.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. III. p. 228. + + +PRINCE'S STUFF. In the English universities, the fabric of which +the gowns of the undergraduates are usually made. + +[Their] every-day habit differs nothing as far as the gown is +concerned, it being _prince's stuff_, or other convenient +material.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xv. + +See COSTUME. + + +PRINCIPAL. At Oxford, the president of a college or hall is +sometimes styled the Principal.--_Oxf. Cal._ + + +PRIVAT DOCENT. In German universities, a _private teacher_. "The +so-called _Privat Docenten_," remarks Howitt, "are gentlemen who +devote themselves to an academical career, who have taken the +degree of Doctor, and through a public disputation have acquired +the right to deliver lectures on subjects connected with their +particular department of science. They receive no salary, but +depend upon the remuneration derived from their +classes."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 29. + + +PRIVATE. At Harvard College, one of the milder punishments is what +is called _private admonition_, by which a deduction of thirty-two +marks is made from the rank of the offender. So called in +contradistinction to _public admonition_, when a deduction is +made, and with it a letter is sent to the parent. Often +abbreviated into _private_. + +"Reckon on the fingers of your mind the reprimands, deductions, +parietals, and _privates_ in store for you."--_Oration before H.L. +of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + + What are parietals, parts, _privates_ now, + To the still calmness of that placid brow? + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + +PRIVATISSIMUM, _pl._ PRIVATISSIMI. Literally, _most private_. In +the German universities, an especially private lecture. + +To these _Privatissimi_, as they are called, or especially private +lectures, being once agreed upon, no other auditors can be +admitted.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 35. + + Then my _Privatissimum_--(I've been thinking on it + For a long time--and in fact begun it)-- + Will cost me 20 Rix-dollars more, + Please send with the ducats I mentioned before. + _The Jobsiad_, in _Lit. World_, Vol. IX. p. 281. + + The use of a _Privatissimum_ I can't conjecture, + When one is already ten hours at lecture. + _Ibid._, Vol. IX. p. 448. + + +PRIZEMAN. In universities and colleges, one who takes a prize. + + The Wrangler's glory in his well-earned fame, + The _prizeman's_ triumph, and the plucked man's shame. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, _May_, 1849. + + +PROBATION. In colleges and universities, the examination of a +student as to his qualifications for a degree. + +2. The time which a student passes in college from the period of +entering until he is matriculated and received as a member in full +standing. In American colleges, this is usually six months, but +can be prolonged at discretion.--_Coll. Laws_. + + +PROCEED. To take a degree. Mr. Halliwell, in his Dictionary of +Archaic and Provincial Words, says, "This term is still used at +the English universities." It is sometimes used in American +colleges. + +In 1605 he _proceeded_ Master of Arts, and became celebrated as a +wit and a poet.--_Poems of Bishop Corbet_, p. ix. + +They that expect to _proceed_ Bachelors that year, to be examined +of their sufficiency,... and such that expect to _proceed_ Masters +of Arts, to exhibit their synopsis of acts. + +They, that are approved sufficient for their degrees, shall +_proceed_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +The Overseers ... recommended to the Corporation "to take +effectual measures to prevent those who _proceeded_ Bachelors of +Arts, from having entertainments of any kind."--_Ibid._, Vol. II. +p. 93. + +When he _proceeded_ Bachelor of Arts, he was esteemed one of the +most perfect scholars that had ever received the honors of this +seminary.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 14. + +Masters may _proceed_ Bachelors in either of the Faculties, at the +end of seven years, &c.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 10. + +Of the surviving graduates, the oldest _proceeded_ Bachelor of +Arts the very Commencement at which Dr. Stiles was elected to the +Presidency.--_Woolsey's Discourse, Yale Coll._, Aug. 14, 1850, p. +38. + + +PROCTOR. Contracted from the Latin _procurator_, from _procuro_; +_pro_ and _curo_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., two proctors are annually +elected, who are peace-officers. It is their especial duty to +attend to the discipline and behavior of all persons _in statu +pupillari_, to search houses of ill-fame, and to take into custody +women of loose and abandoned character, and even those _de malo +suspectcæ_. Their other duties are not so menial in their +character, and are different in different universities.--_Cam. +Cal._ + +At Oxford, "the proctors act as university magistrates; they are +appointed from each college in rotation, and remain in office two +years. They nominate four pro-proctors to assist them. Their chief +duty, in which they are known to undergraduates, is to preserve +order, and keep the town free from improper characters. When they +go out in the evening, they are usually attended by two servants, +called by the gownsmen bull-dogs.... The marshal, a chief officer, +is usually in attendance on one of the proctors.... It is also the +proctor's duty to take care that the cap and gown are worn in the +University."--_The Collegian's Guide_, Oxford, pp. 176, 177. + +At Oxford, the proctors "jointly have, as has the Vice-Chancellor +singly, the power of interposing their _veto_ or _non placet_, +upon all questions in congregation and convocation, which puts a +stop at once to all further proceedings in the matter. These are +the 'censores morum' of the University, and their business is to +see that the undergraduate members, when no longer under the ken +of the head or tutors of their own college, behave seemly when +mixing with the townsmen and restrict themselves, as far as may +be, to lawful or constitutional and harmless amusements. Their +powers extend over a circumference of three miles round the walls +of the city. The proctors are easily recognized by their full +dress gown of velvet sleeves, and bands-encircled neck."--_Oxford +Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xiii. + +At Oxford, "the two proctors were formerly nearly equal in +importance to the Vice-Chancellor. Their powers, though +diminished, are still considerable, as they administer the police +of the University, appoint the Examiners, and have a joint veto on +all measures brought before Convocation."--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. +p. 223. + +The class of officers called Proctors was instituted at Harvard +College in the year 1805, their duty being "to reside constantly +and preserve order within the walls," to preserve order among the +students, to see that the laws of the College are enforced, "and +to exercise the same inspection and authority in their particular +district, and throughout College, which it is the duty of a +parietal Tutor to exercise therein."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. II. p. 292. + +I believe this is the only college in the United States where this +class of academical police officers is established. + + +PROF, PROFF. Abbreviated for _Professor_. + +The _Proff_ thought he knew too much to stay here, and so he went +his way, and I saw him no more.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 116. + + For _Proffs_ and Tutors too, + Who steer our big canoe, + Prepare their lays. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 144. + + +PROFESSOR. One that publicly teaches any science or branch of +learning; particularly, an officer in a university, college, or +other seminary, whose business is to read lectures or instruct +students in a particular branch of learning; as a _professor_ of +theology or mathematics.--_Webster_. + + +PROFESSORIATE. The office or employment of a professor. + +It is desirable to restore the _professoriate_.--_Lit. World_, +Vol. XII. p. 246. + + +PROFESSOR OF DUST AND ASHES. A title sometimes jocosely given by +students to the person who has the care of their rooms. + +Was interrupted a moment just now, by the entrance of Mr. C------, +the gentleman who makes the beds, sweeps, takes up the ashes, and +supports the dignity of the title, "_Professor of Dust and +Ashes_."--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 77. + +The South College _Prof. of Dust and Ashes_ has a huge bill +against the Society.--_Yale Tomahawk_, Feb. 1851. + + +PROFICIENT. The degree of Proficient is conferred in the +University of Virginia, in a certificate of proficiency, on those +who have studied only in certain branches taught in some of the +schools connected with that institution. + + +PRO MERITIS. Latin; literally, _for his merits_. A phrase +customarily used in American collegiate diplomas. + + Then, every crime atoned with ease, + _Pro meritis_, received degrees. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +PRO-PROCTOR. In the English universities, an officer appointed to +assist the proctors in that part of their duty only which relates +to the discipline and behavior of those persons who are _in statu +pupillari_.--_Cam. and Oxf. Cals._ + +More familiarly, these officers are called _pro's_. + +They [the proctors] are assisted in their duties by four +pro-proctors, each principal being allowed to nominate his two +"_pro's_."--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xiii. + +The _pro's_ have also a strip of velvet on each side of the +gown-front, and wear bands.--_Ibid._, p. xiii. + + +PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR. In the English universities a deputy +appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, who exercises his power in case +of his illness or necessary absence. + + +PROVOST. The President of a college. + +Dr. Jay, on his arrival in England, found there Dr. Smith, +_Provost_ of the College in Philadelphia, soliciting aid for that +institution.--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia Coll._, p. 36. + +At Columbia College, in 1811, an officer was appointed, styled +_Provost_, who, in absence of the President, was to supply his +place, and who, "besides exercising the like general +superintendence with the President," was to conduct the classical +studies of the Senior Class. The office of Provost continued until +1816, when the Trustees determined that its powers and duties +should devolve upon the President.--_Ibid._, p. 81. + +At Oxford, the chief officer of some of the colleges bears this +title. At Cambridge, it is appropriated solely to the President of +King's College. "On the choice of a Provost," says the author of a +History of the University of Cambridge, 1753, "the Fellows are all +shut into the ante-chapel, and out of which they are not permitted +to stir on any account, nor none permitted to enter, till they +have all agreed on their man; which agreement sometimes takes up +several days; and, if I remember right, they were three days and +nights confined in choosing the present Provost, and had their +beds, close-stools, &c. with them, and their commons, &c. given +them in at the windows."--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 85. + + +PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE. In Yale College, a committee to whom the +discretionary concerns of the College are intrusted. They order +such repairs of the College buildings as are necessary, audit the +accounts of the Treasurer and Steward, make the annual report of +the state of the College, superintend the investment of the +College funds, institute suits for the recovery and preservation +of the College property, and perform various other duties which +are enumerated in the laws of Yale College. + +At Middlebury College, similar powers are given to a body bearing +the same name.--_Laws Mid. Coll._, 1839, pp. 4, 5. + + +PUBLIC. At Harvard College, the punishment next higher in order to +a _private admonition_ is called a _public admonition_, and +consists in a deduction of sixty-four marks from the rank of the +offender, accompanied by a letter to the parent or guardian. It is +often called _a public_. + +See ADMONITION, and PRIVATE. + + +PUBLIC DAY. In the University of Virginia, the day on which "the +certificates and diplomas are awarded to the successful +candidates, the results of the examinations are announced, and +addresses are delivered by one or more of the Bachelors and +Masters of Arts, and by the Orator appointed by the Society of the +Alumni."--_Cat. of Univ. of Virginia_. + +This occurs on the closing day of the session, the 29th of June. + +PUBLIC ORATOR. In the English universities, an officer who is the +voice of the university on all public occasions, who writes, +reads, and records all letters of a public nature, and presents, +with an appropriate address, those on whom honorary degrees are +conferred. At Cambridge, this it esteemed one of the most +honorable offices in the gift of the university.--_Cam. and Oxf. +Cals._ + + +PUMP. Among German students, to obtain or take on credit; to +sponge. + + Und hat der Bursch kein Geld im Beutel, + So _pumpt_ er die Philister an. + _Crambambuli Song_. + + +PUNY. A young, inexperienced person; a novice. + +Freshmen at Oxford were called _punies of the first +year_.--_Halliwell's Dict. Arch. and Prov. Words_. + + +PUT THROUGH. A phrase very general in its application. When a +student treats, introduces, or assists another, or masters a hard +lesson, he is said to _put_ him or it _through_. In a discourse by +the Rev. Dr. Orville Dewey, on the Law of Progress, referring to +these words, he said "he had heard a teacher use the +characteristic expression that his pupils should be '_put +through_' such and such studies. This, he said, is a modern +practice. We put children through philosophy,--put them through +history,--put them through Euclid. He had no faith in this plan, +and wished to see the school teachers set themselves against this +forcing process." + +2. To examine thoroughly and with despatch. + + First Thatcher, then Hadley, then Larned and Prex, + Each _put_ our class _through_ in succession. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + + +_Q_. + + +Q. See CUE. + + +QUAD. An abbreviation of QUADRANGLE, q.v. + +How silently did all come down the staircases into the chapel +_quad_, that evening!--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 88. + +His mother had been in Oxford only the week before, and had been +seen crossing the _quad_ in tears.--_Ibid._, p. 144. + + +QUADRANGLE. At Oxford and Cambridge, Eng., the rectangular courts +in which the colleges are constructed. + + Soon as the clouds divide, and dawning day + Tints the _quadrangle_ with its earliest ray. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +QUARTER-DAY. The day when quarterly payments are made. The day +that completes three months. + +At Harvard and Yale Colleges, quarter-day, when the officers and +instructors receive their quarterly salaries, was formerly +observed as a holiday. One of the evils which prevailed among the +students of the former institution, about the middle of the last +century, was the "riotous disorders frequently committed on the +_quarter-days_ and evenings," on one of which, in 1764, "the +windows of all the Tutors and divers other windows were broken," +so that, in consequence, a vote was passed that "the observation +of _quarter-days_, in distinction from other days, be wholly laid +aside, and that the undergraduates be obliged to observe the +studying hours, and to perform the college exercises, on +quarter-day, and the day following, as at other times."--_Peirce's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 216. + + +QUESTIONIST. In the English universities, a name given to those +who are in the last term of their college course, and are soon to +be examined for honors or degrees.--_Webster_. + +In the "Orders agreed upon by the Overseers, at a meeting in +Harvard College, May 6th, 1650," this word is used in the +following sentence: "And, in case any of the Sophisters, +_Questionists_, or Inceptors fail in the premises required at +their hands,... they shall be deferred to the following year"; but +it does not seem to have gained any prevalence in the College, and +is used, it is believed, only in this passage. + + +QUILLWHEEL. At the Wesleyan University, "when a student," says a +correspondent, "'knocks under,' or yields a point, he says he +_quillwheels_, that is, he acknowledges he is wrong." + + + +_R_. + + +RAG. This word is used at Union College, and is thus explained by +a correspondent: "To _rag_ and _ragging_, you will find of very +extensive application, they being employed primarily as expressive +of what is called by the vulgar thieving and stealing, but in a +more extended sense as meaning superiority. Thus, if one declaims +or composes much better than his classmates, he is said to _rag_ +all his competitors." + +The common phrase, "_to take the rag off_," i.e. to excel, seems +to be the form from which this word has been abbreviated. + + +RAKE. At Williams and at Bowdoin Colleges, used in the phrase "to +_rake_ an X," i.e. to recite perfectly, ten being the number of +marks given for the best recitation. + + +RAM. A practical joke. + + ---- in season to be just too late + A successful _ram_ to perpetrate. + _Sophomore Independent_, Union Coll., Nov. 1854. + + +RAM ON THE CLERGY. At Middlebury College, a synonyme of the slang +noun, "sell." + + +RANTERS. At Bethany College, in Virginia, there is "a band," says +a correspondent, "calling themselves '_Ranters_,' formed for the +purpose of perpetrating all kinds of rascality and +mischievousness, both on their fellow-students and the neighboring +people. The band is commanded by one selected from the party, +called the _Grand Ranter_, whose orders are to be obeyed under +penalty of expulsion of the person offending. Among the tricks +commonly indulged in are those of robbing hen and turkey roosts, +and feasting upon the fruits of their labor, of stealing from the +neighbors their horses, to enjoy the pleasure of a midnight ride, +and to facilitate their nocturnal perambulations. If detected, and +any complaint is made, or if the Faculty are informed of their +movements, they seek revenge by shaving the tails and manes of the +favorite horses belonging to the person informing, or by some +similar trick." + + +RAZOR. A writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines this word in +the following sentence: "Many of the members of this time-honored +institution, from whom we ought to expect better things, not only +do their own shaving, but actually _make their own razors_. But I +must explain for the benefit of the uninitiated. A pun, in the +elegant college dialect, is called a razor, while an attempt at a +pun is styled a _sick razor_. The _sick_ ones are by far the most +numerous; however, once in a while you meet with one in quite +respectable health."--Vol. XIII. p. 283. + +The meeting will be opened with _razors_ by the Society's jester. +--_Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + Behold how Duncia leads her chosen sons, + All armed with squibs, stale jokes, _dull razors_, puns. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +READ. To be studious; to practise much reading; e.g. at Oxford, to +_read_ for a first class; at Cambridge, to _read_ for an honor. In +America it is common to speak of "reading law, medicine," &c. + + We seven stayed at Christmas up to _read_; + We seven took one tutor. + _Tennyson, Prologue to Princess_. + +In England the vacations are the very times when you _read_ most. +_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 78. + +This system takes for granted that the students have "_read_," as +it is termed, with a private practitioner of medicine.--_Cat. +Univ. of Virginia_, 1851, p. 25. + + +READER. In the University of Oxford, one who reads lectures on +scientific subjects.--_Lyell_. + +2. At the English universities, a hard student, nearly equivalent +to READING MAN. + +Most of the Cantabs are late _readers_, so that, supposing one of +them to begin at seven, he will not leave off before half past +eleven.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +READERSHIP. In the University of Oxford, the office of a reader or +lecturer on scientific subjects.--_Lyell_. + + +READING. In the academic sense, studying. + +One would hardly suspect them to be students at all, did not the +number of glasses hint that those who carried them had impaired +their sight by late _reading_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 5. + + +READING MAN. In the English universities, a _reading man_ is a +hard student, or one who is entirely devoted to his collegiate +studies.--_Webster_. + +The distinction between "_reading men_" and "_non-reading men_" +began to manifest itself.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 169. + +We might wonder, perhaps, if in England the "[Greek: oi polloi]" +should be "_reading men_," but with us we should wonder were they +not.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 15. + + +READING PARTY. In England, a number of students who in vacation +time, and at a distance from the university, pursue their studies +together under the direction of a coach, or private tutor. + +Of this method of studying, Bristed remarks: "It is not +_impossible_ to read on a reading-party; there is only a great +chance against your being able to do so. As a very general rule, a +man works best in his accustomed place of business, where he has +not only his ordinary appliances and helps, but his familiar +associations about him. The time lost in settling down and making +one's self comfortable and ready for work in a new place is not +inconsiderable, and is all clear loss. Moreover, the very idea of +a reading-party involves a combination of two things incompatible, +--amusement and relaxation beyond the proper and necessary +quantity of daily exercise, and hard work at books. + +"Reading-parties do not confine themselves to England or the +island of Great Britain. Sometimes they have been known to go as +far as Dresden. Sometimes a party is of considerable size; when a +crack Tutor goes on one, which is not often, he takes his whole +team with him, and not unfrequently a Classical and Mathematical +Bachelor join their pupils."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, pp. 199-201. + + +READ UP. Students often speak of _reading up_, i.e. preparing +themselves to write on a subject, by reading the works of authors +who have treated of it. + + +REBELLION TREE. At Harvard College, a large elm-tree, which stands +to the east of the south entry of Hollis Hall, has long been known +by this name. It is supposed to have been planted at the request +of Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris. His son, Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, the +present Librarian of the College, says that his father has often +told him, that when he held the office of Librarian, in the year +1792, a number of trees were set out in the College yard, and that +one was planted opposite his room, No. 7 Hollis Hall, under which +he buried a pewter plate, taken from the commons hall. On this +plate was inscribed his name, the day of the month, the year, &c. +From its situation and appearance, the Rebellion Tree would seem +to be the one thus described; but it did not receive its name +until the year 1807, when the famous rebellion occurred among the +students, and perhaps not until within a few years antecedent to +the year 1819. At that time, however, this name seems to have been +the one by which it was commonly known, from the reference which +is made to it in the Rebelliad, a poem written to commemorate the +deeds of the rebellion of that year. + + And roared as loud as he could yell, + "Come on, my lads, let us rebel!" + + * * * * * + + With one accord they all agree + To dance around _Rebellion Tree_. + _Rebelliad_, p. 46. + + But they, rebellious rascals! flee + For shelter to _Rebellion Tree_. + _Ibid._, p. 60. + + Stands a tree in front of Hollis, + Dear to Harvard over all; + But than ---- desert us, + Rather let _Rebellion_ fall. + _MS. Poem_. + +Other scenes are sometimes enacted under its branches, as the +following verses show:-- + + When the old year was drawing towards its close, + And in its place the gladsome new one rose, + Then members of each class, with spirits free, + Went forth to greet her round _Rebellion Tree_. + Round that old tree, sacred to students' rights, + And witness, too, of many wondrous sights, + In solemn circle all the students passed; + They danced with spirit, until, tired, at last + A pause they make, and some a song propose. + Then "Auld Lang Syne" from many voices rose. + Now, as the lamp of the old year dies out, + They greet the new one with exulting shout; + They groan for ----, and each class they cheer, + And thus they usher in the fair new year. + _Poem before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, p. 19, 1849. + + +RECENTES. Latin for the English FRESHMEN. Consult Clap's History +of Yale College, 1766, p. 124. + + +RECITATION. In American colleges and schools, the rehearsal of a +lesson by pupils before their instructor.--_Webster_. + + +RECITATION-ROOM. The room where lessons are rehearsed by pupils +before their instructor. + +In the older American colleges, the rooms of the Tutors were +formerly the recitation-rooms of the classes. At Harvard College, +the benches on which the students sat when reciting were, when not +in use, kept in piles, outside of the Tutors' rooms. When the hour +of recitation arrived, they would carry them into the room, and +again return them to their places when the exercise was finished. +One of the favorite amusements of the students was to burn these +benches; the spot selected for the bonfire being usually the green +in front of the old meeting-house, or the common. + + +RECITE. Transitively, to rehearse, as a lesson to an instructor. + +2. Intransitively, to rehearse a lesson. The class will _recite_ +at eleven o'clock.--_Webster_. + +This word is used in both forms in American seminaries. + + +RECORD OF MERIT. At Middlebury College "a class-book is kept by +each instructor, in which the character of each student's +recitation is noted by numbers, and all absences from college +exercises are minuted. Demerit for absences and other +irregularities is also marked in like manner, and made the basis +of discipline. At the close of each term, the average of these +marks is recorded, and, when desired, communicated to parents and +guardians." This book is called the _record of merit_.--_Cat. +Middlebury Coll._, 1850-51, p. 17. + + +RECTOR. The chief elective officer of some universities, as in +France and Scotland. The same title was formerly given to the +president of a college in New England, but it is not now in +use.--_Webster_. + +The title of _Rector_ was given to the chief officer of Yale +College at the time of its foundation, and was continued until the +year 1745, when, by "An Act for the more full and complete +establishment of Yale College in New Haven," it was changed, among +other alterations, to that of _President_.--_Clap's Annals of Yale +College_, p. 47. + +The chief officer of Harvard College at the time of its foundation +was styled _Master_ or _Professor_. Mr. Dunster was chosen the +first _President_, in 1640, and those who succeeded him bore this +title until the year 1686, when Mr. Joseph Dudley, having received +the commission of President of the Colony, changed for the sake of +distinction the title of _President of the College_ to that of +_Rector_. A few years after, the title of _President_ was resumed. +--_Peirce's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, p. 63. + + +REDEAT. Latin; literally, _he may return_. "It is the custom in +some colleges," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "on coming into +residence, to wait on the Dean, and sign your name in a book, kept +for that purpose, which is called signing your _Redeat_."--p. 92. + + +REFECTORY. At Oxford, Eng., the place where the members of each +college or hall dine. This word was originally applied to an +apartment in convents and monasteries, where a moderate repast was +taken.--_Brande_. + +In Oxford there are nineteen colleges and five halls, containing +dwelling-rooms for the students, and a distinct _refectory_ or +dining-hall, library, and chapel to each college and hall.--_Oxf. +Guide_, 1847, p. xvi. + +At Princeton College, this name is given to the hall where the +students eat together in common.--Abbreviated REFEC. + + +REGENT. In the English universities, the regents, or _regentes_, +are members of the university who have certain peculiar duties of +instruction or government. At Cambridge, all resident Masters of +Arts of less than four years' standing and all Doctors of less +than two, are Regents. At Oxford, the period of regency is +shorter. At both universities, those of a more advanced standing, +who keep their names on the college books, are called +_non-regents_. At Cambridge, the regents compose the upper house, +and the non-regents the lower house of the Senate, or governing +body. At Oxford, the regents compose the _Congregation_, which +confers degrees, and does the ordinary business of the University. +The regents and non-regents, collectively, compose the +_Convocation_, which is the governing body in the last +resort.--_Webster_. + +See SENATE. + +2. In the State of New York, the member of a corporate body which +is invested with the superintendence of all the colleges, +academies, and schools in the State. This board consists of +twenty-one members, who are called _the Regents of the University +of the State of New York_. They are appointed and removable by the +legislature. They have power to grant acts of incorporation for +colleges, to visit and inspect all colleges, academies, and +schools, and to make regulations for governing the +same.--_Statutes of New York_. + +3. At Harvard College, an officer chosen from the _Faculty_, whose +duties are under the immediate direction of the President. All +weekly lists of absences, monitor's bills, petitions to the +Faculty for excuse of absences from the regular exercises and for +making up lessons, all petitions for elective studies, the returns +of the scale of merit, and returns of delinquencies and deductions +by the tutors and proctors, are left with the Regent, or deposited +in his office. The Regent also informs those who petition for +excuses, and for elective studies, of the decision of the Faculty +in regard to their petitions. Formerly, the Regent assisted in +making out the quarter or term bills, of which he kept a record, +and when students were punished by fining, he was obliged to keep +an account of the fines, and the offences for which they were +imposed. Some of his duties were performed by a Freshman, who was +appointed by the Faculty.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1814, and +_Regulations_, 1850. + +The creation of the office of Regent at Harvard College is noticed +by Professor Sidney Willard. In the year 1800 "an officer was +appointed to occupy a room in one of the halls to supply the place +of a Tutor, for preserving order in the rooms in his entry, and to +perform the duties that had been discharged by the Butler, so far +as it regarded the keeping of certain records. He was allowed the +service of a Freshman, and the offices of Butler and of Butler's +Freshman were abolished. The title of this new officer was +Regent."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 107. + +See FRESHMAN, REGENT'S. + + +REGISTER. In Union College, an officer whose duties are similar to +those enumerated under REGISTRAR. He also acts, without charge, as +fiscal guardian for all students who deposit funds in his hands. + + +REGISTRAR, REGISTRARY. In the English universities, an officer who +has the keeping of all the public records.--_Encyc._ + +At Harvard College, the Corporation appoint one of the Faculty to +the office of _Registrar_. He keeps a record of the votes and +orders passed by the latter body, gives certified copies of the +same when requisite, and performs other like duties.--_Laws Univ. +at Cam., Mass._, 1848. + + +REGIUS PROFESSOR. A name given in the British universities to the +incumbents of those professorships which have been founded by +_royal_ bounty. + + +REGULATORS. At Hamilton College, "a Junior Class affair," writes a +correspondent, "consisting of fifteen or twenty members, whose +object is to regulate college laws and customs according to their +own way. They are known only by their deeds. Who the members are, +no one out of the band knows. Their time for action is in the +night." + + +RELEGATION. In German universities, the _relegation_ is the +punishment next in severity to the _consilium abeundi_. Howitt +explains the term in these words: "It has two degrees. First, the +simple relegation. This consists in expulsion [out of the district +of the court of justice within which the university is situated], +for a period of from two to three years; after which the offender +may indeed return, but can no more be received as an academical +burger. Secondly, the sharper relegation, which adds to the simple +relegation an announcement of the fact to the magistracy of the +place of abode of the offender; and, according to the discretion +of the court, a confinement in an ordinary prison, previous to the +banishment, is added; and also the sharper relegation can be +extended to more than four years, the ordinary term,--yes, even to +perpetual expulsion."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 33. + + +RELIG. At Princeton College, an abbreviated name for a professor +of religion. + + +RENOWN. German, _renommiren_, to hector, to bully. Among the +students in German universities, to _renown_ is, in English +popular phrase, "to cut a swell."--_Howitt_. + +The spare hours of the forenoon and afternoon are spent in +fencing, in _renowning_,--that is, in doing things-which make +people stare at them, and in providing duels for the +morrow.--_Russell's Tour in Germany_, Edinburgh ed., 1825, Vol. +II. pp. 156, 157. + +We cannot be deaf to the testimony of respectable eyewitnesses, +who, in proof of these defects, tell us ... of "_renowning_," or +wild irregularities, in which "the spare hours" of the day are +spent.--_D.A. White's Address before Soc. of the Alumni of Harv. +Univ._, Aug. 27, 1844, p. 24. + + +REPLICATOR. "The first discussions of the Society, called +Forensic, were in writing, and conducted by only two members, +styled the Respondent and the Opponent. Subsequently, a third was +added, called a _Replicator_, who reviewed the arguments of the +other two, and decided upon their comparative +merits."--_Semi-centennial Anniversary of the Philomathean +Society, Union Coll._, p. 9. + + +REPORT. A word much in use among the students of universities and +colleges, in the common sense of _to inform against_, but usually +spoken in reference to the Faculty. + + Thanks to the friendly proctor who spared to _report_ me. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 79. + + If I hear again + Of such fell outrage to the college laws, + Of such loud tumult after eight o'clock, + Thou'lt be _reported_ to the Faculty.--_Ibid._, p. 257. + + +RESIDENCE. At the English universities, to be "in residence" is to +occupy rooms as a member of a college, either in the college +itself, or in the town where the college is situated. + +Trinity ... usually numbers four hundred undergraduates in +_residence_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +11. + +At Oxford, an examination, not always a very easy one, must be +passed before the student can be admitted to +_residence_.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 232. + + +RESIDENT GRADUATE. In the United States, graduates who are +desirous of pursuing their studies in a place where a college is +situated, without joining any of its departments, can do so in the +capacity of _residents_ or _resident graduates_. They are allowed +to attend the public lectures given in the institution, and enjoy +the use of its library. Like other students, they give bonds for +the payment of college dues.--_Coll. Laws_. + + +RESPONDENT. In the schools, one who maintains a thesis in reply, +and whose province is to refute objections, or overthrow +arguments.--_Watts_. + +This word, with its companion, _affirmant_, was formerly used in +American colleges, and was applied to those who engaged in the +syllogistic discussions then incident to Commencement. + +But the main exercises were disputations upon questions, wherein +the _respondents_ first made their theses.--_Mather's Magnalia_, +B. IV. p. 128. + +The syllogistic disputes were held between an _affirmant_ and +_respondent_, who stood in the side galleries of the church +opposite to one another, and shot the weapons of their logic over +the heads of the audience.--_Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc., Yale +Coll._, p. 65. + +In the public exercises at Commencement, I was somewhat remarked +as a _respondent_.--_Life and Works of John Adams_, Vol. II. p. 3. + + +RESPONSION. In the University of Oxford, an examination about the +middle of the college course, also called the +_Little-go_.--_Lyell_. + +See LITTLE-GO. + + +RETRO. Latin; literally, _back_. Among the students of the +University of Cambridge, Eng., used to designate a _behind_-hand +account. "A cook's bill of extraordinaries not settled by the +Tutor."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +REVIEW. A second or repeated examination of a lesson, or the +lesson itself thus re-examined. + + He cannot get the "advance," forgets "the _review_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 13. + + +RIDER. The meaning of this word, used at Cambridge, Eng., is given +in the annexed sentence. "His ambition is generally limited to +doing '_riders_,' which are a sort of scholia, or easy deductions +from the book-work propositions, like a link between them and +problems; indeed, the rider being, as its name imports, attached +to a question, the question is not fully answered until the rider +is answered also."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 222. + + +ROLL A WHEEL. At the University of Vermont, in student parlance, +to devise a scheme or lay a plot for an election or a college +spree, is to _roll a wheel_. E.g. "John was always _rolling a big +wheel_," i.e. incessantly concocting some plot. + + +ROOM. To occupy an apartment; to lodge; _an academic use of the +word_.--_Webster_. + +Inquire of any student at our colleges where Mr. B. lodges, and +you will be told he _rooms_ in such a building, such a story, or +up so many flights of stairs, No. --, to the right or left. + +The Rowes, years ago, used to _room_ in Dartmouth Hall.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + +_Rooming_ in college, it is convenient that they should have the +more immediate oversight of the deportment of the +students.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 133. + +Seven years ago, I _roomed_ in this room where we are now.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 114. + +When Christmas came again I came back to this room, but the man +who _roomed_ here was frightened and ran away.--_Ibid._, Vol. XII. +p. 114. + +Rent for these apartments is exacted from Sophomores, about sixty +_rooming_ out of college.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., +1852-53, p. 26. + + +ROOT. A word first used in the sense given below by Dr. Paley. "He +[Paley] held, indeed, all those little arts of underhand address, +by which patronage and preferment are so frequently pursued, in +supreme contempt. He was not of a nature to _root_; for that was +his own expressive term, afterwards much used in the University to +denote the sort of practice alluded to. He one day humorously +proposed, at some social meeting, that a certain contemporary +Fellow of his College [Christ's College, Cambridge, Eng.], at that +time distinguished for his elegant and engaging manners, and who +has since attained no small eminence in the Church of England, +should be appointed _Professor of Rooting_."--_Memoirs of Paley_. + +2. To study hard; to DIG, q.v. + +Ill-favored men, eager for his old boots and diseased raiment, +torment him while _rooting_ at his Greek.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 267. + + +ROT. Twaddle, platitude. In use among the students at the +University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + + +ROWES. The name of a party which formerly existed at Dartmouth +College. They are thus described in The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. +117: "The _Rowes_ are very liberal in their notions. The Rowes +don't pretend to say anything worse of a fellow than to call him a +_Blue_, and _vice versâ_." + +See BLUES. + + +ROWING. The making of loud and noisy disturbance; acting like a +_rowdy_. + + Flushed with the juice of the grape, + all prime and ready for _rowing_. + When from the ground I raised + the fragments of ponderous brickbat. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + +The Fellow-Commoners generally being more disposed to _rowing_ +than reading.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d. p. +34. + + +ROWING-MAN. One who is more inclined to fast living than hard +study. Among English students used in contradistinction to +READING-MAN, q.v. + +When they go out to sup, as a reading-man does perhaps once a +term, and a _rowing-man_ twice a week, they eat very moderately, +though their potations are sometimes of the deepest.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +ROWL, ROWEL. At Princeton, Union, and Hamilton Colleges, this word +is used to signify a good recitation. Used in the phrase, "to make +a _rowl_." From the second of these colleges, a correspondent +writes: "Also of the word _rowl_; if a public speaker presents a +telling appeal or passage, he would _make a perfect rowl_, in the +language of all students at least." + + +ROWL. To recite well. A correspondent from Princeton College +defines this word, "to perform any exercise well, recitation, +speech, or composition; to succeed in any branch or pursuit." + + +RUSH. At Yale College, a perfect recitation is denominated a +_rush_. + +I got my lesson perfectly, and what is more, made a perfect +_rush_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 134. + + Every _rush_ and fizzle made + Every body frigid laid. + _Ibid._, Vol. XX. p. 186. + +This mark [that of a hammer with a note, "hit the nail on the +head"] signifies that the student makes a capital hit; in other +words, a decided _rush_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + In dreams his many _rushes_ heard. + _Ibid._, Oct. 22, 1847. + +This word is much used among students with the common meaning; +thus, they speak of "a _rush_ into prayers," "a _rush_ into the +recitation-room," &c. A correspondent from Dartmouth College says: +"_Rushing_ the Freshmen is putting them out of the chapel." +Another from Williams writes: "Such a man is making a _rush_, and +to this we often add--for the Valedictory." + + The gay regatta where the Oneida led, + The glorious _rushes_, Seniors at the head. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849. + +One of the Trinity men ... was making a tremendous _rush_ for a +Fellowship.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +158. + + +RUSH. To recite well; to make a perfect recitation. + +It was purchased by the man,--who 'really did not look' at the +lesson on which he '_rushed_.'--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. +411. + +Then for the students mark flunks, even though the young men may +be _rushing_.--_Yale Banger_, Oct., 1848. + + So they pulled off their coats, and rolled up their sleeves, + And _rushed_ in Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs, Yale Coll._, June 14, 1854. + + +RUSTICATE. To send a student for a time from a college or +university, to reside in the country, by way of punishment for +some offence. + +See a more complete definition under RUSTICATION. + + And those whose crimes are very great, + Let us suspend or _rusticate_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 24. + + The "scope" of what I have to state + Is to suspend and _rusticate_.--_Ibid._, p. 28. + +The same meaning is thus paraphrastically conveyed:-- + + By my official power, I swear, + That you shall _smell the country air_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 45. + + +RUSTICATION. In universities and colleges, the punishment of a +student for some offence, by compelling him to leave the +institution, and reside for a time in the country, where he is +obliged to pursue with a private instructor the studies with which +his class are engaged during his term of separation, and in which +he is obliged to pass a satisfactory examination before he can be +reinstated in his class. + +It seems plain from his own verses to Diodati, that Milton had +incurred _rustication_,--a temporary dismission into the country, +with, perhaps, the loss of a term.--_Johnson_. + + Take then this friendly exhortation. + The next offence is _Rustication_. + _MS. Poem_, by John Q. Adams. + + +RUST-RINGING. At Hamilton College, "the Freshmen," writes a +correspondent, "are supposed to lose some of their verdancy at the +end of the last term of that year, and the 'ringing off their +rust' consists in ringing the chapel bell--commencing at midnight +--until the rope wears out. During the ringing, the upper classes +are diverted by the display of numerous fire-works, and enlivened +by most beautifully discordant sounds, called 'music,' made to +issue from tin kettle-drums, horse-fiddles, trumpets, horns, &c., +&c." + + + +_S_. + + +SACK. To expel. Used at Hamilton College. + + +SAIL. At Bowdoin College, a _sail_ is a perfect recitation. To +_sail_ is to recite perfectly. + + +SAINT. A name among students for one who pretends to particular +sanctity of manners. + +Or if he had been a hard-reading man from choice,--or a stupid +man,--or a "_saint_,"--no one would have troubled themselves about +him.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 148. + + +SALTING THE FRESHMEN. In reference to this custom, which belongs +to Dartmouth College, a correspondent from that institution +writes: "There is an annual trick of '_salting the Freshmen_,' +which is putting salt and water on their seats, so that their +clothes are injured when they sit down." The idea of preservation, +cleanliness, and health is no doubt intended to be conveyed by the +use of the wholesome articles salt and water. + + +SALUTATORIAN. The student of a college who pronounces the +salutatory oration at the annual Commencement.--_Webster_. + + +SALUTATORY. An epithet applied to the oration which introduces the +exercises of the Commencements in American colleges.--_Webster_. + +The oration is often called, simply, _The Salutatory_. + +And we ask our friends "out in the world," whenever they meet an +educated man of the class of '49, not to ask if he had the +Valedictory or _Salutatory_, but if he takes the +Indicator.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. II. p. 96. + + +SATIS. Latin; literally, _enough_. In the University of Cambridge, +Eng., the lowest honor in the schools. The manner in which this +word is used is explained in the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, as +follows: "_Satis disputasti_; which is at much as to say, in the +colloquial style, 'Bad enough.' _Satis et bene disputasti_, +'Pretty fair,--tolerable.' _Satis et optime disputasti_, 'Go thy +ways, thou flower and quintessence of Wranglers.' Such are the +compliments to be expected from the Moderator, after the _act is +kept_."--p. 95. + + +S.B. An abbreviation for _Scientiæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor in +Science. At Harvard College, this degree is conferred on those who +have pursued a prescribed course of study for at least one year in +the Scientific School, and at the end of that period passed a +satisfactory examination. The different degrees of excellence are +expressed in the diploma by the words, _cum laude_, _cum magna +laude_, _cum summa laude_. + + +SCARLET DAY. In the Church of England, certain festival days are +styled _scarlet days_. On these occasions, the doctors in the +three learned professions appear in their scarlet robes, and the +noblemen residing in the universities wear their full +dresses.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +SCHEME. The printed papers which are given to the students at Yale +College at the Biennial Examination, and which contain the +questions that are to be answered, are denominated _schemes_. They +are also called, simply, _papers_. + + See the down-cast air, and the blank despair, + That sits on each Soph'more feature, + As his bleared eyes gleam o'er that horrid _scheme_! + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 22. + + Olmsted served an apprenticeship setting up types, + For the _schemes_ of Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + Here's health to the tutors who gave us good _schemes_, + Vive la compagnie! + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, 1855. + + +SCHOLAR. Any member of a college, academy, or school. + +2. An undergraduate in English universities, who belongs to the +foundation of a college, and receives support in part from its +revenues.--_Webster_. + + +SCHOLAR OF THE HOUSE. At Yale College, those are called _Scholars +of the House_ who, by superiority in scholarship, become entitled +to receive the income arising from certain foundations established +for the purpose of promoting learning and literature. In some +cases the recipient is required to remain at New Haven for a +specified time, and pursue a course of studies under the direction +of the Faculty of the College.--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. 86. +_Laws of Yale Coll._ + +2. "The _scholar of the house_," says President Woolsey, in his +Historical Discourse,--"_scholaris ædilitus_ of the Latin +laws,--before the institution of Berkeley's scholarships which had +the same title, was a kind of ædile appointed by the President and +Tutors to inspect the public buildings, and answered in a degree +to the Inspector known to our present laws and practice. He was +not to leave town until the Friday after Commencement, because in +that week more than usual damage was done to the buildings."--p. +43. + +The duties of this officer are enumerated in the annexed passage. +"The Scholar of the House, appointed by the President, shall +diligently observe and set down the glass broken in College +windows, and every other damage done in College, together with the +time when, and the person by whom, it was done; and every quarter +he shall make up a bill of such damages, charged against every +scholar according to the laws of College, and deliver the same to +the President or the Steward, and the Scholar of the House shall +tarry at College until Friday noon after the public Commencement, +and in that time shall be obliged to view any damage done in any +chamber upon the information of him to whom the chamber is +assigned."--_Laws of Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 22. + + +SCHOLARSHIP. Exhibition or maintenance for a scholar; foundation +for the support of a student--_Ainsworth_. + + +SCHOOL. THE SCHOOLS, _pl._; the seminaries for teaching logic, +metaphysics, and theology, which were formed in the Middle Ages, +and which were characterized by academical disputations and +subtilties of reasoning; or the learned men who were engaged in +discussing nice points in metaphysics or theology.--_Webster_. + +2. In some American colleges, the different departments for +teaching law, medicine, divinity, &c. are denominated _schools_. + +3. The name given at the University of Oxford to the place of +examination. The principal exercises consist of disputations in +philosophy, divinity, and law, and are always conducted in a sort +of barbarous Latin. + +I attended the _Schools_ several times, with the view of acquiring +the tact and self-possession so requisite in these public +contests.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 39. + +There were only two sets of men there, one who fagged +unremittingly for the _Schools_, and another devoted to frivolity +and dissipation.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 141. + + +S.C.L. At the English universities, one who is pursuing law +studies and has not yet received the degree of B.C.L. or D.C.L., +is designated S.C.L., _Student_ in or of _Civil Law_. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., persons in this rank who +have kept their acts wear a full-sleeved gown, and are entitled to +use a B.A. hood. + + +SCONCE. To mulct; to fine. Used at the University of Oxford. + +A young fellow of Baliol College, having, upon some discontent cut +his throat very dangerously, the Master of the College sent his +servitor to the buttery-book to _sconce_ (i.e. fine) him 5s.; and, +says the Doctor, tell him the next time he cuts his throat I'll +_sconce_ him ten.--_Terræ-Filius_, No. 39. + +Was _sconced_ in a quart of ale for quoting Latin, a passage from +Juvenal; murmured, and the fine was doubled.--_The Etonian_, Vol. +II. p. 391. + + +SCOUT. A cant term at Oxford for a college servant or +waiter.--_Oxford Guide_. + +My _scout_, indeed, is a very learned fellow, and has an excellent +knack at using hard words. One morning he told me the gentleman in +the next room _contagious_ to mine desired to speak to me. I once +overheard him give a fellow-servant very sober advice not to go +astray, but be true to his own wife; for _idolatry_ would surely +bring a man to _instruction_ at last.--_The Student_, Oxf. and +Cam., 1750, Vol. I. p. 55. + +An anteroom, or vestibule, which serves the purpose of a _scout's_ +pantry.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 280. + +_Scouts_ are usually pretty communicative of all they +know.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 147. + +Sometimes used in American colleges. + +In order to quiet him, we had to send for his factotum or _scout_, +an old black fellow.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XI. p. 282. + + +SCRAPE. To insult by drawing the feet over the floor.--_Grose_. + + But in a manner quite uncivil, + They hissed and _scraped_ him like the devil. + _Rebelliad_, p. 37. + + "I do insist," + Quoth he, "that two, who _scraped_ and hissed, + Shall be condemned without a jury + To pass the winter months _in rure_."--_Ibid._, p. 41. + +They not unfrequently rose to open outrage or some personal +molestation, as casting missiles through his windows at night, or +"_scraping him_" by day.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, +p. 25. + + +SCRAPING. A drawing of, or the act of drawing, the feet over the +floor, as an insult to some one, or merely to cause disturbance; a +shuffling of the feet. + +New lustre was added to the dignity of their feelings by the +pathetic and impressive manner in which they expressed them, which +was by stamping and _scraping_ majestically with their feet, when +in the presence of the detested tutors.--_Don Quixotes at +College_, 1807. + +The morning and evening daily prayers were, on the next day +(Thursday), interrupted by _scraping_, whistling, groaning, and +other disgraceful noises.--_Circular, Harvard College_, 1834, p. +9. + +This word is used in the universities and colleges of both England +and America. + + +SCREW. In some American colleges, an excessive, unnecessarily +minute, and annoying examination of a student by an instructor is +called a _screw_. The instructor is often designated by the same +name. + + Haunted by day with fearful _screw_. + _Harvard Lyceum_, p. 102. + + _Screws_, duns, and other such like evils. + _Rebelliad_, p. 77. + +One must experience all the stammering and stuttering, the +unending doubtings and guessings, to understand fully the power of +a mathematical _screw_.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 378. + +The consequence was, a patient submission to the _screw_, and a +loss of college honors and patronage.--_A Tour through College_, +Boston, 1832, p. 26. + +I'll tell him a whopper next time, and astonish him so that he'll +forget his _screws_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XI. p. 336. + +What a darned _screw_ our tutor is.--_Ibid._ + +Apprehension of the severity of the examination, or what in after +times, by an academic figure of speech, was called screwing, or a +_screw_, was what excited the chief dread.--_Willard's Memories of +Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. p. 256. + +Passing such an examination is often denominated _taking a screw_. + + And sad it is to _take a screw_. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 287. + +2. At Bowdoin College, an imperfect recitation is called a +_screw_. + + You never should look blue, sir, + If you chance to take a "_screw_," sir, + To us it's nothing new, sir, + To drive dull care away. + _The Bowdoin Creed_. + + We've felt the cruel, torturing _screw_, + And oft its driver's ire. + _Song, Sophomore Supper, Bowdoin Coll._, 1850. + + +SCREW. To press with an excessive and unnecessarily minute +examination. + + Who would let a tutor knave + _Screw _him like a Guinea slave! + _Rebelliad_, p. 53. + + Have I been _screwed_, yea, deaded morn and eve, + Some dozen moons of this collegiate life? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 255. + + O, I do well remember when in college, + How we fought reason,--battles all in play,-- + Under a most portentous man of knowledge, + The captain-general in the bloodless fray; + He was a wise man, and a good man, too, + And robed himself in green whene'er he came to _screw_. + _Our Chronicle of '26_, Boston, 1827. + +In a note to the last quotation, the author says of the word +_screw_: "For the information of the inexperienced, we explain +this as a term quite rife in the universities, and, taken +substantively, signifying an intellectual nonplus." + + At last the day is ended, + The tutor _screws_ no more. + _Knick. Mag._, Vol. XLV. p. 195. + + +SCREWING UP. The meaning of this phrase, as understood by English +Cantabs, may be gathered from the following extract. "A +magnificent sofa will be lying close to a door ... bored through +from top to bottom from the _screwing up_ of some former unpopular +tenant; "_screwing up_" being the process of fastening on the +outside, with nails and screws, every door of the hapless wight's +apartments. This is done at night, and in the morning the +gentleman is leaning three-fourths out of his window, bawling for +rescue."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 239. + + +SCRIBBLING-PAPER. A kind of writing-paper, rather inferior in +quality, a trifle larger than foolscap, and used at the English +universities by mathematicians and in the lecture-room.--_Bristed. +Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Cards are commonly sold at Cambridge as +"_scribbling-paper_."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +238. + +The summer apartment contained only a big standing-desk, the +eternal "_scribbling-paper_," and the half-dozen mathematical +works required.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 218. + + +SCROUGE. An exaction. A very long lesson, or any hard or +unpleasant task, is usually among students denominated a +_scrouge_. + + +SCROUGE. To exact; to extort; said of an instructor who imposes +difficult tasks on his pupils. + +It is used provincially in England, and in America in some of the +Northern and Southern States, with the meaning _to crowd, to +squeeze_.--_Bartlett's Dict. of Americanisms_. + + +SCRUB. At Columbia College, a servant. + +2. One who is disliked for his meanness, ill-breeding, or +vulgarity. Nearly equivalent to SPOON, q.v. + + +SCRUBBY. Possessing the qualities of a scrub. Partially synonymous +with the adjective SPOONY, q.v. + + +SCRUTATOR. In the University of Cambridge, England, an officer +whose duty it is to attend all _Congregations_, to read the +_graces_ to the lower house of the Senate, to gather the votes +secretly, or to take them openly in scrutiny, and publicly to +pronounce the assent or dissent of that house.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +SECOND-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the title +of _Second-Year Men_, or _Junior Sophs_ or _Sophisters_, is given +to students during the second year of their residence at the +University. + + +SECTION COURT. At Union College, the college buildings are divided +into sections, a section comprising about fifteen rooms. Within +each section is established a court, which is composed of a judge, +an advocate, and a secretary, who are chosen by the students +resident therein from their own number, and hold their offices +during one college term. Each section court claims the power to +summon for trial any inhabitant within the bounds of its +jurisdiction who may be charged with improper conduct. The accused +may either defend himself, or select some person to plead for him, +such residents of the section as choose to do so acting as jurors. +The prisoner, if found guilty, is sentenced at the discretion of +the court,--generally, to treat the company to some specified +drink or dainty. These courts often give occasion for a great deal +of fun, and sometimes call out real wit and eloquence. + +At one of our "_section courts_," which those who expected to +enter upon the study of the law used to hold, &c.--_The Parthenon, +Union Coll._, 1851, p. 19. + + +SECTION OFFICER. At Union College, each section of the college +buildings, containing about fifteen rooms, is under the +supervision of a professor or tutor, who is styled the _section +officer_. This officer is required to see that there be no +improper noise in the rooms or corridors, and to report the +absence of students from chapel and recitation, and from their +rooms during study hours. + + +SEED. In Yale College this word is used to designate what is +understood by the common cant terms, "a youth"; "case"; "bird"; +"b'hoy"; "one of 'em." + + While tutors, every sport defeating, + And under feet-worn stairs secreting, + And each dark lane and alley beating, + Hunt up the _seeds_ in vain retreating. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1849. + + The wretch had dared to flunk a gory _seed_! + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + One tells his jokes, the other tells his beads, + One talks of saints, the other sings of _seeds_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + But we are "_seeds_," whose rowdy deeds + Make up the drunken tale. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + First Greek he enters; and with reckless speed + He drags o'er stumps and roots each hapless _seed_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + Each one a bold _seed_, well fit for the deed, + But of course a little bit flurried. + _Ibid._, May, 1852. + + +SEEDY. At Yale College, rowdy, riotous, turbulent. + + And snowballs, falling thick and fast + As oaths from _seedy_ Senior crowd. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + A _seedy_ Soph beneath a tree. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + +2. Among English Cantabs, not well, out of sorts, done up; the +sort of feeling that a reading man has after an examination, or a +rowing man after a dinner with the Beefsteak Club. Also, silly, +easy to perform.--_Bristed_. + +The owner of the apartment attired in a very old dressing-gown and +slippers, half buried in an arm-chair, and looking what some young +ladies call interesting, i.e. pale and _seedy_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 151. + +You will seldom find anything very _seedy_ set for +Iambics.--_Ibid._, p. 182. + + +SELL. An unexpected reply; a deception or trick. + +In the Literary World, March 15, 1851, is the following +explanation of this word: "Mr. Phillips's first introduction to +Curran was made the occasion of a mystification, or practical +joke, in which Irish wits have excelled since the time of Dean +Swift, who was wont (_vide_ his letters to Stella) to call these +jocose tricks 'a _sell_,' from selling a bargain." The word +_bargain_, however, which Johnson, in his Dictionary, defines "an +unexpected reply tending to obscenity," was formerly used more +generally among the English wits. The noun _sell_ has of late been +revived in this country, and is used to a certain extent in New +York and Boston, and especially among the students at Cambridge. + + I sought some hope to borrow, by thinking it a "_sell_" + By fancying it a fiction, my anguish to dispel. + _Poem before the Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850, p. 8. + + +SELL. To give an unexpected answer; to deceive; to cheat. + +For the love you bear me, never tell how badly I was +_sold_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 94. + +The use of this verb is much more common in the United States than +that of the noun of the same spelling, which is derived from it; +for instance, we frequently read in the newspapers that the Whigs +or Democrats have been _sold_, i.e. defeated in an election, or +cheated in some political affair. The phrase _to sell a bargain_, +which Bailey defines "to put a sham upon one," is now scarcely +ever heard. It was once a favorite expression with certain English +writers. + + Where _sold he bargains_, Whipstitch?--_Dryden_. + + No maid at court is less ashamed, + Howe'er for _selling bargains_ famed.--_Swift_. + +Dr. Sheridan, famous for punning, intending _to sell a bargain_, +said, he had made a very good pun.--_Swift, Bons Mots de Stella_. + + +SEMESTER. Latin, _semestris_, _sex_, six, and _mensis_, month. In +the German universities, a period or term of six months. The +course of instruction occupies six _semesters_. Class distinctions +depend upon the number of _semesters_, not of years. During the +first _semester_, the student is called _Fox_, in the second +_Burnt Fox_, and then, successively, _Young Bursch_, _Old Bursch_, +_Old House_, and _Moss-covered Head_. + + +SENATE. In the University of Cambridge, England, the legislative +body of the University. It is divided into two houses, called +REGENT and NON-REGENT. The former consists of the vice-chancellor, +proctors, taxors, moderators, and esquire-beadles, all masters of +arts of less than five years' standing, and all doctors of +divinity, civil law, and physic, of less than two, and is called +the UPPER HOUSE, or WHITE-HOOD HOUSE, from its members wearing +hoods lined with white silk. The latter is composed of masters of +arts of five years' standing, bachelors of divinity, and doctors +in the three faculties of two years' standing, and is known as the +LOWER HOUSE, or BLACK-HOOD HOUSE, its members wearing black silk +hoods. To have a vote in the Senate, the graduate must keep his +name on the books of some college (which involves a small annual +payment), or in the list of the _commorantes in villâ_.--_Webster. +Cam. Cal. Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +2. At Union College, the members of the Senior Class form what is +called the Senate, a body organized after the manner of the Senate +of the United States, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with +the forms and practice of legislation. The members of the Junior +Class compose the House of Representatives. The following account, +showing in what manner the Senate is conducted, has been furnished +by a member of Union College. + +"On the last Friday of the third term, the House of +Representatives meet in their hall, and await their initiation to +the Upper House. There soon appears a committee of three, who +inform them by their chairman of the readiness of the Senate to +receive them, and perhaps enlarge upon the importance of the +coming trust, and the ability of the House to fill it. + +"When this has been done, the House, headed by the committee, +proceed to the Senate Chamber (Senior Chapel), and are arranged by +the committee around the President, the Senators (Seniors) +meanwhile having taken the second floor. The President of the +Senate then rises and delivers an appropriate address, informing +them of their new dignities and the grave responsibilities of +their station. At the conclusion of this they take their seats, +and proceed to the election of officers, viz. a President, a +Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President must be a +member of the Faculty, and is chosen for a term; the other +officers are selected from the House, and continue in office but +half a term. The first Vice-Presidency of the Senate is considered +one of the highest honors conferred by the class, and great is the +strife to obtain it. + +"The Senate meet again on the second Friday of the next term, when +they receive the inaugural message of the President. He then +divides them into seven districts, each district including the +students residing in a Section, or Hall of College, except the +seventh, which is filled by the students lodging in town. The +Senate is also divided into a number of standing committees, as +Law, Ethics, Political Economy. Business is referred to these +committees, and reported on by them in the usual manner. The time +of the Senate is principally occupied with the discussion of +resolutions, in committee of the whole; and these discussions take +the place of the usual Friday afternoon recitation. At +Commencement the Senate have an orator of their own election, who +must, however, have been a past or honorary member of their body. +They also have a committee on the 'Commencement Card.'" + +On the same subject, another correspondent writes as follows:-- + +"The Senate is composed of the Senior Class, and is intended as a +school of parliamentary usages. The officers are a President, +Vice-President, and Secretary, who are chosen once a term. At the +close of the second term, the Junior Class are admitted into the +Senate. They are introduced by a committee of Senators, and are +expected to remain standing and uncovered during the ceremony, the +President and Senators being seated and covered. After a short +address by the President, the old Senators leave the house, and +the Juniors proceed to elect their officers for the third term. +Dr. Thomas C. Reed who was the founder of the Senate, was always +elected President during his connection with the College, but +rarely took his place in the chamber except at the introduction of +the Juniors. The Vice-President for the third term, who takes a +part in the ceremonies of commencement, is considered to hold the +highest honor of the class, and his election is attended with more +excitement than any other in the College." + +See COMMENCEMENT CARD; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. + + +SENATE-HOUSE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the building +in which the public business of the University, such as +examinations, the passing of graces, and admission to degrees, is +carried on.--_Cam. Guide_. + + +SENATUS ACADEMICUS. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Senatus +Academicus_ consists of two houses, known as the CORPORATION and +the HOUSE OF CONVOCATION, q.v.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. +6. + +SENE. An abbreviation for Senior. + + Magnificent Juns, and lazy _Senes_. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + A rare young blade is the gallant _Sene_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1850. + + +SENIOR. One in the fourth year of his collegiate course at an +American college; originally called _Senior Sophister_. Also one +in the third year of his course at a theological +seminary.--_Webster_. + +See SOPHISTER. + + +SENIOR. Noting the fourth year of the collegiate course in +American colleges, or the third year in theological +seminaries.--_Webster_. + + +SENIOR BACHELOR. One who is in his third year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. It is further explained by President +Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse: "Bachelors were called +Senior, Middle, or Junior Bachelors, according to the year since +graduation and before taking the degree of Master."--p. 122. + + +SENIOR CLASSIC. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the student +who passes best in the voluntary examination in classics, which +follows the last required examination in the Senate-House. + +No one stands a chance for _Senior Classic_ alongside of +him.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 55. + +Two men who had been rivals all the way through school and through +college were racing for _Senior Classic_.--_Ibid._, p. 253. + + +SENIOR FELLOW. At Trinity College, Hartford, the Senior Fellow is +a person chosen to attend the college examinations during the +year. + + +SENIOR FRESHMAN. The name of the second of the four classes into +which undergraduates are divided at Trinity College, Dublin. + + +SENIORITY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the eight Senior +Fellows and the Master of a college compose what is called the +_Seniority_. Their decisions in all matters are generally +conclusive. + +My duty now obliges me, however reluctantly, to bring you before +the _Seniority_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 75. + + +SENIOR OPTIME. Those who occupy the second rank in honors at the +close of the final examination at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., are denominated _Senior Optimes_. + +The Second Class, or that of _Senior Optimes_, is larger in number +[than that of the Wranglers], usually exceeding forty, and +sometimes reaching above sixty. This class contains a number of +disappointments, many who expect to be Wranglers, and some who are +generally expected to be.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 228. + +The word is frequently abbreviated. + +The Pembroker ... had the pleasant prospect of getting up all his +mathematics for a place among the _Senior Ops._--_Ibid._, p. 158. + +He would get just questions enough to make him a low _Senior Op._ +--_Ibid._, p. 222. + + +SENIOR ORATION. "The custom of delivering _Senior Orations_," says +a correspondent, "is, I think, confined to Washington and +Jefferson Colleges in Pennsylvania. Each member of the Senior +Class, taking them in alphabetical order, is required to deliver +an oration before graduating, and on such nights as the Faculty +may decide. The public are invited to attend, and the speaking is +continued at appointed times, until each member of the Class has +spoken." + + +SENIOR SOPHISTER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student +in the third year of his residence is called a Senior Soph or +Sophister. + +2. In some American colleges, a member of the Senior Class, i.e. +of the fourth year, was formerly designated a Senior Sophister. + +See SOPHISTER. + + +SENIOR WRANGLER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the Senior +Wrangler is the student who passes the best examination in the +Senate-House, and by consequence holds the first place on the +Mathematical Tripos. + +The only road to classical honors and their accompanying +emoluments in the University, and virtually in all the Colleges, +except Trinity, is through mathematical honors, all candidates for +the Classical Tripos being obliged as a preliminary to obtain a +place in that mathematical list which is headed by the _Senior +Wrangler_ and tailed by the Wooden Spoon.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + + +SEQUESTER. To cause to retire or withdraw into obscurity. In the +following passage it is used in the collegiate sense of _suspend_ +or _rusticate_. + +Though they were adulti, they were corrected in the College, and +_sequestered_, &c. for a time.--_Winthrop's Journal, by Savage_, +Vol. II. p. 88. + + +SERVITOR. In the University of Oxford, an undergraduate who is +partly supported by the college funds. _Servitors_ formerly waited +at table, but this is now dispensed with. The order similar to +that of the _servitor_ was at Cambridge styled the order of +_Sub-sizars_. This has been long extinct. The _sizar_ at Cambridge +is at present nearly equivalent to the Oxford _servitor_.--_Gent. +Mag._, 1787, p. 1146. _Brande_. + +"It ought to be known," observes De Quincey, "that the class of +'_servitors_,' once a large body in Oxford, have gradually become +practically extinct under the growing liberality of the age. They +carried in their academic dress a mark of their inferiority; they +waited at dinner on those of higher rank, and performed other +menial services, humiliating to themselves, and latterly felt as +no less humiliating to the general name and interests of +learning."--_Life and Manners_, p. 272. + +A reference to the cruel custom of "hunting the servitor" is to be +found in Sir John Hawkins's Life of Dr. Johnson, p. 12. + + +SESSION. At some of the Southern and Western colleges of the +United States, the time during which instruction is regularly +given to the students; a term. + +The _session_ commences on the 1st of October, and continues +without interruption until the 29th of June.--_Cat. of Univ. of +Virginia_, 1851, p. 15. + + +SEVENTY-EIGHTH PSALM. The recollections which cluster around this +Psalm, so well known to all the Alumni of Harvard, are of the most +pleasant nature. For more than a hundred years, it has been sung +at the dinner given on Commencement day at Cambridge, and for more +than a half-century to the tune of St. Martin's. Mr. Samuel +Shapleigh, who graduated at Harvard College in the year 1789, and +who was afterwards its Librarian, on the leaf of a hymn-book makes +a memorandum in reference to this Psalm, to the effect that it has +been sung at Cambridge on Commencement day "from _time +immemorial_." The late Rev. Dr. John Pierce, a graduate of the +class of 1793, referring to the same subject, remarks: "The +Seventy-eighth Psalm, it is supposed, has, _from the foundation of +the College_, been sung in the common version of the day." In a +poem, entitled Education, delivered at Cambridge before the Phi +Beta Kappa Society, by Mr. William Biglow, July 18th, 1799, +speaking of the conduct and manners of the students, the author +says:-- + + "Like pigs they eat, they drink an ocean dry, + They steal like France, like Jacobins they lie, + They raise the very Devil, when called to prayers, + 'To sons transmit the same, and they again to theirs'"; + +and, in explanation of the last line, adds this note: "Alluding to +the Psalm which is _always_ sung in Harvard Hall on Commencement +day." In his account of some of the exercises attendant upon the +Commencement at Harvard College in 1848, Professor Sidney Willard +observes: "At the Commencement dinner the sitting is not of long +duration; and we retired from table soon after the singing of the +Psalm, which, with some variation in the version, has been sung on +the same occasion from time immemorial."--_Memoirs of Youth and +Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 65. + +But that we cannot take these accounts as correct in their full +extent, appears from an entry in the MS. Diary of Chief Justice +Sewall relating to a Commencement in 1685, which he closes with +these words: "After Dinner ye 3d part of ye 103d Ps. was sung in +ye Hall." + +In the year 1793, at the dinner on Commencement Day, the Rev. +Joseph Willard, then President of the College, requested Mr. +afterwards Dr. John Pierce, to set the tune to the Psalm; with +which request having complied to the satisfaction of all present, +he from that period until the time of his death, in 1849, +performed this service, being absent only on one occasion. Those +who have attended Commencement dinners during the latter part of +this period cannot but associate with this hallowed Psalm the +venerable appearance and the benevolent countenance of this +excellent man. + +In presenting a list of the different versions in which this Psalm +has been sung, it must not be supposed that entire correctness has +been reached; the very scanty accounts which remain render this +almost impossible, but from these, which on a question of greater +importance might be considered hardly sufficient, it would appear +that the following are the versions in which the sons of Harvard +have been accustomed to sing the Psalm of the son of Jesse. + +1.--_The New England Version_. + +"In 1639 there was an agreement amo. ye Magistrates and Ministers +to set aside ye Psalms then printed at ye end of their Bibles, and +sing one more congenial to their ideas of religion." Rev. Mr. +Richard Mather of Dorchester, and Rev. Mr. Thomas Weld and Rev. +Mr. John Eliot of Roxbury, were selected to make a metrical +translation, to whom the Rev. Thomas Shepard of Cambridge gives +the following metrical caution:-- + + "Ye Roxbury poets, keep clear of ye crime + Of missing to give us very good rhyme, + And you of Dorchester, your verses lengthen, + But with the texts own words you will y'm strengthen." + +The version of this ministerial trio was printed in the year 1640, +at Cambridge, and has the honor of being the first production of +the North American press that rises to the dignity of _a book_. It +was entitled, "The Psalms newly turned into Metre." A second +edition was printed in 1647. "It was more to be commended, +however," says Mr. Peirce, in his History of Harvard University, +"for its fidelity to the text, than for the elegance of its +versification, which, having been executed by persons of different +tastes and talents, was not only very uncouth, but deficient in +uniformity. President Dunster, who was an excellent Oriental +scholar, and possessed the other requisite qualifications for the +task, was employed to revise and polish it; and in two or three +years, with the assistance of Mr. Richard Lyon, a young gentleman +who was sent from England by Sir Henry Mildmay to attend his son, +then a student in Harvard College, he produced a work, which, +under the appellation of the 'Bay Psalm-Book,' was, for a long +time, the received version in the New England congregations, was +also used in many societies in England and Scotland, and passed +through a great number of editions, both at home and abroad."--p. +14. + +The Seventy-eighth Psalm is thus rendered in the first edition:-- + + Give listning eare unto my law, + Yee people that are mine, + Unto the sayings of my mouth + Doe yee your eare incline. + + My mouth I'le ope in parables, + I'le speak hid things of old: + Which we have heard, and knowne: and which + Our fathers have us told. + + Them from their children wee'l not hide, + To th' after age shewing + The Lords prayses; his strength, and works + Of his wondrous doing. + + In Jacob he a witnesse set, + And put in Israell + A law, which he our fathers charg'd + They should their children tell: + + That th' age to come, and children which + Are to be borne might know; + That they might rise up and the same + Unto their children show. + + That they upon the mighty God + Their confidence might set: + And Gods works and his commandment + Might keep and not forget, + + And might not like their fathers be, + A stiffe, stout race; a race + That set not right their hearts: nor firme + With God their spirit was. + +The Bay Psalm-Book underwent many changes in the various editions +through which it passed, nor was this psalm left untouched, as +will be seen by referring to the twenty-sixth edition, published +in 1744, and to the edition of 1758, revised and corrected, with +additions, by Mr. Thomas Prince. + +2.--_Watts's Version_. + +The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Isaac Watts were first published in +this country by Dr. Franklin, in the year 1741. His version is as +follows:-- + + Let children hear the mighty deeds + Which God performed of old; + Which in our younger years we saw, + And which our fathers told. + + He bids us make his glories known, + His works of power and grace, + And we'll convey his wonders down + Through every rising race. + + Our lips shall tell them to our sons, + And they again to theirs, + That generations yet unborn + May teach them to their heirs. + + Thus shall they learn in God alone + Their hope securely stands, + That they may ne'er forget his works, + But practise his commands; + +3.--_Brady and Tate's Version_. + +In the year 1803, the Seventy-eighth Psalm was first printed on a +small sheet and placed under every plate, which practice has since +been always adopted. The version of that year was from Brady and +Tate's collection, first published in London in 1698, and in this +country about the year 1739. It was sung to the tune of St. +Martin's in 1805, as appears from a memorandum in ink on the back +of one of the sheets for that year, which reads, "Sung in the +hall, Commencement Day, tune St. Martin's, 1805." From the +statements of graduates of the last century, it seems that this +had been the customary tune for some time previous to this year, +and it is still retained as a precious legacy of the past. St. +Martin's was composed by William Tans'ur in the year 1735. The +following is the version of Brady and Tate:-- + + Hear, O my people; to my law + Devout attention lend; + Let the instruction of my mouth + Deep in your hearts descend. + + My tongue, by inspiration taught, + Shall parables unfold, + Dark oracles, but understood, + And owned for truths of old; + + Which we from sacred registers + Of ancient times have known, + And our forefathers' pious care + To us has handed down. + + We will not hide them from our sons; + Our offspring shall be taught + The praises of the Lord, whose strength + Has works of wonders wrought. + + For Jacob he this law ordained, + This league with Israel made; + With charge, to be from age to age, + From race to race, conveyed, + + That generations yet to come + Should to their unborn heirs + Religiously transmit the same, + And they again to theirs. + + To teach them that in God alone + Their hope securely stands; + That they should ne'er his works forget, + But keep his just commands. + +4.--_From Belknap's Collection_. + +This collection was first published by the Rev. Dr. Jeremy +Belknap, at Boston, in 1795. The version of the Seventy-eighth +Psalm is partly from that of Brady and Tate, and partly from Dr. +Watts's, with a few slight variations. It succeeded the version of +Brady and Tate about the year 1820, and is the one which is now +used. The first three stanzas were written by Brady and Tate; the +last three by Dr. Watts. It has of late been customary to omit the +last stanza in singing and in printing. + + Give ear, ye children;[62] to my law + Devout attention lend; + Let the instructions[63] of my mouth + Deep in your hearts descend. + + My tongue, by inspiration taught, + Shall parables unfold; + Dark oracles, but understood, + And owned for truths of old; + + Which we from sacred registers + Of ancient times have known, + And our forefathers' pious care + To us has handed down. + + Let children learn[64] the mighty deeds + Which God performed of old; + Which, in our younger years we saw, + And which our fathers told. + + Our lips shall tell them to our sons, + And they again to theirs; + That generations yet unborn + May teach them to their heirs. + + Thus shall they learn in God alone + Their hope securely stands; + That they may ne'er forget his works, + But practise his commands. + +It has been supposed by some that the version of the +Seventy-eighth Psalm by Sternhold and Hopkins, whose spiritual +songs were usually printed, as appears above, "at ye end of their +Bibles," was the first which was sung at Commencement dinners; but +this does not seem at all probable, since the first Commencement +at Cambridge did not take place until 1642, at which time the "Bay +Psalm-Book," written by three of the most popular ministers of the +day, had already been published two years. + + +SHADY. Among students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +epithet of depreciation, equivalent to MILD and SLOW.--_Bristed_. + +Some ... are rather _shady_ in Greek and Latin.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 147. + +My performances on the Latin verse paper were very +_shady_.--_Ibid._, p. 191. + + +SHARK. In student language, an absence from a recitation, a +lecture, or from prayers, prompted by recklessness rather than by +necessity, is called a _shark_. He who is absent under these +circumstances is also known as a shark. + + The Monitors' task is now quite done, + They 've pencilled all their marks, + "Othello's occupation's gone,"-- + No more look out for _sharks_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 45. + + +SHEEPSKIN. The parchment diploma received by students on taking +their degree at college. "In the back settlements are many +clergymen who have not had the advantages of a liberal education, +and who consequently have no diplomas. Some of these look upon +their more favored brethren with a little envy. A clergyman is +said to have a _sheepskin_, or to be a _sheepskin_, when educated +at college."--_Bartlett's Dict. of Americanisms_. + +This apostle of ourn never rubbed his back agin a college, nor +toted about no _sheepskins_,--no, never!... How you'd a perished +in your sins, if the first preachers had stayed till they got +_sheepskins_.--_Carlton's New Purchase_. + +I can say as well as the best on them _sheepskins_, if you don't +get religion and be saved, you'll be lost, teetotally and for +ever.--(_Sermon of an Itinerant Preacher at a Camp +Meeting_.)--_Ibid._ + +As for John Prescot, he not only lost the valedictory, but barely +escaped with his "_sheepskin_."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. X. p. 74. + +That handsome Senior ... receives his _sheepskin_ from the +dispensing hand of our worthy Prex.--_Ibid._, Vol. XIX. p. 355. + + When first I saw a "_Sheepskin_," + In Prex's hand I spied it. + _Yale Coll. Song_. + + We came to college fresh and green,-- + We go back home with a huge _sheepskin_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 43. + + +SHIN. To tease or hector a person by kicking his shins. In some +colleges this is one of the means which the Sophomores adopt to +torment the Freshmen, especially when playing at football, or +other similar games. + +We have been _shinned_, smoked, ducked, and accelerated by the +encouraging shouts of our generous friends.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. +10, 1846. + + +SHINE. At Harvard College this word was formerly used to designate +a good recitation. Used in the phrase, "_to make a shine_." + + +SHINNY. At Princeton College, the game of _Shinny_, known also by +the names of _Hawky_ and _Hurly_, is as great a favorite with the +students as is football at other colleges. "The players," says a +correspondent, "are each furnished with a stick four or five feet +in length and one and a half or two inches in diameter, curved at +one end, the object of which is to give the ball a surer blow. The +ball is about three inches in diameter, bound with thick leather. +The players are divided into two parties, arranged along from one +goal to the other. The ball is then '_bucked_' by two players, one +from each side, which is done by one of these two taking the ball +and asking his opponent which he will have, 'high or low'; if he +says 'high,' the ball is thrown up midway between them; if he says +'low,' the ball is thrown on the ground. The game is opened by a +scuffle between these two for the ball. The other players then +join in, one party knocking towards North College, which is one +'home' (as it is termed), and the other towards the fence bounding +the south side of the _Campus_, the other home. Whichever party +first gets the ball home wins the game. A grand contest takes +place annually between the Juniors and Sophomores, in this game." + + +SHIP. Among collegians, one expelled from college is said to be +_shipped_. + + For I, you know, am but a college minion, + But still, you'll all be _shipped_, in my opinion, + When brought before Conventus Facultatis. + _Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + +He may be overhauled, warned, admonished, dismissed, _shipped_, +rusticated, sent off, suspended.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, _Yale +Coll._, 1852-53, p. 25. + + +SHIPWRECK. Among students, a total failure. + +His university course has been a _shipwreck_, and he will probably +end by going out unnoticed among the [Greek: +_polloi_].--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +56. + + +SHORT-EAR. At Jefferson College, Penn., a soubriquet for a +roistering, noisy fellow; a rowdy. Opposed to _long-ear_. + + +SHORT TERM. At Oxford, Eng., the extreme duration of residence in +any college is under thirty weeks. "It is possible to keep '_short +terms_,' as the phrase is, by residence of thirteen weeks, or +ninety-one days."--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 274. + + +SIDE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the set of pupils +belonging to any one particular tutor is called his _side_. + +A longer discourse he will perhaps have to listen to with the rest +of his _side_.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 281. + +A large college has usually two tutors,--Trinity has three,--and +the students are equally divided among them,--_on their sides_ the +phrase is.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +11. + + +SILVER CUP. At Trinity College, Hartford, this is a testimonial +voted by each graduating class to the first legitimate boy whose +father is a member of the class. + +At Yale College, a theory of this kind prevails, but it has never +yet been carried into practice. + + I tell you what, my classmates, + My mind it is made up, + I'm coming back three years from this, + To take that _silver cup_. + I'll bring along the "requisite," + A little white-haired lad, + With "bib" and fixings all complete, + And I shall be his "dad." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +See CLASS CUP. + + +SIM. Abbreviated from _Simeonite_. A nickname given by the rowing +men at the University of Cambridge, Eng., to evangelicals, and to +all religious men, or even quiet men generally. + +While passing for a terribly hard reading man, and a "_Sim_" of +the straitest kind with the "empty bottles,"... I was fast lapsing +into a state of literary sensualism.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 39, 40. + + +SIR. It was formerly the fashion in the older American colleges to +call a Bachelor of Arts, Sir; this was sometimes done at the time +when the Seniors were accepted for that degree. + +Voted, Sept. 5th, 1763, "that _Sir_ Sewall, B.A., be the +Instructor in the Hebrew and other learned languages for three +years."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 234. + +December, 1790. Some time in this month, _Sir_ Adams resigned the +berth of Butler, and _Sir_ Samuel Shapleigh was chosen in his +stead.--_MS. Journal, Harv. Coll._ + +Then succeeded Cliosophic Oration in Latin, by _Sir_ Meigs. +Poetical Composition in English, by _Sir_ Barlow.--_Woolsey's +Hist. Disc._, p. 121. + +The author resided in Cambridge after he graduated. In common with +all who had received the degree of Bachelor of Arts and not that +of Master of Arts, he was called "_Sir_," and known as "_Sir_ +Seccomb." + +Some of the "_Sirs_" as well as undergraduates were arraigned +before the college government.--_Father Abbey's Will_, Cambridge, +Mass., 1854, p. 7. + + +SITTING OF THE SOLSTICES. It was customary, in the early days of +Harvard College, for the graduates of the year to attend in the +recitation-room on Mondays and Tuesdays, for three weeks, during +the month of June, subject to the examination of all who chose to +visit them. This was called the _Sitting of the Solstices_, +because it happened in midsummer, or at the time of the summer +solstice. The time was also known as the _Weeks of Visitation_. + + +SIZAR, SISAR, SIZER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +student of the third rank, or that next below that of a pensioner, +who eats at the public table after the fellows, free of expense. +It was formerly customary for _every fellow-commoner_ to have his +_sizar_, to whom he allowed a certain portion of commons, or +victuals and drink, weekly, but no money; and for this the sizar +was obliged to do him certain services daily. + +A lower order of students were called _sub-sizars_. In reference +to this class, we take the following from the Gentleman's +Magazine, 1787, p. 1146. "At King's College, they were styled +_hounds_. The situation of a sub-sizar being looked upon in so +degrading a light probably occasioned the extinction of the order. +But as the sub-sizars had certain assistances in return for their +humiliating services, and as the poverty of parents stood in need +of such assistances for their sons, some of the sizars undertook +the same offices for the same advantages. The master's sizar, +therefore, waited upon him for the sake of his commons, etc., as +the sub-sizar had done; and the other sizars did the same office +to the fellows for the advantage of the remains of their commons. +Thus the term sub-sizar became forgotten, and the sizar was +supposed to be the same as the _servitor_. But if a sizar did not +choose to accept of these assistances upon such degrading terms, +he dined in his own room, and was called a _proper sizar_. He wore +the same gown as the others, and his tutorage, etc. was no higher; +but there was nothing servile in his situation."--"Now, indeed, +all (or almost all) the colleges in Cambridge have allowed the +sizars every advantage of the remains of the fellows' commons, +etc., though they have very liberally exempted them from every +servile office." + +Another writer in the same periodical, 1795, p. 21, says: The +sizar "is very much like the _scholars_ at Westminster, Eton, &c., +who are on the _foundation_; and is, in a manner, the +_half-boarder_ in private academies. The name was derived from the +menial services in which he was occasionally engaged; being in +former days compelled to transport the plates, dishes, _sizes_, +and platters, to and from the tables of his superiors." + +A writer in the Encyclopædia Britannica, at the close of the +article SIZAR, says of this class: "But though their education is +thus obtained at a less expense, they are not now considered as a +menial order; for sizars, pensioner-scholars, and even sometimes +fellow-commoners, mix together with the utmost cordiality." + +"Sizars," says Bristed, "answer to the beneficiaries of American +colleges. They receive pecuniary assistance from the college, and +dine gratis after the fellows on the remains of their table. These +'remains' are very liberally construed, the sizar always having +fresh vegetables, and frequently fresh tarts and puddings."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 14. + + +SIZE. Food and drink from the buttery, aside from the regular +dinner at commons. + +"A _size_" says Minsheu, "is a portion of bread or drinke, it is a +farthing which schollers in Cambridge have at the buttery; it is +noted with the letter S. as in Oxford with the letter Q. for halfe +a farthing; and whereas they say in Oxford, to battle in the +Buttery Booke, i.e. to set downe on their names what they take in +bread, drinke, butter, cheese, &c.; so, in Cambridge, they say, to +_size_, i.e. to set downe their quantum, i.e. how much they take +on their name in the Buttery Booke." + +In the Poems of the Rev. Dr. Dodd, a _size_ of bread is described +as "half a half-penny 'roll.'" Grose, also, in the Provincial +Glossary, says "it signifies the half part of a halfpenny loaf, +and comes from _scindo_, I cut." + +In the Encyclopædia Britannica is the following explanation of +this term. "A _size_ of anything is the smallest quantity of that +thing which can be thus bought" [i.e. by students in addition to +their commons in the hall]; "two _sizes_, or a part of beef, being +nearly equal to what a young person will eat of that dish to his +dinner, and a _size_ of ale or beer being equal to half an English +pint." It would seem, then, that formerly a _size_ was a small +plateful of any eatable; the word now means anything had by +students at dinner over and above the usual commons. + +Of its derivation Webster remarks, "Either contracted from +_assize_, or from the Latin _scissus_. I take it to be from the +former, and from the sense of setting, as we apply the word to the +_assize_ of bread." + +This word was introduced into the older American colleges from +Cambridge, England, and was used for many years, as was also the +word _sizing_, with the same meaning. In 1750, the Corporation of +Harvard College voted, "that the quantity of commons be as hath +been usual, viz. two _sizes_ of bread in the morning; one pound of +meat at dinner, with sufficient sauce [vegetables], and a +half-pint of beer; and at night that a part pie be of the same +quantity as usual, and also half a pint of beer; and that the +supper messes be but of four parts, though the dinner messes be of +six."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Coll._, Vol. II. p. 97. + +The students of that day, if we may judge from the accounts which +we have of their poor commons, would have used far different +words, in addressing the Faculty, from King Lear, who, speaking to +his daughter Regan, says:-- + + "'T is not in thee + To grudge my pleasures,... + ... to scant my _sizes_." + + +SIZE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., to _size_ is to order +any sort of victuals from the kitchens which the students may want +in their rooms, or in addition to their commons in the hall, and +for which they pay the cooks or butchers at the end of each +quarter; a word corresponding to BATTEL at Oxford.--_Encyc. Brit._ + +In the Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 21, a writer says: "At +dinner, to _size_ is to order for yourself any little luxury that +may chance to tempt you in addition to the general fare, for which +you are expected to pay the cook at the end of the term." + +This word was formerly used in the older American colleges with +the meaning given above, as will be seen by the following extracts +from the laws of Harvard and Yale. + +"When they come into town after commons, they may be allowed to +_size_ a meal at the kitchen."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +39. + +"At the close of each quarter, the Butler shall make up his bill +against each student, in which every article _sized_ or taken up +by him at the Buttery shall be particularly charged."--_Laws Yale +Coll._, 1811, p. 31. + +"As a college term," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "it is of +very considerable antiquity. In the comedy called 'The Return from +Parnassus,' 1606, one of the character says, 'You that are one of +the Devil's Fellow-Commoners; one that _sizeth_ the Devil's +butteries,' &c. Again, in the same: 'Fidlers, I use to _size_ my +music, or go on the score for it.'" + +_For_ is often used after the verb _size_, without changing the +meaning of the expression. + +The tables of the Undergraduates, arranged according to their +respective years, are supplied with abundance of plain joints, and +vegetables, and beer and ale _ad libitum_, besides which, soup, +pastry, and cheese can be "_sized for_," that is, brought in +portions to individuals at an extra charge.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 19. + +_To size upon another_. To order extra food, and without +permission charge it to another's account. + +If any one shall _size upon another_, he shall be fined a +Shilling, and pay the Damage; and every Freshman sent [for +victuals] must declare that he who sends him is the only Person to +be charged.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 10. + + +SIZING. Extra food or drink ordered from the buttery; the act of +ordering extra food or drink from the buttery. + +Dr. Holyoke, who graduated at Harvard College in 1746, says: "The +breakfast was two _sizings_ of bread and a cue of beer." Judge +Wingate, who graduated a little later, says: "We were allowed at +dinner a cue of beer, which was a half-pint, and a _sizing_ of +bread, which I cannot describe to you. It was quite sufficient for +one dinner."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 219. + +From more definite accounts it would seem that a sizing of biscuit +was one biscuit, and a sizing of cracker, two crackers. A certain +amount of food was allowed to each mess, and if any person wanted +more than the allowance, it was the custom to tell the waiter to +bring a sizing of whatever was wished, provided it was obtained +from the commons kitchen; for this payment was made at the close +of the term. A sizing of cheese was nearly an ounce, and a sizing +of cider varied from a half-pint to a pint and a half. + +The Steward shall, at the close of every quarter, immediately fill +up the columns of commons and _sizings_, and shall deliver the +bill, &c.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 58. + +The Butler shall frequently inspect his book of +_sizings_.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + +Whereas young scholars, to the dishonor of God, hinderance of +their studies, and damage of their friends' estate, +inconsiderately and intemperately are ready to abuse their liberty +of _sizing_ besides their commons; therefore the Steward shall in +no case permit any students whatever, under the degree of Masters +of Arts, or Fellows, to expend or be provided for themselves or +any townsmen any extraordinary commons, unless by the allowance of +the President, &c., or in case of sickness.--Orders written 28th +March, 1650.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 583. + +This term, together with the verb and noun _size_, which had been +in use at Harvard and Yale Colleges since their foundation, has of +late been little heard, and with the extinction of commons has, +with the others, fallen wholly, and probably for ever, into +disuse. + +The use of this word and its collaterals is still retained in the +University of Cambridge, Eng. + +Along the wall you see two tables, which, though less carefully +provided than the Fellows', are still served with tolerable +decency, and go through a regular second course instead of the +"_sizings_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +20. + + +SIZING PARTY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., where this +term is used, a "_sizing party_" says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, +"differs from a supper in this; viz. at a sizing party every one +of the guests contributes his _part_, i.e. orders what he pleases, +at his own expense, to his friend's rooms,--'a _part_ of fowl' or +duck; a roasted pigeon; 'a _part_ of apple pie.' A sober beaker of +brandy, or rum, or hollands and water, concludes the +entertainment. In our days, a bowl of bishop, or milk punch, with +a chant, generally winds up the carousal." + + +SKIN. At Yale College, to obtain a knowledge of a lesson by +hearing it read by another; also, to borrow another's ideas and +present them as one's own; to plagiarize; to become possessed of +information in an examination or a recitation by unfair or secret +means. "In our examinations," says a correspondent, "many of the +fellows cover the palms of their hands with dates, and when called +upon for a given date, they read it off directly from their hands. +Such persons _skin_." + +The tutor employs the crescent when it is evident that the lesson +has been _skinned_, according to the college vocabulary, in which +case he usually puts a minus sign after it, with the mark which he +in all probability would have used had not the lesson been +_skinned_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1846. + +Never _skin_ a lesson which it requires any ability to +learn.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 81. + +He has passively admitted what he has _skinned_ from other +grammarians.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1846. + +Perhaps the youth who so barefacedly _skinned_ the song referred +to, fondly fancied, &c.--_The Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +He uttered that remarkable prophecy which Horace has so boldly +_skinned_ and called his own.--_Burial of Euclid_, Nov. 1850. + +A Pewter medal is awarded in the Senior Class, for the most +remarkable example of _skinned_ Composition.--_Burlesque +Catalogue, Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 29. + +Classical men were continually tempted to "_skin_" (copy) the +solutions of these examples.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 381. + +_To skin ahead_; at Hamilton College, to read a lesson over in the +class immediately before reciting. + + +SKIN. A lesson learned by hearing it read by another; borrowed +ideas; anything plagiarized. + + 'T was plenty of _skin_ with a good deal of Bohn.[65] + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee, Yale Coll._, 1855. + + +SKINNING. Learning, or the act of learning, a lesson by hearing it +read by another; plagiarizing. + +Alas for our beloved orations! acquired by _skinning_, looking on, +and ponies.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + +Barefaced copying from books and reviews in their compositions is +familiar to our students, as much so as "_skinning_" their +mathematical examples.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 394. + + +SKUNK. At Princeton College, to fail to pay a debt; used actively; +e.g. to _skunk_ a tailor, i.e. not to pay him. + + +SLANG. To scold, chide, rebuke. The use of this word as a verb is +in a measure peculiar to students. + +These drones are posted separately as "not worthy to be classed," +and privately _slanged_ afterwards by the Master and +Seniors.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 74. + +"I am afraid of going to T------," you may hear it said; "he don't +_slang_ his men enough."--_Ibid._, p. 148. + +His vanity is sure to be speedily checked, and first of all by his +private tutor, who "_slangs_" him for a mistake here or an +inelegancy there.--_Ibid._, p. 388. + + +SLANGING. Abusing, chiding, blaming. + +As he was not backward in _slanging_,--one of the requisites of a +good coach,--he would give it to my unfortunate composition right +and left.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +166. + + +SLEEPING OVER. A phrase equivalent to being absent from prayers. + +You may see some who have just arisen from their beds, where they +have enjoyed the luxury of "_sleeping over_."--_Harv. Reg._, p. +202. + + +SLOW. An epithet of depreciation, especially among students. + +Its equivalent slang is to be found in the phrases, "no great +shakes," and "small potatoes."--_Bristed_. + +One very well disposed and very tipsy man who was great upon +boats, but very _slow_ at books, endeavored to pacify +me.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 82. + + The Juniors vainly attempted to show + That Sophs and Seniors were somewhat _slow_ + In talent and ability. + _Sophomore Independent, Union College_, Nov. 1854. + + +SLOW-COACH. A dull, stupid fellow. + + +SLUM. A word once in use at Yale College, of which a graduate of +the year 1821 has given the annexed explanation. "That noted dish +to which our predecessors, of I know not what date, gave the name +of _slum_, which was our ordinary breakfast, consisting of the +remains of yesterday's boiled salt-beef and potatoes, hashed up, +and indurated in a frying-pan, was of itself enough to have +produced any amount of dyspepsia. There are stomachs, it may be, +which can put up with any sort of food, and any mode of cookery; +but they are not those of students. I remember an anecdote which +President Day gave us (as an instance of hasty generalization), +which would not be inappropriate here: 'A young physician, +commencing practice, determined to keep an account of each case he +had to do with, stating the mode of treatment and the result. His +first patient was a blacksmith, sick of a fever. After the crisis +of the disease had passed, the man expressed a hankering for pork +and cabbage. The doctor humored him in this, and it seemed to do +him good; which was duly noted in the record. Next a tailor sent +for him, whom he found suffering from the same malady. To him he +_prescribed_ pork and cabbage; and the patient died. Whereupon, he +wrote it down as a general law in such cases, that pork and +cabbage will cure a blacksmith, but will kill a tailor.' Now, +though the son of Vulcan found the pork and cabbage harmless, I am +sure that _slum_ would have been a match for him."--_Scenes and +Characters at College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 117. + + +SLUMP. German _schlump_; Danish and Swedish _slump_, a hap or +chance, an accident; that is, a fall. + +At Harvard College, a poor recitation. + + +SLUMP. At Harvard College, to recite badly; to make a poor +recitation. + + In fact, he'd rather dead than dig; + he'd rather _slump_ than squirt. + _Poem before the Y.H. of Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + _Slumping_ is his usual custom, + Deading is his road to fame.--_MS. Poem_. + + At recitations, unprepared, he _slumps_, + Then cuts a week, and feigns he has the mumps. + _MS. Poem_, by F.E. Felton. + +The usual signification of this word is given by Webster, as +follows: "To fall or sink suddenly into water or mud, when walking +on a hard surface, as on ice or frozen ground, not strong enough +to bear the person." To which he adds: "This legitimate word is in +common and respectable use in New England, and its signification +is so appropriate, that no other word will supply its place." + +From this meaning, the transfer is, by analogy, very easy and +natural, and the application very correct, to a poor recitation. + + +SMALL-COLLEGE. The name by which an inferior college in the +English universities is known. + +A "_Small-College_" man was Senior Wrangler.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 61. + + +SMALL-COLLEGER. A member of a Small-College. + +The two Latin prizes and the English poem [were carried off] by a +_Small-Colleger_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 113. + +The idea of a _Small-Colleger_ beating all Trinity was deemed +preposterous.--_Ibid._, p. 127. + + +SMALLS, or SMALL-GO. At the University of Oxford, an examination +in the second year. See LITTLE-GO; PREVIOUS EXAMINATION. + +At the _Smalls_, as the previous Examination is here called, each +examiner sends in his Greek and Latin book.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 139. + +It follows that the _Smalls_ is a more formidable examination than +the Little-Go.--_Ibid._, p. 139. + + +SMASH. At the Wesleyan University, a total failure in reciting is +called a _smash_. + + +SMILE. A small quantity of any spirituous liquor, or enough to +give one a pleasant feeling. + + Hast ta'en a "_smile_" at Brigham's. + _Poem before the Iadma_, 1850, p. 7. + + +SMOKE. In some colleges, one of the means made use of by the +Sophomores to trouble the Freshmen is to blow smoke into their +rooms until they are compelled to leave, or, in other words, until +they are _smoked out_. When assafoetida is mingled with the +tobacco, the sensation which ensues, as the foul effluvium is +gently wafted through the keyhole, is anything but pleasing to the +olfactory nerves. + + Or when, in conclave met, the unpitying wights + _Smoke_ the young trembler into "College rights": + O spare my tender youth! he, suppliant, cries, + In vain, in vain; redoubled clouds arise, + While the big tears adown his visage roll, + Caused by the smoke, and sorrow of his soul. + _College Life, by J.C. Richmond_, p. 4. + +They would lock me in if I left my key outside, _smoke me out_, +duck me, &c.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 74. + +I would not have you sacrifice all these advantages for the sake +_of smoking_ future Freshmen.--_Burial of Euclid_, 1850, p. 10. + +A correspondent from the University of Vermont gives the following +account of a practical joke, which we do not suppose is very often +played in all its parts. "They 'train' Freshmen in various ways; +the most _classic_ is to take a pumpkin, cut a piece from the top, +clean it, put in two pounds of 'fine cut,' put it on the +Freshman's table, and then, all standing round with long +pipe-stems, blow into it the fire placed in the _tobac_, and so +fill the room with smoke, then put the Freshman to bed, with the +pumpkin for a nightcap." + + +SMOUGE. At Hamilton College, to obtain without leave. + + +SMUT. Vulgar, obscene conversation. Language which obtains + + "Where Bacchus ruleth all that's done, + And Venus all that's said." + + +SMUTTY. Possessing the qualities of obscene conversation. Applied +also to the person who uses such conversation. + + +SNOB. In the English universities, a townsman, as opposed to a +student; or a blackguard, as opposed to a gentleman; a loafer +generally.--_Bristed_. + + They charged the _Snobs_ against their will, + And shouted clear and lustily. + _Gradus ad Cantab_, p. 69. + +Used in the same sense at some American colleges. + +2. A mean or vulgar person; particularly, one who apes gentility. +--_Halliwell_. + +Used both in England and the United States, "and recently," says +Webster, "introduced into books as a term of derision." + + +SNOBBESS. In the English universities, a female _snob_. + +Effeminacies like these, induced, no doubt, by the flattering +admiration of the fair _snobbesses_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. +116. + + +SNOBBISH. Belonging to or resembling a _snob_. + + +SNOBBY. Low; vulgar; resembling or pertaining to a _snob_. + + +SNUB. To reprimand; check; rebuke. Used among students, more +frequently than by any other class of persons. + + +SOPH. In the University of Cambridge, England, an abbreviation of +SOPHISTER.--_Webster_. + +On this word, Crabb, in his _Technological Dictionary_, says: "A +certain distinction or title which undergraduates in the +University at Oxford assume, previous to their examination for a +degree. It took its rise in the exercises which students formerly +had to go through, but which are now out of use." + + Three College _Sophs_, and three pert Templars came, + The same their talents, and their tastes the same. + _Pope's Dunciad_, B. II. v. 389, 390. + +2. In the American colleges, an abbreviation of Sophomore. + + _Sophs_ wha ha' in Commons fed! + _Sophs_ wha ha' in Commons bled! + _Sophs_ wha ne'er from Commons fled! + Puddings, steaks, or wines! + _Rebelliad_, p. 52. + +The _Sophs_ did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +Fresh, as they call us.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + +The _Sophs_ were victorious at every point.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. +10, 1846. + +My Chum, a _Soph_, says he committed himself too soon.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 118. + + +SOPHIC. A contraction of sophomoric. + + So then the _Sophic_ army + Came on in warlike glee. + _The Battle of the Ball_, 1853. + + +SOPHIMORE. The old manner of spelling what is now known as +SOPHOMORE. + +The President may give Leave for the _Sophimores_ to take out some +particular Books.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 23. + +His favorite researches, however, are discernible in his +observations on a comet, which appeared in the beginning of his +_Sophimore_ year.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 13. + +I aver thou hast never been a corporal in the militia, or a +_sophimore_ at college.--_The Algerine Captive_, Walpole, 1797, +Vol. I. p. 68. + + +SOPHISH GOWN. Among certain gownsmen, a gown that bears the marks +of much service; "a thing of shreds and patches."--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + + +SOPHIST. A name given to the undergraduates at Cambridge, England. +--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + + +SOPHISTER. Greek, [Greek: sophistaes]. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., the title of students who are advanced beyond the +first year of their residence. The entire course at the University +consists of three years and one term, during which the students +have the titles of First-Year Men, or Freshmen; Second-Year Men, +or Junior Sophs or Sophisters; Third-Year Men, or Senior Sophs or +Sophisters; and, in the last term, Questionists, with reference to +the approaching examination. In the older American colleges, the +Junior and Senior Classes were originally called Junior Sophisters +and Senior Sophisters. The term is also used at Oxford and Dublin. +--_Webster_. + +And in case any of the _Sophisters_ fail in the premises required +at their hands, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + + +SOPHOMORE. One belonging to the second of the four classes in an +American college. + +Professor Goodrich, in his unabridged edition of Dr. Webster's +Dictionary, gives the following interesting account of this word. +"This word has generally been considered as an 'American +barbarism,' but was probably introduced into our country, at a +very early period, from the University of Cambridge, Eng. Among +the cant terms at that University, as given in the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, we find _Soph-Mor_ as 'the next distinctive +appellation to Freshman.' It is added, that 'a writer in the +Gentlemen's Magazine thinks _mor_ an abbreviation of the Greek +[Greek: moria], introduced at a time when the _Encomium Moriæ_, +the Praise of Folly, by Erasmus, was so generally used.' The +ordinary derivation of the word, from [Greek: sofos] and [Greek: +moros] would seem, therefore, to be incorrect. The younger Sophs +at Cambridge appear, formerly, to have received the adjunct _mor_ +([Greek: moros]) to their names, either as one which they courted +for the reason mentioned above, or as one given them in sport, for +the supposed exhibition of inflated feeling in entering on their +new honors. The term, thus applied, seems to have passed, at a +very early period, from Cambridge in England to Cambridge in +America, as 'the next distinctive appellation to Freshman,' and +thus to have been attached to the second of the four classes in +our American colleges; while it has now almost ceased to be known, +even as a cant word, at the parent institution in England whence +it came. This derivation of the word is rendered more probable by +the fact, that the early spelling was, to a great extent at least, +Soph_i_more, as appears from the manuscripts of President Stiles +of Yale College, and the records of Harvard College down to the +period of the American Revolution. This would be perfectly natural +if _Soph_ or _Sophister_ was considered as the basis of the word, +but can hardly be explained if the ordinary derivation had then +been regarded as the true one." + +Some further remarks on this word may be found in the Gentleman's +Magazine, above referred to, 1795, Vol. LXV. p. 818. + + +SOPHOMORE COMMENCEMENT. At Princeton College, it has long been the +custom for the Sophomore Class, near the time of the Commencement +at the close of the Senior year, to hold a Commencement in +imitation of it, at which burlesque and other exercises, +appropriate to the occasion, are performed. The speakers chosen +are a Salutatorian, a Poet, an Historian, who reads an account of +the doings of the Class up to that period, a Valedictorian, &c., +&c. A band of music is always in attendance. After the addresses, +the Class partake of a supper, which is usually prolonged to a +very late hour. In imitation of the Sophomore Commencement, +_Burlesque Bills_, as they are called, are prepared and published +by the Juniors, in which, in a long and formal programme, such +subjects and speeches are attributed to the members of the +Sophomore Class as are calculated to expose their weak points. + + +SOPHOMORIC, SOPHOMORICAL. Pertaining to or like a Sophomore. + + Better to face the prowling panther's path, + Than meet the storm of _Sophomoric_ wrath. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 22. + +We trust he will add by his example no significancy to that pithy +word, "_Sophomoric_."--_Sketches of Williams Coll._, p. 63. + +Another meaning, derived, it would appear, from the +characteristics of the Sophomore, yet not very creditable to him, +is _bombastic, inflated in style or manner_.--_J.C. Calhoun_. + +Students are looked upon as being necessarily _Sophomorical_ in +literary matters.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 84. + +The Professor told me it was rather _Sophomorical_.--_Sketches of +Williams Coll._, p. 74. + + +SOPHRONISCUS. At Yale College, this name is given to Arnold's +Greek Prose Composition, from the fact of its repeated occurrence +in that work. + + _Sophroniscum_ relinquemus; + Et Euclidem comburemus, + Ejus vi soluti. + _Pow-wow of Class of '58, Yale Coll._ + +See BALBUS. + + +SPIRT. Among the students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +extraordinary effort of mind or body for a short time. A boat's +crew _make a spirt_, when they pull fifty yards with all the +strength they have left. A reading-man _makes_ _a spirt_ when he +crams twelve hours daily the week before examination.--_Bristed_. + +As my ... health was decidedly improving, I now attempted a +"_spirt_," or what was one for me.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 223. + +My amateur Mathematical coach, who was now making his last _spirt_ +for a Fellowship, used to accompany me.--_Ibid._, p. 288. + +He reads nine hours a day on a "_spirt_" the fortnight before +examination.--_Ibid._, p. 327. + + +SPIRTING. Making an extraordinary effort of mind or body for a +short time.--_Bristed_. + +Ants, bees, boat-crews _spirting_ at the Willows,... are but faint +types of their activity.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 224. + + +SPLURGE. In many colleges, when one is either dashy, or dressed +more than ordinarily, he is said to _cut a splurge_. A showy +recitation is often called by the same name. In his Dictionary of +Americanisms, Mr. Bartlett defines it, "a great effort, a +demonstration," which is the signification in which this word is +generally used. + + +SPLURGY. Showy; of greater surface than depth. Applied to a lesson +which is well rehearsed but little appreciated. Also to literary +efforts of a certain nature, to character, persons, &c. + +They even pronounce his speeches _splurgy_.--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, +1852. + + +SPOON. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the last of each +class of the honors is humorously denominated _The Spoon_. Thus, +the last Wrangler is called the Golden Spoon; the last Senior +Optime, the Silver Spoon; and the last Junior Optime, the Wooden +Spoon. The Wooden Spoon, however, is _par excellence_, "The +Spoon."--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +See WOODEN SPOON. + + +SPOON, SPOONY, SPOONEY. A man who has been drinking till he +becomes disgusting by his very ridiculous behavior, is said to be +_spoony_ drunk; and hence it is usual to call a very prating, +shallow fellow a rank _spoon_.--_Grose_. + +Mr. Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, says:--"We use +the word only in the latter sense. The Hon. Mr. Preston, in his +remarks on the Mexican war, thus quotes from Tom Crib's +remonstrance against the meanness of a transaction, similar to our +cries for more vigorous blows on Mexico when she is prostrate: + +"'Look down upon Ben,--see him, _dunghill_ all o'er, + Insult the fallen foe that can harm him no more. + Out, cowardly _spooney_! Again and again, + By the fist of my father, I blush for thee, Ben.' + +"Ay, you will see all the _spooneys_ that ran, like so many +_dunghill_ champions, from 54 40, stand by the President for the +vigorous prosecution of the war upon the body of a prostrate foe." +--_N.Y. Tribune_, 1847. + +Now that year it so happened that the spoon was no +_spooney_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 218. + +Not a few of this party were deluded into a belief, that all +studious and quiet men were slow, all men of proper self-respect +exclusives, and all men of courtesy and good-breeding _spoonies_. +--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 118. + +Suppose that rustication was the fate of a few others of our +acquaintance, whom you cannot call slow, or _spoonies_ either, +would it be deemed no disgrace by them?--_Ibid._, p. 196. + + When _spoonys_ on two knees, implore the aid of sorcery, + To suit their wicked purposes they quickly put the laws awry. + _Rejected Addresses_, Am. ed., p. 154. + +They belong to the class of elderly "_spoons_," with some few +exceptions, and are nettled that the world should not go at their +rate of progression.--_Boston Daily Times_, May 8, 1851. + + +SPOONY, SPOONEY. Like a _spoon_; possessing the qualities of a +silly or stupid fellow. + +I shall escape from this beautiful critter, for I'm gettin' +_spooney_, and shall talk silly presently.--_Sam Slick_. + +Both the adjective and the noun _spooney_ are in constant and +frequent use at some of the American colleges, and are generally +applied to one who is disliked either for his bad qualities or for +his ill-breeding, usually accompanied with the idea of weakness. + +He sprees, is caught, rusticates, returns next year, mingles with +feminines, and is consequently degraded into the _spooney_ Junior. +_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 208. + +A "bowl" was the happy conveyance. Perhaps this was chosen because +the voyagers were _spooney_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1849. + + +SPOOPS, SPOOPSY. At Harvard College, a weak, silly fellow, or one +who is disliked on account of his foolish actions, is called a +_spoops_, or _spoopsy_. The meaning is nearly the same as that of +_spoony_. + + +SPOOPSY. Foolish; silly. Applied either to a person or thing. + +Seniors always try to be dignified. The term "_spoopsey_" in its +widest signification applies admirably to them.--_Yale Tomahawk_, +May, 1852. + + +SPORT. To exhibit or bring out in public; as, to _sport_ a new +equipage.--_Grose_. + +This word was in great vogue in England in the year 1783 and 1784; +but is now sacred to men of _fashion_, both in England and +America. + +With regard to the word _sport_, they [the Cantabrigians] +_sported_ knowing, and they _sported_ ignorant,--they _sported_ an +Ægrotat, and they _sported_ a new coat,--they _sported_ an Exeat, +they _sported_ a Dormiat, &c.--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. 1085. + + I'm going to serve my country, + And _sport_ a pretty wife. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854, Yale Coll. + +To _sport oak_, or a door, is to fasten a door for safety or +convenience. + +If you call on a man and his door is _sported_, signifying that he +is out or busy, it is customary to pop your card through the +little slit made for that purpose.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 336. + +Some few constantly turn the keys of their churlish doors, and +others, from time to time, "_sport oak_."--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 268. + + +SPORTING-DOOR. At the English universities, the name given to the +outer door of a student's room, which can be _sported_ or fastened +to prevent intrusion. + +Their impregnable _sporting-doors_, that defy alike the hostile +dun and the too friendly "fast man."--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 3. + + +SPREAD. A feast of a more humble description than a GAUDY. Used at +Cambridge, England. + +This puts him in high spirits again, and he gives a large +_spread_, and gets drunk on the strength of it.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 129. + +He sits down with all of them, about forty or fifty, to a most +glorious _spread_, ordered from the college cook, to be served up +in the most swell style possible.--_Ibid._, p. 129. + + +SPROUT. Any _branch_ of education is in student phrase a _sprout_. +This peculiar use of the word is said to have originated at Yale. + + +SPRUNG. The positive, of which _tight_ is the comparative, and +_drunk_ the superlative. + + "One swallow makes not spring," the poet sung, + But many swallows make the fast man _sprung_. + _MS. Poem_, by F.E. Felton. + +See TIGHT. + + +SPY. In some of the American colleges, it is a prevailing opinion +among the students, that certain members of the different classes +are encouraged by the Faculty to report what they have seen or +ascertained in the conduct of their classmates, contrary to the +laws of the college. Many are stigmatized as _spies_ very +unjustly, and seldom with any sufficient reason. + + +SQUIRT. At Harvard College, a showy recitation is denominated a +_squirt_; the ease and quickness with which the words flow from +the mouth being analogous to the ease and quickness which attend +the sudden ejection of a stream of water from a pipe. Such a +recitation being generally perfect, the word _squirt_ is very +often used to convey that idea. Perhaps there is not, in the whole +vocabulary of college cant terms, one more expressive than this, +or that so easily conveys its meaning merely by its sound. It is +mostly used colloquially. + +2. A foppish young fellow; a whipper-snapper.--_Bartlett_. + +If they won't keep company with _squirts_ and dandies, who's going +to make a monkey of himself?--_Maj. Jones's Courtship_, p. 160. + + +SQUIRT. To make a showy recitation. + + He'd rather slump than _squirt_. + _Poem before Y.H._, p. 9. + +Webster has this word with the meaning, "to throw out words, to +let fly," and marks it as out of use. + + +SQUIRTINESS. The quality of being showy. + + +SQUIRTISH. Showy; dandified. + +It's my opinion that these slicked up _squirtish_ kind a fellars +ain't particular hard baked, and they always goes in for +aristocracy notions.--_Robb, Squatter Life_, p. 73. + + +SQUIRTY. Showy; fond of display; gaudy. + +Applied to an oration which is full of bombast and grandiloquence; +to a foppish fellow; to an apartment gayly adorned, &c. + + And should they "scrape" in prayers, because they are long + And rather "_squirty_" at times. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 58. + + +STAMMBOOK. German. A remembrance-book; an album. Among the German +students stammbooks were kept formerly, as commonly as +autograph-books now are among American students. + +But do procure me the favor of thy Rapunzel writing something in +my _Stammbook_.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +242. + + +STANDING. Academical age, or rank. + +Of what _standing_ are you? I am a Senior Soph.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + + Her mother told me all about your love, + And asked me of your prospects and your _standing_. + _Collegian_, 1830, p. 267. + +_To stand for an honor_; i.e. to offer one's self as a candidate +for an honor. + + +STAR. In triennial catalogues a star designates those who have +died. This sign was first used with this signification by Mather, +in his Magnalia, in a list prepared by him of the graduates of +Harvard College, with a fanciful allusion, it is supposed, to the +abode of those thus marked. + + Our tale shall be told by a silent _star_, + On the page of some future Triennial. + _Poem before Class of 1849, Harv. Coll._, p. 4. + +We had only to look still further back to find the _stars_ +clustering more closely, indicating the rapid flight of the +spirits of short-lived tenants of earth to another +sphere.--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 66. + + +STAR. To mark a star opposite the name of a person, signifying +that he is dead. + +Six of the sixteen Presidents of our University have been +inaugurated in this place; and the oldest living graduate, the +Hon. Paine Wingate of Stratham, New Hampshire, who stands on the +Catalogue a lonely survivor amidst the _starred_ names of the +dead, took his degree within these walls.--_A Sermon on leaving +the Old Meeting-house in Cambridge_, by Rev. William Newell, Dec. +1, 1833, p. 22. + +Among those fathers were the venerable remnants of classes that +are _starred_ to the last two or three, or it may be to the last +one.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 6. + + +STATEMENT OF FACTS. At Yale College, a name given to a public +meeting called for the purpose of setting forth the respective +merits of the two great societies in that institution, viz. +"Linonia" and "The Brothers in Unity." There are six orators, +three from Linonia and three from the Brothers,--a Senior, a +Junior, and the President of each society. The Freshmen are +invited by handsomely printed cards to attend the meeting, and +they also have the best seats reserved for them, and are treated +with the most intense politeness. As now conducted, the _Statement +of Facts_ is any thing rather than what is implied by the name. It +is simply an opportunity for the display of speaking talent, in +which wit and sarcasm are considered of far greater importance +than truth. The Freshmen are rarely swayed to either side. In nine +cases out of ten they have already chosen their society, and +attend the statement merely from a love of novelty and fun. The +custom grew up about the year 1830, after the practice of dividing +the students alphabetically between the two societies had fallen +into disuse. Like all similar customs, the Statement of Facts has +reached its present college importance by gradual growth. At first +the societies met in a small room of the College, and the +statements did really consist of the facts in the case. Now the +exercises take place in a public hall, and form a kind of +intellectual tournament, where each society, in the presence of a +large audience, strives to get the advantage of the other. + +From a newspaper account of the observance of this literary +festival during the present year, the annexed extract is taken. + +"For some years, students, as they have entered College, have been +permitted to choose the society with which they would connect +themselves, instead of being alphabetically allotted to one of the +two. This method has made the two societies earnest rivals, and +the accession of each class to College creates an earnest struggle +to see which shall secure the greater number of members. The +electioneering campaign, as it is termed, begins when the students +come to be examined for admission to College, that is, about the +time of the Commencement, and continues through a week or two of +the first term of the next year. Each society, of course, puts +forth the most determined efforts to conquer. It selects the most +prominent and popular men of the Senior Class as President, and +arrangements are so made that a Freshman no sooner enters town +than he finds himself unexpectedly surrounded by hosts of friends, +willing to do anything for him, and especially instruct him in his +duty with reference to the selection of societies. For the benefit +of those who do not yield to this private electioneering, this +Statement of Facts is made. It amounts, however, to little more +than a 'good time,' as there are very few who wait to be +influenced by 'facts' they know will be so distorted. The +advocates of each society feel bound, of course, to present its +affairs in the most favorable aspect. Disputants are selected, +generally with regard to their ability as speakers, one from the +Junior and one from the Senior Class. The Presidents of each +society also take part."--_N.Y. Daily Times_, Sept. 22, 1855. + +As an illustration of the eloquence and ability which is often +displayed on these occasions, the following passages have been +selected from the address of John M. Holmes of Chicago, Ill., the +Junior orator in behalf of the Brothers in Unity at the Statement +of Facts held September 20th, 1855. + +"Time forbids me to speak at length of the illustrious alumni of +the Brothers; of Professor Thatcher, the favorite of college,--of +Professor Silliman, the Nestor of American literati,--of the +revered head of this institution, President Woolsey, first +President of the Brothers in 1820,--of Professor Andrews, the +author of the best dictionary of the Latin language,--of such +divines as Dwight and Murdock,--of Bacon and Bushnell, the pride +of New England,--or of the great names of Clayton, Badger, +Calhoun, Ellsworth, and John Davis,--all of whom were nurtured and +disciplined in the halls of the Brothers, and there received the +Achillean baptism that made their lives invulnerable. But perhaps +I err in claiming such men as the peculium of the Brothers,--they +are the common heritage of the human race. + + 'Such names as theirs are pilgrim shrines, + Shrines to no code nor creed confined, + The Delphian vales, the Palestines, + The Meccas of the mind.' + +"But there are other names which to overlook would be worse than +negligence,--it would be ingratitude unworthy of a son of Yale. + +"At the head of that glorious host stands the venerable form of +Joel Barlow, who, in addition to his various civil and literary +distinctions, was the father of American poetry. There too is the +intellectual brow of Webster, not indeed the great defender of the +Constitution, but that other Webster, who spent his life in the +perpetuation of that language in which the Constitution is +embalmed, and whose memory will be coeval with that language to +the latest syllable of recorded time. Beside Webster on the +historic canvas appears the form of the only Judge of the Supreme +Court of the United States that ever graduated at this +College,--Chief Justice Baldwin, of the class of 1797. Next to him +is his classmate, a patriarchal old man who still lives to bless +the associations of his youth,--who has consecrated the noblest +talents to the noblest earthly purposes,--the pioneer of Western +education,--the apostle of Temperance,--the life-long teacher of +immortality,--and who is the father of an illustrious family whose +genius has magnetized all Christendom. His classmate is Lyman +Beecher. But a year ago in the neighboring city of Hartford there +was a monument erected to another Brother in Unity,--the +philanthropist who first introduced into this country the system +of instructing deaf mutes. More than a thousand unfortunates bowed +around his grave. And although there was no audible voice of +eulogy or thankfulness, yet there were many tears. And grateful +thoughts went up to heaven in silent benediction for him who had +unchained their faculties, and given them the priceless treasures +of intellectual and social communion. Thomas H. Gallaudet was a +Brother in Unity. + +"And he who has been truly called the most learned of poets and +the most poetical of learned men,--whose ascent to the heaven of +song has been like the pathway of his own broad sweeping +eagle,--J.G. Percival,--is a Brother in Unity. And what shall I +say of Morse? Of Morse, the wonder-worker, the world-girdler, the +space-destroyer, the author of the noblest invention whose glory +was ever concentrated in a single man, who has realized the +fabulous prerogative of Olympian Jove, and by the instantaneous +intercommunication of thought has accomplished the work of ages in +binding together the whole civilized world into one great +Brotherhood in Unity? + +"Gentlemen, these are the men who wait to welcome you to the +blessings of our society. There they stand, like the majestic +statues that line the entrance to an eternal pyramid. And when I +look upon one statue, and another, and another, and contemplate +the colossal greatness of their proportions, as Canova gazed with +rapture upon the sun-god of the Vatican, I envy not the man whose +heart expands not with the sense of a new nobility, and whose eye +kindles not with the heart's enthusiasm, as he thinks that he too +is numbered among that glorious company,--that he too is sprung +from that royal ancestry. And who asks for a richer heritage, or a +more enduring epitaph, than that he too is a Brother in Unity?" + + +S.T.B. _Sanctæ Theologiæ Baccalaureus_, Bachelor in Theology. + +See B.D. + + +S.T.D. _Sanctæ Theologiæ Doctor_. Doctor in Theology. + +See D.D. + + +STEWARD. In colleges, an officer who provides food for the +students, and superintends the kitchen.--_Webster_. + +In American colleges, the labors of the steward are at present +more extended, and not so servile, as set forth in the above +definition. To him is usually assigned the duty of making out the +term-bills and receiving the money thereon; of superintending the +college edifices with respect to repairs, &c.; of engaging proper +servants in the employ of the college; and of performing such +other services as are declared by the faculty of the college to be +within his province. + + +STICK. In college phrase, _to stick_, or _to get stuck_, is to be +unable to proceed, either in a recitation, declamation, or any +other exercise. An instructor is said to _stick_ a student, when +he asks a question which the student is unable to answer. + +But he has not yet discovered, probably, that he ... that +"_sticks_" in Greek, and cannot tell, by demonstration of his own, +whether the three angles of a triangle are equal to two, or four, +... can nevertheless drawl out the word Fresh, &c.--_Scenes and +Characters in College_, p. 30. + + +S.T.P. _Sanctæ Theologiæ Professor_. Professor in Theology. + +A degree of similar import to S.T.D., and D.D. + + +STUDENT. A person engaged in study; one who is devoted to +learning, either in a seminary or in private; a scholar; as, the +_students_ of an academy, of a college or university; a medical +_student_; a law _student_. + +2. A man devoted to books; a bookish man; as, a hard _student_; a +close _student_.--_Webster_. + +3. At Oxford, this word is used to designate one who stands upon +the foundation of the college to which he belongs, and is an +aspirant for academic emoluments.--_De Quincey_. + +4. In German universities, by _student_ is understood "one who has +by matriculation acquired the rights of academical +citizenship."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 27. + + +STUDY. A building or an apartment devoted to study or to literary +employment.--_Webster_. + +In some of the older American colleges, it was formerly the custom +to partition off, in each chamber, two small rooms, where the +occupants, who were always two in number, could carry on their +literary pursuits. These rooms were called, from this +circumstance, _studies_. Speaking of the first college edifice +which was erected at New Haven, Mr. Clap, in his History of Yale +College, says: "It made a handsome appearance, and contained near +fifty _studies_ in convenient chambers"; and again he speaks of +Connecticut Hall as containing thirty-two chambers and sixty-four +_studies_. In the oldest buildings, some of these _studies_ remain +at the present day. + +The _study_ rents, until December last, were discontinued with Mr. +Dunster.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 463. + +Every Graduate and Undergraduate shall find his proportion of +furniture, &c., during the whole time of his having a _study_ +assigned him.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 35. + + To him that occupies my _study_, + I give, &c.--_Will of Charles Prentiss_. + + +STUMP. At Princeton College, to fail in reciting; to say, "Not +prepared," when called on to recite. A _stump_, a bad recitation; +used in the phrase, "_to make a stump_." + + +SUB-FRESH. A person previous to entering the Freshman Class is +called a _sub-fresh_, or one below a Freshman. + + Praying his guardian powers + To assist a poor "_Sub-Fresh_" at the dread examination. + _Poem before the Iadma Soc. of Harv. Coll._, 1850, p. 14. + + Our "_Sub-Fresh_" has that feeling. + _Ibid._, p. 16. + +Everybody happy, except _Sub-Fresh_, and they trying hardest to +appear so.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 103. + +The timid _Sub-Fresh_ had determined to construct stout +barricades, with no lack of ammunition.--_Ibid._, p. 103. + +Sometimes written _Sub_. + +Information wanted of the "_Sub_" who didn't think it an honor to +be electioneered.--_N.B., Yale Coll., June_ 14, 1851. + +See PENE. + + +SUBJECT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a particular +author, or part of an author, set for examination; or a particular +branch of Mathematics, such as Optics, Hydrostatics, +&c.--_Bristed_. + +To _get up a subject_, is to make one's self thoroughly master of +it.--_Bristed_. + + +SUB-RECTOR. A rector's deputy or substitute.--_Walton, Webster_. + + +SUB-SIZAR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., formerly an order +of students lower than the _sizars_. + + Masters of all sorts, and all ages, + Keepers, _subcizers_, lackeys, pages. + _Poems of Bp. Corbet_, p. 22. + + There he sits and sees + How lackeys and _subsizers_ press + And scramble for degrees. + _Ibid._, p. 88. + +See under SIZAR. + + +SUCK. At Middlebury College, to cheat at recitation or examination +by using _ponies_, _interliners_, or _helps_ of any kind. + + +SUPPLICAT. Latin; literally, _he supplicates_. In the English +universities, a petition; particularly a written application with +a certificate that the requisite conditions have been complied +with.--_Webster_. + +A _Supplicat_, says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, is "an entreaty to +be admitted to the degree of B.A.; containing a certificate that +the Questionist has kept his full number of terms, or explaining +any deficiency. This document is presented to the caput by the +father of his college." + + +SURPLICE DAY. An occasion or day on which the surplice is worn by +the members of a university. + +"On all Sundays and Saint-days, and the evenings preceding, every +member of the University, except noblemen, attends chapel in his +surplice."--_Grad. ad Cantab._, pp. 106, 107. + + +SUSPEND. In colleges, to separate a student from his class, and +place him under private instruction. + + And those whose crimes are very great, + Let us _suspend_ or rusticate.--_Rebelliad_, p. 24. + + +SUSPENSION. In universities and colleges, the punishment of a +student for some offence, usually negligence, by separating him +from his class, and compelling him to pursue those branches of +study in which he is deficient under private instruction, provided +for the purpose. + + +SUSPENSION-PAPER. The paper in which the act of suspension from +college is declared. + + Come, take these three _suspension-papers_; + They'll teach you how to cut such capers. + _Rebelliad_, p. 32. + + +SUSPENSION TO THE ROOM. In Princeton College, one of the +punishments for certain offences subjects a student to confinement +to his chamber and exclusion from his class, and requires him to +recite to a teacher privately for a certain time. This is +technically called _suspension to the room_. + + +SWEEP, SWEEPER. The name given at Yale and other colleges to the +person whose occupation it is to sweep the students' rooms, make +their beds, &c. + +Then how welcome the entrance of the _sweep_, and how cutely we +fling jokes at each other through the dust!--_Yale Lit. Mag._, +Vol. XIV. p. 223. + +Knocking down the _sweep_, in clearing the stairs, we described a +circle to our room.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + A Freshman by the faithful _sweep_ + Was found half buried in soft sleep. + _Ibid._, Nov. 10, 1846. + + With fingers dirty and black, + From lower to upper room, + A College _Sweep_ went dustily round, + Plying his yellow broom. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 12. + +In the Yale Literary Magazine, Vol. III. p. 144, is "A tribute to +certain Members of the Faculty, whose names are omitted in the +Catalogue," in which appropriate praise is awarded to these useful +servants. + +The Steward ... engages _sweepers_ for the College.--_Laws Harv. +Coll._, 1816, p. 48. + +One of the _sweepers_ finding a parcel of wood,... the defendant, +in the absence of the owner of the wood, authorizes the _sweeper_ +to carry it away.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 98. + + +SWELL BLOCK. In the University of Virginia, a sobriquet applied to +dandies and vain pretenders. + + +SWING. At several American colleges, the word _swing_ is used for +coming out with a secret society badge; 1st, of the society, to +_swing out_ the new men; and, 2d, of the men, intransitively, to +_swing_, or to _swing out_, i.e. to appear with the badge of a +secret society. Generally, _to swing out_ signifies to appear in +something new. + +The new members have "_swung out_," and all again is +harmony.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + + +SYNDIC. Latin, _syndicus_; Greek, [Greek: sundikos; sun], _with_, +and [Greek: dikae], _justice_. + +An officer of government, invested with different powers in +different countries. Almost all the companies in Paris, the +University, &c., have their _syndics_. The University of Cambridge +has its _syndics_, who are chosen from the Senate to transact +special business, as the regulation of fees, forming of laws, +inspecting the library, buildings, printing, &c.--_Webster. Cam. +Cal._ + + +SYNDICATE. A council or body of syndics. + +The state of instruction in and encouragement to the study of +Theology were thus set forth in the report of a _syndicate_ +appointed to consider the subject in 1842.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 293. + + + +_T_. + + +TADS. At Centre College, Ky., there is "a society," says a +correspondent, "composed of the very best fellows of the College, +calling themselves _Tads_, who are generally associated together, +for the object of electing, by the additional votes of their +members, any of their friends who are brought forward as +candidates for any honor or appointment in the literary societies +to which they belong." + + +TAKE UP. To call on a student to rehearse a lesson. + + Professor _took_ him _up_ on Greek; + He tried to talk, but couldn't speak. + _MS Poem_. + + +TAKE UP ONE'S CONNECTIONS. In students' phrase, to leave college. +Used in American institutions. + + +TARDES. At the older American colleges, when charges were made and +excuses rendered in Latin, the student who had come late to any +religious service was addressed by the proper officer with the +word _Tardes_, a kind of barbarous second person singular of some +unknown verb, signifying, probably, "You are or were late." + + Much absence, _tardes_ and egresses, + The college-evil on him seizes. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +TARDY. In colleges, late in attendance on a public +exercise.--_Webster_. + + +TAVERN. At Harvard College, the rooms No. 24 Massachusetts Hall, +and No. 8 Hollis Hall, were occupied from the year 1789 to 1793 by +Mr. Charles Angier. His table was always supplied with wine, +brandy, crackers, etc., of which his friends were at liberty to +partake at any time. From this circumstance his rooms were called +_the Tavern_ for nearly twenty years after his graduation. + +In connection with this incident, it may not be uninteresting to +state, that the cellars of the two buildings above mentioned were +divided each into thirty-two compartments, corresponding with the +number of rooms. In these the students and tutors stored their +liquors, sometimes in no inconsiderable quantities. Frequent +entries are met with in the records of the Faculty, in which the +students are charged with pilfering wine, brandy, or eatables from +the tutors' _bins_. + + +TAXOR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., an officer appointed +to regulate the assize of bread, the true gauge of weights, +etc.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +TEAM. In the English universities, the pupils of a private tutor +or COACH.--_Bristed_. + +No man who has not taken a good degree expects or pretends to take +good men into his _team_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 69. + +It frequently, indeed usually happens, that a "coach" of +reputation declines taking men into his _team_ before they have +made time in public.--_Ibid._, p. 85. + + +TEAR. At Princeton College, a _perfect tear_ is a very extra +recitation, superior to a _rowl_. + + +TEMPLE. At Bowdoin College, a privy is thus designated. + + +TEN-STRIKE. At Hamilton College, a perfect recitation, ten being +the mark given for a perfect recitation. + + +TEN-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., these are +allowed to take the degree of Bachelor in Divinity without having +been B.A. or M.A., by the statute of 9th Queen Elizabeth, which +permits persons, who are admitted at any college when twenty-four +years of age and upwards, to take the degree of B.D. after their +names have remained on the _boards_ ten years or more. After the +first eight years, they must reside in the University the greater +part of three several terms, and perform the exercises which are +required by the statutes.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +TERM. In universities and colleges, the time during which +instruction is regularly given to students, who are obliged by the +statutes and laws of the institution to attend to the recitations, +lectures, and other exercises.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., there are three terms during +each year, which are fixed by invariable rules. October or +Michaelmas term begins on the 10th of October, and ends on the +16th of December. Lent or January term begins on the 13th of +January, and ends on the Friday before Palm Sunday. Easter or +Midsummer term, begins on the eleventh day (the Wednesday +sennight) after Easter-day, and ends on the Friday after +Commencement day. Commencement is always on the first Tuesday in +July. + +At Oxford University, there are four terms in the year. Michaelmas +term begins on the 10th of October, and ends on the 17th of +December. Hilary term begins on the 14th of January, and ends the +day before Palm Sunday. But if the Saturday before Palm Sunday +should be a festival, the term does not end till the Monday +following. Easter term begins on the tenth day after Easter +Sunday, and ends on the day before Whitsunday. Trinity term begins +on the Wednesday after Whitsunday, and ends the Saturday after the +Act, which is always on the first Tuesday in July. + +At the Dublin University, the terms in each year are four in +number. Hilary term begins on the Monday after Epiphany, and ends +the day before Palm Sunday. Easter term begins on the eighth day +after Easter Sunday, and ends on Whitsun-eve. Trinity term begins +on Trinity Monday, and ends on the 8th of July. Michaelmas term +begins on the 1st of October (or on the 2d, if the 1st should be +Sunday), and ends on December 16th. + + +TERRÆ FILIUS. Latin; _son of earth_. + +Formerly, one appointed to write a satirical Latin poem at the +public Acts in the University of Oxford; not unlike the +prevaricator at Cambridge, Eng.--_Webster_. + +Full accounts of the compositions written on these occasions may +be found in a work in two volumes, entitled "Terræ-Filius; or the +Secret History of the University of Oxford," printed in the year +1726. + +See TRIPOS PAPER. + + +TESTAMUR. Latin; literally, _we testify_. In the English +universities, a certificate of proficiency, without which a person +is not able to take his degree. So called from the first word in +the formula. + +There is not one out of twenty of my pupils who can look forward +with unmixed pleasure to a _testamur_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. +254. + +Every _testamur_ must be signed by three out of the four +examiners, at least.--_Ibid._, p. 282. + + +THEATRE. At Oxford, a building in which are held the annual +commemoration of benefactors, the recitation of prize +compositions, and the occasional ceremony of conferring degrees on +distinguished personages.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +THEME. In college phrase, a short dissertation composed by a +student. + +It is the practice at Cambridge [Mass.] for the Professor of +Rhetoric and the English Language, commencing in the first or +second quarter of the student's Sophomore year, to give the class +a text; generally some brief moral quotation from some of the +ancient or modern poets, from which the students write a short +essay, usually denominated a _theme_.--_Works of R.T. Paine_, p. +xxi. + +Far be it from me to enter into competition with students who have +been practising the sublime art of _theme_ and forensic writing +for two years.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 316. + + But on the sleepy day of _themes_, + May doze away a dozen reams. + _Ibid._, p. 283. + +Nimrod holds his "first _theme_" in one hand, and is leaning his +head on the other.--_Ibid._, p. 253. + + +THEME-BEARER. At Harvard College, until within a few years, a +student was chosen once in a term by his classmates to perform the +duties of _theme-bearer_. He received the subjects for themes and +forensics from the Professors of Rhetoric and of Moral Philosophy, +and posted them up in convenient places, usually in the entries of +the buildings and on, the bulletin-boards. He also distributed the +corrected themes, at first giving them to the students after +evening prayers, and, when this had been forbidden by the +President, carrying them to their rooms. For these services he +received seventy-five cents per term from each member of the +class. + + +THEME-PAPER. In American colleges, a kind of paper on which +students write their themes or composition. It is of the size of +an ordinary letter-sheet, contains eighteen or nineteen lines +placed at wide intervals, and is ruled in red ink with a margin a +little less than an inch in width. + +Shoe-strings, lucifers, omnibus-tickets, _theme-paper_, +postage-stamps, and the nutriment of pipes.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 266. + + +THEOLOGUE. A cant name among collegians for a student in theology. + +The hardened hearts of Freshmen and _Theologues_ burned with +righteous indignation.--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + +The _Theologs_ are not so wicked as the Medics.--_Burlesque +Catalogue, Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 30. + + +THESES-COLLECTOR. One who collects or prepares _theses_. The +following extract from the laws of Harvard College will explain +further what is meant by this term. "The President, Professors, +and Tutors, annually, some time in the third term, shall select +from the Junior Class a number of _Theses-Collectors_, to prepare +theses for the next year; from which selection they shall appoint +so many divisions as shall be equal to the number of branches they +may assign. And each one shall, in the particular branch assigned +him, collect so many theses as the government may judge expedient; +and all the theses, thus collected, shall be delivered to the +President, by the Saturday immediately succeeding the end of the +Spring vacation in the Senior year, at furthest, from which the +President, Professors, and Tutors shall select such as they shall +judge proper to be published. But if the theses delivered to the +President, in any particular branch, should not afford a +sufficient number suitable for publication, a further number shall +be required. The name of the student who collected any set or +number of theses shall be annexed to the theses collected by him, +in every publication. Should any one neglect to collect the theses +required of him, he shall be liable to lose his degree."--1814, p. +35. + +The Theses-Collectors were formerly chosen by the class, as the +following extract from a MS. Journal will show. + +"March 27th, 1792. My Class assembled in the chapel to choose +theses-collectors, a valedictory orator, and poet. Jackson was +chosen to deliver the Latin oration, and Cutler to deliver the +poem. Ellis was almost unanimously chosen a collector of the +grammatical theses. Prince was chosen metaphysical +theses-collector, with considerable opposition. Lowell was chosen +mathematical theses-collector, though not unanimously. Chamberlain +was chosen physical theses-collector." + + +THESIS. A position or proposition which a person advances and +offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument; a +theme; a subject; particularly, a subject or proposition for a +school or university exercise, or the exercise itself.--_Webster_. + +In the older American colleges, the _theses_ held a prominent +place in the exercises of Commencement. At Harvard College the +earliest theses extant bear the date of the year 1687. They were +Theses Technological, Logical, Grammatical, Rhetorical, +Mathematical, and Physical. The last theses were presented in the +year 1820. The earliest theses extant belonging to Yale College +are of 1714, and the last were printed in 1797. + + +THIRDING. In England, "a custom practised at the universities, +where two _thirds_ of the original price is allowed by +upholsterers to the students for household goods returned them +within the year."--_Grose's Dict._ + +On this subject De Quincey says: "The Oxford rule is, that, if you +take the rooms (which is at your own option), in that case you +_third_ the furniture and the embellishments; i.e. you succeed to +the total cost diminished by one third. You pay, therefore, two +guineas out of each three to your _immediate_ predecessor."--_Life +and Manners_, p. 250. + + +THIRD-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the title of +Third-Year Men, or Senior Sophs or Sophisters, is given to +students during the third year of their residence at the +University. + + +THUNDERING BOLUS. See INTONITANS BOLUS. + + +TICK. A recitation made by one who does not know of what he is +talking. + +_Ticks_, screws, and deads were all put under contribution.--_A +Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 25. + + +TICKER. One who recites without knowing what he is talking about; +one entirely independent of any book-knowledge. + + If any "_Ticker_" dare to look + A stealthy moment on his book. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +TICKING. The act of reciting without knowing anything about the +lesson. + +And what with _ticking_, screwing, and deading, am candidate for a +piece of parchment to-morrow.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 194. + + +TIGHT. A common slang term among students; the comparative, of +which _drunk_ is the superlative. + + Some twenty of as jolly chaps as e'er got jolly _tight_. + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849. + + Hast spent the livelong night + In smoking Esculapios,--in getting jolly _tight_? + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850. + + He clenched his fist as fain for fight, + Sank back, and gently murmured "_tight_." + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen, 1848. + + While fathers, are bursting with rage and spite, + And old ladies vow that the students are _tight_. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + +Speaking of the word "drunk," the Burlington Sentinel remarks: +"The last synonyme that we have observed is '_tight_,' a term, it +strikes us, rather inappropriate, since a 'tight' man, in the cant +use of the word, is almost always a 'loose character.' We give a +list of a few of the various words and phrases which have been in +use, at one time or another, to signify some stage of inebriation: +Over the bay, half seas over, hot, high, corned, cut, cocked, +shaved, disguised, jammed, damaged, sleepy, tired, discouraged, +snuffy, whipped, how come ye so, breezy, smoked, top-heavy, +fuddled, groggy, tipsy, smashed, swipy, slewed, cronk, salted +down, how fare ye, on the lee lurch, all sails set, three sheets +in the wind, well under way, battered, blowing, snubbed, sawed, +boosy, bruised, screwed, soaked, comfortable, stimulated, +jug-steamed, tangle-legged, fogmatic, blue-eyed, a passenger in +the Cape Ann stage, striped, faint, shot in the neck, bamboozled, +weak-jointed, got a brick in his hat, got a turkey on his back." + +Dr. Franklin, in speaking of the intemperate drinker, says, he +will never, or seldom, allow that he is drunk; he may be "boosy, +cosey, foxed, merry, mellow, fuddled, groatable, confoundedly cut, +may see two moons, be among the Philistines, in a very good humor, +have been in the sun, is a little feverish, pretty well entered, +&c., but _never drunk_." + +A highly entertaining list of the phrases which the Germans employ +"to clothe in a tolerable garb of decorum that dreamy condition +into which Bacchus frequently throws his votaries," is given in +_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., pp. 296, 297. + +See SPRUNG. + +2. At Williams College, this word is sometimes used as an +exclamation; e.g. "O _tight_!" + + +TIGHT FIT. At the University of Vermont, a good joke is +denominated by the students a _tight fit_, and the jokee is said +to be "hard up." + + +TILE. A hat. Evidently suggested by the meaning of the word, a +covering for the roof of buildings. + + Then, taking it from off his head, began to brush his "_tile_." + _Poem before the Iadma_, 1850. + + +TOADY. A fawning, obsequious parasite; a toad-eater. In college +cant, one who seeks or gains favor with an instructor or +popularity with his classmates by mean and sycophantic actions. + + +TOADY. To flatter any one for gain.--_Halliwell_. + + +TOM. The great bell of Christ Church, Oxford, which formerly +belonged to Osney Abbey. + +"This bell," says the Oxford Guide, "was recast in 1680, its +weight being about 17,000 pounds; more than double the weight of +the great bell in St. Paul's, London. This bell has always been +represented as one of the finest in England, but even at the risk +of dispelling an illusion under which most Oxford men have +labored, and which every member of Christ Church has indulged in +from 1680 to the present time, touching the fancied superiority of +mighty Tom, it must be confessed that it is neither an accurate +nor a musical bell. The note, as we are assured by the learned in +these matters, ought to be B flat, but is not so. On the contrary, +the bell is imperfect and inharmonious, and requires, in the +opinion of those best informed, and of most experience, to be +recast. It is, however, still a great curiosity, and may be seen +by applying to the porter at Tom-Gate lodge."--Ed. 1847, p. 5, +note a. + + +TO THE _n(-th.)_, TO THE _n + 1(-th.)_ Among English Cantabs +these algebraic expressions are used as intensives to denote the +most energetic way of doing anything.--_Bristed_. + + +TOWNEY. The name by which a student in an American college is +accustomed to designate any young man residing in the town in +which the college is situated, who is not a collegian. + + And _Towneys_ left when she showed fight. + _Pow-wow of Class of '58, Yale Coll._ + + +TRANSLATION. The act of turning one language into another. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., this word is applied more +particularly to the turning of Greek or Latin into English. + +In composition and cram I was yet untried, and the _translations_ +in lecture-room were not difficult to acquit one's self on +respectably.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +34. + + +TRANSMITTENDUM, _pl._ TRANSMITTENDA or TRANSMITTENDUMS. Anything +transmitted, or handed down from one to another. + +Students, on withdrawing from college, often leave in the room +which they last occupied, pictures, looking-glasses, chairs, &c., +there to remain, and to be handed down to the latest posterity. +Articles thus left are called _transmittenda_. + +The Great Mathematical Slate was a _transmittendum_ to the best +mathematical scholar in each class.--_MS. note in Cat. Med. Fac. +Soc._, 1833, p. 16. + + +TRENCHER-CAP. A-name, sometimes given to the square head-covering +worn by students in the English universities. Used figuratively to +denote collegiate power. + +The _trencher-cap_ has claimed a right to take its part in the +movements which make or mar the destinies of nations, by the side +of plumed casque and priestly tiara.--_The English Universities +and their Reforms_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, Feb. 1849. + + +TRIANGLE. At Union College, a urinal, so called from its shape. + + +TRIENNIAL, or TRIENNIAL CATALOGUE. In American colleges, a +catalogue issued once in three years. This catalogue contains the +names of the officers and students, arranged according to the +years in which they were connected with the college, an account of +the high public offices which they have filled, degrees which they +have received, time of death, &c.[66] + +The _Triennial Catalogue_ becomes increasingly a mournful +record--it should be monitory, as well as mournful--to survivors, +looking at the stars thickening on it, from one date to +another.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 198. + + Our tale shall be told by a silent star, + On the page of some future _Triennial_. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849, p. 4. + + +TRIMESTER. Latin _trimestris_; _tres_, three, and _mensis_, month. +In the German universities, a term or period of three +months.--_Webster_. + + +TRINITARIAN. The popular name of a member of Trinity College in +the University of Cambridge, Eng. + + +TRIPOS, _pl._ TRIPOSES. At Cambridge, Eng., any university +examination for honors, of questionists or men who have just taken +their B.A. The university scholarship examinations are not called +_triposes_.--_Bristed_. + +The Classical Tripos is generally spoken of as _the Tripos_, the +Mathematical one as the Degree Examination.--_Ibid._, p. 170. + +2. A tripos paper. + +3. One who prepares a tripos paper.--_Webster_. + + +TRIPOS PAPER. At the University of Cambridge, England, a printed +list of the successful candidates for mathematical honors, +accompanied by a piece in Latin verse. There are two of these, +designed to commemorate the two Tripos days. The first contains +the names of the Wranglers and Senior Optimes, and the second the +names of the Junior Optimes. The word _tripos_ is supposed to +refer to the three-legged stool formerly used at the examinations +for these honors, though some derive it from the three _brackets_ +formerly printed on the back of the paper. + +_Classical Tripos Examination_. The final university examination +for classical honors, optional to all who have taken the +mathematical honors.--_C.A. Bristed_, in _Webster's Dict._ + +The Tripos Paper is more fully described in the annexed extract. +"The names of the Bachelors who were highest in the list +(Wranglers and Senior Optimes, _Baccalaurei quibus sua reservatur +senioritas Comitiis prioribus_, and Junior Optimes, _Comitiis +posterioribus_) were written on slips of paper; and on the back of +these papers, probably with a view of making them less fugitive +and more entertaining, was given a copy of Latin verses. These +verses were written by one of the new Bachelors, and the exuberant +spirits and enlarged freedom arising from the termination of the +Undergraduate restrictions often gave to these effusions a +character of buffoonery and satire. The writer was termed _Terræ +Filius_, or _Tripos_, probably from some circumstance in the mode +of his making his appearance and delivering his verses; and took +considerable liberties. On some occasions, we find that these went +so far as to incur the censure of the authorities. Even now, the +Tripos verses often aim at satire and humor. [It is customary to +have one serious and one humorous copy of verses.] The writer does +not now appear in person, but the Tripos Paper, the list of honors +with its verses, still comes forth at its due season, and the list +itself has now taken the name of the Tripos. This being the case +with the list of mathematical honors, the same name has been +extended to the list of classical honors, though unaccompanied by +its classical verses."--_Whewell on Cambridge Education_, Preface +to Part II., quoted in _Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 25. + + +TRUMP. A jolly blade; a merry fellow; one who occupies among his +companions a position similar to that which trumps hold to the +other cards in the pack. Not confined in its use to collegians, +but much in vogue among them. + + But soon he treads this classic ground, + Where knowledge dwells and _trumps_ abound. + _MS. Poem_. + + +TRUSTEE. A person to whom property is legally committed in +_trust_, to be applied either for the benefit of specified +individuals, or for public uses.--_Webster_. + +In many American colleges the general government is vested in a +board of _trustees_, appointed differently in different colleges. + +See CORPORATION and OVERSEER. + + +TUFT-HUNTER. A cant term, in the English universities, for a +hanger-on to noblemen and persons of quality. So called from the +_tuft_ in the cap of the latter.--_Halliwell_. + +There are few such thorough _tuft-hunters_ as your genuine Oxford +Don.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LVI. p. 572. + + +TUITION. In universities, colleges, schools, &c., the money paid +for instruction. In American colleges, the tuition is from thirty +to seventy dollars a year. + + +TUTE. Abbreviation for Tutor. + + +TUTOR. Latin; from _tueor_, to defend; French, _tuteur_. + +In English universities and colleges, an officer or member of some +hall, who has the charge of hearing the lessons of the students, +and otherwise giving them instruction in the sciences and various +branches of learning. + +In the American colleges, tutors are graduates selected by the +trustees, for the instruction of undergraduates of the first three +years. They are usually officers of the institution, who have a +share, with the president and professors, in the government of the +students.--_Webster_. + + +TUTORAGE. In the English universities, the guardianship exerted by +a tutor; the care of a pupil. + +The next item which I shall notice is that which in college bills +is expressed by the word _Tutorage_.--_De Quincey's Life and +Manners_, p. 251. + + +TUTOR, CLASS. At some of the colleges in the United States, each +of the four classes is assigned to the care of a particular tutor, +who acts as the ordinary medium of communication between the +members of the class and the Faculty, and who may be consulted by +the students concerning their studies, or on any other subject +interesting to them in their relations to the college. + +At Harvard College, in addition to these offices, the Class Tutors +grant leave of absence from church and from town for Sunday, +including Saturday night, on the presentation of a satisfactory +reason, and administer all warnings and private admonitions +ordered by the Faculty for misconduct or neglect of duty.--_Orders +and Regulations of the Faculty of Harv. Coll._, July, 1853, pp. 1, +2. + +Of this regulation as it obtained at Harvard during the latter +part of the last century, Professor Sidney Willard says: "Each of +the Tutors had one class, of which he was charged with a certain +oversight, and of which he was called the particular Tutor. The +several Tutors in Latin successively sustained this relation to my +class. Warnings of various kinds, private admonitions for +negligence or minor offences, and, in general, intercommunication +between his class and the Immediate Government, were the duties +belonging to this relation."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +Vol. I. p. 266, note. + + +TUTOR, COLLEGE. At the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, an +officer connected with a college, whose duties are described in +the annexed extracts. + +With reference to Oxford, De Quincey remarks: "Each college takes +upon itself the regular instruction of its separate inmates,--of +these and of no others; and for this office it appoints, after +careful selection, trial, and probation, the best qualified +amongst those of its senior members who choose to undertake a +trust of such heavy responsibility. These officers are called +Tutors; and they are connected by duties and by accountability, +not with the University at all, but with their own private +colleges. The public tutors appointed in each college [are] on the +scale of one to each dozen or score of students."--_Life and +Manners_, Boston, 1851, p. 252. + +Bristed, writing of Cambridge, says: "When, therefore, a boy, or, +as we should call him, a young man, leaves his school, public or +private, at the age of eighteen or nineteen, and 'goes up' to the +University, he necessarily goes up to some particular college, and +the first academical authority he makes acquaintance with in the +regular order of things is the College Tutor. This gentleman has +usually taken high honors either in classics or mathematics, and +one of his duties is naturally to lecture. But this by no means +constitutes the whole, or forms the most important part, of his +functions. He is the medium of all the students' pecuniary +relations with the College. He sends in their accounts every term, +and receives the money through his banker; nay, more, he takes in +the bills of their tradesmen, and settles them also. Further, he +has the disposal of the college rooms, and assigns them to their +respective occupants. When I speak of the College _Tutor_, it must +not be supposed that one man is equal to all this work in a large +college,--Trinity, for instance, which usually numbers four +hundred Undergraduates in residence. A large college has usually +two Tutors,--Trinity has three,--and the students are equally +divided among them,--_on their sides_, the phrase is,--without +distinction of year, or, as we should call it, of _class_. The +jurisdiction of the rooms is divided in like manner. The Tutor is +supposed to stand _in loco parentis_; but having sometimes more +than a hundred young men under him, he cannot discharge his duties +in this respect very thoroughly, nor is it generally expected that +he should."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 10, 11. + + +TUTORIAL. Belonging to or exercised by a tutor or instructor. + +Even while he is engaged in his "_tutorial_" duties, &c.--_Am. +Lit. Mag._, Vol. IV. p. 409. + + +TUTORIC. Pertaining to a tutor. + +A collection of two was not then considered a sure prognostic of +rebellion, and spied out vigilantly by _tutoric_ +eyes.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 314. + + +TUTORIFIC. The same as _tutoric_. + + While thus in doubt they hesitating stand, + Approaches near the _Tutorific_ band. + _Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + + "Old Yale," of thee we sing, thou art our theme, + Of thee with all thy _Tutorific_ host.--_Ibid._ + + +TUTORING FRESHMEN. Of the various means used by Sophomores to +trouble Freshmen, that of _tutoring_ them, as described in the +following extract from the Sketches of Yale College, is not at all +peculiar to that institution, except in so far as the name is +concerned. + +"The ancient customs of subordination among the classes, though +long since abrogated, still preserve a part of their power over +the students, not only of this, but of almost every similar +institution. The recently exalted Sophomore, the dignified Junior, +and the venerable Senior, look back with equal humor at the +'greenness' of their first year. The former of these classes, +however, is chiefly notorious in the annals of Freshman capers. To +them is allotted the duty of fumigating the room of the new-comer, +and preparing him, by a due induction into the mysteries of Yale, +for the duties of his new situation. Of these performances, the +most systematic is commonly styled _Tutoring_, from the character +assumed by the officiating Sophomore. Seated solemnly in his chair +of state, arrayed in a pompous gown, with specs and powdered hair, +he awaits the approach of the awe-struck subject, who has been +duly warned to attend his pleasure, and fitly instructed to make a +low reverence and stand speechless until addressed by his +illustrious superior. A becoming impression has also been conveyed +of the dignity, talents, and profound learning and influence into +the congregated presence of which he is summoned. Everything, in +short, which can increase his sufficiently reverent emotions, or +produce a readier or more humble obedience, is carefully set +forth, till he is prepared to approach the door with no little +degree of that terror with which the superstitious inquirer enters +the mystic circle of the magician. A shaded light gleams dimly out +into the room, and pours its fuller radiance upon a ponderous +volume of Hebrew; a huge pile of folios rests on the table, and +the eye of the fearful Freshman half ventures to discover that +they are tomes of the dead languages. + +"But first he has, in obedience to his careful monitor, bowed +lowly before the dignified presence; and, hardly raising his eyes, +he stands abashed at his awful situation, waiting the supreme +pleasure of the supposed officer. A benignant smile lights up the +tutor's grave countenance; he enters strangely enough into +familiar talk with the recently admitted collegiate; in pathetic +terms he describes the temptations of this _great_ city, the +thousand dangers to which he will be exposed, the vortex of ruin +into which, if he walks unwarily, he will be surely plunged. He +fires the youthful ambition with glowing descriptions of the +honors that await the successful, and opens to his eager view the +dazzling prospect of college fame. Nor does he fail to please the +youthful aspirant with assurances of the kindly notice of the +Faculty; he informs him of the satisfactory examination he has +passed, and the gratification of the President at his uncommon +proficiency; and having thus filled the buoyant imagination of his +dupe with the most glowing college air-castles, dismisses him from +his august presence, after having given him especial permission to +call on any important occasion hereafter."--pp. 159-162. + + +TUTOR, PRIVATE. At the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, an +instructor, whose position and studies are set forth in the +following extracts. + +"Besides the public tutors appointed in each college," says De +Quincey, writing of Oxford, "there are also tutors strictly +private, who attend any students in search of special and +extraordinary aid, on terms settled privately by themselves. Of +these persons, or their existence, the college takes no +cognizance." "These are the working agents in the Oxford system." +"The _Tutors_ of Oxford correspond to the _Professors_ of other +universities."--_Life and Manners_, Boston, 1851, pp. 252, 253. + +Referring to Cambridge, Bristed remarks: "The private tutor at an +English university corresponds, as has been already observed, in +many respects, to the _professor_ at a German. The German +professor is not _necessarily_ attached to any specific chair; he +receives no _fixed_ stipend, and has not public lecture-rooms; he +teaches at his own house, and the number of his pupils depends on +his reputation. The Cambridge private tutor is also a graduate, +who takes pupils at his rooms in numbers proportionate to his +reputation and ability. And although while the German professor is +regularly licensed as such by his university, and the existence of +the private tutor _as such_ is not even officially recognized by +his, still this difference is more apparent than real; for the +English university has _virtually_ licensed the tutor to instruct +in a particular branch by the standing she has given him in her +examinations." "Students come up to the University with all +degrees of preparation.... To make up for former deficiences, and +to direct study so that it may not be wasted, are two _desiderata_ +which probably led to the introduction of private tutors, once a +partial, now a general appliance."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 146-148. + + +TUTORSHIP. The office of a tutor.--_Hooker_. + +In the following passage, this word is used as a titulary +compellation, like the word _lordship_. + + One morning, as the story goes, + Before his _tutorship_ arose.--_Rebelliad_, p. 73. + + +TUTORS' PASTURE. In 1645, John Bulkley, the "first Master of Arts +in Harvard College," by a deed, gave to Mr. Dunster, the President +of that institution, two acres of land in Cambridge, during his +life. The deed then proceeds: "If at any time he shall leave the +Presidency, or shall decease, I then desire the College to +appropriate the same to itself for ever, as a small gift from an +alumnus, bearing towards it the greatest good-will." "After +President Dunster's resignation," says Quincy, "the Corporation +gave the income of Bulkley's donation to the tutors, who received +it for many years, and hence the enclosure obtained the name of +'_Tutors' Pasture_,' or '_Fellows' Orchard_.'" In the Donation +Book of the College, the deed is introduced as "Extractum Doni +Pomarii Sociorum per Johannem Bulkleium."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 269, 270. + +For further remarks on this subject, see Peirce's "History of +Harvard University," pp. 15, 81, 113, also Chap. XIII., and +"Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," pp. 390, 391. + + +TWITCH A TWELVE. At Middlebury College, to make a perfect +recitation; twelve being the maximum mark for scholarship. + + + +_U_. + + +UGLY KNIFE. See JACK-KNIFE. + + +UNDERGRADUATE. A student, or member of a university or college, +who has not taken his first degree.--_Webster_. + + +UNDERGRADUATE. Noting or pertaining to a student of a college who +has not taken his first degree. + +The _undergraduate_ students shall be divided into four distinct +classes.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 11. + +With these the _undergraduate_ course is not intended to +interfere.--_Yale Coll. Cat._, 1850-51, p. 33. + + +UNDERGRADUATESHIP. The state of being an undergraduate.--_Life of +Paley_. + + +UNIVERSITY. An assemblage of colleges established in any place, +with professors for instructing students in the sciences and other +branches of learning, and where degrees are conferred. A +_university_ is properly a universal school, in which are taught +all branches of learning, or the four faculties of theology, +medicine, law, and the sciences and arts.--_Cyclopædia_. + +2. At some American colleges, a name given to a university +student. The regulation in reference to this class at Union +College is as follows:--"Students, not regular members of college, +are allowed, as university students, to prosecute any branches for +which they are qualified, provided they attend three recitations +daily, and conform in all other respects to the laws of College. +On leaving College, they receive certificates of character and +scholarship."--_Union Coll. Cat._, 1850. + +The eyes of several Freshmen and _Universities_ shone with a +watery lustre.--_The Parthenon_, Vol. I. p. 20. + + +UP. To be _up_ in a subject, is to be informed in regard to it. +_Posted_ expresses a similar idea. The use of this word, although +common among collegians, is by no means confined to them. + +In our past history, short as it is, we would hardly expect them +to be well _up_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 28. + + +He is well _up_ in metaphysics.--_Ibid._, p. 53. + + +UPPER HOUSE. See SENATE. + + + +_V_. + + +VACATION. The intermission of the regular studies and exercises of +a college or other seminary, when the students have a +recess.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., there are three vacations +during each year. Christmas vacation begins on the 16th of +December, and ends on the 13th of January. Easter vacation begins +on the Friday before Palm Sunday, and ends on the eleventh day +after Easter-day. The Long vacation begins on the Friday +succeeding the first Tuesday in July, and ends on the 10th of +October. At the University of Oxford there are four vacations in +each year. At Dublin University there are also four vacations, +which correspond nearly with the vacations of Oxford. + +See TERM. + + +VALEDICTION. A farewell; a bidding farewell. Used sometimes with +the meaning of _valedictory_ or _valedictory oration_. + +Two publick Orations, by the Candidates: the one to give a +specimen of their Knowledge, &c., and the other to give a grateful +and pathetick _Valediction_ to all the Officers and Members of the +Society.--_Clap's Hist. Yale Coll._, p. 87. + + +VALEDICTORIAN. The student of a college who pronounces the +valedictory oration at the annual Commencement.--_Webster_. + + +VALEDICTORY. In American colleges, a farewell oration or address +spoken at Commencement, by a member of the class which receive the +degree of Bachelor of Arts, and take their leave of college and of +each other. + + +VARMINT. At Cambridge, England, and also among the whip gentry, +this word signifies natty, spruce, dashing; e.g. he is quite +_varmint_; he sports a _varmint_ hat, coat, &c. + +A _varmint_ man spurns a scholarship, would consider it a +degradation to be a fellow.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 122. + +The handsome man, my friend and pupil, was naturally enough a bit +of a swell, or _varmint_ man.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 118. + + +VERGER. At the University of Oxford, an officer who walks first in +processions, and carries a silver rod. + + +VICE-CHANCELLOR. An officer in a university, in England, a +distinguished member, who is annually elected to manage the +affairs in the absence of the Chancellor. He must be the head of a +college, and during his continuance in office he acts as a +magistrate for the university, town, and county.--_Cam. Cal._ + +At Oxford, the Vice-Chancellor holds a court, in which suits may +be brought against any member of the University. He never walks +out, without being preceded by a Yeoman-Bedel with his silver +staff. At Cambridge, the Mayor and Bailiffs of the town are +obliged, at their election, to take certain oaths before the +Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor has the sole right of +licensing wine and ale-houses in Cambridge, and of _discommuning_ +any tradesman or inhabitant who has violated the University +privileges or regulations. In both universities, the +Vice-Chancellor is nominated by the Heads of Houses, from among +themselves. + + +VICE-MASTER. An officer of a college in the English universities +who performs the duties of the Master in his absence. + + +VISITATION. The act of a superior or superintending officer, who +visits a corporation, college, church, or other house, to examine +into the manner in which it is conducted, and see that its laws +and regulations are duly observed and executed.--_Cyc._ + +In July, 1766, a law was formally enacted, "that twice in the +year, viz. at the semiannual _visitation_ of the committee of the +Overseers, some of the scholars, at the direction of the President +and Tutors, shall publicly exhibit specimens of their +proficiency," &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 132. + + +VIVA VOCE. Latin; literally, _with the living voice_. In the +English universities, that part of an examination which is carried +on orally. + +The examination involves a little _viva voce_, and it was said, +that, if a man did his _viva voce_ well, none of his papers were +looked at but the Paley.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 92. + +In Combination Room, where once I sat at _viva voce_, wretched, +ignorant, the wine goes round, and wit, and pleasant +talk.--_Household Words_, Am. ed., Vol. XI. p. 521. + + + +_W_. + + +WALLING. At the University of Oxford, the punishment of _walling_, +as it is popularly denominated, consists in confining a student to +the walls of his college for a certain period. + + +WARDEN. The master or president of a college.--_England_. + + +WARNING. In many colleges, when it is ascertained that a student +is not living in accordance with the laws of the institution, he +is usually informed of the fact by a _warning_, as it is called, +from one of the faculty, which consists merely of friendly caution +and advice, thus giving him an opportunity, by correcting his +faults, to escape punishment. + + Sadly I feel I should have been saved by numerous _warnings_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + + No more shall "_warnings_" in their hearing ring, + Nor "admonitions" haunt their aching head. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 210. + + +WEDGE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the man whose name is +the last on the list of honors in the voluntary classical +examination, which follows the last examination required by +statute, is called the _wedge_. "The last man is called the +_wedge_" says Bristed, "corresponding to the Spoon in Mathematics. +This name originated in that of the man who was last on the first +Tripos list (in 1824), _Wedgewood_. Some one suggested that the +_wooden wedge_ was a good counterpart to the _wooden spoon_, and +the appellation stuck."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +253. + + +WET. To christen a new garment by treating one's friends when one +first appears in it; e.g.:--A. "Have you _wet_ that new coat yet?" +B. "No." A. "Well, then, I should recommend to you the propriety +of so doing." B. "What will you drink?" This word, although much +used among students, is by no means confined to them. + + +WHINNICK. At Hamilton College, to refuse to fulfil a promise or +engagement; to retreat from a difficulty; to back out. + + +WHITE-HOOD HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +WIGS. The custom of wearing wigs was, perhaps, observed nowhere in +America during the last century with so much particularity as at +the older colleges. Of this the following incident is +illustrative. Mr. Joseph Palmer, who graduated at Harvard in the +year 1747, entered college at the age of fourteen; but, although +so young, was required immediately after admission to cut off his +long, flowing hair, and to cover his head with an unsightly +bag-wig. At the beginning of the present century, wigs were not +wholly discarded, although the fashion of wearing the hair in a +queue was more in vogue. From a record of curious facts, it +appears that the last wig which appeared at Commencement in +Harvard College was worn by Mr. John Marsh, in the year 1819. + +See DRESS. + + +WILL. At Harvard College, it was at one time the mode for the +student to whom had been given the JACK-KNIFE in consequence of +his ugliness, to transmit the inheritance, when he left, to some +one of equal pretensions in the class next below him. At one +period, this transmission was effected by a _will_, in which not +only the knife, but other articles, were bequeathed. As the 21st +of June was, till of late years, the day on which the members of +the Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to +make preparations for the ensuing Commencement, Wills were usually +dated at that time. The first will of this nature of which mention +is made is that of Mr. William Biglow, a member of the class of +1794, and the recipient for that year of the knife. It appeared in +the department entitled "Omnium Gatherum" of the Federal Orrery, +published at Boston, April 27, 1795, in these words:-- + + "A WILL: + +BEING THE LAST WORDS OF CHARLES CHATTERBOX, ESQ., LATE WORTHY AND +MUCH LAMENTED MEMBER OF THE LAUGHING CLUB OF HARVARD UNIVERSITT, +WHO DEPARTED COLLEGE LIFE, JUNE 21, 1794, IN THE TWENTY-FIRST YEAR +OF HIS AGE. + + "I, CHARLEY CHATTER, sound of mind, + To making fun am much inclined; + So, having cause to apprehend + My college life is near its end, + All future quarrels to prevent, + I seal this will and testament. + + "My soul and body, while together, + I send the storms of life to weather; + To steer as safely as they can, + To honor GOD, and profit man. + + "_Imprimis_, then, my bed and bedding, + My only chattels worth the sledding, + Consisting of a maple stead, + A counterpane, and coverlet, + Two cases with the pillows in, + A blanket, cord, a winch and pin, + Two sheets, a feather bed and hay-tick, + I order sledded up to _Natick_, + And that with care the sledder save them + For those kind parents, first who gave them. + + "_Item_. The Laughing Club, so blest, + Who think this life what 't is,--a jest,-- + Collect its flowers from every spray, + And laugh its goading thorns away; + From whom to-morrow I dissever, + Take one sweet grin, and leave for ever; + My chest, and all that in it is, + I give and I bequeath them, viz.: + Westminster grammar, old and poor, + Another one, compiled by Moor; + A bunch of pamphlets pro and con + The doctrine of salva-ti-on; + The college laws, I'm freed from minding, + A Hebrew psalter, stripped from binding. + A Hebrew Bible, too, lies nigh it, + Unsold--because no one would buy it. + + "My manuscripts, in prose and verse, + They take for better and for worse; + Their minds enlighten with the best, + And pipes and candles with the rest; + Provided that from them they cull + My college exercises dull, + On threadbare theme, with mind unwilling, + Strained out through fear of fine one shilling, + To teachers paid t' avert an evil, + Like Indian worship to the Devil. + The above-named manuscripts, I say. + To club aforesaid I convey, + Provided that said themes, so given, + Full proofs that _genius won't be driven_, + To our physicians be presented, + As the best opiates yet invented. + + "_Item_. The government of college, + Those liberal _helluos_ of knowledge, + Who, e'en in these degenerate days, + Deserve the world's unceasing praise; + Who, friends of science and of men, + Stand forth Gomorrah's righteous ten; + On them I naught but thanks bestow, + For, like my cash, my credit's low; + So I can give nor clothes nor wines, + But bid them welcome to my fines. + + "_Item_. My study desk of pine, + That work-bench, sacred to the nine, + Which oft hath groaned beneath my metre, + I give to pay my debts to PETER. + + "_Item_. Two penknives with white handles, + A bunch of quills, and pound of candles, + A lexicon compiled by COLE, + A pewter spoon, and earthen bowl, + A hammer, and two homespun towels, + For which I yearn with tender bowels, + Since I no longer can control them, + I leave to those sly lads who stole them. + + "_Item_. A gown much greased in Commons, + A hat between a man's and woman's, + A tattered coat of college blue, + A fustian waistcoat torn in two, + With all my rust, through college carried, + I give to classmate O----,[67] who's _married_. + + "_Item_. C------ P------s[68] has my knife, + During his natural college life,-- + That knife, which ugliness inherits, + And due to his superior merits; + And when from Harvard he shall steer, + I order him to leave it here, + That 't may from class to class descend, + Till time and ugliness shall end. + + "The said C------ P------s, humor's son, + Who long shall stay when I am gone, + The Muses' most successful suitor, + I constitute my executor; + And for his trouble to requite him, + Member of Laughing Club I write him. + + "Myself on life's broad sea I throw, + Sail with its joy, or stem its woe, + No other friend to take my part, + Than careless head and honest heart. + My purse is drained, my debts are paid, + My glass is run, my will is made, + To beauteous Cam. I bid adieu, + And with the world begin anew." + +Following the example of his friend Biglow, Mr. Prentiss, on +leaving college, prepared a will, which afterwards appeared in one +of the earliest numbers of the Rural Repository, a literary paper, +the publication of which he commenced at Leominster, Mass., in the +autumn of 1795. Thomas Paine, afterwards Robert Treat Paine, Jr., +immediately transferred it to the columns of the Federal Orrery, +which paper he edited, with these introductory remarks: "Having, +in the second number of 'Omnium Gatherum' presented to our readers +the last will and testament of Charles Chatterbox, Esq., of witty +memory, wherein the said Charles, now deceased, did lawfully +bequeath to Ch----s Pr----s the celebrated 'Ugly Knife,' to be by +him transmitted, at his collegiate demise, to the next succeeding +candidate;... and whereas the said Ch-----s Pr-----s, on the 21st +of June last, departed his aforesaid '_college life_,' thereby +leaving to the inheritance of his successor the valuable legacy, +which his illustrious friend had bequeathed, as an _entailed +estate_, to the poets of the university,--we have thought proper +to insert a full, true, and attested copy of the will of the last +deceased heir, in order that the world may be furnished with a +correct genealogy of this renowned _jack-knife_, whose pedigree +will become as illustrious in after time as the family of the +'ROLLES,' and which will be celebrated by future wits as the most +formidable _weapon_ of modern genius." + +"A WILL; + +BEING THE LAST WORDS OP CH----S PR----S, LATE WORTHY AND MUCH +LAMENTED MEMBER OF THE LAUGHING CLUB OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY, WHO +DEPARTED COLLEGE LIFE ON THE 21ST OF JUNE, 1795. + + "I, Pr-----s Ch----s, of judgment sound, + In soul, in limb and wind, now found; + I, since my head is full of wit, + And must be emptied, or must split, + In name of _president_ APOLLO, + And other gentle folks, that follow: + Such as URANIA and CLIO, + To whom my fame poetic I owe; + With the whole drove of rhyming sisters, + For whom my heart with rapture blisters; + Who swim in HELICON uncertain + Whether a petticoat or shirt on, + From vulgar ken their charms do cover, + From every eye but _Muses' lover_; + In name of every ugly GOD; + Whose beauty scarce outshines a toad; + In name of PROSERPINE and PLUTO, + Who board in hell's sublimest grotto; + In name of CERBERUS and FURIES, + Those damned _aristocrats_ and tories; + In presence of two witnesses, + Who are as homely as you please, + Who are in truth, I'd not belie 'em, + Ten times as ugly, faith, as I am; + But being, as most people tell us, + A pair of jolly clever fellows, + And classmates likewise, at this time, + They sha'n't be honored in my rhyme. + I--I say I, now make this will; + Let those whom I assign fulfil. + I give, grant, render, and convey + My goods and chattels thus away: + That _honor of a college life_, + _That celebrated_ UGLY KNIFE, + Which predecessor SAWNEY[69] orders, + Descending to time's utmost borders, + To _noblest bard of homeliest phiz_, + To have and hold and use as his; + I now present C----s P----y S----r,[70] + To keep with his poetic lumber, + To scrape his quid, and make a split, + To point his pen for sharpening wit; + And order that he ne'er abuse + Said Ugly Knife, in dirtier use, + And let said CHARLES, that best of writers, + In prose satiric skilled to bite us, + And equally in verse delight us, + Take special care to keep it clean + From unpoetic hands,--I ween. + And when those walls, the Muses' seat, + Said S----r is obliged to quit, + Let some one of APOLLO'S firing, + To such heroic joys aspiring, + Who long has borne a poet's name, + With said knife cut his way to fame. + + "I give to those that fish for parts, + Long sleepless nights, and aching hearts, + A little soul, a fawning spirit, + With half a grain of plodding merit, + Which is, as Heaven I hope will say, + Giving what's not my own away. + + "Those _oven baked_ or _goose egg folded_, + Who, though so often I have told it, + With all my documents to show it, + Will scarce believe that I'm a poet, + I give of criticism the lens + With half an ounce of common sense. + + "And 't would a breach be of humanity, + Not to bequeath D---n[71] my vanity; + For 'tis a rule direct from Heaven, + _To him that hath, more shall be given_. + + "_Item_. Tom M----n,[72] COLLEGE LION, + Who'd ne'er spend cash enough to buy one, + The BOANERGES of a pun, + A man of science and of fun, + That quite uncommon witty elf, + Who darts his bolts and shoots himself, + Who oft hath bled beneath my jokes, + I give my old _tobacco-box_. + + "My _Centinels_[73] for some years past, + So neatly bound with thread and paste, + Exposing Jacobinic tricks, + I give my chum _for politics_. + + "My neckcloth, dirty, old, yet _strong_, + That round my neck has lasted long, + I give BIG BOY, for deed of pith, + Namely, to hang himself therewith. + + "To those who've parts at exhibition + Obtained by long, unwearied fishing, + I say, to such unlucky wretches, + I give, for wear, a brace of breeches; + Then used; as they're but little tore, + I hope they'll show their tails no more. + + "And ere it quite has gone to rot, + I, B---- give my blue great-coat, + With all its rags, and dirt, and tallow, + Because he's such a dirty fellow. + + "Now for my books; first, _Bunyan's Pilgrim_, + (As he with thankful pleasure will grin,) + Though dog-leaved, torn, in bad type set in, + 'T will do quite well for classmate B----, + And thus, with complaisance to treat her, + 'T will answer for another Detur. + + "To him that occupies my study, + I give, for use of making toddy, + A bottle full of _white-face_ STINGO, + Another, handy, called a _mingo_. + My wit, as I've enough to spare, + And many much in want there are, + I ne'er intend to keep at _home_, + But give to those that handiest come, + Having due caution, _where_ and _when_, + Never to spatter _gentlemen_. + The world's loud call I can't refuse, + The fine productions of my muse; + If _impudence_ to _fame_ shall waft her, + I'll give the public all, hereafter. + My love-songs, sorrowful, complaining, + (The recollection puts me pain in,) + The last sad groans of deep despair, + That once could all my entrails tear; + My farewell sermon to the ladies; + My satire on a woman's head-dress; + My epigram so full of glee, + Pointed as epigrams should be; + My sonnets soft, and sweet as lasses, + My GEOGRAPHY of MOUNT PARNASSUS; + With all the bards that round it gather, + And variations of the weather; + Containing more true humorous satire, + Than's oft the lot of human nature; + ('O dear, what can the matter be!' + I've given away my _vanity_; + The vessel can't so much contain, + It runs o'er and comes back again.) + My blank verse, poems so majestic, + My rhymes heroic, tales agrestic; + The whole, I say, I'll overhaul 'em, + Collect and publish in a volume. + + "My heart, which thousand ladies crave, + That I intend my wife shall have. + I'd give my foibles to the wind, + And leave my vices all behind; + But much I fear they'll to me stick, + Where'er I go, through thin and thick. + On WISDOM'S _horse_, oh, might I ride, + Whose steps let PRUDENCE' bridle guide. + Thy loudest voice, O REASON, lend, + And thou, PHILOSOPHY, befriend. + May candor all my actions guide, + And o'er my every thought preside, + And in thy ear, O FORTUNE, one word, + Let thy swelled canvas bear me onward, + Thy favors let me ever see, + And I'll be much obliged to thee; + And come with blooming visage meek, + Come, HEALTH, and ever flush my cheek; + O bid me in the morning rise, + When tinges Sol the eastern skies; + At breakfast, supper-time, or dinner, + Let me against thee be no sinner. + + "And when the glass of life is run, + And I behold my setting sun, + May conscience sound be my protection, + And no ungrateful recollection, + No gnawing cares nor tumbling woes, + Disturb the quiet of life's close. + And when Death's gentle feet shall come + To bear me to my endless home, + Oh! may my soul, should Heaven but save it, + Safely return to GOD who gave it." + _Federal Orrery_, Oct. 29, 1795. _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, + Vol. II. pp. 228-231, 268-273. + +It is probable that the idea of a "College Will" was suggested to +Biglow by "Father Abbey's Will," portions of which, till the +present generation, were "familiar to nearly all the good +housewives of New England." From the history of this poetical +production, which has been lately printed for private circulation +by the Rev. John Langdon Sibley of Harvard College, the annexed +transcript of the instrument itself, together with the love-letter +which was suggested by it, has been taken. The instances in which +the accepted text differs from a Broadside copy, in the possession +of the editor of this work, are noted at the foot of the page. + + "FATHER ABBEY'S WILL: + + TO WHICH IS NOW ADDED, A LETTER OF COURTSHIP TO HIS VIRTUOUS AND + AMIABLE WIDOW. + "_Cambridge, December_, 1730. + +"Some time since died here Mr. Matthew Abbey, in a very advanced +age: He had for a great number of years served the College in +quality of Bedmaker and Sweeper: Having no child, his wife +inherits his whole estate, which he bequeathed to her by his last +will and testament, as follows, viz.:-- + + "To my dear wife + My joy and life, + I freely now do give her, + My whole estate, + With all my plate, + Being just about to leave her. + + "My tub of soap, + A long cart-rope, + A frying pan and kettle, + An ashes[74] pail, + A threshing-flail, + An iron wedge and beetle. + + "Two painted chairs, + Nine warden pears, + A large old dripping platter, + This bed of hay + On which I lay, + An old saucepan for butter. + + "A little mug, + A two-quart jug, + A bottle full of brandy, + A looking-glass + To see your face, + You'll find it very handy. + + "A musket true, + As ever flew, + A pound of shot and wallet, + A leather sash, + My calabash, + My powder-horn and bullet. + + "An old sword-blade, + A garden spade, + A hoe, a rake, a ladder, + A wooden can, + A close-stool pan, + A clyster-pipe and bladder. + + "A greasy hat, + My old ram cat, + A yard and half of linen, + A woollen fleece, + A pot of grease,[75] + In order for your spinning. + + "A small tooth comb, + An ashen broom, + A candlestick and hatchet, + A coverlid + Striped down with red, + A bag of rags to patch it. + + "A rugged mat, + A tub of fat, + A book put out by Bunyan, + Another book + By Robin Cook,[76] + A skein or two of spun-yarn. + + "An old black muff, + Some garden stuff, + A quantity of borage,[77] + Some devil's weed, + And burdock seed, + To season well your porridge. + + "A chafing-dish, + With one salt-fish. + If I am not mistaken, + A leg of pork, + A broken fork, + And half a flitch of bacon. + + "A spinning-wheel, + One peck of meal, + A knife without a handle, + A rusty lamp, + Two quarts of samp, + And half a tallow candle. + + "My pouch and pipes, + Two oxen tripes, + An oaken dish well carved, + My little dog, + And spotted hog, + With two young pigs just starved. + + "This is my store, + I have no more, + I heartily do give it: + My years are spun, + My days are done, + And so I think to leave it. + + "Thus Father Abbey left his spouse, + As rich as church or college mouse, + Which is sufficient invitation + To serve the college in his station." + _Newhaven, January_ 2, 1731. + +"Our sweeper having lately buried his spouse, and accidentally +hearing of the death and will of his deceased Cambridge brother, +has conceived a violent passion for the relict. As love softens +the mind and disposes to poetry, he has eased himself in the +following strains, which he transmits to the charming widow, as +the first essay of his love and courtship. + + "MISTRESS Abbey + To you I fly, + You only can relieve me; + To you I turn, + For you I burn, + If you will but believe me. + + "Then, gentle dame, + Admit my flame, + And grant me my petition; + If you deny, + Alas! I die + In pitiful condition. + + "Before the news + Of your dear spouse + Had reached us at New Haven, + My dear wife dy'd, + Who was my bride + In anno eighty-seven. + + "Thus[78] being free, + Let's both agree + To join our hands, for I do + Boldly aver + A widower + Is fittest for a widow. + + "You may be sure + 'T is not your dower + I make this flowing verse on; + In these smooth lays + I only praise + The glories[79] of your person. + + "For the whole that + Was left by[80] _Mat._ + Fortune to me has granted + In equal store, + I've[81] one thing more + Which Matthew long had wanted. + + "No teeth, 't is true, + You have to shew, + The young think teeth inviting; + But silly youths! + I love those mouths[82] + Where there's no fear of biting. + + "A leaky eye, + That's never dry, + These woful times is fitting. + A wrinkled face + Adds solemn grace + To folks devout at meeting. + + "[A furrowed brow, + Where corn might grow, + Such fertile soil is seen in 't, + A long hook nose, + Though scorned by foes, + For spectacles convenient.][83] + + "Thus to go on + I would[84] put down + Your charms from head to foot, + Set all your glory + In verse before ye, + But I've no mind to do 't.[85] + + "Then haste away, + And make no stay; + For soon as you come hither, + We'll eat and sleep, + Make beds and sweep. + And talk and smoke together. + + "But if, my dear, + I must move there, + Tow'rds Cambridge straight I'll set me.[86] + To touse the hay + On which you lay, + If age and you will let me."[87] + +The authorship of Father Abbey's Will and the Letter of Courtship +is ascribed to the Rev. John Seccombe, who graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1728. The former production was sent to +England through the hands of Governor Belcher, and in May, 1732, +appeared both in the Gentleman's Magazine and the London Magazine. +The latter was also despatched to England, and was printed in the +Gentleman's Magazine for June, and in the London Magazine for +August, 1732. Both were republished in the Massachusetts Magazine, +November, 1794. A most entertaining account of the author of these +poems, and of those to whom they relate, may be found in the +"Historical and Biographical Notes" of the pamphlet to which +allusion has been already made, and in the "Cambridge [Mass.] +Chronicle" of April 28, 1855. + + +WINE. To drink wine. + +After "wining" to a certain extent, we sallied forth from his +rooms.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 14. + +Hither they repair each day after dinner "_to wine_." + +_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 95. + +After dinner I had the honor of _wining_ with no less a personage +than a fellow of the college.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 114. + + +In _wining_ with a fair one opposite, a luckless piece of jelly +adhered to the tip of his still more luckless nose.--_The Blank +Book of a Small-Colleger_, New York, 1824, p. 75. + + +WINE PARTY. Among students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., +an entertainment after dinner, which is thus described by Bristed: +"Many assemble at _wine parties_ to chat over a frugal dessert of +oranges, biscuits, and cake, and sip a few glasses of not +remarkably good wine. These wine parties are the most common +entertainments, being rather the cheapest and very much the most +convenient, for the preparations required for them are so slight +as not to disturb the studies of the hardest reading man, and they +take place at a time when no one pretends to do any work."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +WIRE. At Harvard College, a trick; an artifice; a stratagem; a +_dodge_. + + +WIRY. Trickish; artful. + + +WITENAGEMOTE. Saxon, _witan_, to know, and _gemot_, a meeting, a +council. + +In the University of Oxford, the weekly meeting of the heads of +the colleges.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +WOODEN SPOON. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the scholar +whose name stands last of all on the printed list of honors, at +the Bachelors' Commencement in January, is scoffingly said to gain +the _wooden spoon_. He is also very currently himself called the +_wooden spoon_. + +A young academic coming into the country immediately after this +great competition, in which he had conspicuously distinguished +himself, was asked by a plain country gentleman, "Pray, Sir, is my +Jack a Wrangler?" "No, Sir." Now Jack had confidently pledged +himself to his uncle that he would take his degree with honor. "A +Senior Optime?" "No, Sir." "Why, what was he then?" "Wooden +Spoon!" "Best suited to his wooden head," said the mortified +inquirer.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, Vol. II. p. 258. + +It may not perhaps be improper to mention one very remarkable +personage, I mean "the _Wooden Spoon_." This luckless wight (for +what cause I know not) is annually the universal butt and +laughing-stock of the whole Senate-House. He is the last of those +young men who take honors, in his year, and is called a Junior +Optime; yet, notwithstanding his being in fact superior to them +all, the very lowest of the [Greek: oi polloi], or gregarious +undistinguished bachelors, think themselves entitled to shoot the +pointless arrows of their clumsy wit against the _wooden spoon_; +and to reiterate the stale and perennial remark, that "Wranglers +are born with gold spoons in their mouths, Senior Optimes with +silver, Junior Optimes with _wooden_, and the [Greek: oi polloi] +with leaden ones."--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + + Who while he lives must wield the boasted prize, + Whose value all can feel, the weak, the wise; + Displays in triumph his distinguished boon, + The solid honors of the _wooden spoon_. + _Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 119. + +2. At Yale College, this title is conferred on the student who +takes the last appointment at the Junior Exhibition. The following +account of the ceremonies incident to the presentation of the +Wooden Spoon has been kindly furnished by a graduate of that +institution. + +"At Yale College the honors, or, as they are there termed, +appointments, are given to a class twice during the course;--upon +the merits of the two preceding years, at the end of the first +term, Junior; and at the end of the second term, Senior, upon the +merits of the whole college course. There are about eight grades +of appointments, the lowest of which is the Third Colloquy. Each +grade has its own standard, and if a number of students have +attained to the same degree, they receive the same appointment. It +is rarely the case, however, that more than one student can claim +the distinction of a third colloquy; but when there are several, +they draw lots to see which is entitled to be considered properly +_the_ third colloquy man. + +"After the Junior appointments are awarded, the members of the +Junior Class hold an exhibition similar to the regular Junior +exhibition, and present a _wooden spoon_ to the man who received +the lowest honor in the gift of the Faculty. + +"The exhibition takes place in the evening, at some public hall in +town. Except to those engaged in the arrangements, nothing is +known about it among the students at large, until the evening of +the performances, when notices of the hour and place are quietly +circulated at prayers, in order that it may not reach the ears of +the Faculty, who are ever too ready to participate in the sports +of the students, and to make the result tell unfavorably against +the college welfare of the more prominent characters. + +"As the appointed hour approaches, long files of black coats may +be seen emerging from the dark halls, and winding their way +through the classic elms towards the Temple, the favorite scene of +students' exhibitions and secret festivals. When they reach the +door, each man must undergo the searching scrutiny of the +door-keeper, usually disguised as an Indian, to avoid being +recognized by a college officer, should one chance to be in the +crowd, and no one is allowed to enter unless he is known. + +"By the time the hour of the exercises has arrived, the hall is +densely packed with undergraduates and professional students. The +President, who is a non-appointment man, and probably the poorest +scholar in the class, sits on a stage with his associate +professors. Appropriate programmes, printed in the college style, +are scattered throughout the house. As the hour strikes, the +President arises with becoming dignity, and, instead of the usual +phrase, 'Musicam audeamus,' restores order among the audience by +'Silentiam audeamus,' and then addresses the band, 'Musica +cantetur.' + +"Then follow a series of burlesque orations, dissertations, and +disputes, upon scientific and other subjects, from the wittiest +and cleverest men in the class, and the house is kept in a +continual roar of laughter. The highest appointment men frequently +take part in the speeches. From time to time the band play, and +the College choir sing pieces composed for the occasion. In one of +the best, called AUDACIA, composed in imitation of the Crambambuli +song, by a member of the class to which the writer belonged, the +Wooden Spoon is referred to in the following stanza:-- + + 'But do not think our life is aimless; + O no! we crave one blessed boon, + It is the prize of value nameless, + The honored, classic WOODEN SPOON; + But give us this, we'll shout Hurrah! + O nothing like Audacia!' + +"After the speeches are concluded and the music has ceased, the +President rises and calls the name of the hero of the evening, who +ascends the stage and stands before the high dignitary. The +President then congratulates him upon having attained to so +eminent a position, and speaks of the pride that he and his +associates feel in conferring upon him the highest honor in their +gift,--the Wooden Spoon. He exhorts him to pursue through life the +noble cruise he has commenced in College,--not seeking glory as +one of the illiterate,--the [Greek: oi polloi],--nor exactly on +the fence, but so near to it that he may safely be said to have +gained the 'happy medium.' + +"The President then proceeds to the grand ceremony of the evening, +--the delivery of the Wooden Spoon,--a handsomely finished spoon, +or ladle, with a long handle, on which is carved the name of the +Class, and the rank and honor of the recipient, and the date of +its presentation. The President confers the honor in Latin, +provided he and his associates are able to muster a sufficient +number of sentences. + +"When the President resumes his seat, the Third Colloquy man +thanks his eminent instructors for the honor conferred upon him, +and thanks (often with sincerity) the class for the distinction he +enjoys. The exercises close with music by the band, or a burlesque +colloquy. On one occasion, the colloquy was announced upon the +programme as 'A Practical Illustration of Humbugging,' with a long +list of witty men as speakers, to appear in original costumes. +Curiosity was very much excited, and expectation on the tiptoe, +when the colloquy became due. The audience waited and waited until +sufficiently _humbugged_, when they were allowed to retire with +the laugh turned against them. + +"Many men prefer the Wooden Spoon to any other college honor or +prize, because it comes directly from their classmates, and hence, +perhaps, the Faculty disapprove of it, considering it as a damper +to ambition and college distinctions." + +This account of the Wooden Spoon Exhibition was written in the +year 1851. Since then its privacy has been abolished, and its +exercises are no longer forbidden by the Faculty. Tutors are now +not unfrequently among the spectators at the presentation, and +even ladies lend their presence, attention, and applause, to +beautify, temper, and enliven the occasion. + +The "_Wooden Spoon_," tradition says, was in ancient times +presented to the greatest glutton in the class, by his +appreciating classmates. It is now given to the one whose name +comes last on the list of appointees for the Junior Exhibition, +though this rule is not strictly followed. The presentation takes +place during the Summer Term, and in vivacity with respect to the +literary exercises, and brilliance in point of audience, forms a +rather formidable rival to the regularly authorized Junior +Exhibition.--_Songs of Tale_, Preface, 1853, p. 4. + +Of the songs which are sung in connection with the wooden spoon +presentation, the following is given as a specimen. + + "Air,--_Yankee Doodle_. + + "Come, Juniors, join this jolly tune + Our fathers sang before us; + And praise aloud the wooden spoon + In one long, swelling chorus. + Yes! let us, Juniors, shout and sing + The spoon and all its glory,-- + Until the welkin loudly ring + And echo back the story. + + "Who would not place this precious boon + Above the Greek Oration? + Who would not choose the wooden spoon + Before a dissertation? + Then, let, &c. + + "Some pore o'er classic works jejune, + Through all their life at College,-- + I would not pour, but use the spoon + To fill my mind with knowledge. + So let, &c. + + "And if I ever have a son + Upon my knee to dandle, + I'll feed him with a wooden spoon + Of elongated handle. + Then let, &c. + + "Most college honors vanish soon, + Alas! returning never, + But such a noble wooden spoon + Is tangible for ever. + So let, &c. + + "Now give, in honor of the spoon, + Three cheers, long, loud, and hearty, + And three for every honored June + In coch-le-au-re-a-ti.[88] + Yes! let us, Juniors, shout and sing + The spoon and all its glory,-- + Until the welkin loudly ring + And echo back the story." + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 37. + + +WRANGLER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., at the conclusion +of the tenth term, the final examination in the Senate-House takes +place. A certain number of those who pass this examination in the +best manner are called _Wranglers_. + +The usual number of _Wranglers_--whatever Wrangler may have meant +once, it now implies a First Class man in Mathematics--is +thirty-seven or thirty-eight. Sometimes it falls to thirty-five, +and occasionally rises above forty.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 227. + +See SENIOR WRANGLER. + + +WRANGLERSHIP. The office of a _Wrangler_. + + +He may be considered pretty safe for the highest _Wranglership_ +out of Trinity.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 103. + + +WRESTLING-MATCH. At Harvard College, it was formerly the custom, +on the first Monday of the term succeeding the Commencement +vacation, for the Sophomores to challenge the Freshmen who had +just entered College to a wrestling-match. A writer in the New +England Magazine, 1832, in an article entitled "Harvard College +Forty Years Ago," remarks as follows on this subject: "Another +custom, not enjoined by the government, had been in vogue from +time immemorial. That was for the Sophomores to challenge the +Freshmen to a wrestling-match. If the Sophomores were thrown, the +Juniors gave a similar challenge. If these were conquered, the +Seniors entered the lists, or treated the victors to as much wine, +punch, &c. as they chose to drink. In my class, there were few who +had either taste, skill, or bodily strength for this exercise, so +that we were easily laid on our backs, and the Sophomores were +acknowledged our superiors, in so far as 'brute force' was +concerned. Being disgusted with these customs, we held a +class-meeting, early in our first quarter, and voted unanimously +that we should never send a Freshman on an errand; and, with but +one dissenting voice, that we would not challenge the next class +that should enter to wrestle. When the latter vote was passed, our +moderator, pointing at the dissenting individual with the finger +of scorn, declared it to be a vote, _nemine contradicente_. We +commenced Sophomores, another Freshman Class entered, the Juniors +challenged them, and were thrown. The Seniors invited them to a +treat, and these barbarous customs were soon after +abolished."--Vol. III. p. 239. + +The Freshman Class above referred to, as superior to the Junior, +was the one which graduated in 1796, of which Mr. Thomas Mason, +surnamed "the College Lion," was a member,--"said," remarks Mr. +Buckingham, "to be the greatest _wrestler_ that was ever in +College. He was settled as a clergyman at Northfield, Mass., +resigned his office some years after, and several times +represented that town in the Legislature of Massachusetts." +Charles Prentiss, the wit of the Class of '95, in a will written +on his departure from college life, addresses Mason as follows:-- + + "Item. Tom M----n, COLLEGE LION, + Who'd ne'er spend cash enough to buy one, + The BOANERGES of a pun, + A man of science and of fun, + That quite uncommon witty elf, + Who darts his bolts and shoots himself, + Who oft has bled beneath my jokes, + I give my old _tobacco-box_." + _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. p. 271. + +The fame which Mr. Mason had acquired while in College for bodily +strength and skill in wrestling, did not desert him after he left. +While settled as a minister at Northfield, a party of young men +from Vermont challenged the young men of that town to a bout at +wrestling. The challenge was accepted, and on a given day the two +parties assembled at Northfield. After several rounds, when it +began to appear that the Vermonters were gaining the advantage, a +proposal was made, by some who had heard of Mr. Mason's exploits, +that he should be requested to take part in the contest. It had +now grown late, and the minister, who usually retired early, had +already betaken himself to bed. Being informed of the request of +the wrestlers, for a long time he refused to go, alleging as +reasons his ministerial capacity, the force of example, &c. +Finding these excuses of no avail, he finally arose, dressed +himself, and repaired to the scene of action. Shouts greeted him +on his arrival, and he found himself on the wrestling-field, as he +had stood years ago at Cambridge. The champion of the Vermonters +came forward, flushed with his former victories. After playing +around him for some time, Mr. Mason finally threw him. Having by +this time collected his ideas of the game, when another antagonist +appeared, tripping up his heels with perfect ease, he suddenly +twitched him off his centre and laid him on his back. Victory was +declared in favor of Northfield, and the good minister was borne +home in triumph. + +Similar to these statements are those of Professor Sidney Willard +relative to the same subject, contained in his late work entitled +"Memories of Youth and Manhood." Speaking of the observances in +vogue at Harvard College in the year 1794, he says:--"Next to +being indoctrinated in the Customs, so called, by the Sophomore +Class, there followed the usual annual exhibition of the athletic +contest between that class and the Freshman Class, namely, the +wrestling-match. On some day of the second week in the term, after +evening prayers, the two classes assembled on the play-ground and +formed an extended circle, from which a stripling of the Sophomore +Class advanced into the area, and, in terms justifying the vulgar +use of the derivative word Sophomorical, defied his competitors, +in the name of his associates, to enter the lists. He was matched +by an equal in stature, from that part of the circle formed by the +new-comers. Beginning with these puny athletes, as one and another +was prostrated on either side, the contest advanced through the +intermediate gradations of strength and skill, with increasing +excitement of the parties and spectators, until it reached its +summit by the struggle of the champion or coryphæus in reserve on +each of the opposite sides. I cannot now affirm with certainty the +result of the contest; whether it was a drawn battle, whether it +ended with the day, or was postponed for another trial. It +probably ended in the defeat of the younger party, for there were +more and mightier men among their opponents. Had we been +victorious, it would have behooved us, according to established +precedents, to challenge the Junior Class, which was not done. +Such a result, if it had taken place, could not fade from the +memory of the victors; while failure, on the contrary, being an +issue to be looked for, would soon be dismissed from the thoughts +of the vanquished. Instances had occurred of the triumph of the +Freshman Class, and one of them recent, when a challenge in due +form was sent to the Juniors, who, thinking the contest too +doubtful, wisely resolved to let the victors rejoice in their +laurels already won; and, declining to meet them in the gymnasium, +invited them to a sumptuous feast instead. + +"Wrestling was, at an after period, I cannot say in what year, +superseded by football; a grovelling and inglorious game in +comparison. Wrestling is an art; success in the exercise depends +not on mere bodily strength. It had, at the time of which I have +spoken, its well-known and acknowledged technical rules, and any +violation of them, alleged against one who had prostrated his +adversary, became a matter of inquiry. If it was found that the +act was not achieved _secundum artem_, it was void, and might be +followed by another trial."--Vol. I. pp. 260, 261. + +Remarks on this subject are continued in another part of the work +from which the above extract is made, and the story of Thomas +Mason is related, with a few variations from the generally +received version. "Wrestling," says Professor Willard, "was +reduced to an art, which had its technical terms for the movement +of the limbs, and the manner of using them adroitly, with the +skill acquired by practice in applying muscular force at the right +time and in the right degree. Success in the art, therefore, +depended partly on skill; and a violation of the rules of the +contest vitiated any apparent triumph gained by mere physical +strength. There were traditionary accounts of some of our +predecessors who were commemorated as among the coryphæi of +wrestlers; a renown that was not then looked upon with contempt. +The art of wrestling was not then confined to the literary +gymnasium. It was practised in every rustic village. There were +even migrating braves and Hectors, who, in their wanderings from +their places of abode to villages more or less distant, defied the +chiefest of this order of gymnasts to enter the lists. In a +country town of Massachusetts remote from the capital, one of +these wanderers appeared about half a century since, and issued a +general challenge against the foremost wrestlers. The clergyman of +the town, a son of Harvard, whose fame in this particular had +travelled from the academic to the rustic green, was apprised of +the challenge, and complied with the solicitation of some of his +young parishioners to accept it in their behalf. His triumph over +the challenger was completed without agony or delay, and having +prostrated him often enough to convince him of his folly, he threw +him over the stone wall, and gravely admonished him against +repeating his visit, and disturbing the peace of his +parish."--Vol. I. p. 315. + +The peculiarities of Thomas Mason were his most noticeable +characteristics. As an orator, his eloquence was of the _ore +rotundo_ order; as a writer, his periods were singularly +Johnsonian. He closed his ministerial labors in Northfield, +February 28, 1830, on which occasion he delivered a farewell +discourse, taking for his text, the words of Paul to Timothy: "The +time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I +have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there +is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." + +As a specimen of his style of writing, the following passages are +presented, taken from this discourse:--"Time, which forms the +scene of all human enterprise, solicitude, toil, and improvement, +and which fixes the limitations of all human pleasures and +sufferings, has at length conducted us to the termination of our +long-protracted alliance. An assignment of the reasons of this +measure must open a field too extended and too diversified for our +present survey. Nor could a development of the whole be any way +interesting to us, to whom alone this address is now submitted. +Suffice it to say, that in the lively exercise of mutual and +unimpaired friendship and confidence, the contracting parties, +after sober, continued, and unimpassioned deliberation, have +yielded to existing circumstances, as a problematical expedient of +social blessing." + +After commenting upon the declaration of Paul, he continued: "The +Apostle proceeds, 'I have fought a good fight' Would to God I +could say the same! Let me say, however, without the fear of +contradiction, 'I have fought a fight!' How far it has been +'good,' I forbear to decide." His summing up was this: "You see, +my hearers, all I can say, in common with the Apostle in the text, +is this: 'The time of my departure is at hand,'--and, 'I have +finished my course.'" + +Referring then to the situation which he had occupied, he said: +"The scene of our alliance and co-operation, my friends, has been +one of no ordinary cast and character. The last half-century has +been pregnant with novelty, project, innovation, and extreme +excitement. The pillars of the social edifice have been shaken, +and the whole social atmosphere has been decomposed by alchemical +demagogues and revolutionary apes. The sickly atmosphere has +suffused a morbid humor over the whole frame, and left the social +body little more than 'the empty and bloody skin of an immolated +victim.' + +"We pass by the ordinary incidents of alienation, which are too +numerous, and too evanescent to admit of detail. But seasons and +circumstances of great alarm are not readily forgotten. We have +witnessed, and we have felt, my friends, a political convulsion, +which seemed the harbinger of inevitable desolation. But it has +passed by with a harmless explosion, and returning friends have +paused in wonder, at a moment's suspension of friendship. Mingled +with the factitious mass, there was a large spice of sincerity +which sanctified the whole composition, and restored the social +body to sanity, health, and increased strength and vigor. + +"Thrice happy must be our reflections could we stop here, and +contemplate the ascending prosperity and increasing vigor of this +religious community. But the one half has not yet been told,--the +beginning has hardly been begun. Could I borrow the language of +the spirits of wrath,--was my pen transmuted to a viper's tooth +dipped in gore,--was my paper transformed to a vellum which no +light could illume, and which only darkness could render legible, +I could, and I would, record a tale of blood, of which the foulest +miscreant must burn in ceaseless anguish only once to have been +suspected. But I refer to imagination what description can never +reach." + +What the author referred to in this last paragraph no one knew, +nor did he ever advance any explanation of these strange words. + +Near the close of his discourse, he said: "Standing in the place +of a Christian minister among you, through the whole course of my +ministrations, it has been my great and leading aim ever to +maintain and exhibit the character and example of a Christian man. +With clerical foppery, grimace, craft, and hypocrisy, I have had +no concern. In the free participation of every innocent +entertainment and delight, I have pursued an open, unreserved +course, equally removed from the mummery of superstition and the +dissipation of infidelity. And though I have enjoyed my full share +of honor from the scandal of bigotry and malice, yet I may safely +congratulate myself in the reflection, that by this liberal and +independent progress were men weighed in the balance of +intellectual, social, and moral worth, I have yet never lost a +single friend who was worth preserving."--pp. 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11. + + + +_Y_. + + +YAGER FIGHTS. At Bowdoin College, "_Yager Fights_," says a +correspondent, "are the annual conflicts which occur between the +townsmen and the students. The Yagers (from the German _Jager_, a +hunter, a chaser) were accustomed, when the lumbermen came down +the river in the spring, to assemble in force, march up to the +College yard with fife and drum, get famously drubbed, and retreat +in confusion to their dens. The custom has become extinct within +the past four years, in consequence of the non-appearance of the +Yagers." + + +YALENSIAN. A student at or a member of Yale College. + +In making this selection, we have been governed partly by poetic +merit, but more by the associations connected with various pieces +inserted, in the minds of the present generation of _Yalensians_. +--_Preface to Songs of Yale_, 1853. + +The _Yalensian_ is off for Commencement.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. +XIX. p. 355. + + +YANKEE. According to the account of this word as given by Dr. +William Gordon, it appears to have been in use among the students +of Harvard College at a very early period. A citation from his +work will show this fact in its proper light. + +"You may wish to know the origin of the term _Yankee_. Take the +best account of it which your friend can procure. It was a cant, +favorite word with Farmer Jonathan Hastings, of Cambridge, about +1713. Two aged ministers, who were at the College in that town, +have told me, they remembered it to have been then in use among +the students, but had no recollection of it before that period. +The inventor used it to express excellency. A _Yankee_ good horse, +or _Yankee_ cider, and the like, were an excellent good horse and +excellent cider. The students used to hire horses of him; their +intercourse with him, and his use of the term upon all occasions, +led them to adopt it, and they gave him the name of Yankee Jon. He +was a worthy, honest man, but no conjurer. This could not escape +the notice of the collegiates. Yankee probably became a by-word +among them to express a weak, simple, awkward person; was carried +from the College with them when they left it, and was in that way +circulated and established through the country, (as was the case +in respect to Hobson's choice, by the students at Cambridge, in +Old England,) till, from its currency in New England, it was at +length taken up and unjustly applied to the New-Englanders in +common, as a term of reproach."--_American War_, Ed. 1789, Vol. I. +pp. 324, 325. _Thomas's Spy_, April, 1789, No. 834. + +In the Massachusetts Magazine, Vol. VII., p. 301, the editor, the +Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, D.D., of Dorchester, referring to a +letter written by the Rev. John Seccombe, and dated "Cambridge, +Sept. 27, 1728," observes: "It is a most humorous narrative of the +fate of a goose roasted at 'Yankee Hastings's,' and it concludes +with a poem on the occasion, in the mock-heroic." The fact of the +name is further substantiated in the following remarks by the Rev. +John Langdon Sibley, of Harvard College: "Jonathan Hastings, +Steward of the College from 1750 to 1779,... was a son of Jonathan +Hastings, a tanner, who was called 'Yankee Hastings,' and lived on +the spot at the northwest corner of Holmes Place in Old Cambridge, +where, not many years since, a house was built by the late William +Pomeroy."--_Father Abbey's Will_, Cambridge, Mass., 1854, pp. 7, +8. + + +YEAR. At the English universities, the undergraduate course is +three years and a third. Students of the first year are called +Freshmen, and the other classes at Cambridge are, in popular +phrase, designated successively Second-year Men, Third-year Men, +and Men who are just going out. The word _year_ is often used in +the sense of class. + +The lecturer stands, and the lectured sit, even when construing, +as the Freshmen are sometimes asked to do; the other _Years_ are +only called on to listen.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 18. + +Of the "_year_" that entered with me at Trinity, three men died +before the time of graduating.--_Ibid._, p. 330. + + +YEOMAN-BEDELL. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +_yeoman-bedell_ in processions precedes the esquire-bedells, +carrying an ebony mace, tipped with silver.--_Cam. Guide_. + +At the University of Oxford, the yeoman-bedels bear the silver +staves in procession. The vice-chancellor never walks out without +being preceded by a yeoman-bedel with his insignium of +office.--_Guide to Oxford_. + +See BEADLE. + + +YOUNG BURSCH. In the German universities, a name given to a +student during his third term, or _semester_. + +The fox year is then over, and they wash the eyes of the new-baked +_Young Bursche_, since during the fox-year he was held to be +blind, the fox not being endued with reason.--_Howitt's Student +Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 124. + + + + +A LIST OF AMERICAN COLLEGES + +REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK, IN CONNECTION WITH PARTICULAR WORDS OR +CUSTOMS. + +AMHERST COLLEGE, Amherst, Mass., 10 references. +ANDERSON COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, Ind., 3 references. +BACON COLLEGE, Ky., 1 reference. +BETHANY COLLEGE, Bethany, Va., 2 references. +BOWDOIN COLLEGE, Brunswick, Me., 17 references. +BROWN UNIVERSITY, Providence, R.I., 2 references. +CENTRE COLLEGE, Danville, Ky., 4 references. +COLUMBIA [KING'S] COLLEGE, New York., 5 references. +COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, Washington, D.C., 1 reference. +DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, Hanover, N.H., 27 references. +HAMILTON COLLEGE, Clinton, N.Y., 16 references. +HARVARD COLLEGE, Cambridge, Mass., 399 references. +JEFFERSON COLLEGE, Canonsburg, Penn., 8 references. +KING'S COLLEGE. See COLUMBIA. +MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE, Middlebury, Vt., 11 references. +NEW JERSEY, COLLEGE OF, Princeton, N.J., 29 references. +NEW YORK, UNIVERSITY OF, New York., 1 reference. +NORTH CAROLINA, UNIVERSITY OF, Chapel Hill, N.C., 3 references. +PENNSYLVANIA, UNIVERSITY OF, Philadelphia, Penn., 3 references. +PRINCETON COLLEGE. See NEW JERSEY, COLLEGE OF. +RUTGER'S COLLEGE, New Brunswick, N.J., 2 references. +SHELBY COLLEGE, Shelbyville, Ky., 2 references. +SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE, Columbia, S.C., 3 references. +TRINITY COLLEGE, Hartford, Conn., 11 references. +UNION COLLEGE, Schenectady, N.Y., 41 references. +VERMONT, UNIVERSITY OF, Burlington, Vt., 25 references. +VIRGINIA, UNIVERSITY OF, Albemarle Co., Va., 14 references. +WASHINGTON COLLEGE, Washington, Penn., 5 references. +WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Middletown, Conn., 5 references. +WESTERN RESERVE COLLEGE, Hudson, Ohio., 1 reference. +WEST POINT, N.Y., 1 reference. +WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE, Williamsburg, Va., 3 references. +WILLIAMS COLLEGE, Williamstown, Mass., 43 references. +YALE COLLEGE, New Haven, Conn., 264 references. + + + + +THE END. + + + + +FOOTNOTES: + + +[01] Hon. Levi Woodbury, whose subject was "Progress." + +[02] _Vide_ Aristophanes, _Aves_. + +[03] Alcestis of Euripides. + +[04] See BRICK MILL. + +[05] At Harvard College, sixty-eight Commencements were held in + the old parish church which "occupied a portion of the + space between Dane Hall and the old Presidential House." + The period embraced was from 1758 to 1834. There was no + Commencement in 1764, on account of the small-pox; nor + from 1775 to 1781, seven years, on account of the + Revolutionary war. The first Commencement in the new + meeting-house was held in 1834. In 1835, there was rain at + Commencement, for the first time in thirty-five years. + +[06] The graduating class usually waited on the table at dinner + on Commencement Day. + +[07] Rev. John Willard, S.T.D., of Stafford, Conn., a graduate + of the class of 1751. + +[08] "Men, some to pleasure, some to business, take; + But every woman is at heart a rake." + +[09] Rev. Joseph Willard, S.T.D. + +[10] The Rev. Dr. Simeon Howard, senior clergyman of the + Corporation, presided at the public exercises and + announced the degrees. + +[11] See under THESIS and MASTER'S QUESTION. + +[12] The old way of spelling the word SOPHOMORE, q.v. + +[13] Speaking of Bachelors who are reading for fellowships, + Bristed says, they "wear black gowns with two strings + hanging loose in front."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, + Ed. 2d, p. 20. + +[14] Bristed speaks of the "blue and silver gown" of Trinity + Fellow-Commoners.--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, + p. 34. + +[15] "A gold-tufted cap at Cambridge designates a Johnian or + Small-College Fellow-Commoner."--_Ibid._, p. 136. + +[16] "The picture is not complete without the 'men,' all in + their academicals, as it is Sunday. The blue gown of + Trinity has not exclusive possession of its own walks: + various others are to be discerned, the Pembroke looped at + the sleeve, the Christ's and Catherine curiously crimped + in front, and the Johnian with its unmistakable + 'Crackling.'"--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, + Ed. 2d, p. 73. + + "On Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Saints' days the + students wear surplices instead of their gowns, and very + innocent and exemplary they look in them."--_Ibid._, p. + 21. + +[17] "The ignorance of the popular mind has often represented + academicians riding, travelling, &c. in cap and gown. Any + one who has had experience of the academic costume can + tell that a sharp walk on a windy day in it is no easy + matter, and a ride or a row would be pretty near an + impossibility. Indeed, during these two hours [of hard + exercise] it is as rare to see a student in a gown, as it + is at other times to find him beyond the college walks + without one."--_Ibid._, p. 19. + +[18] Downing College. + +[19] St. John's College. + +[20] See under IMPOSITION. + +[21] "Narratur et prisci Catonis + Sæpè mero caluisse virtus." + Horace, Ode _Ad Amphoram_. + +[22] Education: a Poem before [Greek: Phi. Beta. Kappa.] Soc., + 1799, by William Biglow. + +[23] 2 Samuel x. 4. + +[24] A printed "Order of Exhibition" was issued at Harvard + College in 1810, for the first time. + +[25] In reference to cutting lead from the old College. + +[26] Senior, as here used, indicates an officer of college, or + a member of either of the three upper classes, agreeable + to Custom No. 3, above. + +[27] The law in reference to footballs is still observed. + +[28] See SOPHOMORE. + +[29] I.e. TUTOR. + +[30] Abbreviated for Cousin John, i.e. a privy. + +[31] Joseph Willard, President of Harvard College from 1781 to + 1804. + +[32] Timothy Lindall Jennison, Tutor from 1785 to 1788. + +[33] James Prescott, graduated in 1788. + +[34] Robert Wier, graduated in 1788. + +[35] Joseph Willard. + +[36] Dr. Samuel Williams, Professor of Mathematics and Natural + Philosophy. + +[37] Dr. Eliphalet Pearson, Professor of Hebrew and other + Oriental Languages. + +[38] Eleazar James, Tutor from 1781 to 1789. + +[39] Jonathan Burr, Tutor 1786, 1787. + +[40] "Flag of the free heart's hope and home! + By angel hands to valor given." + _The American Flag_, by J.R. Drake. + +[41] Charles Prentiss, who when this was written was a member + of the Junior Class. Both he and Mr. Biglow were fellows + of "infinite jest," and were noted for the superiority of + their talents and intellect. + +[42] Mr. Biglow was known in college by the name of Sawney, and + was thus frequently addressed by his familiar friends in + after life. + +[43] Charles Pinckney Sumner, afterwards a lawyer in Boston, + and for many years sheriff of the county of Suffolk. + +[44] A black man who sold pies and cakes. + +[45] Written after a general pruning of the trees around + Harvard College. + +[46] Doctor of Medicine, or Student of Medicine. + +[47] Referring to the masks and disguises worn by the members + at their meetings. + +[48] A picture representing an examination and initiation into + the Society, fronting the title-page of the Catalogue. + +[49] Leader Dam, _Armig._, M.D. et ex off L.K. et LL.D. et + J.U.D. et P.D. et M.U.D, etc., etc., et ASS. + + He was an empiric, who had offices at Boston and + Philadelphia, where he sold quack medicines of various + descriptions. + +[50] Christophe, the black Prince of Hayti. + +[51] It is said he carried the bones of Tom Paine, the infidel, + to England, to make money by exhibiting them, but some + difficulty arising about the duty on them, he threw them + overboard. + +[52] He promulgated a theory that the earth was hollow, and + that there was an entrance to it at the North Pole. + +[53] Alexander the First of Russia was elected a member, and, + supposing the society to be an honorable one, forwarded to + it a valuable present. + +[54] He made speeches on the Fourth of July at five or six + o'clock in the morning, and had them printed and ready for + sale, as soon as delivered, from his cart on Boston + Common, from which he sold various articles. + +[55] Tibbets, a gambler, was attacked by Snelling through the + columns of the New England Galaxy. + +[56] Referring to the degree given to the Russian Alexander, + and the present received in return. + +[57] 1851. + +[58] See DIG. In this case, those who had parts at two + Exhibitions are thus designated. + +[59] Jonathan Leonard, who afterwards graduated in the class of + 1786. + +[60] 1851. + +[61] William A. Barron, who was graduated in 1787, and was + tutor from 1793 to 1800, was "among his contemporaries in + office ... social and playful, fond of _bon-mots_, + conundrums, and puns." Walking one day with Shapleigh and + another gentleman, the conversation happened to turn upon + the birthplace of Shapleigh, who was always boasting that + two towns claimed him as their citizen, as the towns, + cities, and islands of Greece claimed Homer as a native. + Barron, with all the good humor imaginable, put an end to + the conversation by the following epigrammatic + impromptu:-- + + "Kittery and York for Shapleigh's birth contest; + Kittery won the prize, but York came off the best." + +[62] In Brady and Tate, "Hear, O my people." + +[63] In Brady and Tate, "instruction." + +[64] Watts, "hear." + +[65] See BOHN. + +[66] The Triennial Catalogue of Harvard College was first + printed in a pamphlet form in the year 1778. + +[67] Jesse Olds, a classmate, afterwards a clergyman in a + country town. + +[68] Charles Prentiss, a member of the Junior Class when this + was written; afterwards editor of the Rural + Repository.--_Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. + 273-275. + +[69] William Biglow was known in college by the name of Sawney, + and was frequently addressed by this sobriquet in after + life, by his familiar friends. + +[70] Charles Pinckney Sumner,--afterwards a lawyer in Boston, + and for many years Sheriff of the County of Suffolk. + +[71] Theodore Dehon, afterwards a clergyman of the Episcopal + Church, and Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina. + +[72] Thomas Mason, a member of the class after Prentiss, said + to be the greatest _wrestler_ that was ever in College. He + was settled as a clergyman at Northfield, Mass.; resigned + his office some years after, and several times represented + that town in the Legislature of Massachusetts. See under + WRESTLING-MATCH. + +[73] The Columbian Centinel, published at Boston, of which + Benjamin Russell was the editor. + +[74] "Ashen," on _Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[75] "A pot of grease, + A woollen fleece."--_Ed's Broadside_. + +[76] "Rook."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. "Hook."--_Gent. Mag._, May, + 1732. + +[77] "Burrage."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[78] "That."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[79] "Beauties."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[80] "My."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[81] "I've" omitted in _Ed.'s Broadside_. + + Nay, I've two more + What Matthew always wanted.--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[82] "But silly youth, + I love the mouth."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[83] This stanza, although found in the London Magazine, does + not appear in the Gentleman's Magazine, or on the Editor's + Broadside. It is probably an interpolation. + +[84] "Cou'd."--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[85] "Do it."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[86] "Tow'rds Cambridge I'll get thee."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[87] "If, madam, you will let me."--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[88] See COCHLEAUREATUS. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Collection of College Words and +Customs, by Benjamin Homer Hall + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS *** + +***** This file should be named 12864-8.txt or 12864-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/8/6/12864/ + +Produced by Rick Niles, John Hagerson, Tony Browne and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/12864-8.zip b/old/12864-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bdf61af --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12864-8.zip diff --git a/old/12864.txt b/old/12864.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dbd0c82 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12864.txt @@ -0,0 +1,23045 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Collection of College Words and Customs +by Benjamin Homer Hall + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Collection of College Words and Customs + +Author: Benjamin Homer Hall + +Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12864] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS *** + + + + +Produced by Rick Niles, John Hagerson, Tony Browne and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +A + +COLLECTION + +OF + +COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS. + +BY B.H. HALL. + + "Multa renascentur quae jam cecidere, cadentque Quae nunc sunt in + honore, vocabula." + + "Notandi sunt tibi mores." + HOR. _Ars Poet._ + +REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION. + + + +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by + +B.H. HALL, + +in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of +Massachusetts. + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +The first edition of this publication was mostly compiled during +the leisure hours of the last half-year of a Senior's collegiate +life, and was presented anonymously to the public with the +following + +"PREFACE. + +"The Editor has an indistinct recollection of a sheet of foolscap +paper, on one side of which was written, perhaps a year and a half +ago, a list of twenty or thirty college phrases, followed by the +euphonious titles of 'Yale Coll.,' 'Harvard Coll.' Next he calls +to mind two blue-covered books, turned from their original use, as +receptacles of Latin and Greek exercises, containing explanations +of these and many other phrases. His friends heard that he was +hunting up odd words and queer customs, and dubbed him +'Antiquarian,' but in a kindly manner, spared his feelings, and +did not put the vinegar 'old' before it. + +"Two and one half quires of paper were in time covered with a +strange medley, an olla-podrida of student peculiarities. Thus did +he amuse himself in his leisure hours, something like one who, as +Dryden says, 'is for raking in Chaucer for antiquated words.' By +and by he heard a wish here and a wish there, whether real or +otherwise he does not know, which said something about 'type,' +'press,' and used other cabalistic words, such as 'copy,' 'devil,' +etc. Then there was a gathering of papers, a transcribing of +passages from letters, an arranging in alphabetical order, a +correcting of proofs, and the work was done,--poorly it may be, +but with good intent. + +"Some things will be found in the following pages which are +neither words nor customs peculiar to colleges, and yet they have +been inserted, because it was thought they would serve to explain +the character of student life, and afford a little amusement to +the student himself. Society histories have been omitted, with the +exception of an account of the oldest affiliated literary society +in the United States. + +"To those who have aided in the compilation of this work, the +Editor returns his warmest thanks. He has received the assistance +of many, whose names he would here and in all places esteem it an +honor openly to acknowlege, were he not forbidden so to do by the +fact that he is himself anonymous. Aware that there is information +still to be collected, in reference to the subjects here treated, +he would deem it a favor if he could receive through the medium of +his publisher such morsels as are yet ungathered. + +"Should one pleasant thought arise within the breast of any +Alumnus, as a long-forgotten but once familiar word stares him in +the face, like an old and early friend; or should one who is still +guarded by his Alma Mater be led to a more summer-like +acquaintance with those who have in years past roved, as he now +roves, through classic shades and honored halls, the labors of +their friend, the Editor, will have been crowned with complete +success. + +"CAMBRIDGE, July 4th, 1851." + +Fearing lest venerable brows should frown with displeasure at the +recital of incidents which once made those brows bright and +joyous; dreading also those stern voices which might condemn as +boyish, trivial, or wrong an attempt to glean a few grains of +philological lore from the hitherto unrecognized corners of the +fields of college life, the Editor chose to regard the brows and +hear the voices from an innominate position. Not knowing lest he +should at some future time regret the publication of pages which +might be deemed heterodox, he caused a small edition of the work +to be published, hoping, should it be judged as evil, that the +error would be circumscribed in its effects, and the medium of the +error buried between the dusty shelves of the second-hand +collection of some rusty old bibliopole. By reason of this extreme +caution, the volume has been out of print for the last four years. + +In the present edition, the contents of the work have been +carefully revised, and new articles, filling about two hundred +pages, have been interspersed throughout the volume, arranged +under appropriate titles. Numerous additions have been made to the +collection of technicalities peculiar to the English universities, +and the best authorities have been consulted in the preparation of +this department. An index has also been added, containing a list +of the American colleges referred to in the text in connection +with particular words or customs. + +The Editor is aware that many of the words here inserted are +wanting in that refinement of sound and derivation which their use +in classical localities might seem to imply, and that some of the +customs here noticed and described are + "More honored in the breach than the observance." +These facts are not, however, sufficient to outweigh his +conviction that there is nothing in language or manners too +insignificant for the attention of those who are desirous of +studying the diversified developments of the character of man. For +this reason, and for the gratification of his own taste and the +tastes of many who were pleased at the inceptive step taken in the +first edition, the present volume has been prepared and is now +given to the public. + +TROY, N.Y., February 2, 1856. + + + + +A COLLECTION OF COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS. + + + +_A_. + + +A.B. An abbreviation for _Artium Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of Arts. +The first degree taken by students at a college or university. It +is usually written B.A., q.v. + + +ABSIT. Latin; literally, _let him be absent_; leave of absence +from commons, given to a student in the English +universities.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +ACADEMIAN. A member of an academy; a student in a university or +college. + + +ACADEMIC. A student in a college or university. + +A young _academic_ coming into the country immediately after this +great competition, &c.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, under _Pin-basket_. + +A young _academic_ shall dwell upon a journal that treats of +trade, and be lavish in the praise of the author; while persons +skilled in those subjects hear the tattle with contempt.--_Watts's +Improvement of the Mind_. + + +ACADEMICALS. In the English universities, the dress peculiar to +the students and officers. + +I must insist on your going to your College and putting on your +_academicals_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 382. + +The Proctor makes a claim of 6s. 8d. on every undergraduate whom +he finds _inermem_, or without his _academicals_.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 8. + +If you say you are going for a walk, or if it appears likely, from +the time and place, you are allowed to pass, otherwise you may be +sent back to college to put on your _academicals_.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 177. + + +ACKNOWLEDGMENT. At Harvard College, every student admitted upon +examination, after giving a bond for the payment of all college +dues, according to the established laws and customs, is required +to sign the following _acknowledgment_, as it is called:--"I +acknowledge that, having been admitted to the University at +Cambridge, I am subject to its laws." Thereupon he receives from +the President a copy of the laws which he has promised to +obey.--_Laws Univ. of Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 13. + + +ACT. In English universities, a thesis maintained in public by a +candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a +student.--_Webster_. + +The student proposes certain questions to the presiding officer of +the schools, who then nominates other students to oppose him. The +discussion is syllogistical and in Latin and terminates by the +presiding officer questioning the respondent, or person who is +said _to keep the act_, and his opponents, and dismissing them +with some remarks upon their respective merits.--_Brande_. + +The effect of practice in such matters may be illustrated by the +habit of conversing in Latin, which German students do much more +readily than English, simply because the former practise it, and +hold public disputes in Latin, while the latter have long left off +"_keeping Acts_," as the old public discussions required of +candidates for a degree used to be called.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 184. + +The word was formerly used in Harvard College. In the "Orders of +the Overseers," May 6th, 1650, is the following: "Such that expect +to proceed Masters of Arts [are ordered] to exhibit their synopsis +of _acts_ required by the laws of the College."--_Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +Nine Bachelors commenced at Cambridge; they were young men of good +hope, and performed their _acts_ so as to give good proof of their +proficiency in the tongues and arts.--_Winthrop's Journal, by Mr. +Savage_, Vol. I. p. 87. + +The students of the first classis that have beene these foure +years trained up in University learning (for their ripening in the +knowledge of the tongues, and arts) and are approved for their +manners, as they have _kept_ their publick _Acts_ in former +yeares, ourselves being present at them; so have they lately +_kept_ two solemn _Acts_ for their Commencement.--_New England's +First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 245. + +But in the succeeding _acts_ ... the Latin syllogism seemed to +give the most content.--_Harvard Register_, 1827-28, p. 305. + +2. The close of the session at Oxford, when Masters and Doctors +complete their degrees, whence the _Act Term_, or that term in +which the _act_ falls. It is always held with great solemnity. At +Cambridge, and in American colleges, it is called _Commencement_. +In this sense Mather uses it. + +They that were to proceed Bachelors, held their _Act_ publickly in +Cambridge.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. 4, pp. 127, 128. + +At some times in the universities of England they have no public +_acts_, but give degrees privately and silently.--_Letter of +Increase Mather, in App. to Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, p. 87. + + +AD EUNDEM GRADUM. Latin, _to the same degree_. In American +colleges, a Bachelor or Master of one institution was formerly +allowed to take _the same_ degree at another, on payment of a +certain fee. By this he was admitted to all the privileges of a +graduate of his adopted Alma Mater. _Ad eundem gradum_, to the +same degree, were the important words in the formula of admission. +A similar custom prevails at present in the English universities. + +Persons who have received a degree in any other college or +university may, upon proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, +upon payment of the customary fees to the President.--_Laws Union +Coll._, 1807, p. 47. + +Persons who have received a degree in any other university or +college may, upon proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, +upon paying five dollars to the Steward for the President.--_Laws +of the Univ. in Cam., Mass._, 1828. + +Persons who have received a degree at any other college may, upon +proper application, be admitted _ad eundem_, upon payment of the +customary fee to the President.--_Laws Mid. Coll._, 1839, p. 24. + +The House of Convocation consists both of regents and non-regents, +that is, in brief, all masters of arts not honorary, or _ad +eundems_ from Cambridge or Dublin, and of course graduates of a +higher order.--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xi. + +Fortunately some one recollected that the American Minister was a +D.C.L. of Trinity College, Dublin, members of which are admitted +_ad eundem gradum_ at Cambridge.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 112. + + +ADJOURN. At Bowdoin College, _adjourns_ are the occasional +holidays given when a Professor unexpectedly absents himself from +recitation. + + +ADJOURN. At the University of Vermont, this word as a verb is used +in the same sense as is the verb BOLT at Williams College; e.g. +the students _adjourn_ a recitation, when they leave the +recitation-room _en masse_, despite the Professor. + + +ADMISSION. The act of admitting a person as a member of a college +or university. The requirements for admission are usually a good +moral character on the part of the candidate, and that he shall be +able to pass a satisfactory examination it certain studies. In +some colleges, students are not allowed to enter until they are of +a specified age.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 12. _Laws +Tale Coll._, 1837, p. 8. + +The requisitions for entrance at Harvard College in 1650 are given +in the following extract. "When any scholar is able to read Tully, +or such like classical Latin author, _extempore_, and make and +speak true Latin in verse and prose _suo (ut aiunt) Marte_, and +decline perfectly the paradigms of nouns and verbs in the Greek +tongue, then may he be admitted into the College, nor shall any +claim admission before such qualifications."--_Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 515. + + +ADMITTATUR. Latin; literally, _let him be admitted_. In the older +American colleges, the certificate of admission given to a student +upon entering was called an _admittatur_, from the word with which +it began. At Harvard no student was allowed to occupy a room in +the College, to receive the instruction there given, or was +considered a member thereof, until he had been admitted according +to this form.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798. + +Referring to Yale College, President Wholsey remarks on this +point: "The earliest known laws of the College belong to the years +1720 and 1726, and are in manuscript; which is explained by the +custom that every Freshman, on his admission, was required to +write off a copy of them for himself, to which the _admittatur_ of +the officers was subscribed."--_Hist. Disc, before Grad. Yale +Coll._, 1850, p. 45. + +He travels wearily over in visions the term he is to wait for his +initiation into college ways and his _admittatur_.--_Harvard +Register_, p. 377. + +I received my _admittatur_ and returned home, to pass the vacation +and procure the college uniform.--_New England Magazine_, Vol. +III. p. 238. + +It was not till six months of further trial, that we received our +_admittatur_, so called, and became matriculated.--_A Tour through +College_, 1832, p. 13. + + +ADMITTO TE AD GRADUM. _I admit you to a degree_; the first words +in the formula used in conferring the honors of college. + + The scholar-dress that once arrayed him, + The charm _Admitto te ad gradum_, + With touch of parchment can refine, + And make the veriest coxcomb shine, + Confer the gift of tongues at once, + And fill with sense the vacant dunce. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Ed. 1794, Exeter, p. 12. + + +ADMONISH. In collegiate affairs, to reprove a member of a college +for a fault, either publicly or privately; the first step of +college discipline. It is followed by _of_ or _against_; as, to +admonish of a fault committed, or against committing a fault. + + +ADMONITION. Private or public reproof; the first step of college +discipline. In Harvard College, both private and public admonition +subject the offender to deductions from his rank, and the latter +is accompanied in most cases with official notice to his parents +or guardian.--See _Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 21. _Laws +Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 23. + +Mr. Flynt, for many years a tutor in Harvard College, thus records +an instance of college punishment for stealing poultry:--"November +4th, 1717. Three scholars were publicly admonished for thievery, +and one degraded below five in his class, because he had been +before publicly admonished for card-playing. They were ordered by +the President into the middle of the Hall (while two others, +concealers of the theft, were ordered to stand up in their places, +and spoken to there). The crime they were charged with was first +declared, and then laid open as against the law of God and the +House, and they were admonished to consider the nature and +tendency of it, with its aggravations; and all, with them, were +warned to take heed and regulate themselves, so that they might +not be in danger of so doing for the future; and those who +consented to the theft were admonished to beware, lest God tear +them in pieces, according to the text. They were then fined, and +ordered to make restitution twofold for each theft."--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 443. + + +ADOPTED SON. Said of a student in reference to the college of +which he is or was a member, the college being styled his _alma +mater_. + +There is something in the affection of our Alma Mater which +changes the nature of her _adopted sons_; and let them come from +wherever they may, she soon alters them and makes it evident that +they belong to the same brood.--_Harvard Register_, p. 377. + + +ADVANCE. The lesson which a student prepares for the first time is +called _the advance_, in contradistinction to _the review_. + + Even to save him from perdition, + He cannot get "_the advance_," forgets "_the review_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 13. + + +AEGROTAL. Latin, _aegrotus_, sick. A certificate of illness. Used +in the Univ. of Cam., Eng. + +A lucky thought; he will get an "_aegrotal_," or medical +certificate of illness.--_Household Words_, Vol. II. p. 162. + + +AEGROTAT. Latin; literally, _he is sick_. In the English +universities, a certificate from a doctor or surgeon, to the +effect that a student has been prevented by illness from attending +to his college duties, "though, commonly," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "the real complaint is much more serious; viz. +indisposition of the mind! _aegrotat_ animo magis quam corpore." +This state is technically called _aegritude_, and the person thus +affected is said to be _aeger_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. pp. 386, +387. + +To prove sickness nothing more is necessary than to send to some +medical man for a pill and a draught, and a little bit of paper +with _aegrotat_ on it, and the doctor's signature. Some men let +themselves down off their horses, and send for an _aegrotat_ on +the score of a fall.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +235. + +During this term I attended another course of Aristotle lectures, +--but not with any express view to the May examination, which I +had no intention of going in to, if it could be helped, and which +I eventually escaped by an _aegrotat_ from my +physician.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +198. + +Mr. John Trumbull well describes this state of indisposition in +his Progress of Dullness:-- + + "Then every book, which ought to please, + Stirs up the seeds of dire disease; + Greek spoils his eyes, the print's so fine, + Grown dim with study, and with wine; + Of Tully's Latin much afraid, + Each page he calls the doctor's aid; + While geometry, with lines so crooked, + Sprains all his wits to overlook it. + His sickness puts on every name, + Its cause and uses still the same; + 'Tis toothache, colic, gout, or stone, + With phases various as the moon, + But tho' thro' all the body spread, + Still makes its cap'tal seat, the head. + In all diseases, 'tis expected, + The weakest parts be most infected." + Ed. 1794, Part I. p. 8. + + +AEGROTAT DEGREE. One who is sick or so indisposed that he cannot +attend the Senate-House examination, nor consequently acquire any +honor, takes what is termed an _AEgrotat degree_.--_Alma Mater_, +Vol. II. p. 105. + + +ALMA MATER, _pl._ ALMAE MATRES. Fostering mother; a college or +seminary where one is educated. The title was originally given to +Oxford and Cambridge, by such as had received their education in +either university. + +It must give pleasure to the alumni of the College to hear of his +good name, as he [Benjamin Woodbridge] was the eldest son of our +_alma mater_.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 57. + +I see the truths I have uttered, in relation to our _Almae +Matres_, assented to by sundry of their +children.--_Terrae-Filius_, Oxford, p. 41. + + +ALUMNI, SOCIETY OF. An association composed of the graduates of a +particular college. The object of societies of this nature is +stated in the following extract from President Hopkins's Address +before the Society of Alumni of Williams College, Aug. 16, 1843. +"So far as I know, the Society of the Alumni of Williams College +was the first association of the kind in this country, certainly +the first which acted efficiently, and called forth literary +addresses. It was formed September 5, 1821, and the preamble to +the constitution then adopted was as follows: 'For the promotion +of literature and good fellowship among ourselves, and the better +to advance the reputation and interests of our Alma Mater, we the +subscribers, graduates of Williams College, form ourselves into a +Society.' The first president was Dr. Asa Burbank. The first +orator elected was the Hon. Elijah Hunt Mills, a distinguished +Senator of the United States. That appointment was not fulfilled. +The first oration was delivered in 1823, by the Rev. Dr. +Woodbridge, now of Hadley, and was well worthy of the occasion; +and since that time the annual oration before the Alumni has +seldom failed.... Since this Society was formed, the example has +been followed in other institutions, and bids fair to extend to +them all. Last year, for the first time, the voice of an Alumnus +orator was heard at Harvard and at Yale; and one of these +associations, I know, sprung directly from ours. It is but three +years since a venerable man attended the meeting of our Alumni, +one of those that have been so full of interest, and he said he +should go directly home and have such an association formed at the +Commencement of his Alma Mater, then about to occur. He did so. +That association was formed, and the last year the voice of one of +the first scholars and jurists in the nation was heard before +them. The present year the Alumni of Dartmouth were addressed for +the first time, and the doctrine of Progress was illustrated by +the distinguished speaker in more senses than one.[01] Who can +tell how great the influence of such associations may become in +cherishing kind feeling, in fostering literature, in calling out +talent, in leading men to act, not selfishly, but more efficiently +for the general cause through particular institutions?"--_Pres. +Hopkins's Miscellaneous Essays and Discourses_, pp. 275-277. + +To the same effect also, Mr. Chief Justice Story, who, in his +Discourse before the Society of the Alumni of Harvard University, +Aug. 23, 1842, says: "We meet to celebrate the first anniversary +of the society of all the Alumni of Harvard. We meet without any +distinction of sect or party, or of rank or profession, in church +or in state, in literature or in science.... Our fellowship is +designed to be--as it should be--of the most liberal and +comprehensive character, conceived in the spirit of catholic +benevolence, asking no creed but the love of letters, seeking no +end but the encouragement of learning, and imposing no conditions, +which say lead to jealousy or ambitious strife. In short, we meet +for peace and for union; to devote one day in the year to +academical intercourse and the amenities of scholars."--p. 4. + +An Alumni society was formed at Columbia College in the year 1829, +and at Rutgers College in 1837. There are also societies of this +nature at the College of New Jersey, Princeton; University of +Virginia, Charlottesville; and at Columbian College, Washington. + + +ALUMNUS, _pl._ ALUMNI. Latin, from _alo_, to nourish. A pupil; one +educated at a seminary or college is called an _alumnus_ of that +institution. + + +A.M. An abbreviation for _Artium Magister_, Master of Arts. The +second degree given by universities and colleges. It is usually +written M.A., q.v. + + +ANALYSIS. In the following passage, the word _analysis_ is used as +a verb; the meaning being directly derived from that of the noun +of the same orthography. + +If any resident Bachelor, Senior, or Junior Sophister shall +neglect to _analysis_ in his course, he shall be punished not +exceeding ten shillings.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. +129. + + +ANNARUGIANS. At Centre College, Kentucky, is a society called the +_Annarugians_, "composed," says a correspondent "of the wildest of +the College boys, who, in the most fantastic disguises, are always +on hand when a wedding is to take place, and join in a most +tremendous Charivari, nor can they be forced to retreat until they +have received a due proportion of the sumptuous feast prepared." + + +APOSTLES. At Cambridge, England, the last twelve on the list of +Bachelors of Arts; a degree lower than the [Greek: oi polloi] +"Scape-goats of literature, who have at length scrambled through +the pales and discipline of the Senate-House, without being +_plucked_, and miraculously obtained the title of A.B."--_Gradus +ad Cantab._ + +At Columbian College, D.C., the members of the Faculty are called +after the names of the _Apostles_. + + +APPLICANT. A diligent student. "This word," says Mr. Pickering, in +his Vocabulary, "has been much used at our colleges. The English +have the verb _to apply_, but the noun _applicant_, in this sense, +does not appear to be in use among them. The only Dictionary in +which I have found it with this meaning is Entick's, in which it +is given under the word _applier_. Mr. Todd has the term +_applicant_, but it is only in the sense of 'he who applies for +anything.' An American reviewer, in his remarks on Mr. Webster's +Dictionary, takes notice of the word, observing, that it 'is a +mean word'; and then adds, that 'Mr. Webster has not explained it +in the most common sense, a _hard student_.'--_Monthly Anthology_, +Vol. VII. p. 263. A correspondent observes: 'The utmost that can +be said of this word among the English is, that perhaps it is +occasionally used in conversation; at least, to signify one who +asks (or applies) for something.'" At present the word _applicant_ +is never used in the sense of a diligent student, the common +signification being that given by Mr. Webster, "One who applies; +one who makes request; a petitioner." + + +APPOINTEE. One who receives an appointment at a college exhibition +or commencement. + +The _appointees_ are writing their pieces.--_Scenes and Characters +in College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 193. + +To the gratified _appointee_,--if his ambition for the honor has +the intensity it has in some bosoms,--the day is the proudest he +will ever see.--_Ibid._, p. 194. + +I suspect that a man in the first class of the "Poll" has usually +read mathematics to more profit than many of the "_appointees_," +even of the "oration men" at Yale.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 382. + +He hears it said all about him that the College _appointees_ are +for the most part poor dull fellows.--_Ibid._, p. 389. + + +APPOINTMENT. In many American colleges, students to whom are +assigned a part in the exercises of an exhibition or commencement, +are said to receive an _appointment_. Appointments are given as a +reward for superiority in scholarship. + +As it regards college, the object of _appointments_ is to incite +to study, and promote good scholarship.--_Scenes and Characters in +College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 69. + + If e'er ye would take an "_appointment_" young man, + Beware o' the "blade" and "fine fellow," young man! + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 210. + + Some have crammed for _appointments_, and some for degrees. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + +See JUNIOR APPOINTMENTS. + + +APPROBAMUS. Latin; _we approve_. A certificate, given to a +student, testifying of his fitness for the performance of certain +duties. + +In an account of the exercises at Dartmouth College during the +Commencement season in 1774, Dr. Belknap makes use of this word in +the following connection: "I attended, with several others, the +examination of Joseph Johnson, an Indian, educated in this school, +who, with the rest of the New England Indians, are about moving up +into the country of the Six Nations, where they have a tract of +land fifteen miles square given them. He appeared to be an +ingenious, sensible, serious young man; and we gave him an +_approbamus_, of which there is a copy on the next page. After +which, at three P.M., he preached in the college hall, and a +collection of twenty-seven dollars and a half was made for him. +The auditors were agreeably entertained. + +"The _approbamus_ is as follows."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, +pp. 71, 72. + + +APPROBATE. To express approbation of; to manifest a liking, or +degree of satisfaction.--_Webster_. + +The cause of this battle every man did allow and +_approbate_.--_Hall, Henry VII., Richardson's Dict._ + +"This word," says Mr. Pickering, "was formerly much used at our +colleges instead of the old English verb _approve_. The students +used to speak of having their performances _approbated_ by the +instructors. It is also now in common use with our clergy as a +sort of technical term, to denote a person who is licensed to +preach; they would say, such a one is _approbated_, that is, +licensed to preach. It is also common in New England to say of a +person who is licensed by the county courts to sell spirituous +liquors, or to keep a public house, that he is approbated; and the +term is adopted in the law of Massachusetts on this subject." The +word is obsolete in England, is obsolescent at our colleges, and +is very seldom heard in the other senses given above. + +By the twelfth statute, a student incurs ... no penalty by +declaiming or attempting to declaim without having his piece +previously _approbated_.--_MS. Note to Laws of Harvard College_, +1798. + +Observe their faces as they enter, and you will perceive some +shades there, which, if they are _approbated_ and admitted, will +be gone when they come out.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, +New Haven, 1847, p. 18. + +How often does the professor whose duty it is to criticise and +_approbate_ the pieces for this exhibition wish they were better! +--_Ibid._, p. 195. + +I was _approbated_ by the Boston Association, I suspect, as a +person well known, but known as an anomaly, and admitted in +charity.--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. lxxxv. + + +ASSES' BRIDGE. The fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid +is called the _Asses' Bridge_, or rather "Pons Asinorum," from the +difficulty with which many get over it. + +The _Asses' Bridge_ in Euclid is not more difficult to be got +over, nor the logarithms of Napier so hard to be unravelled, as +many of Hoyle's Cases and Propositions.--_The Connoisseur_, No. +LX. + +After Mr. Brown had passed us over the "_Asses' Bridge_," without +any serious accident, and conducted us a few steps further into +the first book, he dismissed us with many compliments.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 126. + +I don't believe he passed the _Pons Asinorum_ without many a halt +and a stumble.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 146. + + +ASSESSOR. In the English universities, an officer specially +appointed to assist the Vice-Chancellor in his court.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +AUCTION. At Harvard College, it was until within a few years +customary for the members of the Senior Class, previously to +leaving college, to bring together in some convenient room all the +books, furniture, and movables of any kind which they wished to +dispose of, and put them up at public auction. Everything offered +was either sold, or, if no bidders could be obtained, given away. + + +AUDIT. In the University of Cambridge, England, a meeting of the +Master and Fellows to examine or _audit_ the college accounts. +This is succeeded by a feast, on which occasion is broached the +very best ale, for which reason ale of this character is called +"audit ale."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +This use of the word thirst made me drink an extra bumper of +"_Audit_" that very day at dinner.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 3. + +After a few draughts of the _Audit_, the company +disperse.--_Ibid._ Vol. I. p. 161. + + +AUTHORITY. "This word," says Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "is +used in some of the States, in speaking collectively of the +Professors, &c. of our colleges, to whom the _government_ of these +institutions is intrusted." + +Every Freshman shall be obliged to do any proper errand or message +for the _Authority_ of the College.--_Laws Middlebury Coll._, +1804, p. 6. + + +AUTOGRAPH BOOK. It is customary at Yale College for each member of +the Senior Class, before the close of his collegiate life, to +obtain, in a book prepared for that purpose, the signatures of the +President, Professors, Tutors, and of all his classmates, with +anything else which they may choose to insert. Opposite the +autographs of the college officers are placed engravings of them, +so far as they are obtainable; and the whole, bound according to +the fancy of each, forms a most valuable collection of agreeable +mementos. + +When news of his death reached me. I turned to my _book of +classmate autographs_, to see what he had written there, and to +read a name unusually dear.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, +New Haven, 1847, p. 201. + + +AVERAGE BOOK. At Harvard College, a book in which the marks +received by each student, for the proper performance of his +college duties, are entered; also the deductions from his rank +resulting from misconduct. These unequal data are then arranged in +a mean proportion, and the result signifies the standing which the +student has held for a given period. + + In vain the Prex's grave rebuke, + Deductions from the _average book_. + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen, 1848. + + + +_B_. + + +B.A. An abbreviation of _Baccalaureus Artium_, Bachelor of Arts. +The first degree taken by a student at a college or university. +Sometimes written A.B., which is in accordance with the proper +Latin arrangement. In American colleges this degree is conferred +in course on each member of the Senior Class in good standing. In +the English universities, it is given to the candidate who has +been resident at least half of each of ten terms, i.e. during a +certain portion of a period extending over three and a third +years, and who has passed the University examinations. + +The method of conferring the degree of B.A. at Trinity College, +Hartford, is peculiar. The President takes the hands of each +candidate in his own as he confers the degree. He also passes to +the candidate a book containing the College Statutes, which the +candidate holds in his right hand during the performance of a part +of the ceremony. + +The initials of English academical titles always correspond to the +_English_, not to the Latin of the titles, _B.A._, M.A., D.D., +D.C.L., &c.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +13. + +See BACHELOR. + + +BACCALAUREATE. The degree of Bachelor of Arts; the first or lowest +degree. In American colleges, this degree is conferred in course +on each member of the Senior Class in good standing. In Oxford and +Cambridge it is attainable in two different ways;--1. By +examination, to which those students alone are admissible who have +pursued the prescribed course of study for the space of three +years. 2. By extraordinary diploma, granted to individuals wholly +unconnected with the University. The former class are styled +Baccalaurei Formati, the latter Baccalaurei Currentes. In France +the degree of Baccalaureat (Baccalaureus Literarum) is conferred +indiscriminately upon such natives or foreigners and after a +strict examination in the classics, mathematics, and philosophy, +are declared to be qualified. In the German universities, the +title "Doctor Philosophiae" has long been substituted for +Baccalaureus Artium or Literarum. In the Middle Ages, the term +Baccalaureus was applied to an inferior order of knights, who came +into the field unattended by vassals; from them it was transferred +to the lowest class of ecclesiastics; and thence again, by Pope +Gregory the Ninth to the universities. In reference to the +derivation of this word, the military classes maintain that it is +either derived from the _baculus_ or staff with which knights were +usually invested, or from _bas chevalier_, an inferior kind of +knight; the literary classes, with more plausibility, perhaps, +trace its origin to the custom which prevailed universally among +the Greeks and Romans, and which was followed even in Italy till +the thirteenth century, of crowning distinguished individuals with +laurel; hence the recipient of this honor was style Baccalaureus, +quasi _baccis laureis_ donatus.--_Brande's Dictionary_. + +The subjoined passage, although it may not place the subject in +any clearer light, will show the difference of opinion which +exists in reference to the derivation of this work. Speaking of +the exercises of Commencement at Cambridge Mass., in the early +days of Harvard College, the writer says "But the main exercises +were disputations upon questions wherein the respondents first +made their Theses: For according to Vossius, the very essence of +the Baccalaureat seems to lye in the thing: Baccalaureus being but +a name corrupted of Batualius, which Batualius (as well as the +French Bataile [Bataille]) comes a Batuendo, a business that +carries beating in it: So that, Batualii fuerunt vocati, quia jam +quasi _batuissent_ cum adversario, ac manus conseruissent; hoc +est, publice disputassent, atque ita peritiae suae specimen +dedissent."--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 128. + +The Seniors will be examined for the _Baccalaureate_, four weeks +before Commencement, by a committee, in connection with the +Faculty.--_Cal. Wesleyan Univ._, 1849, p. 22. + + +BACHELOR. A person who has taken the first degree in the liberal +arts and sciences, at a college or university. This degree, or +honor, is called the _Baccalaureate_. This title is given also to +such as take the first degree in divinity, law, or physic, in +certain European universities. The word appears in various forms +in different languages. The following are taken from _Webster's +Unabridged Dictionary_. "French, _bachelier_; Spanish, +_bachiller_, a bachelor of arts and a babbler; Portuguese, +_bacharel_, id., and _bacello_, a shoot or twig of the vine; +Italian, _baccelliere_, a bachelor of arts; _bacchio_, a staff; +_bachetta_, a rod; Latin, _bacillus_, a stick, that is, a shoot; +French, _bachelette_, a damsel, or young woman; Scotch, _baich_, a +child; Welsh, _bacgen_, a boy, a child; _bacgenes_, a young girl, +from _bac_, small. This word has its origin in the name of a +child, or young person of either sex, whence the sense of +_babbling_ in the Spanish. Or both senses are rather from +shooting, protruding." + +Of the various etymologies ascribed to the term _Bachelor_, "the +true one, and the most flattering," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "seems to be _bacca laurus_. Those who either are, +or expect to be, honored with the title of _Bachelor of Arts_, +will hear with exultation, that they are then 'considered as the +budding flowers of the University; as the small _pillula_, or +_bacca_, of the _laurel_ indicates the flowering of that tree, +which is so generally used in the crowns of those who have +deserved well, both of the military states, and of the republic of +learning.'--_Carter's History of Cambridge, [Eng.]_, 1753." + + +BACHELOR FELLOW. A Bachelor of Arts who is maintained on a +fellowship. + + +BACHELOR SCHOLAR. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a B.A. who +remains in residence after taking his degree, for the purpose of +reading for a fellowship or acting as private tutor. He is always +noted for superiority in scholarship. + +Bristed refers to the bachelor scholars in the annexed extract. +"Along the wall you see two tables, which, though less carefully +provided than the Fellows', are still served with tolerable +decency and go through a regular second course instead of the +'sizings.' The occupants of the upper or inner table are men +apparently from twenty-two to twenty-six years of age, and wear +black gowns with two strings hanging loose in front. If this table +has less state than the adjoining one of the Fellows, it has more +mirth and brilliancy; many a good joke seems to be going the +rounds. These are the Bachelors, most of them Scholars reading for +Fellowships, and nearly all of them private tutors. Although +Bachelors in Arts, they are considered, both as respects the +College and the University, to be _in statu pupillari_ until they +become M.A.'s. They pay a small sum in fees nominally for tuition, +and are liable to the authority of that mighty man, the Proctor." +--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 20. + + +BACHELORSHIP. The state of one who has taken his first degree in a +university or college.--_Webster_. + + +BACK-LESSON. A lesson which has not been learned or recited; a +lesson which has been omitted. + +In a moment you may see the yard covered with hurrying groups, +some just released from metaphysics or the blackboard, and some +just arisen from their beds where they have indulged in the luxury +of sleeping over,--a luxury, however, which is sadly diminished by +the anticipated necessity of making up _back-lessons_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 202. + + +BALBUS. At Yale College, this term is applied to Arnold's Latin +Prose Composition, from the fact of its so frequent occurrence in +that work. If a student wishes to inform his fellow-student that +he is engaged on Latin Prose Composition, he says he is studying +_Balbus_. In the first example of this book, the first sentence +reads, "I and Balbus lifted up our hands," and the name Balbus +appears in almost every exercise. + + +BALL UP. At Middlebury College, to fail at recitation or +examination. + + +BANDS. Linen ornaments, worn by professors and clergymen when +officiating; also by judges, barristers, &c., in court. They form +a distinguishing mark in the costume of the proctors of the +English universities, and at Cambridge, the questionists, on +admission to their degrees, are by the statutes obliged to appear +in them.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +BANGER. A club-like cane or stick; a bludgeon. This word is one of +the Yale vocables. + + The Freshman reluctantly turned the key, + Expecting a Sophomore gang to see, + Who, with faces masked and _bangers_ stout, + Had come resolved to smoke him out. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 75. + + +BARBER. In the English universities, the college barber is often +employed by the students to write out or translate the impositions +incurred by them. Those who by this means get rid of their +impositions are said to _barberize_ them. + +So bad was the hand which poor Jenkinson wrote, that the many +impositions which he incurred would have kept him hard at work all +day long; so he _barberized_ them, that is, handed them over to +the college barber, who had always some poor scholars in his pay. +This practice of barberizing is not uncommon among a certain class +of men.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 155. + + +BARNEY. At Harvard College, about the year 1810, this word was +used to designate a bad recitation. To _barney_ was to recite +badly. + + +BARNWELL. At Cambridge, Eng., a place of resort for characters of +bad report. + +One of the most "civilized" undertook to banter me on my +non-appearance in the classic regions of _Barnwell_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 31. + + +BARRING-OUT SPREE. At Princeton College, when the students find +the North College clear of Tutors, which is about once a year, +they bar up the entrance, get access to the bell, and ring it. + +In the "Life of Edward Baines, late M.P. for the Borough of +Leeds," is an account of a _barring-out_, as managed at the +grammar school at Preston, England. It is related in Dickens's +Household Words to this effect. "His master was pompous and +ignorant, and smote his pupils liberally with cane and tongue. It +is not surprising that the lads learnt as much from the spirit of +their master as from his preceptions and that one of those +juvenile rebellions, better known as old than at present as a +'_barring-out_,' was attempted. The doors of the school, the +biographer narrates, were fastened with huge nails, and one of the +younger lads was let out to obtain supplies of food for the +garrison. The rebellion having lasted two or three days, the +mayor, town-clerk, and officers were sent for to intimidate the +offenders. Young Baines, on the part of the besieged, answered the +magisterial summons to surrender, by declaring that they would +never give in, unless assured of full pardon and a certain length +of holidays. With much good sense, the mayor gave them till the +evening to consider; and on his second visit the doors were found +open, the garrison having fled to the woods of Penwortham. They +regained their respective homes under the cover of night, and some +humane interposition averted the punishment they had +deserved."-- Am. Ed. Vol. III. p. 415. + + +BATTEL. To stand indebted on the college books at Oxford for +provisions and drink from the buttery. + +Eat my commons with a good stomach, and _battled_ with discretion. +--_Puritan_, Malone's Suppl. 2, p. 543. + +Many men "_battel_" at the rate of a guinea a week. Wealthier men, +more expensive men, and more careless men, often "_battelled_" +much higher.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 274. + +Cotgrave says, "To _battle_ (as scholars do in Oxford) etre +debteur an college pour ses vivres." He adds, "Mot use seulement +des jeunes ecoliers de l'universite d'Oxford." + +2. To reside at the university; to keep terms.--_Webster_. + + +BATTEL. Derived from the old monkish word _patella_, or _batella_, +a plate. At Oxford, "whatsoever is furnished for dinner and for +supper, including malt liquor, but not wine, as well as the +materials for breakfast, or for any casual refreshment to country +visitors, excepting only groceries," is expressed by the word +_battels_.--_De Quincey_. + + I on the nail my _Battels_ paid, + The monster turn'd away dismay'd. + _The Student_, Vol. I. p. 115, 1750. + + +BATTELER, BATTLER. A student at Oxford who stands indebted, in the +college books, for provisions and drink at the +buttery.--_Webster_. + +Halliwell, in his Dict. Arch. and Prov. Words, says, "The term is +used in contradistinction to gentleman commoner." In _Gent. Mag._, +1787, p. 1146, is the following:--"There was formerly at Oxford an +order similar to the sizars of Cambridge, called _battelers_ +(_batteling_ having the same signification as sizing). The _sizar_ +and _batteler_ were as independent as any other members of the +college, though of an inferior order, and were under no obligation +to wait upon anybody." + +2. One who keeps terms, or resides at the University.--_Webster_. + + +BATTELING. At Oxford, the act of taking provisions from the +buttery. Batteling has the same signification as SIZING at the +University of Cambridge.--_Gent. Mag._, 1787, p. 1146. + +_Batteling in a friend's name_, implies eating and drinking at his +expense. When a person's name is _crossed in the buttery_, i.e. +when he is not allowed to take any articles thence, he usually +comes into the hall and battels for buttery supplies in a friend's +name, "for," says the Collegian's Guide, "every man can 'take out' +an extra commons, and some colleges two, at each meal, for a +visitor: and thus, under the name of a guest, though at your own +table, you escape part of the punishment of being crossed."--p. +158. + +2. Spending money. + +The business of the latter was to call us of a morning, to +distribute among us our _battlings_, or pocket money, +&c.--_Dicken's Household Words_, Vol. I. p. 188. + + +BAUM. At Hamilton College, to fawn upon; to flatter; to court the +favor of any one. + + +B.C.L. Abbreviated for _Baccalaureus Civilis Legis_, Bachelor in +Civil Law. In the University of Oxford, a Bachelor in Civil Law +must be an M.A. and a regent of three years' standing. The +exercises necessary to the degree are disputations upon two +distinct days before the Professors of the Faculty of Law. + +In the University of Cambridge, the candidate for this degree must +have resided nine terms (equal to three years), and been on the +boards of some College for six years, have passed the "previous +examination," attended the lectures of the Professor of Civil Law +for three terms, and passed a _series_ of examinations in the +subject of them; that is to say in General Jurisprudence, as +illustrated by Roman and English law. The names of those who pass +creditably are arranged in three classes according to +merit.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 284. + +This degree is not conferred in the United States. + + +B.D. An abbreviation for _Baccalaureus Divinitatis_, Bachelor in +Divinity. In both the English Universities a B.D. must be an M.A. +of seven years' standing, and at Oxford, a regent of the same +length of time. The exercises necessary to the degree are at +Cambridge one act after the fourth year, two opponencies, a +clerum, and an English sermon. At Oxford, disputations are +enjoined upon two distinct days before the Professors of the +Faculty of Divinity, and a Latin sermon is preached before the +Vice-Chancellor. The degree of Theologiae Baccalaureus was +conferred at Harvard College on Mr. Leverett, afterwards President +of that institution, in 1692, and on Mr. William Brattle in the +same year, the only instances, it is believed, in which this +degree has been given in America. + + +BEADLE, BEDEL, BEDELL. An officer in a university, whose chief +business is to walk with a mace, before the masters, in a public +procession; or, as in America, before the president, trustees, +faculty, and students of a college, in a procession, at public +commencements.--_Webster_. + +In the English universities there are two classes of Bedels, +called the _Esquire_ and the _Yeoman Bedel_. + +Of this officer as connected with Yale College, President Woolsey +speaks as follows:--"The beadle or his substitute, the vice-beadle +(for the sheriff of the county came to be invested with the +office), was the master of processions, and a sort of +gentleman-usher to execute the commands of the President. He was a +younger graduate settled at or near the College. There is on +record a diploma of President Clap's, investing with this office a +graduate of three years' standing, and conceding to him 'omnia +jura privilegia et auctoritates ad Bedelli officium, secundum +collegiorum aut universitatum leges et consuetudines usitatas; +spectantia.' The office, as is well known, still exists in the +English institutions of learning, whence it was transferred first +to Harvard and thence to this institution."--_Hist. Disc._, Aug., +1850, p. 43. + +In an account of a Commencement at Williams College, Sept. 8, +1795, the order in which the procession was formed was as follows: +"First, the scholars of the academy; second, students of college; +third, the sheriff of the county acting as _Bedellus_," +&c.--_Federal Orrery_, Sept. 28, 1795. + +The _Beadle_, by order, made the following declaration.--_Clap's +Hist. Yale Coll._, 1766, p. 56. + +It shall be the duty of the Faculty to appoint a _College Beadle_, +who shall direct the procession on Commencement day, and preserve +order during the exhibitions.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 43. + + +BED-MAKER. One whose occupation is to make beds, and, as in +colleges and universities, to take care of the students' rooms. +Used both in the United States and England. + +T' other day I caught my _bed-maker_, a grave old matron, poring +very seriously over a folio that lay open upon my table. I asked +her what she was reading? "Lord bless you, master," says she, "who +I reading? I never could read in my life, blessed be God; and yet +I loves to look into a book too."--_The Student_, Vol. I. p. 55, +1750. + +I asked a _bed-maker_ where Mr. ----'s chambers were.--_Gent. +Mag._, 1795, p. 118. + + While the grim _bed-maker_ provokes the dust, + And soot-born atoms, which his tomes encrust. + _The College.--A sketch in verse_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, + 1849. + +The _bed-makers_ are the women who take care of the rooms: there +is about one to each staircase, that is to say, to every eight +rooms. For obvious reasons they are selected from such of the fair +sex as have long passed the age at which they might have had any +personal attractions. The first intimation which your bed-maker +gives you is that she is bound to report you to the tutor if ever +you stay out of your rooms all night.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 15. + + +BEER-COMMENT. In the German universities, the student's drinking +code. + +The _beer-comment_ of Heidelberg, which gives the student's code +of drinking, is about twice the length of our University book of +statutes.--_Lond. Quar. Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. 56. + + +BEMOSSED HEAD. In the German universities, a student during the +sixth and last term, or _semester_, is called a _Bemossed Head_, +"the highest state of honor to which man can attain."--_Howitt_. + +See MOSS-COVERED HEAD. + + +BENE. Latin, _well_. A word sometimes attached to a written +college exercise, by the instructor, as a mark of approbation. + + When I look back upon my college life, + And think that I one starveling _bene_ got. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 402. + + +BENE DISCESSIT. Latin; literally, _he has departed honorably_. +This phrase is used in the English universities to signify that +the student leaves his college to enter another by the express +consent and approbation of the Master and Fellows.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + +Mr. Pope being about to remove from Trinity to Emmanuel, by +_Bene-Discessit_, was desirous of taking my rooms.--_Alma Mater_, +Vol. I. p. 167. + + +BENEFICIARY. One who receives anything as a gift, or is maintained +by charity.--_Blackstone_. + +In American colleges, students who are supported on established +foundations are called _beneficiaries_. Those who receive +maintenance from the American Education Society are especially +designated in this manner. + +No student who is a college _beneficiary_ shall remain such any +longer than he shall continue exemplary for sobriety, diligence, +and orderly conduct.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 19. + + +BEVER. From the Italian _bevere_, to drink. An intermediate +refreshment between breakfast and dinner.--_Morison_. + +At Harvard College, dinner was formerly the only meal which was +regularly taken in the hall. Instead of breakfast and supper, the +students were allowed to receive a bowl of milk or chocolate, with +a piece of bread, from the buttery hatch, at morning and evening; +this they could eat in the yard, or take to their rooms and eat +there. At the appointed hour for _bevers_, there was a general +rush for the buttery, and if the walking happened to be bad, or if +it was winter, many ludicrous accidents usually occurred. One +perhaps would slip, his bowl would fly this way and his bread +that, while he, prostrate, afforded an excellent stumbling-block +to those immediately behind him; these, falling in their turn, +spattering with the milk themselves and all near them, holding +perhaps their spoons aloft, the only thing saved from the +destruction, would, after disentangling themselves from the mass +of legs, arms, etc., return to the buttery, and order a new bowl, +to be charged with the extras at the close of the term. + +Similar in thought to this account are the remarks of Professor +Sidney Willard concerning Harvard College in 1794, in his late +work, entitled, "Memories of Youth and Manhood." "The students who +boarded in commons were obliged to go to the kitchen-door with +their bowls or pitchers for their suppers, when they received +their modicum of milk or chocolate in their vessel, held in one +hand, and their piece of bread in the other, and repaired to their +rooms to take their solitary repast. There were suspicions at +times that the milk was diluted by a mixture of a very common +tasteless fluid, which led a sagacious Yankee student to put the +matter to the test by asking the simple carrier-boy why his mother +did not mix the milk with warm water instead of cold. 'She does,' +replied the honest youth. This mode of obtaining evening commons +did not prove in all cases the most economical on the part of the +fed. It sometimes happened, that, from inadvertence or previous +preparation for a visit elsewhere, some individuals had arrayed +themselves in their dress-coats and breeches, and in their haste +to be served, and by jostling in the crowd, got sadly sprinkled +with milk or chocolate, either by accident or by the stealthy +indulgence of the mischievous propensities of those with whom they +came in contact; and oftentimes it was a scene of confusion that +was not the most pleasant to look upon or be engaged in. At +breakfast the students were furnished, in Commons Hall, with tea, +coffee, or milk, and a small loaf of bread. The age of a beaker of +beer with a certain allowance of bread had expired."--Vol. I. pp. +313, 314. + +No scholar shall be absent above an hour at morning _bever_, half +an hour at evening _bever_, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 517. + +The butler is not bound to stay above half an hour at _bevers_ in +the buttery after the tolling of the bell.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. +584. + + +BEVER. To take a small repast between meals.--_Wallis_. + + +BIBLE CLERK. In the University of Oxford, the _Bible clerks_ are +required to attend the service of the chapel, and to deliver in a +list of the absent undergraduates to the officer appointed to +enforce the discipline of the institution. Their duties are +different in different colleges.--_Oxford Guide_. + +A _Bible clerk_ has seldom too many friends in the +University.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Vol. LX., Eng. ed., p. 312. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., "a very ancient scholarship, +so called because the student who was promoted to that office was +enjoined to read the Bible at meal-times."--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +BIENNIAL EXAMINATION. At Yale College, in addition to the public +examinations of the classes at the close of each term, on the +studies of the term, private examinations are also held twice in +the college course, at the close of the Sophomore and Senior +years, on the studies of the two preceding years. The latter are +called _biennial_.--_Yale Coll. Cat._ + +"The _Biennial_," remarks the writer of the preface to the _Songs +of Yale_, "is an examination occurring twice during the +course,--at the close of the Sophomore and of the Senior +years,--in all the studies pursued during the two years previous. +It was established in 1850."--Ed. 1853, p. 4. + +The system of examinations has been made more rigid, especially by +the introduction of _biennials_.--_Centennial Anniversary of the +Linonian Soc._, Yale Coll., 1853, p. 70. + + Faculty of College got together one night, + To have a little congratulation, + For they'd put their heads together and hatched out a load, + And called it "_Bien. Examination_." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + +BIG-WIG. In the English universities, the higher dignitaries among +the officers are often spoken of as the _big-wigs._ + +Thus having anticipated the approbation of all, whether Freshman, +Sophomore, Bachelor, or _Big-Wig_, our next care is the choice of +a patron.--_Pref._ to _Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +BISHOP. At Cambridge, Eng., this beverage is compounded of +port-wine mulled and burnt, with the addenda of roasted lemons and +cloves.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + We'll pass round the _Bishop_, the spice-breathing cup. + _Will. Sentinel's Poems_. + + +BITCH. Among the students of the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +common name for tea. + +The reading man gives no swell parties, runs very little into +debt, takes his cup of _bitch_ at night, and goes quietly to bed. +--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 131. + +With the Queens-men it is not unusual to issue an "At home" Tea +and Vespers, alias _bitch_ and _hymns_.--_Ibid., Dedication_. + + +BITCH. At Cambridge, Eng., to take or drink a dish of tea. + +I followed, and, having "_bitched_" (that is, taken a dish of tea) +arranged my books and boxes.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 30. + +I dined, wined, or _bitched_ with a Medallist or Senior Wrangler. +--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 218. + +A young man, who performs with great dexterity the honors of the +tea-table, is, if complimented at all, said to be "an excellent +_bitch_."--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 18. + + +BLACK BOOK. In the English universities, a gloomy volume +containing a register of high crimes and misdemeanors. + +At the University of Goettingen, the expulsion of students is +recorded on a _blackboard_.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +Sirrah, I'll have you put in the _black book_, rusticated, +expelled.--_Miller's Humors of Oxford_, Act II. Sc. I. + +All had reason to fear that their names were down in the proctor's +_black book_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 277. + +So irksome and borish did I ever find this early rising, spite of +the health it promised, that I was constantly in the _black book_ +of the dean.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 32. + + +BLACK-HOOD HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +BLACK RIDING. At the College of South Carolina, it has until +within a few years been customary for the students, disguised and +painted black, to ride across the college-yard at midnight, on +horseback, with vociferations and the sound of horns. _Black +riding_ is recognized by the laws of the College as a very high +offence, punishable with expulsion. + + +BLEACH. At Harvard College, he was formerly said to _bleach_ who +preferred to be _spiritually_ rather than _bodily_ present at +morning prayers. + + 'T is sweet Commencement parts to reach, + But, oh! 'tis doubly sweet to _bleach_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +BLOOD. A hot spark; a man of spirit; a rake. A word long in use +among collegians and by writers who described them. + +With some rakes from Boston and a few College _bloods_, I got very +drunk.--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 154. + + Indulgent Gods! exclaimed our _bloods_. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 15. + + +BLOOD. At some of the Western colleges this word signifies +excellent; as, a _blood_ recitation. A student who recites well is +said to _make a blood_. + + +BLOODEE. In the Farmer's Weekly Museum, formerly printed at +Walpole, N.H., appeared August 21, 1797, a poetic production, in +which occurred these lines:-- + + Seniors about to take degrees, + Not by their wits, but by _bloodees_. + +In a note the word _bloodee_ was thus described: "A kind of cudgel +worn, or rather borne, by the bloods of a certain college in New +England, 2 feet 5 inches in length, and 1-7/8 inch in diameter, +with a huge piece of lead at one end, emblematical of its owner. A +pretty prop for clumsy travellers on Parnassus." + + +BLOODY. Formerly a college term for daring, rowdy, impudent. + + Arriving at Lord Bibo's study, + They thought they'd be a little _bloody_; + So, with a bold, presumptuous look, + An honest pinch of snuff they took. + _Rebelliad_, p. 44. + + They roar'd and bawl'd, and were so _bloody_, + As to besiege Lord Bibo's study. + + _Ibid._, p. 76. + + +BLOW. A merry frolic with drinking; a spree. A person intoxicated +is said to be _blown_, and Mr. Halliwell, in his Dict. Arch. and +Prov. Words, has _blowboll_, a drunkard. + +This word was formerly used by students to designate their frolics +and social gatherings; at present, it is not much heard, being +supplanted by the more common words _spree_, _tight_, &c. + +My fellow-students had been engaged at a _blow_ till the stagehorn +had summoned them to depart.--_Harvard Register_, 1827-28, p. 172. + + No soft adagio from the muse of _blows_, + E'er roused indignant from serene repose. + _Ibid._, p. 233. + + And, if no coming _blow_ his thoughts engage, + Lights candle and cigar. + _Ibid._, p. 235. + +The person who engages in a blow is also called a _blow_. + +I could see, in the long vista of the past, the many hardened +_blows_ who had rioted here around the festive +board.--_Collegian_, p. 231. + + +BLUE. In several American colleges, a student who is very strict +in observing the laws, and conscientious in performing his duties, +is styled a _blue_. "Our real delvers, midnight students," says a +correspondent from Williams College, "are called _blue_." + +I wouldn't carry a novel into chapel to read, not out of any +respect for some people's old-womanish twaddle about the +sacredness of the place,--but because some of the _blues_ might +see you.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 81. + + Each jolly soul of them, save the _blues_, + Were doffing their coats, vests, pants, and shoes. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + None ever knew a sober "_blue_" + In this "blood crowd" of ours. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +Lucian called him a _blue_, and fell back in his chair in a +pouting fit.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 118. + +To acquire popularity,... he must lose his money at bluff and +euchre without a sigh, and damn up hill and down the sober +church-going man, as an out-and-out _blue_.--_The Parthenon, Union +Coll._, 1851, p. 6. + + +BLUE-LIGHT. At the University of Vermont this term is used, writes +a correspondent, to designate "a boy who sneaks about college, and +reports to the Faculty the short-comings of his fellow-students. A +_blue-light_ is occasionally found watching the door of a room +where a party of jolly ones are roasting a turkey (which in +justice belongs to the nearest farm-house), that he may go to the +Faculty with the story, and tell them who the boys are." + +BLUES. The name of a party which formerly existed at Dartmouth +College. In The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. 117, 1842, is the +following:--"The students here are divided into two parties,--the +_Rowes_ and the _Blues_. The Rowes are very liberal in their +notions; the _Blues_ more strict. The Rowes don't pretend to say +anything worse of a fellow than to call him a Blue, and _vice +versa_" + +See INDIGO and ROWES. + + +BLUE-SKIN. This word was formerly in use at some American +colleges, with the meaning now given to the word BLUE, q.v. + + I, with my little colleague here, + Forth issued from my cell, + To see if we could overhear, + Or make some _blue-skin_ tell. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 22. + + +BOARD. The _boards_, or _college boards_, in the English +universities, are long wooden tablets on which the names of the +members of each college are inscribed, according to seniority, +generally hung up in the buttery.--_Gradus ad Cantab. Webster_. + +I gave in my resignation this time without recall, and took my +name off the _boards_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 291. + +Similar to this was the list of students which was formerly kept +at Harvard College, and probably at Yale. Judge Wingate, who +graduated at the former institution in 1759, writes as follows in +reference to this subject:--"The Freshman Class was, in my day at +college, usually _placed_ (as it was termed) within six or nine +months after their admission. The official notice of this was +given by having their names written in a large German text, in a +handsome style, and placed in a conspicuous part of the College +Buttery, where the names of the four classes of undergraduates +were kept suspended until they left College. If a scholar was +expelled, his name was taken from its place; or if he was degraded +(which was considered the next highest punishment to expulsion), +it was moved accordingly."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 311. + + +BOGS. Among English Cantabs, a privy.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +BOHN. A translation; a pony. The volumes of Bohn's Classical +Library are in such general use among undergraduates in American +colleges, that _Bohn_ has come to be a common name for a +translation. + + 'Twas plenty of skin with a good deal of _Bohn_. + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, Yale Coll., 1855. + + +BOLT. An omission of a recitation or lecture. A correspondent from +Union College gives the following account of it:--"In West +College, where the Sophomores and Freshmen congregate, when there +was a famous orator expected, or any unusual spectacle to be +witnessed in the city, we would call a 'class meeting,' to +consider upon the propriety of asking Professor ---- for a _bolt_. +We had our chairman, and the subject being debated, was generally +decided in favor of the remission. A committee of good steady +fellows were selected, who forthwith waited upon the Professor, +and, after urging the matter, commonly returned with the welcome +assurance that we could have a _bolt_ from the next recitation." + +One writer defines a _bolt_ in these words:--"The promiscuous +stampede of a class collectively. Caused generally by a few +seconds' tardiness of the Professor, occasionally by finding the +lock of the recitation-room door filled with shot."--_Sophomore +Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +The quiet routine of college life had remained for some days +undisturbed, even by a single _bolt_.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. +II. p. 192. + + +BOLT. At Union College, to be absent from a recitation, on the +conditions related under the noun BOLT. Followed by _from_. At +Williams College, the word is applied with a different +signification. A correspondent writes: "We sometimes _bolt_ from a +recitation before the Professor arrives, and the term most +strikingly suggests the derivation, as our movements in the case +would somewhat resemble a 'streak of lightning,'--a +thunder-_bolt_." + + +BOLTER. At Union College, one who _bolts_ from a recitation. + +2. A correspondent from the same college says: "If a student is +unable to answer a question in the class, and declares himself +unprepared, he also is a '_bolter_.'" + + +BONFIRE. The making of bonfires, by students, is not an unfrequent +occurrence at many of our colleges, and is usually a demonstration +of dissatisfaction, or is done merely for the sake of the +excitement. It is accounted a high offence, and at Harvard College +is prohibited by the following law:--"In case of a bonfire, or +unauthorized fireworks or illumination, any students crying fire, +sounding an alarm, leaving their rooms, shouting or clapping from +the windows, going to the fire or being seen at it, going into the +college yard, or assembling on account of such bonfire, shall be +deemed aiding and abetting such disorder, and punished +accordingly."--_Laws_, 1848, _Bonfires_. + +A correspondent from Bowdoin College writes: "Bonfires occur +regularly twice a year; one on the night preceding the annual +State Fast, and the other is built by the Freshmen on the night +following the yearly examination. A pole some sixty or seventy +feet long is raised, around which brush and tar are heaped to a +great height. The construction of the pile occupies from four to +five hours." + + Not ye, whom midnight cry ne'er urged to run + In search of fire, when fire there had been none; + Unless, perchance, some pump or hay-mound threw + Its _bonfire_ lustre o'er a jolly crew. + _Harvard Register_, p. 233. + + +BOOK-KEEPER. At Harvard College, students are allowed to go out of +town on Saturday, after the exercises, but are required, if not at +evening prayers, to enter their names before 10 P.M. with one of +the officers appointed for that purpose. Students were formerly +required to report themselves before 8 P.M., in winter, and 9, in +summer, and the person who registered the names was a member of +the Freshman Class, and was called the _book-keeper_. + +I strode over the bridge, with a rapidity which grew with my +vexation, my distaste for wind, cold, and wet, and my anxiety to +reach my goal ere the hour appointed should expire, and the +_book-keeper's_ light should disappear from his window; + "For while his light holds out to burn, + The vilest sinner may return."--_Collegian_, p. 225. + +See FRESHMAN, COLLEGE. + + +BOOK-WORK. Among students at Cambridge, Eng., all mathematics that +can be learned verbatim from books,--all that are not +problems.--_Bristed_. + +He made a good fight of it, and ... beat the Trinity man a little +on the _book-work_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 96. + +The men are continually writing out _book-work_, either at home or +in their tutor's rooms.--_Ibid._, p. 149. + + +BOOT-FOX. This name was at a former period given, in the German +universities, to a fox, or a student in his first half-year, from +the fact of his being required to black the boots of his more +advanced comrades. + + +BOOTLICK. To fawn upon; to court favor. + +Scorns the acquaintance of those he deems beneath him; refuses to +_bootlick_ men for their votes.--_The Parthenon_, Union Coll., +Vol. I. p. 6. + +The "Wooden Spoon" exhibition passed off without any such hubbub, +except where the pieces were of such a character as to offend the +delicacy and modesty of some of those crouching, fawning, +_bootlicking_ hypocrites.--_The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +BOOTLICKER. A student who seeks or gains favor from a teacher by +flattery or officious civilities; one who curries favor. A +correspondent from Union College writes: "As you watch the +students more closely, you will perhaps find some of them +particularly officious towards your teacher, and very apt to +linger after recitation to get a clearer knowledge of some +passage. They are _Bootlicks_, and that is known as _Bootlicking_; +a reproach, I am sorry to say, too indiscriminately applied." At +Yale, and _other colleges_, a tutor or any other officer who +informs against the students, or acts as a spy upon their conduct, +is also called a _bootlick_. + +Three or four _bootlickers_ rise.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + + The rites of Wooden Spoons we next recite, + When _bootlick_ hypocrites upraised their might. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + +Then he arose, and offered himself as a "_bootlick_" to the +Faculty.--_Yale Battery_, Feb. 14, 1850. + + +BOOTS. At the College of South Carolina it is customary to present +the most unpopular member of a class with a pair of handsome +red-topped boots, on which is inscribed the word BEAUTY. They were +formerly given to the ugliest person, whence the inscription. + + +BORE. A tiresome person or unwelcome visitor, who makes himself +obnoxious by his disagreeable manners, or by a repetition of +visits.--_Bartlett_. + +A person or thing that wearies by iteration.--_Webster_. + +Although the use of this word is very general, yet it is so +peculiarly applicable to the many annoyances to which a collegian +is subjected, that it has come by adoption to be, to a certain +extent, a student term. One writer classes under this title +"text-books generally; the Professor who marks _slight_ mistakes; +the familiar young man who calls continually, and when he finds +the door fastened demonstrates his verdant curiosity by revealing +an inquisitive countenance through the ventilator."--_Sophomore +Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +In college parlance, prayers, when the morning is cold or rainy, +are a _bore_; a hard lesson is a _bore_; a dull lecture or +lecturer is a _bore_; and, _par excellence_, an unwelcome visitor +is a _bore_ of _bores_. This latter personage is well described in +the following lines:-- + + "Next comes the bore, with visage sad and pale, + And tortures you with some lugubrious tale; + Relates stale jokes collected near and far, + And in return expects a choice cigar; + Your brandy-punch he calls the merest sham, + Yet does not _scruple_ to partake a _dram_. + His prying eyes your secret nooks explore; + No place is sacred to the college bore. + Not e'en the letter filled with Helen's praise, + Escapes the sight of his unhallowed gaze; + Ere one short hour its silent course has flown, + Your Helen's charms to half the class are known. + Your books he takes, nor deigns your leave to ask, + Such forms to him appear a useless task. + When themes unfinished stare you in the face, + Then enters one of this accursed race. + Though like the Angel bidding John to write, + Frail ------ form uprises to thy sight, + His stupid stories chase your thoughts away, + And drive you mad with his unwelcome stay. + When he, departing, creaks the closing door, + You raise the Grecian chorus, [Greek: kikkabau]."[02] + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton, Harv. Coll. + + +BOS. At the University of Virginia, the desserts which the +students, according to the statutes of college, are allowed twice +per week, are respectively called the _Senior_ and _Junior Bos_. + + +BOSH. Nonsense, trash, [Greek: phluaria]. An English Cantab's +expression.--_Bristed_. + +But Spriggins's peculiar forte is that kind of talk which some +people irreverently call "_bosh_."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. +259. + + +BOSKY. In the cant of the Oxonians, being tipsy.--_Grose_. + +Now when he comes home fuddled, alias _Bosky_, I shall not be so +unmannerly as to say his Lordship ever gets drunk.--_The Sizar_, +cited in _Gradus ad Cantab._, pp. 20, 21. + + +BOWEL. At Harvard College, a student in common parlance will +express his destitution or poverty by saying, "I have not a +_bowel_." The use of the word with this signification has arisen, +probably, from a jocular reference to a quaint Scriptural +expression. + + +BRACKET. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the result of the +final examination in the Senate-House is published in lists signed +by the examiners. In these lists the names of those who have been +examined are "placed in individual order of merit." When the rank +of two or three men is the same, their names are inclosed in +_brackets_. + +At the close of the course, and before the examination is +concluded, there is made out a new arrangement of the classes +called the _Brackets_. These, in which each is placed according to +merit, are hung upon the pillars in the Senate-House.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. II. p. 93. + +As there is no provision in the printed lists for expressing the +number of marks by which each man beats the one next below him, +and there may be more difference between the twelfth and +thirteenth than between the third and twelfth, it has been +proposed to extend the use of the _brackets_ (which are now only +employed in cases of literal equality between two or three men), +and put together six, eight, or ten, whose marks are nearly equal. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 227. + + +BRACKET. In a general sense, to place in a certain order. + +I very early in the Sophomore year gave up all thoughts of +obtaining high honors, and settled down contentedly among the +twelve or fifteen who are _bracketed_, after the first two or +three, as "English Orations."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 6. + +There remained but two, _bracketed_ at the foot of the +class.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + +The Trinity man who was _bracketed_ Senior Classic.--_Ibid._, p. +187. + + +BRANDER. In the German universities a name given to a student +during his second term. + +Meanwhile large tufts and strips of paper had been twisted into +the hair of the _Branders_, as those are called who have been +already one term at the University, and then at a given signal +were set on fire, and the _Branders_ rode round the table on +chairs, amid roars of laughter.--_Longfellow's Hyperion_, p. 114. + +See BRAND-FOX, BURNT FOX. + + +BRAND-FOX. A student in a German university "becomes a +_Brand-fuchs_, or fox with a brand, after the foxes of Samson," in +his second half-year.--_Howitt_. + + +BRICK. A gay, wild, thoughtless fellow, but not so _hard_ as the +word itself might seem to imply. + +He is a queer fellow,--not so bad as he seems,--his own enemy, but +a regular _brick_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 143. + +He will come himself (public tutor or private), like a _brick_ as +he is, and consume his share of the generous potables.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 78. + +See LIKE A BRICK. + + +BRICK MILL. At the University of Vermont, the students speak of +the college as the _Brick Mill_, or the _Old Brick Mill_. + + +BUCK. At Princeton College, anything which is in an intensive +degree good, excellent, pleasant, or agreeable, is called _buck_. + + +BULL. At Dartmouth College, to recite badly; to make a poor +recitation. From the substantive _bull_, a blunder or +contradiction, or from the use of the word as a prefix, signifying +large, lubberly, blundering. + + +BULL-DOG. In the English universities, the lictor or servant who +attends a proctor when on duty. + +Sentiments which vanish for ever at the sight of the proctor with +his _bull-dogs_, as they call them, or four muscular fellows which +always follow him, like so many bailiffs.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. +Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 232. + +The proctors, through their attendants, commonly called +_bull-dogs_, received much certain information, &c.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 170. + + And he had breathed the proctor's _dogs_. + _Tennyson, Prologue to Princess_. + + +BULLY CLUB. The following account of the _Bully Club_, which was +formerly a most honored transmittendum at Yale College, is taken +from an entertaining little work, entitled Sketches of Yale +College. "_Bullyism_ had its origin, like everything else that is +venerated, far back in antiquity; no one pretends to know the era +of its commencement, nor to say with certainty what was the cause +of its establishment, or the original design of the institution. +We can only learn from dim and doubtful tradition, that many years +ago, no one knows how many, there was a feud between students and +townsmen: a sort of general ill-feeling, which manifested itself +in the lower classes of society in rudeness and insult. Not +patiently borne with, it grew worse and worse, until a regular +organization became necessary for defence against the nightly +assaults of a gang of drunken rowdies. Nor were their opponents +disposed to quit the unequal fight. An organization in opposition +followed, and a band of tipsy townsmen, headed by some hardy tars, +took the field, were met, no one knows whether in offence or +defence, and after a fight repulsed, and a huge knotty club +wrested from their leader. This trophy of personal courage was +preserved, the organization perpetuated, and the _Bully Club_ was +every year, with procession and set form of speech, bestowed upon +the newly acknowledged leader. But in process of time the +organization has assumed a different character: there was no +longer need of a system of defence,--the "Bully" was still +acknowledged as class leader. He marshalled all processions, was +moderator of all meetings, and performed the various duties of a +chief. The title became now a matter of dispute; it sounded harsh +and rude to ears polite, and a strong party proposed a change: but +the supporters of antiquity pleaded the venerable character of the +customs identified almost with the College itself. Thus the +classes were divided, a part electing a marshal, class-leader, or +moderator, and a part still choosing a _bully_ and _minor +bully_--the latter usually the least of their number--from each +class, and still bestowing on them the wonted clubs, mounted with +gold, the badges of their office. + +"Unimportant as these distinctions seem, they formed the ground of +constant controversy, each party claiming for its leader the +precedence, until the dissensions ended in a scene of confusion +too well known to need detail: the usual procession on +Commencement day was broken up, and the partisans fell upon each +other pell-mell; scarce heeding, in their hot fray, the orders of +the Faculty, the threats of the constables, or even the rebuke of +the chief magistrate of the State; the alumni were left to find +their seats in church as they best could, the aged and beloved +President following in sorrow, unescorted, to perform the duties +of the day. It need not be told that the disputes were judicially +ended by a peremptory ordinance, prohibiting all class +organizations of any name whatever." + +A more particular account of the Bully Club, and of the manner in +which the students of Yale came to possess it, is given in the +annexed extract. + +"Many years ago, the farther back towards the Middle Ages the +better, some students went out one evening to an inn at Dragon, as +it was then called, now the populous and pretty village of Fair +Haven, to regale themselves with an oyster supper, or for some +other kind of recreation. They there fell into an affray with the +young men of the place, a hardy if not a hard set, who regarded +their presence there, at their own favorite resort, as an +intrusion. The students proved too few for their adversaries. They +reported the matter at College, giving an aggravated account of +it, and, being strongly reinforced, went out the next evening to +renew the fight. The oystermen and sailors were prepared for them. +A desperate conflict ensued, chiefly in the house, above stairs +and below, into which the sons of science entered pell-mell. Which +came off the worse, I neither know nor care, believing defeat to +be far less discreditable to either party, and especially to the +students, than the fact of their engaging in such a brawl. Where +the matter itself is essentially disgraceful, success or failure +is indifferent, as it regards the honor of the actors. Among the +Dragoners, a great bully of a fellow, who appeared to be their +leader, wielded a huge club, formed from an oak limb, with a +gnarled excrescence on the end, heavy enough to battle with an +elephant. A student remarkable for his strength in the arms and +hands, griped the fellow so hard about the wrist that his fingers +opened, and let the club fall. It was seized, and brought off as a +trophy. Such is the history of the Bully Club. It became the +occasion of an annual election of a person to take charge of it, +and to act as leader of the students in case of a quarrel between +them, and others. 'Bully' was the title of this chivalrous and +high office."--_Scenes and Characters in College_, New Haven, +1847, pp. 215, 216. + + +BUMPTIOUS. Conceited, forward, pushing. An English Cantab's +expression.--_Bristed_. + +About nine, A.M., the new scholars are announced from the chapel +gates. On this occasion it is not etiquette for the candidates +themselves to be in waiting,--it looks too +"_bumptious_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 193. + + +BURIAL OF EUCLID. "The custom of bestowing burial honors upon the +ashes of Euclid with becoming demonstrations of respect has been +handed down," says the author of the Sketches of Yale College, +"from time immemorial." The account proceeds as follows:--"This +book, the terror of the dilatory and unapt, having at length been +completely mastered, the class, as their acquaintance with the +Greek mathematician is about to close, assemble in their +respective places of meeting, and prepare (secretly for fear of +the Faculty) for the anniversary. The necessary committee having +been appointed, and the regular preparations ordered, a ceremony +has sometimes taken place like the following. The huge poker is +heated in the old stove, and driven through the smoking volume, +and the division, marshalled in line, for _once_ at least see +_through_ the whole affair. They then march over it in solemn +procession, and are enabled, as they step firmly on its covers, to +assert with truth that they have gone over it,--poor jokes indeed, +but sufficient to afford abundant laughter. And then follow +speeches, comical and pathetic, and shouting and merriment. The +night assigned having arrived, how carefully they assemble, all +silent, at the place appointed. Laid on its bier, covered with +sable pall, and borne in solemn state, the corpse (i.e. the book) +is carried with slow procession, with the moaning music of flutes +and fifes, the screaming of fiddles, and the thumping and mumbling +of a cracked drum, to the open grave or the funeral pyre. A +gleaming line of blazing torches and twinkling lanterns wave along +the quiet streets and through the opened fields, and the snow +creaks hoarsely under the tread of a hundred men. They reach the +scene, and a circle forms around the consecrated spot; if the +ceremony is a burial, the defunct is laid all carefully in his +grave, and then his friends celebrate in prose or verse his +memory, his virtues, and his untimely end: and three oboli are +tossed into his tomb to satisfy the surly boatman of the Styx. +Lingeringly is the last look taken of the familiar countenance, as +the procession passes slowly around the tomb; and the moaning is +made,--a sound of groans going up to the seventh heavens,--and the +earth is thrown in, and the headstone with epitaph placed duly to +hallow the grave of the dead. Or if, according to the custom of +his native land, the body of Euclid is committed to the funeral +flames, the pyre, duly prepared with combustibles, is made the +centre of the ring; a ponderous jar of turpentine or whiskey is +the fragrant incense, and as the lighted fire mounts up in the +still night, and the alarm in the city sounds dim in the distance, +the eulogium is spoken, and the memory of the illustrious dead +honored; the urn receives the sacred ashes, which, borne in solemn +procession, are placed in some conspicuous situation, or solemnly +deposited in some fitting sarcophagus. So the sport ends; a song, +a loud hurrah, and the last jovial roysterer seeks short and +profound slumber."--pp. 166-169. + +The above was written in the year 1843. That the interest in the +observance of this custom at Yale College has not since that time +diminished, may be inferred from the following account of the +exercises of the Sophomore Class of 1850, on parting company with +their old mathematical friend, given by a correspondent of the New +York Tribune. + +"Arrangements having been well matured, notice was secretly given +out on Wednesday last that the obsequies would be celebrated that +evening at 'Barney's Hall,' on Church Street. An excellent band of +music was engaged for the occasion, and an efficient Force +Committee assigned to their duty, who performed their office with +great credit, taking singular care that no 'tutor' or 'spy' should +secure an entrance to the hall. The 'countersign' selected was +'Zeus,' and fortunately was not betrayed. The hall being full at +half past ten, the doors were closed, and the exercises commenced +with music. Then followed numerous pieces of various character, +and among them an _Oration_, a _Poem_, _Funeral Sermon_ (of a very +metaphysical character), a _Dirge_, and, at the grave, a _Prayer +to Pluto_. These pieces all exhibited taste and labor, and were +acknowledged to be of a higher tone than that of any productions +which have ever been delivered on a similar occasion. Besides +these, there were several songs interspersed throughout the +Programme, in both Latin and English, which were sung with great +jollity and effect. The band added greatly to the character of the +performances, by their frequent and appropriate pieces. A large +coffin was placed before the altar, within which, lay the +veritable Euclid, arranged in a becoming winding-sheet, the body +being composed of combustibles, and these thoroughly saturated +with turpentine. The company left the hall at half past twelve, +formed in an orderly procession, preceded by the band, and bearing +the coffin in their midst. Those who composed the procession were +arrayed in disguises, to avoid detection, and bore a full +complement of brilliant torches. The skeleton of Euclid (a +faithful caricature), himself bearing a torch, might have been +seen dancing in the midst, to the great amusement of all +beholders. They marched up Chapel Street as far as the south end +of the College, where they were saluted with three hearty cheers +by their fellow-students, and then continued through College +Street in front of the whole College square, at the north +extremity of which they were again greeted by cheers, and thence +followed a circuitous way to _quasi_ Potter's Field, about a mile +from the city, where the concluding ceremonies were performed. +These consist of walking over the coffin, thus _surmounting the +difficulties_ of the author; boring a hole through a copy of +Euclid with a hot iron, that the class may see _through_ it; and +finally burning it upon the funeral pyre, in order to _throw +light_ upon the subject. After these exercises, the procession +returned, with music, to the State-House, where they disbanded, +and returned to their desolate habitations. The affair surpassed +anything of the kind that has ever taken place here, and nothing +was wanting to render it a complete performance. It testifies to +the spirit and character of the class of '53."--_Literary World_, +Nov. 23, 1850, from the _New York Tribune_. + +In the Sketches of Williams College, printed in the year 1847, is +a description of the manner in which the funeral exercises of +Euclid are sometimes conducted in that institution. It is as +follows:--"The burial took place last night. The class assembled +in the recitation-room in full numbers, at 9 o'clock. The +deceased, much emaciated, and in a torn and tattered dress, was +stretched on a black table in the centre of the room. This table, +by the way, was formed of the old blackboard, which, like a +mirror, had so often reflected the image of old Euclid. In the +body of the corpse was a triangular hole, made for the _post +mortem_ examination, a report of which was read. Through this +hole, those who wished were allowed to look; and then, placing the +body on their heads, they could say with truth that they had for +once seen through and understood Euclid. + +"A eulogy was then pronounced, followed by an oration and the +reading of the epitaph, after which the class formed a procession, +and marched with slow and solemn tread to the place of burial. The +spot selected was in the woods, half a mile south of the College. +As we approached the place, we saw a bright fire burning on the +altar of turf, and torches gleaming through the dark pines. All +was still, save the occasional sympathetic groans of some forlorn +bull-frogs, which came up like minute-guns from the marsh below. + +"When we arrived at the spot, the sexton received the body. This +dignitary presented rather a grotesque appearance. He wore a white +robe bound around his waist with a black scarf, and on his head a +black, conical-shaped hat, some three feet high. Haying fastened +the remains to the extremity of a long, black wand, he held them +in the fire of the altar until they were nearly consumed, and then +laid the charred mass in the urn, muttering an incantation in +Latin. The urn being buried deep in the ground, we formed a ring +around the grave, and sung the dirge. Then, lighting our larches +by the dying fire, we retraced our steps with feelings suited to +the occasion."--pp. 74-76. + +Of this observance the writer of the preface to the "Songs of +Yale" remarks: "The _Burial of Euclid_ is an old ceremony +practised at many colleges. At Yale it is conducted by the +Sophomore Class during the first term of the year. After literary +exercises within doors, a procession is formed, which proceeds at +midnight through the principal streets of the city, with music and +torches, conveying a coffin, supposed to contain the body of the +old mathematician, to the funeral pile, when the whole is fired +and consumed to ashes."--1853, p. 4. + +From the lugubrious songs which are usually sung on these sad +occasions, the following dirge is selected. It appears in the +order of exercises for the "Burial of Euclid by the Class of '57," +which took place at Yale College, November 8, 1854. + + Tune,--"_Auld Lang Syne_." + + I. + + Come, gather all ye tearful Sophs, + And stand around the ring; + Old Euclid's dead, and to his shade + A requiem we'll sing: + Then join the saddening chorus, all + Ye friends of Euclid true; + Defunct, he can no longer bore, + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]"[03] + + II. + + Though we to Pluto _dead_icate, + No god to take him deigns, + So, one short year from now will Fate + Bring back his sad _re-manes_: + For at Biennial his ghost + Will prompt the tutor blue, + And every fizzling Soph will cry, + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]" + + III. + + Though here we now his _corpus_ burn, + And flames about him roar, + The future Fresh shall say, that he's + "Not dead, but gone before": + We close around the dusky bier, + And pall of sable hue, + And silently we drop the tear; + "[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]" + + +BURLESQUE BILL. At Princeton College, it is customary for the +members of the Sophomore Class to hold annually a Sophomore +Commencement, caricaturing that of the Senior Class. The Sophomore +Commencement is in turn travestied by the Junior Class, who +prepare and publish _Burlesque Bills_, as they are called, in +which, in a long and formal programme, such subjects and speeches +are attributed to the members of the Sophomore Class as are +calculated to expose their weak points. + +See SOPHOMORE COMMENCEMENT. + + +BURLINGTON. At Middlebury College, a water-closet, privy. So +called on account of the good-natured rivalry between that +institution and the University of Vermont at Burlington. + + +BURNING OF CONIC SECTIONS. "This is a ceremony," writes a +correspondent, "observed by the Sophomore Class of Trinity +College, on the Monday evening of Commencement week. The +incremation of this text-book is made by the entire class, who +appear in fantastic rig and in torch-light procession. The +ceremonies are held in the College grove, and are graced with an +oration and poem. The exercises are usually closed by a class +supper." + + +BURNING OF CONVIVIUM. Convivium is a Greek book which is studied +at Hamilton College during the last term of the Freshman year, and +is considered somewhat difficult. Upon entering Sophomore it is +customary to burn it, with exercises appropriate to the occasion. +The time being appointed, the class hold a meeting and elect the +marshals of the night. A large pyre is built during the evening, +of rails and pine wood, on the middle of which is placed a barrel +of tar, surrounded by straw saturated with turpentine. Notice is +then given to the upper classes that Convivium will be burnt that +night at twelve o'clock. Their company is requested at the +exercises, which consist of two poems, a tragedy, and a funeral +oration. A coffin is laid out with the "remains" of the book, and +the literary exercises are performed. These concluded, the class +form a procession, preceded by a brass band playing a dirge, and +march to the pyre, around which, with uncovered heads, they +solemnly form. The four bearers with their torches then advance +silently, and place the coffin upon the funeral pile. The class, +each member bearing a torch, form a circle around the pyre. At a +given signal they all bend forward together, and touch their +torches to the heap of combustibles. In an instant "a lurid flame +arises, licks around the coffin, and shakes its tongue to heaven." +To these ceremonies succeed festivities, which are usually +continued until daylight. + + +BURNING OF ZUMPT'S LATIN GRAMMAR. The funeral rites over the body +of this book are performed by the students in the University of +New York. The place of turning and burial is usually at Hoboken. +Scenes of this nature often occur in American colleges, having +their origin, it is supposed, in the custom at Yale of burying +Euclid. + + +BURNT FOX. A student during his second half-year, in the German +universities, is called a _burnt fox_. + + +BURSAR, _pl._ BURSARII. A treasurer or cash-keeper; as, the +_bursar_ of a college or of a monastery. The said College in +Cambridge shall be a corporation consisting of seven persons, to +wit, a President, five Fellows, and a Treasurer or +_Bursar_.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 11. + +Every student is required on his arrival, at the commencement of +each session, to deliver to the _Bursar_ the moneys and drafts for +money which he has brought with him. It is the duty of the +_Bursar_ to attend to the settlement of the demands for board, +&c.; to pay into the hands of the student such sums as are +required for other necessary expenses, and to render a statement +of the same to the parent or guardian at the close of the session. +--_Catalogue of Univ. of North Carolina_, 1848-49, p. 27. + +2. A student to whom a stipend is paid out of a burse or fund +appropriated for that purpose, as the exhibitioners sent to the +universities in Scotland, by each presbytery.--_Webster_. + +See a full account in _Brande's Dict. Science, Lit., and Art_. + + +BURSARY. The treasury of a college or monastery.--_Webster_. + +2. In Scotland, an exhibition.--_Encyc._ + + +BURSCH (bursh), _pl._ BURSCHEN. German. A youth; especially a +student in a German university. + +"By _bursche_," says Howitt, "we understand one who has already +spent a certain time at the university,--and who, to a certain +degree, has taken part in the social practices of the +students."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. Ed., p. 27. + + Und hat der _Bursch_ kein Geld im Beutel, + So pumpt er die Philister an, + Und denkt: es ist doch Alles eitel + Vom _Burschen_ bis zum Bettleman. + _Crambambuli Song_. + +Student life! _Burschen_ life! What a magic sound have these words +for him who has learnt for himself their real meaning.--_Howitt's +Student Life of Germany_. + + +BURSCHENSCHAFT. A league or secret association of students, formed +in 1815, for the purpose, as was asserted, of the political +regeneration of Germany, and suppressed, at least in name, by the +exertions of the government.--_Brandt_. + +"The Burschenschaft," says the Yale Literary Magazine, "was a +society formed in opposition to the vices and follies of the +Landsmannschaft, with the motto, 'God, Honor, Freedom, +Fatherland.' Its object was 'to develop and perfect every mental +and bodily power for the service of the Fatherland.' It exerted a +mighty and salutary influence, was almost supreme in its power, +but was finally suppressed by the government, on account of its +alleged dangerous political tendencies."--Vol. XV. p. 3. + + +BURSE. In France, a fund or foundation for the maintenance of poor +scholars in their studies. In the Middle Ages, it signified a +little college, or a hall in a university.--_Webster_. + + +BURST. To fail in reciting; to make a bad recitation. This word is +used in some of the Southern colleges. + + +BURT. At Union College, a privy is called _the Burt_, from a +person of that name, who many years ago was employed as the +architect and builder of the _latrinae_ of that institution. + + +BUSY. An answer often given by a student, when he does not wish to +see visitors. + +Poor Croak was almost annihilated by this summons, and, clinging +to the bed-clothes in all the agony of despair, forgot to _busy_ +his midnight visitor.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 84. + +Whenever, during that sacred season, a knock salutes my door, I +respond with a _busy_.--_Collegian_, p. 25. + +"_Busy_" is a hard word to utter, often, though heart and +conscience and the college clock require it.--_Scenes and +Characters in College_, p. 58. + + +BUTLER. Anciently written BOTILER. A servant or officer whose +principal business is to take charge of the liquors, food, plate, +&c. In the old laws of Harvard College we find an enumeration of +the duties of the college butler. Some of them were as follows. + +He was to keep the rooms and utensils belonging to his office +sweet and clean, fit for use; his drinking-vessels were to be +scoured once a week. The fines imposed by the President and other +officers were to be fairly recorded by him in a book, kept for +that purpose. He was to attend upon the ringing of the bell for +prayer in the hall, and for lectures and commons. Providing +candles for the hall was a part of his duty. He was obliged to +keep the Buttery supplied, at his own expense, with beer, cider, +tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, biscuit, butter, cheese, pens, ink, +paper, and such other articles as the President or Corporation +ordered or permitted; "but no permission," it is added in the +laws, "shall be given for selling wine, distilled spirits, or +foreign fruits, on credit or for ready money." He was allowed to +advance twenty per cent. on the net cost of the articles sold by +him, excepting beer and cider, which were stated quarterly by the +President and Tutors. The Butler was allowed a Freshman to assist +him, for an account of whom see under FRESHMAN, +BUTLER'S.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., pp. 138, 139. _Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1798, pp. 60-62. + +President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before +the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, remarks as +follows concerning the Butler, in connection with that +institution:-- + +"The classes since 1817, when the office of Butler was, abolished, +are probably but little aware of the meaning of that singular +appendage to the College, which had been in existence a hundred +years. To older graduates, the lower front corner room of the old +middle college in the south entry must even now suggest many +amusing recollections. The Butler was a graduate of recent +standing, and, being invested with rather delicate functions, was +required to be one in whom confidence might be reposed. Several of +the elder graduates who have filled this office are here to-day, +and can explain, better than I can, its duties and its bearings +upon the interests of College. The chief prerogative of the Butler +was to have the monopoly of certain eatables, drinkables, and +other articles desired by students. The Latin laws of 1748 give +him leave to sell in the buttery, cider, metheglin, strong beer to +the amount of not more than twelve barrels annually,--which amount +as the College grew was increased to twenty,--together with +loaf-sugar ('saccharum rigidum'), pipes, tobacco, and such +necessaries of scholars as were not furnished in the commons hall. +Some of these necessaries were books and stationery, but certain +fresh fruits also figured largely in the Butler's supply. No +student might buy cider or beer elsewhere. The Butler, too, had +the care of the bell, and was bound to wait upon the President or +a Tutor, and notify him of the time for prayers. He kept the book +of fines, which, as we shall see, was no small task. He +distributed the bread and beer provided by the Steward in the Hall +into equal portions, and had the lost commons, for which privilege +he paid a small annual sum. He was bound, in consideration of the +profits of his monopoly, to provide candles at college prayers and +for a time to pay also fifty shillings sterling into the treasury. +The more menial part of these duties he performed by his +waiter."--pp. 43, 44. + +At both Harvard and Yale the students were restricted in expending +money at the Buttery, being allowed at the former "to contract a +debt" of five dollars a quarter; at the latter, of one dollar and +twenty-five cents per month. + + +BUTTER. A size or small portion of butter. "Send me a roll and two +Butters."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Six cheeses, three _butters_, and two beers.--_The Collegian's +Guide_. + +Pertinent to this singular use of the word, is the following +curious statement. At Cambridge, Eng., "there is a market every +day in the week, except Monday, for vegetables, poultry, eggs, and +butter. The sale of the last article is attended with the +peculiarity of every pound designed for the market being rolled +out to the length of a yard; each pound being in that state about +the thickness of a walking-cane. This practice, which is confined +to Cambridge, is particularly convenient, as it renders the butter +extremely easy of division into small portions, called _sizes_, as +used in the Colleges."--_Camb. Guide_, Ed. 1845, p. 213. + + +BUTTERY. An apartment in a house where butter, milk, provisions, +and utensils are kept. In some colleges, a room where liquors, +fruit, and refreshments are kept for sale to the +students.--_Webster_. + +Of the Buttery, Mr. Peirce, in his History of Harvard University, +speaks as follows: "As the Commons rendered the College +independent of private boarding-houses, so the _Buttery_ removed +all just occasion for resorting to the different marts of luxury, +intemperance, and ruin. This was a kind of supplement to the +Commons, and offered for sale to the students, at a moderate +advance on the cost, wines, liquors, groceries, stationery, and, +in general, such articles as it was proper and necessary for them +to have occasionally, and which for the most part were not +included in the Commons' fare. The Buttery was also an office, +where, among other things, records were kept of the times when the +scholars were present and absent. At their admission and +subsequent returns they entered their names in the Buttery, and +took them out whenever they had leave of absence. The Butler, who +was a graduate, had various other duties to perform, either by +himself or by his _Freshman_, as ringing the bell, seeing that the +Hall was kept clean, &c., and was allowed a salary, which, after +1765, was L60 per annum."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 220. + +With particular reference to the condition of Harvard College a +few years prior to the Revolution, Professor Sidney Willard +observes: "The Buttery was in part a sort of appendage to Commons, +where the scholars could eke out their short commons with sizings +of gingerbread and pastry, or needlessly or injuriously cram +themselves to satiety, as they had been accustomed to be crammed +at home by their fond mothers. Besides eatables, everything +necessary for a student was there sold, and articles used in the +play-grounds, as bats, balls, &c.; and, in general, a petty trade +with small profits was carried on in stationery and other matters, +--in things innocent or suitable for the young customers, and in +some things, perhaps, which were not. The Butler had a small +salary, and was allowed the service of a Freshman in the Buttery, +who was also employed to ring the college bell for prayers, +lectures, and recitations, and take some oversight of the public +rooms under the Butler's directions. The Buttery was also the +office of record of the names of undergraduates, and of the rooms +assigned to them in the college buildings; of the dates of +temporary leave of absence given to individuals, and of their +return; and of fines inflicted by the immediate government for +negligence or minor offences. The office was dropped or abolished +in the first year of the present century, I believe, long after it +ceased to be of use for most of its primary purposes. The area +before the entry doors of the Buttery had become a sort of +students' exchange for idle gossip, if nothing worse. The rooms +were now redeemed from traffic, and devoted to places of study, +and other provision was made for the records which had there been +kept. The last person who held the office of Butler was Joseph +Chickering, a graduate of 1799."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +1855, Vol. I. pp. 31, 32. + +President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before +the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, makes the +following remarks on this subject: "The original motives for +setting up a buttery in colleges seem to have been, to put the +trade in articles which appealed to the appetite into safe hands; +to ascertain how far students were expensive in their habits, and +prevent them from running into debt; and finally, by providing a +place where drinkables of not very stimulating qualities were +sold, to remove the temptation of going abroad after spirituous +liquors. Accordingly, laws were passed limiting the sum for which +the Butler might give credit to a student, authorizing the +President to inspect his books, and forbidding him to sell +anything except permitted articles for ready money. But the whole +system, as viewed from our position as critics of the past, must +be pronounced a bad one. It rather tempted the student to +self-indulgence by setting up a place for the sale of things to +eat and drink within the College walls, than restrained him by +bringing his habits under inspection. There was nothing to prevent +his going abroad in quest of stronger drinks than could be bought +at the buttery, when once those which were there sold ceased to +allay his thirst. And a monopoly, such as the Butler enjoyed of +certain articles, did not tend to lower their price, or to remove +suspicion that they were sold at a higher rate than free +competition would assign to them."--pp. 44, 45. + +"When," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "the 'punishment +obscene,' as Cowper, the poet, very properly terms it, of +_flagellation_, was enforced at our University, it appears that +the Buttery was the scene of action. In The Poor Scholar, a +comedy, written by Robert Nevile, Fellow of King's College in +Cambridge, London, 1662, one of the students having lost his gown, +which is picked up by the President of the College, the tutor +says, 'If we knew the owner, we 'd take him down to th' Butterie, +and give him due correction.' To which the student, (_aside_,) +'Under correction, Sir; if you're for the Butteries with me, I'll +lie as close as Diogenes in dolio. I'll creep in at the bunghole, +before I'll _mount a barrel_,' &c. (Act II. Sc. 6.)--Again: 'Had I +been once i' th' Butteries, they'd have their rods about me. But +let us, for joy that I'm escaped, go to the Three Tuns and drink +a pint of wine, and laugh away our cares.--'T is drinking at the +Tuns that keeps us from ascending Buttery barrels,' &c." By a +reference to the word PUNISHMENT, it will be seen that, in the +older American colleges, corporal punishment was inflicted upon +disobedient students in a manner much more solemn and imposing, +the students and officers usually being present. + +The effect of _crossing the name in the buttery_ is thus stated in +the Collegian's Guide. "To keep a term requires residence in the +University for a certain number of days within a space of time +known by the calendar, and the books of the buttery afford the +appointed proof of residence; it being presumed that, if neither +bread, butter, pastry, beer, or even toast and water (which is +charged one farthing), are entered on the buttery books in a given +name, the party could not have been resident that day. Hence the +phrase of 'eating one's way into the church or to a doctor's +degree.' Supposing, for example, twenty-one days' residence is +required between the first of May and the twenty-fourth inclusive, +then there will be but three days to spare; consequently, should +our names be crossed for more than three days in all in that term, +--say for four days,--the other twenty days would not count, and +the term would be irrecoverably lost. Having our names crossed in +the buttery, therefore, is a punishment which suspends our +collegiate existence while the cross remains, besides putting an +embargo on our pudding, beer, bread and cheese, milk, and butter; +for these articles come out of the buttery."--p. 157. + +These remarks apply both to the Universities of Oxford and +Cambridge; but in the latter the phrase _to be put out of commons_ +is used instead of the one given above, yet with the same meaning. +See _Gradus ad Cantabrigiam_, p. 32. + +The following extract from the laws of Harvard College, passed in +1734, shows that this term was formerly used in that institution: +"No scholar shall be _put in or out of Commons_, but on Tuesdays +or Fridays, and no Bachelor or Undergraduate, but by a note from +the President, or one of the Tutors (if an Undergraduate, from his +own Tutor, if in town); and when any Bachelors or Undergraduates +have been out of Commons, the waiters, at their respective tables, +shall, on the first Tuesday or Friday after they become obliged by +the preceding law to be in Commons, _put them into Commons_ again, +by note, after the manner above directed. And if any Master +neglects to put himself into Commons, when, by the preceding law, +he is obliged to be in Commons, the waiters on the Masters' table +shall apply to the President or one of the Tutors for a note to +put him into Commons, and inform him of it." + + Be mine each morn, with eager appetite + And hunger undissembled, to repair + To friendly _Buttery_; there on smoking Crust + And foaming Ale to banquet unrestrained, + Material breakfast! + _The Student_, 1750, Vol. I. p. 107. + + +BUTTERY-BOOK. In colleges, a book kept at the _buttery_, in which +was charged the prices of such articles as were sold to the +students. There was also kept a list of the fines imposed by the +president and professors, and an account of the times when the +students were present and absent, together with a register of the +names of all the members of the college. + + My name in sure recording page + Shall time itself o'erpower, + If no rude mice with envious rage + The _buttery-books_ devour. + _The Student_, Vol. I. p. 348. + + +BUTTERY-HATCH. A half-door between the buttery or kitchen and the +hall, in colleges and old mansions. Also called a +_buttery-bar_.--_Halliwell's Arch. and Prov. Words_. + +If any scholar or scholars at any time take away or detain any +vessel of the colleges, great or small, from the hall out of the +doors from the sight of the _buttery-hatch_ without the butler's +or servitor's knowledge, or against their will, he or they shall +be punished three pence.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Coll._, Vol. I. p. +584. + +He (the college butler) domineers over Freshmen, when they first +come to the _hatch_.--_Earle's Micro-cosmographie_, 1628, Char. +17. + +There was a small ledging or bar on this hatch to rest the +tankards on. + +I pray you, bring your hand to the _buttery-bar_, and let it +drink.--_Twelfth Night_, Act I. Sc. 3. + + +BYE-FELLOW. In England, a name given in certain cases to a fellow +in an inferior college. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +bye-fellow can be elected to one of the regular fellowships when a +vacancy occurs. + + +BYE-FELLOWSHIP. An inferior establishment in a college for the +nominal maintenance of what is called a _bye-fellow_, or a fellow +out of the regular course. + +The emoluments of the fellowships vary from a merely nominal +income, in the case of what are called _Bye-fellowships_, to +$2,000 per annum.--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +BYE-FOUNDATION. In the English universities, a foundation from +which an insignificant income and an inferior maintenance are +derived. + + +BYE-TERM. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., students who take +the degree of B.A. at any other time save January, are said to +"_go out in a bye-term_." + +Bristed uses this word, as follows: "I had a double +disqualification exclusive of illness. First, as a Fellow +Commoner.... Secondly, as a _bye-term man_, or one between two +years. Although I had entered into residence at the same time with +those men who were to go out in 1844, my name had not been placed +on the College Books, like theirs, previously to the commencement +of 1840. I had therefore lost a term, and for most purposes was +considered a Freshman, though I had been in residence as long as +any of the Junior Sophs. In fact, I was _between two +years_."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 97, 98. + + + +_C_. + + +CAD. A low fellow, nearly equivalent to _snob_. Used among +students in the University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + + +CAHOOLE. At the University of North Carolina, this word in its +application is almost universal, but generally signifies to +cajole, to wheedle, to deceive, to procure. + + +CALENDAR. At the English universities the information which in +American colleges is published in a catalogue, is contained in a +similar but far more comprehensive work, called a _calendar_. +Conversation based on the topics of which such a volume treats is +in some localities denominated _calendar_. + +"Shop," or, as it is sometimes here called, "_Calendar_," +necessarily enters to a large extent into the conversation of the +Cantabs.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 82. + +I would lounge about into the rooms of those whom I knew for +general literary conversation,--even to talk _Calendar_ if there +was nothing else to do.--_Ibid._, p. 120. + + +CALVIN'S FOLLY. At the University of Vermont, "this name," writes +a correspondent, "is given to a door, four inches thick and +closely studded with spike-nails, dividing the chapel hall from +the staircase leading to the belfry. It is called _Calvin's +Folly_, because it was planned by a professor of that (Christian) +name, in order to keep the students out of the belfry, which +dignified scheme it has utterly failed to accomplish. It is one of +the celebrities of the Old Brick Mill,[04] and strangers always +see it and hear its history." + + +CAMEL. In Germany, a student on entering the university becomes a +_Kameel_,--a camel. + + +CAMPUS. At the College of New Jersey, the college yard is +denominated the _Campus_. _Back Campus_, the privies. + + +CANTAB. Abridged for CANTABRIGIAN. + +It was transmitted to me by a respectable _Cantab_ for insertion. +--_Hone's Every-day Book_, Vol. I. p. 697. + +Should all this be a mystery to our uncollegiate friends, or even +to many matriculated _Cantabs_, we advise them not to attempt to +unriddle it.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 39. + + +CANTABRIGIAN. A student or graduate of the University of +Cambridge, Eng. Used also at Cambridge, Mass., of the students and +inhabitants. + + +CANTABRIGICALLY. According to Cambridge. + +To speak _Cantabrigically_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 28. + + +CAP. The cap worn by students at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., is described by Bristed in the following passage: "You must +superadd the academical costume. This consists of a gown, varying +in color and ornament according to the wearer's college and rank, +but generally black, not unlike an ordinary clerical gown, and a +square-topped cap, which fits close to the head like a truncated +helmet, while the covered board which forms the crown measures +about a foot diagonally across."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 4. + +A similar cap is worn at Oxford and at some American colleges on +particular occasions. + +See OXFORD. + + +CAP. To uncover the head in reverence or civility. + +The youth, ignorant who they were, had omitted to _cap_ +them.--_Gent. Mag._, Vol. XXIV. p. 567. + +I could not help smiling, when, among the dignitaries whom I was +bound to make obeisance to by _capping_ whenever I met them, Mr. +Jackson's catalogue included his all-important self in the number. +--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 217. + +The obsequious attention of college servants, and the more +unwilling "_capping_" of the undergraduates, to such a man are +real luxuries.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LVI. p. 572. + +Used in the English universities. + + +CAPTAIN OF THE POLL. The first of the Polloi. + +He had moreover been _Captain_ (Head) _of the Poll_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 96. + + +CAPUT SENATUS. Latin; literally, _the head of the Senate_. In +Cambridge, Eng., a council of the University by which every grace +must be approved, before it can be submitted to the senate. The +Caput Senatus is formed of the vice-chancellor, a doctor in each +of the faculties of divinity, law, and medicine, and one regent +M.A., and one non-regent M.A. The vice-chancellor's five +assistants are elected annually by the heads of houses and the +doctors of the three faculties, out of fifteen persons nominated +by the vice-chancellor and the proctors.--_Webster. Cam. Cal. Lit. +World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +See GRACE. + + +CARCER. Latin. In German schools and universities, a +prison.--_Adler's Germ, and Eng. Dict._ + + Wollten ihn drauf die Nuernberger Herren + Mir nichts, dir nichts ins _Carcer_ sperren. + _Wallenstein's Lager_. + + And their Nur'mberg worships swore he should go + To _jail_ for his pains,--if he liked it, or no. + _Trans. Wallenstein's Camp, in Bohn's Stand. Lib._, p. 155. + + +CASTLE END. At Cambridge, Eng., a noted resort for Cyprians. + + +CATHARINE PURITANS. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +members of St. Catharine's Hall are thus designated, from the +implied derivation of the word Catharine from the Greek [Greek: +katharos], pure. + + +CAUTION MONEY. In the English universities, a deposit in the hands +of the tutor at entrance, by way of security. + +With reference to Oxford, De Quincey says of _caution money_: +"This is a small sum, properly enough demanded of every student, +when matriculated, as a pledge for meeting any loss from unsettled +arrears, such as his sudden death or his unannounced departure +might else continually be inflicting upon his college. In most +colleges it amounts to L25; in one only it was considerably less." +--_Life and Manners_, p. 249. + +In American colleges, a bond is usually given by a student upon +entering college, in order to secure the payment of all his +college dues. + + +CENSOR. In the University of Oxford, Eng., a college officer whose +duties are similar to those of the Dean. + + +CEREVIS. From Latin _cerevisia_, beer. Among German students, a +small, round, embroidered cap, otherwise called a beer-cap. + +Better authorities ... have lately noted in the solitary student +that wends his way--_cerevis_ on head, note-book in hand--to the +professor's class-room,... a vast improvement on the _Bursche_ of +twenty years ago.--_Lond. Quart. Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. +59. + + +CHAMBER. The apartment of a student at a college or university. +This word, although formerly used in American colleges, has been +of late almost entirely supplanted by the word _room_, and it is +for this reason that it is here noticed. + +If any of them choose to provide themselves with breakfasts in +their own _chambers_, they are allowed so to do, but not to +breakfast in one another's _chambers_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. II. p. 116. + +Some ringleaders gave up their _chambers_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. +116. + + +CHAMBER-MATE. One who inhabits the same room or chamber with +another. Formerly used at our colleges. The word CHUM is now very +generally used in its place; sometimes _room-mate_ is substituted. + +If any one shall refuse to find his proportion of furniture, wood, +and candles, the President and Tutors shall charge such +delinquent, in his quarter bills, his full proportion, which sum +shall be paid to his _chamber-mate_.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +35. + + +CHANCELLOR. The chancellor of a university is an officer who seals +the diplomas, or letters of degree, &c. The Chancellor of Oxford +is usually one of the prime nobility, elected by the students in +convocation; and he holds the office for life. He is the chief +magistrate in the government of the University. The Chancellor of +Cambridge is also elected from among the prime nobility. The +office is biennial, or tenable for such a length of time beyond +two years as the tacit consent of the University may choose to +allow.--_Webster. Cam. Guide_. + +"The Chancellor," says the Oxford Guide, "is elected by +convocation, and his office is for life; but he never, according +to usage, is allowed to set foot in this University, excepting on +the occasion of his installation, or when he is called upon to +accompany any royal visitors."--Ed. 1847, p. xi. + +At Cambridge, the office of Chancellor is, except on rare +occasions, purely honorary, and the Chancellor himself seldom +appears at Cambridge. He is elected by the Senate. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Chancellor_ is the Bishop of +the Diocese of Connecticut, and is also the Visitor of the +College. He is _ex officio_ the President of the +Corporation.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, pp. 6, 7. + + +CHAPEL. A house for public worship, erected separate from a +church. In England, chapels in the universities are places of +worship belonging to particular colleges. The chapels connected +with the colleges in the United States are used for the same +purpose. Religious exercises are usually held in them twice a day, +morning and evening, besides the services on the Sabbath. + + +CHAPEL. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the attendance at +daily religious services in the chapel of each college at morning +and evening is thus denominated. + +Some time ago, upon an endeavor to compel the students of one +college to increase their number of "_chapels_," as the attendance +is called, there was a violent outcry, and several squibs were +written by various hands.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. +p. 235. + +It is rather surprising that there should be so much shirking of +_chapel_, when the very moderate amount of attendance required is +considered.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +16. + +To _keep chapel_, is to be present at the daily religious services +of college. + +The Undergraduate is expected to go to chapel eight times, or, in +academic parlance, to _keep eight chapels_ a week, two on Sunday, +and one on every week-day, attending morning or evening _chapel_ +on week-days at his option. Nor is even this indulgent standard +rigidly enforced. I believe if a Pensioner keeps six chapels, or a +Fellow-Commoner four, and is quite regular in all other respects, +he will never be troubled by the Dean. It certainly is an argument +in favor of severe discipline, that there is more grumbling and +hanging back, and unwillingness to conform to these extremely +moderate requisitions, than is exhibited by the sufferers at a New +England college, who have to keep sixteen chapels a week, seven of +them at unreasonable hours. Even the scholars, who are literally +paid for going, every chapel being directly worth two shillings +sterling to them, are by no means invariable in attending the +proper number of times.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 16, 17. + + +CHAPEL CLERK. At Cambridge, Eng., in some colleges, it is the duty +of this officer to _mark_ the students as they enter chapel; in +others, he merely sees that the proper lessons are read, by the +students appointed by the Dean for that purpose.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + +The _chapel clerk_ is sent to various parties by the deans, with +orders to attend them after chapel and be reprimanded, but the +_chapel clerk_ almost always goes to the wrong +person.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 235. + + +CHAPLAIN. In universities and colleges, the clergyman who performs +divine service, morning and evening. + + +CHAW. A deception or trick. + +To say, "It's all a gum," or "a regular _chaw_" is the same thing. +--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +CHAW. To use up. + +Yesterday a Junior cracked a joke on me, when all standing round +shouted in great glee, "Chawed! Freshman chawed! Ha! ha! ha!" "No +I a'n't _chawed_," said I, "I'm as whole as ever." But I didn't +understand, when a fellow is _used up_, he is said to be _chawed_; +if very much used up, he is said to be _essentially chawed_.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + +The verb _to chaw up_ is used with nearly the same meaning in some +of the Western States. + +Miss Patience said she was gratified to hear Mr. Cash was a +musician; she admired people who had a musical taste. Whereupon +Cash fell into a chair, as he afterwards observed, _chawed +up_.--_Thorpe's Backwoods_, p. 28. + + +CHIP DAY. At Williams College a day near the beginning of spring +is thus designated, and is explained in the following passage. +"They give us, near the close of the second term, what is called +'_chip day_,' when we put the grounds in order, and remove the +ruins caused by a winter's siege on the woodpiles."--_Sketches of +Williams College_, 1847, p. 79. + +Another writer refers to the day, in a newspaper paragraph. +"'_Chip day_,' at the close of the spring term, is still observed +in the old-fashioned way. Parties of students go off to the hills, +and return with brush, and branches of evergreen, with which the +chips, which have accumulated during the winter, are brushed +together, and afterwards burnt."--_Boston Daily Evening +Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + +About college there had been, in early spring, the customary +cleaning up of "_chip day_."--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. +186. + + +CHOPPING AT THE TREE. At University College in the University of +Oxford, "a curious and ancient custom, called '_chopping at the +tree_,' still prevails. On Easter Sunday, every member, as he +leaves the hall after dinner, chops with a cleaver at a small tree +dressed up for the occasion with evergreens and flowers, and +placed on a turf close to the buttery. The cook stands by for his +accustomed largess."--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 144, note. + + +CHORE. In the German universities, a club or society of the +students is thus designated. + +Duels between members of different _chores_ were once +frequent;--sometimes one man was obliged to fight the members of a +whole _chore_ in succession.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 5. + + +CHRISTIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of +Christ's College. + + +CHUM. Armenian, _chomm_, or _chommein_, or _ham_, to dwell, stay, +or lodge; French, _chomer_, to rest; Saxon, _ham_, home. A +chamber-fellow; one who lodges or resides in the same +room.--_Webster_. + +This word is used at the universities and colleges, both in +England and the United States. + +A young student laid a wager with his _chum_, that the Dean was at +that instant smoking his pipe.--_Philip's Life and Poems_, p. 13. + + But his _chum_ + Had wielded, in his just defence, + A bowl of vast circumference.--_Rebelliad_, p. 17. + +Every set of chambers was possessed by two co-occupants; they had +generally the same bedroom, and a common study; and they were +called _chums_.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 251. + +I am again your petitioner in behalf of that great _chum_ of +literature, Samuel Johnson.--_Smollett, in Boswell_. + +In this last instance, the word _chum_ is used either with the +more extended meaning of companion, friend, or, as the sovereign +prince of Tartary is called the _Cham_ or _Khan_, so Johnson is +called the _chum_ (cham) or prince of literature. + + +CHUM. To occupy a chamber with another. + + +CHUMMING. Occupying a room with another. + +Such is one of the evils of _chumming_.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. I. p. +324. + + +CHUMSHIP. The state of occupying a room in company with another; +chumming. + +In the seventeenth century, in Milton's time, for example, (about +1624,) and for more than sixty years after that era, the practice +of _chumship_ prevailed.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 251. + + +CIVILIAN. A student of the civil law at the university.--_Graves. +Webster_. + + +CLARIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Clare +Hall. + + +CLASS. A number of students in a college or school, of the same +standing, or pursuing the same studies. In colleges, the students +entering or becoming members the same year, and pursuing the same +studies.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Oxford, _class_ is the division of the +candidates who are examined for their degrees according to their +rate of merit. Those who are entitled to this distinction are +denominated _Classmen_, answering to the _optimes_ and _wranglers_ +in the University of Cambridge.--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + +See an interesting account of "reading for a first class," in the +Collegian's Guide, Chap. XII. + + +CLASS. To place in ranks or divisions students that are pursuing +the same studies; to form into a class or classes.--_Webster_. + + +CLASS BOOK. Within the last thirty or forty years, a custom has +arisen at Harvard College of no small importance in an historical +point of view, but which is principally deserving of notice from +the many pleasing associations to which its observance cannot fail +to give rise. Every graduating class procures a beautiful and +substantial folio of many hundred pages, called the _Class Book_, +and lettered with the year of the graduation of the class. In this +a certain number of pages is allotted to each individual of the +class, in which he inscribes a brief autobiography, paying +particular attention to names and dates. The book is then +deposited in the hands of the _Class Secretary_, whose duty it is +to keep a faithful record of the marriage, birth of children, and +death of each of his classmates, together with their various +places of residence, and the offices and honors to which each may +have attained. This information is communicated to him by letter +by his classmates, and he is in consequence prepared to answer any +inquiries relative to any member of the class. At his death, the +book passes into the hands of one of the _Class Committee_, and at +their death, into those of some surviving member of the class; and +when the class has at length become extinct, it is deposited on +the shelves of the College Library. + +The Class Book also contains a full list of all persons who have +at any time been members of the class, together with such +information as can be gathered in reference to them; and an +account of the prizes, deturs, parts at Exhibitions and +Commencement, degrees, etc., of all its members. Into it are also +copied the Class Oration, Poem, and Ode, and the Secretary's +report of the class meeting, at which the officers were elected. +It is also intended to contain the records of all future class +meetings, and the accounts of the Class Secretary, who is _ex +officio_ Class Treasurer and Chairman of the Class Committee. By +virtue of his office of Class Treasurer, he procures the _Cradle_ +for the successful candidate, and keeps in his possession the +Class Fund, which is sometimes raised to defray the accruing +expenses of the Class in future times. + +In the Harvardiana, Vol. IV., is an extract from the Class Book of +1838, which is very curious and unique. To this is appended the +following note:--"It may be necessary to inform many of our +readers, that the _Class Book_ is a large volume, in which +autobiographical sketches of the members of each graduating class +are recorded, and which is left in the hands of the Class +Secretary." + + +CLASS CANE. At Union College, as a mark of distinction, a _class +cane_ was for a time carried by the members of the Junior Class. + +The Juniors, although on the whole a clever set of fellows, lean +perhaps with too nonchalant an air on their _class +canes_.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + +They will refer to their _class cane_, that mark of decrepitude +and imbecility, for old men use canes.--_Ibid._ + + +CLASS CAP. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the Sophomores +to appear in a _class cap_ on the Junior Exhibition day, which is +worn generally during part of the third term. + +In American colleges, students frequently endeavor to adopt +distinctive dresses, but the attempt is usually followed by +failure. One of these attempts is pleasantly alluded to in the +Williams Monthly Miscellany. "In a late number, the ambition for +whiskers was made the subject of a remark. The ambition of college +has since taken a somewhat different turn. We allude to the class +caps, which have been introduced in one or two of the classes. The +Freshmen were the first to appear in this species of uniform, a +few days since at evening prayers; the cap which they have adopted +is quite tasteful. The Sophomores, not to be outdone, have voted +to adopt the tarpaulin, having, no doubt, become proficients in +navigation, as lucidly explained in one of their text-books. The +Juniors we understand, will follow suit soon. We hardly know what +is left for the Seniors, unless it be to go bare-headed."--1845, +p. 464. + + +CLASS COMMITTEE. At Harvard College a committee of two persons, +joined with the _Class Secretary_, who is _ex officio_ its +chairman, whose duty it is, after the class has graduated, during +their lives to call class meetings, whenever they deem it +advisable, and to attend to all other business relating to the +class. + +See under CLASS BOOK. + + +CLASS CRADLE. For some years it has been customary at Harvard +College for the Senior Class, at the meeting for the election of +the officers of Class Day, &c., to appropriate a certain sum of +money, usually not exceeding fifty dollars, for the purchase of a +cradle, to be given to the first member of the class to whom a +child is born in lawful wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. +This sum is intrusted to the hands of the _Class Secretary_, who +is expected to transmit the present to the successful candidate +upon the receipt of the requisite information. In one instance a +_Baby-jumper_ was voted by the class, to be given to the second +member who should be blessed as above stated. + + +CLASS CUP. It is a theory at Yale College, that each class +appropriates at graduating a certain amount of money for the +purchase of a silver cup, to be given, in the name of the class, +to the first member to whom a child shall be born in lawful +wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. Although the +presentation of the _class cup_ is often alluded to, yet it is +believed that the gift has in no instance been bestowed. It is to +be regretted that a custom so agreeable in theory could not be +reduced to practice. + + Each man's mind was made up + To obtain the "_Class Cup_." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +See SILVER CUP. + + +CLASS DAY. The custom at Harvard College of observing with +appropriate exercises the day on which the Senior Class finish +their studies, is of a very early date. The first notice which +appears in reference to this subject is contained in an account of +the disorders which began to prevail among the students about the +year 1760. Among the evils to be remedied are mentioned the +"disorders upon the day of the Senior Sophisters meeting to choose +the officers of the class," when "it was usual for each scholar to +bring a bottle of wine with him, which practice the committee +(that reported upon it) apprehend has a natural tendency to +produce disorders." But the disturbances were not wholly confined +to the _meeting_ when the officers of Class Day were chosen; they +occurred also on Class Day, and it was for this reason that +frequent attempts were made at this period, by the College +government, to suppress its observance. How far their efforts +succeeded is not known, but it is safe to conclude that greater +interruptions were occasioned by the war of the Revolution, than +by the attempts to abolish what it would have been wiser to have +reformed. + +In a MS. Journal, under date of June 21st, 1791, is the following +entry: "Neither the valedictory oration by Ward, nor poem by +Walton, was delivered, on account of a division in the class, and +also because several were gone home." How long previous to this +the 21st of June had been the day chosen for the exercises of the +class, is uncertain; but for many years after, unless for special +reasons, this period was regularly selected for that purpose. +Another extract from the MS. above mentioned, under date of June +21st, 1792, reads: "A valedictory poem was delivered by Paine 1st, +and a valedictory Latin oration by Abiel Abbott." + +The biographer of Mr. Robert Treat Paine, referring to the poem +noticed in the above memorandum, says: "The 21st of every June, +till of late years, has been the day on which the members of the +Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to make +preparations for the ensuing Commencement. On this day it was +usual for one member to deliver an oration, and another a poem; +such members being appointed by their classmates. The Valedictory +Poem of Mr. Paine, a tender, correct, and beautiful effusion of +feeling and taste, was received by the audience with applause and +tears." In another place he speaks on the same subject, as +follows: "The solemnity which produced this poem is extremely +interesting; and, being of ancient date, it is to be hoped that it +may never fall into disuse. His affection for the University Mr. +Paine cherished as one of his most sacred principles. Of this +poem, Mr. Paine always spoke as one of his happiest efforts. +Coming from so young a man, it is certainly very creditable, and +promises more, I fear, than the untoward circumstances of his +after life would permit him to perform."--_Paine's Works_, Ed. +1812, pp. xxvii., 439. + +It was always customary, near the close of the last century, for +those who bore the honors of Class Day, to treat their friends +according to the style of the time, and there was scarcely a +graduate who did not provide an entertainment of such sort as he +could afford. An account of the exercises of the day at this +period may not be uninteresting. It is from the Diary which is +above referred to. + +"20th (Thursday). This day for special reasons the valedictory +poem and oration were performed. The order of the day was this. At +ten, the class walked in procession to the President's, and +escorted him, the Professors, and Tutors, to the Chapel, preceded +by the band playing solemn music. + +"The President began with a short prayer. He then read a chapter +in the Bible; after this he prayed again; Cutler then delivered +his poem. Then the singing club, accompanied by the band, +performed Williams's _Friendship_. This was succeeded by a +valedictory Latin Oration by Jackson. We then formed, and waited +on the government to the President's, where we were very +respectably treated with wine, &c. + +"We then marched in procession to Jackson's room, where we drank +punch. At one we went to Mr. Moore's tavern and partook of an +elegant entertainment, which cost 6/4 a piece. Marching then to +Cutler's room, we shook hands, and parted with expressing the +sincerest tokens of friendship." June, 1793. + +The incidents of Class Day, five years subsequent to the last +date, are detailed by Professor Sidney Willard, and may not be +omitted in this connection. + +"On the 21st of June, 1798, the day of the dismission of the +Senior Class from all academic exercises, the class met in the +College chapel to attend the accustomed ceremonies of the +occasion, and afterwards to enjoy the usual festivities of the +day, since called, for the sake of a name, and for brevity's sake, +Class Day. There had been a want of perfect harmony in the +previous proceedings, which in some degree marred the social +enjoyments of the day; but with the day all dissension closed, +awaiting the dawn of another day, the harbinger of the brighter +recollections of four years spent in pleasant and peaceful +intercourse. There lingered no lasting alienations of feeling. +Whatever were the occasions of the discontent, it soon expired, +was buried in the darkest recesses of discarded memories, and +there lay lost and forgotten. + +"After the exercises of the chapel, and visiting the President, +Professors, and Tutors at the President's house, according to the +custom still existing, we marched in procession round the College +halls, to another hall in Porter's tavern, (which some dozen or +fifteen of the oldest living graduates may perhaps remember as +Bradish's tavern, of ancient celebrity,) where we dined. After +dining, we assembled at the Liberty Tree, (according to another +custom still existing,) and in due time, having taken leave of +each other, we departed, some of us to our family homes, and +others to their rooms to make preparations for their +departure."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. pp. 1, 3. + +Referring to the same event, he observes in another place: "In +speaking of the leave-taking of the College by my class, on the +21st of June, 1798,--Class Day, as it is now called,--I +inadvertently forgot to mention, that according to custom, at that +period, [Samuel P.P.] Fay delivered a Latin Valedictory Oration in +the Chapel, in the presence of the Immediate Government, and of +the students of other classes who chose to be present. Speaking to +him on the subject some time since, he told me that he believed +[Judge Joseph] Story delivered a Poem on the same occasion.... +There was no poetical performance in the celebration of the day in +the class before ours, on the same occasion; Dr. John C. Warren's +Latin oration being the only performance, and his class counting +as many reputed poets as ours did."--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 320. + +Alterations were continually made in the observances of Class Day, +and in twenty years after the period last mentioned, its character +had in many particulars changed. Instead of the Latin, an English +oration of a somewhat sportive nature had been introduced; the +Poem was either serious or comic, at the writer's option; usually, +however, the former. After the exercises in the Chapel, the class +commonly repaired to Porter's Hall, and there partook of a dinner, +not always observing with perfect strictness the rules of +temperance either in eating or drinking. This "cenobitical +symposium" concluded, they again returned to the college yard, +where, scattered in groups under the trees, the rest of the day +was spent in singing, smoking, and drinking, or pretending to +drink, punch; for the negroes who supplied it in pails usually +contrived to take two or more glasses to every one glass that was +drank by those for whom it was provided. The dance around the +Liberty Tree, + "Each hand in comrade's hand," +closed the regular ceremonies of the day; but generally the +greater part of the succeeding night was spent in feasting and +hilarity. + +The punch-drinking in the yard increased to such an extent, that +it was considered by the government of the college as a matter +which demanded their interference; and in the year 1842, on one of +these occasions, an instructor having joined with the students in +their revellings in the yard, the Faculty proposed that, instead +of spending the afternoon in this manner, dancing should be +introduced, which was accordingly done, with the approbation of +both parties. + +The observances of the day, which in a small way may be considered +as a rival of Commencement, are at present as follows. The Orator, +Poet, Odist, Chaplain, and Marshals having been previously chosen, +on the morning of Class Day the Seniors assemble in the yard, and, +preceded by the band, walk in procession to one of the halls of +the College, where a prayer is offered by the Class Chaplain. They +then proceed to the President's house, and escort him to the +Chapel where the following order is observed. A prayer by one of +the College officers is succeeded by the Oration, in which the +transactions of the class from their entrance into College to the +present time are reviewed with witty and appropriate remarks. The +Poem is then pronounced, followed by the Ode, which is sung by the +whole class to the tune of "Fair Harvard." Music is performed at +intervals by the band. The class then withdraw to Harvard Hall, +accompanied by their friends and invited guests, where a rich +collation is provided. + +After an interval of from one to two hours, the dancing commences +in the yard. Cotillons and the easier dances are here performed, +but the sport closes in the hall with the Polka and other +fashionable steps. The Seniors again form, and make the circuit of +the yard, cheering the buildings, great and small. They then +assemble under the Liberty Tree, around which with hands joined +they run and dance, after singing the student's adopted song, +"Auld Lang Syne." At parting, each member takes a sprig or a +flower from the beautiful "Wreath" which surrounds the "farewell +tree," which is sacredly treasured as a last memento of college +scenes and enjoyments. Thus close the exercises of the day, after +which the class separate until Commencement. + +The more marked events in the observance of Class Day have been +graphically described by Grace Greenwood, in the accompanying +paragraphs. + +"The exercises on this occasion were to me most novel and +interesting. The graduating class of 1848 are a fine-looking set +of young men certainly, and seem to promise that their country +shall yet be greater and better for the manly energies, the talent +and learning, with which they are just entering upon life. + +"The spectators were assembled in the College Chapel, whither the +class escorted the Faculty, headed by President Everett, in his +Oxford hat and gown. + +"The President is a man of most imperial presence; his figure has +great dignity, and his head is grand in form and expression. But +to me he looks the governor, the foreign minister and the +President, more than the orator or the poet. + +"After a prayer from the Chaplain, we listened to an eloquent +oration from the class orator, Mr. Tiffany, of Baltimore and to a +very elegant and witty poem from the class poet Mr. Clarke, of +Boston. The 'Fair Harvard' having been sung by the class, all +adjourned to the College green, where such as were so disposed +danced to the music of a fine band. From the green we repaired to +Harvard Hall, where an excellent collation was served, succeeded +by dancing. From the hall the students of 1848 marched and cheered +successively every College building, then formed a circle round a +magnificent elm, whose trunk was beautifully garlanded will +flowers, and, with hands joined in a peculiar manner, sung 'Auld +Lang Syne.' The scene was in the highest degree touching and +impressive, so much of the beauty and glory of life was there, so +much of the energy, enthusiasm, and proud unbroken strength of +manhood. With throbbing hearts and glowing lips, linked for a few +moments with strong, fraternal grasps, they stood, with one deep, +common feeling, thrilling like one pulse through all. An +involuntary prayer sprang to my lips, that they might ever prove +true to _Alma Mater_, to one another, to their country, and to +Heaven. + +"As the singing ceased, the students began running swiftly around +the tree, and at the cry, 'Harvard!' a second circle was formed by +the other students, which gave a tumultuous excitement to the +scene. It broke up at last with a perfect storm of cheers, and a +hasty division among the class of the garland which encircled the +elm, each taking a flower in remembrance of the day."--_Greenwood +Leaves_, Ed. 3d, 1851, pp. 350, 351. + +In the poem which was read before the class of 1851, by William C. +Bradley, the comparisons of those about to graduate with the youth +who is attaining to his majority, and with the traveller who has +stopped a little for rest and refreshment, are so genial and +suggestive, that their insertion in this connection will not be +deemed out of place. + + "'T is a good custom, long maintained, + When the young heir has manhood gained, + To solemnize the welcome date, + Accession to the man's estate, + With open house and rousing game, + And friends to wish him joy and fame: + So Harvard, following thus the ways + Of careful sires of older days, + Directs her children till they grow + The strength of ripened years to know, + And bids their friends and kindred, then, + To come and hail her striplings--men. + + "And as, about the table set, + Or on the shady grass-plat met, + They give the youngster leave to speak + Of vacant sport, and boyish freak, + So now would we (such tales have power + At noon-tide to abridge the hour) + Turn to the past, and mourn or praise + The joys and pains of boyhood's days. + + "Like travellers with their hearts intent + Upon a distant journey bent, + We rest upon the earliest stage + Of life's laborious pilgrimage; + But like the band of pilgrims gay + (Whom Chaucer sings) at close of day, + That turned with mirth, and cheerful din, + To pass their evening at the inn, + Hot from the ride and dusty, we, + But yet untired and stout and free, + And like the travellers by the door, + Sit down and talk the journey o'er." + +As a specimen of the character of the Ode which is always sung on +Class Day to the tune "Fair Harvard,"--which is the name by which +the melody "Believe me, if all those endearing young charms" has +been adopted at Cambridge,--that which was written by Joshua +Danforth Robinson for the class of 1851 is here inserted. + + "The days of thy tenderly nurture are done, + We call for the lance and the shield; + There's a battle to fight and a crown to be won, + And onward we press to the field! + But yet, Alma Mater, before we depart, + Shall the song of our farewell be sung, + And the grasp of the hand shall express for the heart + Emotions too deep for the tongue. + + "This group of thy sons, Alma Mater, no more + May gladden thine ear with their song, + For soon we shall stand upon Time's crowded shore, + And mix in humanity's throng. + O, glad be the voices that ring through thy halls + When the echo of ours shall have flown, + And the footsteps that sound when no longer thy walls + Shall answer the tread of our own! + + "Alas! our dear Mother, we see on thy face + A shadow of sorrow to-day; + For while we are clasped in thy farewell embrace, + And pass from thy bosom away, + To part with the living, we know, must recall + The lost whom thy love still embalms, + That one sigh must escape and one tear-drop must fall + For the children that died in thy arms. + + "But the flowers of affection, bedewed by the tears + In the twilight of Memory distilled, + And sunned by the love of our earlier years, + When the soul with their beauty was thrilled, + Untouched by the frost of life's winter, shall blow, + And breathe the same odor they gave + When the vision of youth was entranced by their glow, + Till, fadeless, they bloom o'er the grave." + +A most genial account of the exercises of the Class Day of the +graduates of the year 1854 may be found in Harper's Magazine, Vol. +IX. pp. 554, 555. + + +CLASSIC. One learned in classical literature; a student of the +ancient Greek and Roman authors of the first rank. + +These men, averaging about twenty-three years of age, the best +_Classics_ and Mathematicians of their years, were reading for +Fellowships.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +35. + +A quiet Scotchman irreproachable as a _classic_ and a +whist-player.--_Ibid._, p. 57. + +The mathematical examination was very difficult, and made great +havoc among the _classics_.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + + +CLASSIC SHADES. A poetical appellation given to colleges and +universities. + + He prepares for his departure,--but he must, ere he repair + To the "_classic shades_," et cetera,--visit his "ladye fayre." + _Poem before Iadma_, Harv. Coll., 1850. + +I exchanged the farm-house of my father for the "_classic shades_" +of Union.--_The Parthenon_, Union Coll., 1851, p. 18. + + +CLASSIS. Same meaning as Class. The Latin for the English. + +[They shall] observe the generall hours appointed for all the +students, and the speciall houres for their own _classis_.--_New +England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 243. + + +CLASS LIST. In the University of Oxford, a list in which are +entered the names of those who are examined for their degrees, +according to their rate of merit. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the names of those who are +examined at stated periods are placed alphabetically in the class +lists, but the first eight or ten individual places are generally +known. + +There are some men who read for honors in that covetous and +contracted spirit, and so bent upon securing the name of +scholarship, even at the sacrifice of the reality, that, for the +pleasure of reading their names at the top of the _class list_, +they would make the examiners a present of all their Latin and +Greek the moment they left the schools.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. +327. + + +CLASSMAN. See CLASS. + + +CLASS MARSHAL. In many colleges in the United States, a _class +marshal_ is chosen by the Senior Class from their own number, for +the purpose of regulating the procession on the day of +Commencement, and, as at Harvard College, on Class Day also. + +"At Union College," writes a correspondent, "the class marshal is +elected by the Senior Class during the third term. He attends to +the order of the procession on Commencement Day, and walks into +the church by the side of the President. He chooses several +assistants, who attend to the accommodation of the audience. He is +chosen from among the best-looking and most popular men of the +class, and the honor of his office is considered next to that of +the Vice-President of the Senate for the third term." + + +CLASSMATE. A member of the same class with another. + +The day is wound up with a scene of careless laughter and +merriment, among a dozen of joke-loving _classmates_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 202. + + +CLASS MEETING. A meeting where all the class are assembled for the +purpose of carrying out some measure, appointing class officers, +or transacting business of interest to the whole class. + +In Harvard College, no class, or general, or other meeting of +students can be called without an application in writing of three +students, and no more, expressing the purpose of such meeting, nor +otherwise than by a printed notice, signed by the President, +expressing the time, the object, and place of such meeting, and +the three students applying for such meeting are held responsible +for any proceedings at it contrary to the laws of the +College.--_Laws Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, Appendix. + +Similar regulations are in force at all other American colleges. +At Union College the statute on this subject was formerly in these +words: "No class meetings shall be held without special license +from the President; and for such purposes only as shall be +expressed in the license; nor shall any class meeting be continued +by adjournment or otherwise, without permission; and all class +meetings held without license shall be considered as unlawful +combinations, and punished accordingly."--_Laws Union Coll._, +1807, pp. 37, 38. + + While one, on fame alone intent, + Seek to be chosen President + Of clubs, or a _class meeting_. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 247. + + +CLASSOLOGY. That science which treats of the members of the +classes of a college. This word is used in the title of a pleasant +_jeu d'esprit_ by Mr. William Biglow, on the class which graduated +at Harvard College in 1792. It is called, "_Classology_: an +Anacreontic Ode, in Imitation of 'Heathen Mythology.'" + +See under HIGH GO. + + +CLASS SECRETARY. For an account of this officer, see under CLASS +BOOK. + + +CLASS SUPPER. In American colleges, a supper attended only by the +members of a collegiate class. Class suppers are given in some +colleges at the close of each year; in others, only at the close +of the Sophomore and Senior years, or at one of these periods. + + +CLASS TREES. At Bowdoin College, "immediately after the annual +examination of each class," says a correspondent, "the members +that compose it are accustomed to form a ring round a tree, and +then, not dance, but run around it. So quickly do they revolve, +that every individual runner has a tendency 'to go off in a +tangent,' which it is difficult to resist for any length of time. +The three lower classes have a tree by themselves in front of +Massachusetts Hall. The Seniors have one of their own in front of +King Chapel." + +For an account of a similar and much older custom, prevalent at +Harvard College, see under CLASS DAY and LIBERTY TREE. + + +CLIMBING. In reference to this word, a correspondent from +Dartmouth College writes: "At the commencement of this century, +the Greek, Latin, and Philosophical Orations were assigned by the +Faculty to the best scholars, while the Valedictorian was chosen +from the remainder by his classmates. It was customary for each +one of these four to treat his classmates, which was called +'_Climbing_,' from the effect which the liquor would have in +elevating the class to an equality with the first scholars." + + +CLIOSOPHIC. A word compounded from _Clio_, the Muse who presided +over history, and [Greek: sophos], intelligent. At Yale College, +this word was formerly used to designate an oration on the arts +and sciences, which was delivered annually at the examination in +July. + +Having finished his academic course, by the appointment of the +President he delivered the _cliosophic_ oration in the College +Hall.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 13. + + +COACH. In the English universities, this term is variously +applied, as will be seen by a reference to the annexed examples. +It is generally used to designate a private tutor. + +Everything is (or used to be) called a "_coach_" at Oxford: a +lecture-class, or a club of men meeting to take wine, luncheon, or +breakfast alternately, were severally called a "wine, luncheon, or +breakfast _coach_"; so a private tutor was called a "private +_coach_"; and one, like Hilton of Worcester, very famed for +getting his men safe through, was termed "a Patent Safety."--_The +Collegian's Guide_, p. 103. + +It is to his private tutors, or "_coaches_," that he looks for +instruction.--_Household Words_, Vol. II. p. 160. + +He applies to Mr. Crammer. Mr. Crammer is a celebrated "_coach_" +for lazy and stupid men, and has a system of his own which has met +with decided success.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 162. + + +COACH. To prepare a student to pass an examination; to make use of +the aid of a private tutor. + +He is putting on all steam, and "_coaching_" violently for the +Classical Tripos.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d. p. 10. + +It is not every man who can get a Travis to _coach_ him.--_Ibid._, +p. 69. + + +COACHING. A cant term, in the British universities, for preparing +a student, by the assistance of a private tutor, to pass an +examination. + +Whether a man shall throw away every opportunity which a +university is so eminently calculated to afford, and come away +with a mere testamur gained rather by the trickery of private +_coaching_ (tutoring) than by mental improvement, depends, +&c.--_The Collegian's Guide_, p. 15. + + +COAX. This word was formerly used at Yale College in the same +sense as the word _fish_ at Harvard, viz. to seek or gain the +favor of a teacher by flattery. One of the Proverbs of Solomon was +often changed by the students to read as follows: "Surely the +churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the +nose bringeth forth blood; so the _coaxing_ of tutors bringeth +forth parts."--_Prov._ xxx. 33. + + +COCHLEAUREATUS, _pl._ COCHLEAUREATI. Latin, _cochlear_, a spoon, +and _laureatus_, laurelled. A free translation would be, _one +honored with a spoon_. + +At Yale College, the wooden spoon is given to the one whose name +comes last on the list of appointees for the Junior Exhibition. +The recipient of this honor is designated _cochleaureatus_. + + Now give in honor of the spoon + Three cheers, long, loud, and hearty, + And three for every honored June + In _coch-le-au-re-a-ti_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 37. + +See WOODEN SPOON. + + +COFFIN. At the University of Vermont, a boot, especially a large +one. A companion to the word HUMMEL, q.v. + + +COLLAR. At Yale College, "to come up with; to seize; to lay hold +on; to appropriate."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. 144. + +By that means the oration marks will be effectually _collared_, +with scarce an effort.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + + +COLLECTION. In the University of Oxford, a college examination, +which takes place at the end of every term before the Warden and +Tutor. + +Read some Herodotus for _Collections_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +348. + +The College examinations, called _collections_, are strictly +private.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 139. + + +COLLECTOR. A Bachelor of Arts in the University of Oxford, who is +appointed to superintend some scholastic proceedings in +Lent.--_Todd_. + +The Collectors, who are two in number, Bachelors of Arts, are +appointed to collect the names of _determining_ bachelors, during +Lent. Their office begins and ends with that season.--_Guide to +Oxford_. + + +COLLECTORSHIP. The office of a _collector_ in the University of +Oxford.--_Todd_. + +This Lent the _collectors_ ceased from entertaining the Bachelors +by advice and command of the proctors; so that now they got by +their _collectorships_, whereas before they spent about 100_l._, +besides their gains, on clothes or needless entertainments.--_Life +of A. Wood_, p. 286. + + +COLLEGE. Latin, _collegium_; _con_ and _lego_, to gather. In its +primary sense, a collection or assembly; hence, in a general +sense, a collection, assemblage, or society of men, invested with +certain powers and rights, performing certain duties, or engaged +in some common employment or pursuit. + +1. An establishment or edifice appropriated to the use of students +who are acquiring the languages and sciences. + +2. The society of persons engaged in the pursuits of literature, +including the officers and students. Societies of this kind are +incorporated, and endowed with revenues. + +"A college, in the modern sense of that word, was an institution +which arose within a university, probably within that of Paris or +of Oxford first, being intended either as a kind of +boarding-school, or for the support of scholars destitute of +means, who were here to live under particular supervision. By +degrees it became more and more the custom that teachers should be +attached to these establishments. And as they grew in favor, they +were resorted to by persons of means, who paid for their board; +and this to such a degree, that at one time the colleges included +nearly all the members of the University of Paris. In the English +universities the colleges may have been first established by a +master who gathered pupils around him, for whose board and +instruction he provided. He exercised them perhaps in logic and +the other liberal arts, and repeated the university lectures, as +well as superintended their morals. As his scholars grew in +number, he associated with himself other teachers, who thus +acquired the name of _fellows_. Thus it naturally happened that +the government of colleges, even of those which were founded by +the benevolence of pious persons, was in the hands of a principal +called by various names, such as rector, president, provost, or +master, and of fellows, all of whom were resident within the walls +of the same edifices where the students lived. Where charitable +munificence went so far as to provide for the support of a greater +number of fellows than were needed, some of them were intrusted, +as tutors, with the instruction of the undergraduates, while +others performed various services within their college, or passed +a life of learned leisure."--_Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, New +Haven, Aug. 14, 1850, p. 8. + +3. In _foreign universities_, a public lecture.--_Webster_. + + +COLLEGE BIBLE. The laws of a college are sometimes significantly +called _the College Bible_. + + He cons _the College Bible_ with eager, longing eyes, + And wonders how poor students at six o'clock can rise. + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + +COLLEGER. A member of a college. + +We stood like veteran _Collegers_ the next day's +screw.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 9. [_Little used_.] + +2. The name by which a member of a certain class of the pupils of +Eton is known. "The _Collegers_ are educated gratuitously, and +such of them as have nearly but not quite reached the age of +nineteen, when a vacancy in King's College, Cambridge, occurs, are +elected scholars there forthwith and provided for during life--or +until marriage."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +pp. 262, 263. + +They have nothing in lieu of our seventy _Collegers_.--_Ibid._, p. +270. + +The whole number of scholars or "_Collegers_" at Eton is seventy. +--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +COLLEGE YARD. The enclosure on or within which the buildings of a +college are situated. Although college enclosures are usually open +for others to pass through than those connected with the college, +yet by law the grounds are as private as those connected with +private dwellings, and are kept so, by refusing entrance, for a +certain period, to all who are not members of the college, at +least once in twenty years, although the time differs in different +States. + + But when they got to _College yard_, + With one accord they all huzza'd.--_Rebelliad_, p. 33. + + Not ye, whom science never taught to roam + Far as a _College yard_ or student's home. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 232. + + +COLLEGIAN. A member of a college, particularly of a literary +institution so called; an inhabitant of a college.--_Johnson_. + + +COLLEGIATE. Pertaining to a college; as, _collegiate_ studies. + +2. Containing a college; instituted after the manner of a college; +as, a _collegiate_ society.--_Johnson_. + + +COLLEGIATE. A member of a college. + + +COMBINATION. An agreement, for effecting some object by joint +operation; in _an ill sense_, when the purpose is illegal or +iniquitous. An agreement entered into by students to resist or +disobey the Faculty of the College, or to do any unlawful act, is +a _combination_. When the number concerned is so great as to +render it inexpedient to punish all, those most culpable are +usually selected, or as many as are deemed necessary to satisfy +the demands of justice.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 27. _Laws +Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 23. + + +COMBINATION ROOM. In the University of Cambridge Eng., a room into +which the fellows, and others in authority withdraw after dinner, +for wine, dessert, and conversation.--_Webster_. + +In popular phrase, the word _room_ is omitted. + +"There will be some quiet Bachelors there, I suppose," thought I, +"and a Junior Fellow or two, some of those I have met in +_combination_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 52. + + +COMITAT. In the German universities, a procession formed to +accompany a departing fellow-student with public honor out of the +city.--_Howitt_. + + +COMMEMORATION DAY. At the University of Oxford, Eng., this day is +an annual solemnity in honor of the benefactors of the University, +when orations are delivered, and prize compositions are read in +the theatre. It is the great day of festivity for the +year.--_Huber_. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., there is always a sermon on +this day. The lesson which is read in the course of the service is +from Ecclus. xliv.: "Let us now praise famous men," &c. It is "a +day," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "devoted to prayers, and +good living." It was formerly called _Anniversary Day_. + + +COMMENCE. To take a degree, or the first degree, in a university +or college.--_Bailey_. + +Nine Bachelors _commenced_ at Cambridge; they were young men of +good hope, and performed their acts so as to give good proof of +their proficiency in the tongues and arts.--_Winthrop's Journal, +by Mr. Savage_, Vol. II. p. 87. + +Four Senior Sophisters came from Saybrook, and received the Degree +of Bachelor of Arts, and several others _commenced_ +Masters.--_Clap's Hist. Yale Coll._, p. 20. + + A scholar see him now _commence_, + Without the aid of books or sense. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, 1794, p. 12. + +Charles Chauncy ... was afterwards, when qualified, sent to the +University of Cambridge, where he _commenced_ Bachelor of +Divinity.--_Hist. Sketch of First Ch. in Boston_, 1812, p. 211. + + +COMMENCEMENT. The time when students in colleges _commence_ +Bachelors; a day in which degrees are publicly conferred in the +English and American universities.--_Webster_. + +At Harvard College, in its earliest days, Commencements were +attended, as at present, by the highest officers in the State. At +the first Commencement, on the second Tuesday of August, 1642, we +are told that "the Governour, Magistrates, and the Ministers, from +all parts, with all sorts of schollars, and others in great +numbers, were present."--_New England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. +Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 246. + +In the MS. Diary of Judge Sewall, under date of July 1, 1685, +Commencement Day, is this remark: "Gov'r there, whom I accompanied +to Charlestown"; and again, under date of July 2, 1690, is the +following entry respecting the Commencement of that year: "Go to +Cambridge by water in ye Barge wherein the Gov'r, Maj. Gen'l, +Capt. Blackwell, and others." In the Private Journal of Cotton +Mather, under the dates of 1708 and 1717, there are notices of the +Boston troops waiting on the Governor to Cambridge on Commencement +Day. During the presidency of Wadsworth, which continued from 1725 +to 1737, "it was the custom," says Quincy, "on Commencement Day, +for the Governor of the Province to come from Boston through +Roxbury, often by the way of Watertown, attended by his body +guards, and to arrive at the College about ten or eleven o'clock +in the morning. A procession was then formed of the Corporation, +Overseers, magistrates, ministers, and invited gentlemen, and +immediately moved from Harvard Hall to the Congregational church." +After the exercises of the day were over, the students escorted +the Governor, Corporation, and Overseers, in procession, to the +President's house. This description would answer very well for the +present day, by adding the graduating class to the procession, and +substituting the Boston Lancers as an escort, instead of the "body +guards." + +The exercises of the first Commencement are stated in New +England's First Fruits, above referred to, as follows:--"Latine +and Greeke Orations, and Declamations, and Hebrew Analysis, +Grammaticall, Logicall, and Rhetoricall of the Psalms: And their +answers and disputations in Logicall, Ethicall, Physicall, and +Metaphysicall questions." At Commencement in 1685, the exercises +were, besides Disputes, four Orations, one Latin, two Greek, and +one Hebrew In the presidency of Wadsworth, above referred to, "the +exercises of the day," says Quincy, "began with a short prayer by +the President; a salutatory oration in Latin, by one of the +graduating class, succeeded; then disputations on theses or +questions in Logic, Ethics, and Natural Philosophy commenced. When +the disputation terminated, one of the candidates pronounced a +Latin 'gratulatory oration.' The graduating class were then +called, and, after asking leave of the Governor and Overseers, the +President conferred the Bachelor's degree, by delivering a book to +the candidates (who came forward successively in parties of four), +and pronouncing a form of words in Latin. An adjournment then took +place to dinner, in Harvard Hall; thence the procession returned +to the church, and, after the Masters' disputations, usually three +in number, were finished, their degrees were conferred, with the +same general forms as those of the Bachelors. An occasional +address was then made by the President. A Latin valedictory +oration by one of the Masters succeeded, and the exercises +concluded with a prayer by the President." + +Similar to this is the account given by the Hon. Paine Wingate, a +graduate of the class of 1759, of the exercises of Commencement as +conducted while he was in College. "I do not recollect now," he +says, "any part of the public exercises on Commencement Day to be +in English, excepting the President's prayers at opening and +closing the services. Next after the prayer followed the +Salutatory Oration in Latin, by one of the candidates for the +first degree. This office was assigned by the President, and was +supposed to be given to him who was the best orator in the class. +Then followed a Syllogistic Disputation in Latin, in which four or +five or more of those who were distinguished as good scholars in +the class were appointed by the President as Respondents, to whom +were assigned certain questions, which the Respondents maintained, +and the rest of the class severally opposed, and endeavored to +invalidate. This was conducted wholly in Latin, and in the form of +Syllogisms and Theses. At the close of the Disputation, the +President usually added some remarks in Latin. After these +exercises the President conferred the degrees. This, I think, may +be considered as the summary of the public performances on a +Commencement Day. I do not recollect any Forensic Disputation, or +a Poem or Oration spoken in English, whilst I was in +College."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, pp. 307, 308. + +As far back as the year 1685, it was customary for the President +to deliver an address near the close of the exercises. Under this +date, in the MS. Diary of Judge Sewall, are these words: "Mr. +President after giving ye Degrees made an Oration in Praise of +Academical Studies and Degrees, Hebrew tongue." In 1688, at the +Commencement, according to the same gentleman, Mr. William +Hubbard, then acting as President under the appointment of Sir +Edmund Andros, "made an oration." + +The disputations were always in Latin, and continued to be a part +of the exercises of Commencement until the year 1820. The orations +were in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and sometimes French; in 1818 a +Spanish oration was delivered at the Commencement for that year by +Mr. George Osborne. The first English oration was made by Mr. +Jedidiah Huntington, in the year 1763, and the first English poem +by Mr. John Davis, in 1781. The last Latin syllogisms were in +1792, on the subjects, "Materia cogitare non potest," and "Nil +nisi ignis natura est fluidum." The first year in which the +performers spoke without a prompter was 1837. There were no +Master's exercises for the first time in 1844. To prevent +improprieties, in the year 1760, "the duty of inspecting the +performances on the day," says Quincy, "and expunging all +exceptionable parts, was assigned to the President; on whom it was +particularly enjoined 'to put an end to the practice of addressing +the female sex.'" At a later period, in 1792, by referring to the +"Order of the Exercises of Commencement," we find that in the +concluding oration "honorable notice is taken, from year to year, +of those who have been the principal Benefactors of the +University." The practice is now discontinued. + +At the first Commencement, all the magistrates, elders, and +invited guests who were present "dined," says Winthrop in his +Journal, Vol. II. pp. 87, 88, "at the College with the scholars' +ordinary commons, which was done on purpose for the students' +encouragement, &c., and it gave good content to all." After +dinner, a Psalm was usually sung. In 1685, at Commencement, Sewall +says: "After dinner ye 3d part of ye 103d Ps. was sung in ye +Hall." The seventy-eighth Psalm was the one usually sung, an +account of which will be found under that title. The Senior Class +usually waited on the table on Commencement Day. After dinner, +they were allowed to take what provisions were left, and eat them +at their rooms, or in the hall. This custom was not discontinued +until the year 1812. + +In 1754, owing to the expensive habits worn on Commencement Day, a +law was passed, ordering that on that day "every candidate for his +degree appear in black, or dark blue, or gray clothes; and that no +one wear any silk night-gowns; and that any candidate, who shall +appear dressed contrary to such regulations, may not expect his +degree." At present, on Commencement Day, every candidate for a +first degree wears, according to the law, "a black dress and the +usual black gown." + +It was formerly customary, on this day, for the students to +provide entertainment in their rooms. But great care was taken, as +far as statutory enactments were concerned, that all excess should +be avoided. During the presidency of Increase Mather was developed +among the students a singular phase of gastronomy, which was +noticed by the Corporation in their records, under the date of +June 22, 1693, in these words: "The Corporation, having been +informed that the custom taken up in the College, not used in any +other Universities, for the commencers [graduating class] to have +plumb-cake, is dishonorable to the College, not grateful to wise +men, and chargeable to the parents of the commencers, do therefore +put an end to that custom, and do hereby order that no commencer, +or other scholar, shall have any such cakes in their studies or +chambers; and that, if any scholar shall offend therein, the cakes +shall be taken from him, and he shall moreover pay to the College +twenty shillings for each such offence." This stringent regulation +was, no doubt, all-sufficient for many years; but in the lapse of +time the taste for the forbidden delicacy, which was probably +concocted with a skill unknown to the moderns, was again revived, +accompanied with confessions to a fondness for several kinds of +expensive preparations, the recipes for which preparations, it is +to be feared, are inevitably lost. In 1722, in the latter part of +President Leverett's administration, an act was passed "for +reforming the Extravagancys of Commencements," and providing "that +henceforth no preparation nor provision of either Plumb Cake, or +Roasted, Boyled, or Baked Meates or Pyes of any kind shal be made +by any Commencer," and that no "such have any distilled Lyquours +in his Chamber or any composition therewith," under penalty of +being "punished twenty shillings, to be paid to the use of the +College," and of forfeiture of the provisions and liquors, "_to be +seized by the tutors_." The President and Corporation were +accustomed to visit the rooms of the Commencers, "to see if the +laws prohibiting certain meats and drinks were not violated." +These restrictions not being sufficient, a vote passed the +Corporation in 1727, declaring, that "if any, who now doe, or +hereafter shall, stand for their degrees, presume to doe any thing +contrary to the act of 11th June, 1722, or _go about to evade it +by plain cake_, they shall not be admitted to their degree, and if +any, after they have received their degree, shall presume to make +any forbidden provisions, their names shall be left or rased out +of the Catalogue of the Graduates." + +In 1749, the Corporation strongly recommended to the parents and +guardians of such as were to take degrees that year, "considering +the awful judgments of God upon the land," to "retrench +Commencement expenses, so as may best correspond with the frowns +of Divine Providence, and that they take effectual care to have +their sons' chambers cleared of company, and their entertainments +finished, on the evening of said Commencement Day, or, at +furthest, by next morning." In 1755, attempts were made to prevent +those "who proceeded Bachelors of Arts from having entertainments +of any kind, either in the College or any house in Cambridge, +after the Commencement Day." This and several other propositions +of the Overseers failing to meet with the approbation of the +Corporation, a vote finally passed both boards in 1757, by which +it was ordered, that, on account of the "distressing drought upon +the land," and "in consideration of the dark state of Providence +with respect to the war we are engaged in, which Providences call +for humiliation and fasting rather than festival entertainments," +the "first and second degrees be given to the several candidates +without their personal attendance"; a general diploma was +accordingly given, and Commencement was omitted for that year. +Three years after, "all unnecessary expenses were forbidden," and +also "dancing in any part of Commencement week, in the Hall, or in +any College building; nor was any undergraduate allowed to give +any entertainment, after dinner, on Thursday of that week, under +severe penalties." But the laws were not always so strict, for we +find that, on account of a proposition made by the Overseers to +the Corporation in 1759, recommending a "repeal of the law +prohibiting the drinking of _punch_," the latter board voted, that +"it shall be no offence if any scholar shall, at Commencement, +make and entertain guests at his chamber with _punch_," which they +afterwards declare, "as it is now usually made, is no intoxicating +liquor." + +To prevent the disturbances incident to the day, an attempt was +made in 1727 to have the "Commencements for time to come more +private than has been usual," and for several years after, the +time of Commencement was concealed; "only a short notice," says +Quincy, "being given to the public of the day on which it was to +be held." Friday was the day agreed on, for the reason, says +President Wadsworth in his Diary, "that there might be a less +remaining time of the week spent in frolicking." This was very ill +received by the people of Boston and the vicinity, to whom +Commencement was a season of hilarity and festivity; the ministers +were also dissatisfied, not knowing the day in some cases, and in +others being subjected to great inconvenience on account of their +living at a distance from Cambridge. The practice was accordingly +abandoned in 1736, and Commencement, as formerly, was held on +Wednesday, to general satisfaction. In 1749, "three gentlemen," +says Quincy, "who had sons about to be graduated, offered to give +the College a thousand pounds old tenor, provided 'a trial was +made of Commencements this year, in a more private manner.'" The +proposition, after much debate, was rejected, and "public +Commencements were continued without interruption, except during +the period of the Revolutionary war, and occasionally, from +temporary causes, during the remainder of the century, +notwithstanding their evils, anomalies, and inconsistencies."[05] + +The following poetical account of Commencement at Harvard College +is supposed to have been written by Dr. Mather Byles, in the year +1742 or thereabouts. Of its merits, this is no place to speak. As +a picture of the times it is valuable, and for this reason, and to +show the high rank which Commencement Day formerly held among +other days, it is here presented. + + "COMMENCEMENT. + + "I sing the day, bright with peculiar charms, + Whose rising radiance ev'ry bosom warms; + The day when _Cambridge_ empties all the towns, + And youths commencing, take their laurel crowns: + When smiling joys, and gay delights appear, + And shine distinguish'd, in the rolling year. + + "While the glad theme I labour to rehearse, + In flowing numbers, and melodious verse, + Descend, immortal nine, my soul inspire, + Amid my bosom lavish all your fire, + While smiling _Phoebus_, owns the heavenly layes + And shades the poet with surrounding bayes. + But chief ye blooming nymphs of heavenly frame, + Who make the day with double glory flame, + In whose fair persons, art and nature vie, + On the young muse cast an auspicious eye: + Secure of fame, then shall the goddess sing, + And rise triumphant with a tow'ring wing, + Her tuneful notes wide-spreading all around, + The hills shall echo, and the vales resound. + + "Soon as the morn in crimson robes array'd + With chearful beams dispels the flying shade, + While fragrant odours waft the air along, + And birds melodious chant their heavenly song, + And all the waste of heav'n with glory spread, + Wakes up the world, in sleep's embraces dead. + Then those whose dreams were on th' approaching day, + Prepare in splendid garbs to make their way + To that admired solemnity, whose date, + Tho' late begun, will last as long as fate. + And now the sprightly Fair approach the glass + To heighten every feature of the face. + They view the roses flush their glowing cheeks, + The snowy lillies towering round their necks, + Their rustling manteaus huddled on in haste, + They clasp with shining girdles round their waist. + Nor less the speed and care of every beau, + To shine in dress and swell the solemn show. + Thus clad, in careless order mixed by chance, + In haste they both along the streets advance: + 'Till near the brink of _Charles's_ beauteous stream, + They stop, and think the lingering boat to blame. + Soon as the empty skiff salutes the shore, + In with impetuous haste they clustering pour, + The men the head, the stern the ladies grace, + And neighing horses fill the middle space. + Sunk deep, the boat floats slow the waves along, + And scarce contains the thickly crowded throng; + A gen'ral horror seizes on the fair, + While white-look'd cowards only not despair. + 'Till rowed with care they reach th' opposing side, + Leap on the shore, and leave the threat'ning tide. + While to receive the pay the boatman stands, + And chinking pennys jingle in his hands. + Eager the sparks assault the waiting cars, + Fops meet with fops, and clash in civil wars. + Off fly the wigs, as mount their kicking heels, + The rudely bouncing head with anguish swells, + A crimson torrent gushes from the nose, + Adown the cheeks, and wanders o'er the cloaths. + Taunting, the victor's strait the chariots leap, + While the poor batter'd beau's for madness weep. + + "Now in calashes shine the blooming maids, + Bright'ning the day which blazes o'er their heads; + The seats with nimble steps they swift ascend, + And moving on the crowd, their waste of beauties spend. + So bearing thro' the boundless breadth of heav'n, + The twinkling lamps of light are graceful driv'n; + While on the world they shed their glorious rays, + And set the face of nature in a blaze. + + "Now smoak the burning wheels along the ground, + While rapid hoofs of flying steeds resound, + The drivers by no vulgar flame inspir'd, + But with the sparks of love and glory fir'd, + With furious swiftness sweep along the way, + And from the foremost chariot snatch the day. + So at Olympick games when heros strove, + In rapid cars to gain the goal of love. + If on her fav'rite youth the goddess shone + He left his rival and the winds out-run. + + "And now thy town, _O Cambridge_! strikes the sight + Of the beholders with confus'd delight; + Thy green campaigns wide open to the view, + And buildings where bright youth their fame pursue. + Blest village! on whose plains united glows, + A vast, confus'd magnificence of shows. + Where num'rous crowds of different colours blend, + Thick as the trees which from the hills ascend: + Or as the grass which shoots in verdant spires, + Or stars which dart thro' natures realms their fires. + + "How am I fir'd with a profuse delight, + When round the yard I roll my ravish'd sight! + From the high casements how the ladies show! + And scatter glory on the crowds below. + From sash to sash the lovely lightening plays + And blends their beauties in a radiant blaze. + So when the noon of night the earth invades + And o'er the landskip spreads her silent shades. + In heavens high vault the twinkling stars appear, + And with gay glory's light the gleemy sphere. + From their bright orbs a flame of splendors shows, + And all around th' enlighten'd ether glows. + + "Soon as huge heaps have delug'd all the plains, + Of tawny damsels, mixt with simple swains, + Gay city beau's, grave matrons and coquats, + Bully's and cully's, clergymen and wits. + The thing which first the num'rous crowd employs, + Is by a breakfast to begin their joys. + While wine, which blushes in a crystal glass, + Streams down in floods, and paints their glowing face. + And now the time approaches when the bell, + With dull continuance tolls a solemn knell. + Numbers of blooming youth in black array + Adorn the yard, and gladden all the day. + In two strait lines they instantly divide, + While each beholds his partner on th' opposing side, + Then slow, majestick, walks the learned _head_, + The _senate_ follow with a solemn tread, + Next _Levi's_ tribe in reverend order move, + Whilst the uniting youth the show improve. + They glow in long procession till they come, + Near to the portals of the sacred dome; + Then on a sudden open fly the doors, + The leader enters, then the croud thick pours. + The temple in a moment feels its freight, + And cracks beneath its vast unwieldy weight, + So when the threatning Ocean roars around + A place encompass'd with a lofty mound, + If some weak part admits the raging waves, + It flows resistless, and the city laves; + Till underneath the waters ly the tow'rs, + Which menac'd with their height the heav'nly pow'rs. + + "The work begun with pray'r, with modest pace, + A youth advancing mounts the desk with grace, + To all the audience sweeps a circling bow, + Then from his lips ten thousand graces flow. + The next that comes, a learned thesis reads, + The question states, and then a war succeeds. + Loud major, minor, and the consequence, + Amuse the crowd, wide-gaping at their fence. + Who speaks the loudest is with them the best, + And impudence for learning is confest. + + "The battle o'er, the sable youth descend, + And to the awful chief, their footsteps bend. + With a small book, the laurel wreath he gives + Join'd with a pow'r to use it all their lives. + Obsequious, they return what they receive, + With decent rev'rence, they his presence leave. + Dismiss'd, they strait repeat their back ward way + And with white napkins grace the sumptuous day.[06] + + "Now plates unnumber'd on the tables shine, + And dishes fill'd invite the guests to dine. + The grace perform'd, each as it suits him best, + Divides the sav'ry honours of the feast, + The glasses with bright sparkling wines abound + And flowing bowls repeat the jolly round. + Thanks said, the multitude unite their voice, + In sweetly mingled and melodious noise. + The warbling musick floats along the air, + And softly winds the mazes of the ear; + Ravish'd the crowd promiscuously retires, + And each pursues the pleasure he admires. + + "Behold my muse far distant on the plains, + Amidst a wrestling ring two jolly swains; + Eager for fame, they tug and haul for blood, + One nam'd _Jack Luby_, t' other _Robin Clod_, + Panting they strain, and labouring hard they sweat, + Mix legs, kick shins, tear cloaths, and ply their feet. + Now nimbly trip, now stiffly stand their ground, + And now they twirl, around, around, around; + Till overcome by greater art or strength, + _Jack Luby_ lays along his lubber length. + A fall! a fall! the loud spectators cry, + A fall! a fall! the echoing hills reply. + + "O'er yonder field in wild confusion runs, + A clam'rous troop of _Affric's_ sable sons, + Behind the victors shout, with barbarous roar, + The vanquish'd fly with hideous yells before, + The gloomy squadron thro' the valley speeds + Whilst clatt'ring cudgels rattle o'er their heads. + + "Again to church the learned tribe repair, + Where syllogisms battle in the air, + And then the elder youth their second laurels wear. + Hail! Happy laurels! who our hopes inspire, + And set our ardent wishes all on fire. + By you the pulpit and the bar will shine + In future annals; while the ravish'd nine + Will in your bosom breathe caelestial flames, + And stamp _Eternity_ upon your names. + Accept my infant muse, whose feeble wings + Can scarce sustain her flight, while you she sings. + With candour view my rude unfinish'd praise + And see my _Ivy_ twist around your _bayes_. + So _Phidias_ by immortal _Jove_ inspir'd, + His statue carv'd, by all mankind admir'd. + Nor thus content, by his approving nod, + He cut himself upon the shining god. + That shaded by the umbrage of his name, + Eternal honours might attend his fame." + +In his almanacs, Nathaniel Ames was wont to insert, opposite the +days of Commencement week, remarks which he deemed appropriate to +that period. His notes for the year 1764 were these:-- + +"Much talk and nothing said." + +"The loquacious more talkative than ever, and fine Harangues +preparing." + + "Much Money sunk, + Much Liquor drunk." + +His only note for the year 1765 was this:-- + + "Many Crapulae to Day + Give the Head-ach to the Gay." + +Commencement Day was generally considered a holiday throughout the +Province, and in the metropolis the shops were usually closed, and +little or no business was done. About ten days before this period, +a body of Indians from Natick--men, women, and pappooses--commonly +made their appearance at Cambridge, and took up their station +around the Episcopal Church, in the cellar of which they were +accustomed to sleep, if the weather was unpleasant. The women sold +baskets and moccasons; the boys gained money by shooting at it, +while the men wandered about and spent the little that was earned +by their squaws in rum and tobacco. Then there would come along a +body of itinerant negro fiddlers, whose scraping never intermitted +during the time of their abode. + +The Common, on Commencement week, was covered with booths, erected +in lines, like streets, intended to accommodate the populace from +Boston and the vicinity with the amusements of a fair. In these +were carried on all sorts of dissipation. Here was a knot of +gamblers, gathered around a wheel of fortune, or watching the +whirl of the ball on a roulette-table. Further along, the jolly +hucksters displayed their tempting wares in the shape of cooling +beverages and palate-tickling confections. There was dancing on +this side, auction-selling on the other; here a pantomimic show, +there a blind man, led by a dog, soliciting alms; organ-grinders +and hurdy-gurdy grinders, bears and monkeys, jugglers and +sword-swallowers, all mingled in inextricable confusion. + +In a neighboring field, a countryman had, perchance, let loose a +fox, which the dogs were worrying to death, while the surrounding +crowd testified their pleasure at the scene by shouts of +approbation. Nor was there any want of the spirituous; pails of +punch, guarded by stout negroes, bore witness to their own subtle +contents, now by the man who lay curled up under the adjoining +hedge, "forgetting and forgot," and again by the drunkard, +reeling, cursing, and fighting among his comrades. + +The following observations from the pen of Professor Sidney +Willard, afford an accurate description of the outward +manifestations of Commencement Day at Harvard College, during the +latter part of the last century. "Commencement Day at that time +was a widely noted day, not only among men and women of all +characters and conditions, but also among boys. It was the great +literary and mob anniversary of Massachusetts, surpassed only in +its celebrities by the great civil and mob anniversary, namely, +the Fourth of July, and the last Wednesday of May, Election day, +so called, the anniversary of the organization of the government +of the State for the civil year. But Commencement, perhaps most of +all, exhibited an incongruous mixture of men and things. Besides +the academic exercises within the sanctuary of learning and +religion, followed by the festivities in the College dining-hall, +and under temporary tents and awnings erected for the +entertainments given to the numerous guests of wealthy parents of +young men who had come out successful competitors for prizes in +the academic race, the large common was decked with tents filled +with various refreshments for the hungry and thirsty multitudes, +and the intermediate spaces crowded with men, women, and boys, +white and black, many of them gambling, drinking, swearing, +dancing, and fighting from morning to midnight. Here and there the +scene was varied by some show of curiosities, or of monkeys or +less common wild animals, and the gambols of mountebanks, who by +their ridiculous tricks drew a greater crowd than the abandoned +group at the gaming-tables, or than the fooleries, distortions, +and mad pranks of the inebriates. If my revered uncle[07] took a +glimpse at these scenes, he did not see there any of our red +brethren, as Mr. Jefferson kindly called them, who formed a +considerable part of the gathering at the time of his graduation, +forty-two years before; but he must have seen exhibitions of +depravity which would disgust the most untutored savage. Near the +close of the last century these outrages began to disappear, and +lessened from year to year, until by public opinion, enforced by +an efficient police, they were many years ago wholly suppressed, +and the vicinity of the College halls has become, as it should be, +a classic ground."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. +251, 252. + +It is to such scenes as these that Mr. William Biglow refers, in +his poem recited before the Phi Beta Kappa Society, in their +dining-hall, August 29th, 1811. + + "All hail, Commencement! when all classes free + Throng learning's fount, from interest, taste, or glee; + When sutlers plain in tents, like Jacob, dwell, + Their goods distribute, and their purses swell; + When tipplers cease on wretchedness to think, + Those born to sell, as well as these to drink; + When every day each merry Andrew clears + More cash than useful men in many years; + When men to business come, or come to rake, + And modest women spurn at Pope's mistake.[08] + + "All hail, Commencement! when all colors join, + To gamble, riot, quarrel, and purloin; + When Afric's sooty sons, a race forlorn, + Play, swear, and fight, like Christians freely born; + And Indians bless our civilizing merit, + And get dead drunk with truly _Christian spirit_; + When heroes, skilled in pocket-picking sleights, + Of equal property and equal rights, + Of rights of man and woman, boldest friends, + Believing means are sanctioned by their ends, + Sequester part of Gripus' boundless store, + While Gripus thanks god Plutus he has more; + And needy poet, from this ill secure, + Feeling his fob, cries, 'Blessed are the poor.'" + +On the same subject, the writer of Our Chronicle of '26, a +satirical poem, versifies in the following manner:-- + + "Then comes Commencement Day, and Discord dire + Strikes her confusion-string, and dust and noise + Climb up the skies; ladies in thin attire, + For 't is in August, and both men and boys, + Are all abroad, in sunshine and in glee + Making all heaven rattle with their revelry! + + "Ah! what a classic sight it is to see + The black gowns flaunting in the sultry air, + Boys big with literary sympathy, + And all the glories of this great affair! + More classic sounds!--within, the plaudit shout, + While Punchinello's rabble echoes it without." + +To this the author appends a note, as follows:-- + +"The holiday extends to thousands of those who have no particular +classical pretensions, further than can be recognized in a certain +_penchant_ for such jubilees, contracted by attending them for +years as hangers-on. On this devoted day these noisy do-nothings +collect with mummers, monkeys, bears, and rope-dancers, and hold +their revels just beneath the windows of the tabernacle where the +literary triumph is enacting. + + 'Tum saeva sonare + Verbera, tum stridor ferri tractaeque catenae.'" + +A writer in Buckingham's New England Magazine, Vol. III., 1832, in +an article entitled "Harvard College Forty Years ago," thus +describes the customs which then prevailed:-- + +"As I entered Cambridge, what were my 'first impressions'? The +College buildings 'heaving in sight and looming up,' as the +sailors say. Pyramids of Egypt! can ye surpass these enormous +piles? The Common covered with tents and wigwams, and people of +all sorts, colors, conditions, nations, and tongues. A country +muster or ordination dwindles into nothing in comparison. It was a +second edition of Babel. The Governor's life-guard, in splendid +uniform, prancing to and fro, + 'Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum.' +Horny-hoofed, galloping quadrupeds make all the common to tremble. + +"I soon steered for the meeting-house, and obtained a seat, or +rather standing, in the gallery, determined to be an eyewitness of +all the sport of the day. Presently music was heard approaching, +such as I had never heard before. It must be 'the music of the +spheres.' Anon, three enormous white wigs, supported by three +stately, venerable men, yclad in black, flowing robes, were +located in the pulpit. A platform of wigs was formed in the body +pews, on which one might apparently walk as securely as on the +stage. The _candidates_ for degrees seemed to have made a mistake +in dressing themselves in _black togas_ instead of _white_ ones, +_pro more Romanorum_. The musicians jammed into their pew in the +gallery, very near to me, with enormous fiddles and fifes and +ramshorns. _Terribile visu_! They sounded. I stopped my ears, and +with open mouth and staring eyes stood aghast with wonderment. The +music ceased. The performances commenced. English, Latin, Greek, +Hebrew, French! These scholars knew everything." + +More particular is the account of the observances, at this period, +of the day, at Harvard College, as given by Professor Sidney +Willard:-- + +"Commencement Day, in the year 1798, was a day bereft, in some +respects, of its wonted cheerfulness. Instead of the serene +summer's dawn, and the clear rising of the sun, + 'The dawn was overcast, the morning lowered, + And heavily in clouds brought on the day.' +In the evening, from the time that the public exercises closed +until twilight, the rain descended in torrents. The President[09] +lay prostrate on his bed from the effects of a violent disease, +from which it was feared he could not recover.[10] His house, +which on all occasions was the abode of hospitality, and on +Commencement Day especially so, (being the great College +anniversary,) was now a house of stillness, anxiety, and watching. +For seventeen successive years it had been thronged on this +anniversary from morn till night, by welcome visitors, cheerfully +greeted and cared for, and now it was like a house of mourning for +the dead. + +"After the literary exercises of the day were closed, the officers +in the different branches of the College government and +instruction, Masters of Arts, and invited guests, repaired to the +College dining-hall without the ceremony of a procession formed +according to dignity or priority of right. This the elements +forbade. Each one ran the short race as he best could. But as the +Alumni arrived, they naturally avoided taking possession of the +seats usually occupied by the government of the College. The +Governor, Increase Sumner, I suppose, was present, and no doubt +all possible respect was paid to the Overseers as well as to the +Corporation. I was not present, but dined at my father's house +with a few friends, of whom the late Hon. Moses Brown of Beverly +was one. We went together to the College hall after dinner; but +the honorable and reverend Corporation and Overseers had retired, +and I do not remember whether there was any person presiding. If +there were, a statue would have been as well. The age of wine and +wassail, those potent aids to patriotism, mirth, and song, had not +wholly passed away. The merry glee was at that time outrivalled by +_Adams and Liberty_, the national patriotic song, so often and on +so many occasions sung, and everywhere so familiarly known that +all could join in grand chorus."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +Vol. II. pp. 4, 5. + +The irregularities of Commencement week seem at a very early +period to have attracted the attention of the College government; +for we find that in 1728, to prevent disorder, a formal request +was made by the President, at the suggestion of the immediate +government, to Lieutenant-Governor Dummer, praying him to direct +the sheriff of Middlesex to prohibit the setting up of booths and +tents on those public days. Some years after, in 1732, "an +interview took place between the Corporation and three justices of +the peace in Cambridge, to concert measures to keep order at +Commencement, and under their warrant to establish a constable +with six men, who, by watching and walking towards the evening on +these days, and also the night following, and in and about the +entry at the College Hall at dinner-time, should prevent +disorders." At the beginning of the present century, it was +customary for two special justices to give their attendance at +this period, in order to try offences, and a guard of twenty +constables was usually present to preserve order and attend on the +justices. Among the writings of one, who for fifty years was a +constant attendant on these occasions, are the following +memoranda, which are in themselves an explanation of the customs +of early years. "Commencement, 1828; no tents on the Common for +the first time." "Commencement, 1836; no persons intoxicated in +the hall or out of it; the first time." + +The following extract from the works of a French traveller will be +read with interest by some, as an instance of the manner in which +our institutions are sometimes regarded by foreigners. "In a free +country, everything ought to bear the stamp of patriotism. This +patriotism appears every year in a solemn feast celebrated at +Cambridge in honor of the sciences. This feast, which takes place +once a year in all the colleges of America, is called +_Commencement_. It resembles the exercises and distribution of +prizes in our colleges. It is a day of joy for Boston; almost all +its inhabitants assemble in Cambridge. The most distinguished of +the students display their talents in the presence of the public; +and these exercises, which are generally on patriotic subjects, +are terminated by a feast, where reign the freest gayety and the +most cordial fraternity."--_Brissot's Travels in U.S._, 1788. +London, 1794, Vol. I. pp. 85, 86. + +For an account of the _chair_ from which the President delivers +diplomas on Commencement Day, see PRESIDENT'S CHAIR. + +At Yale College, the first Commencement was held September 13th, +1702, while that institution was located at Saybrook, at which +four young men who had before graduated at Harvard College, and +one whose education had been private, received the degree of +Master of Arts. This and several Commencements following were held +privately, according to an act which had been passed by the +Trustees, in order to avoid unnecessary expense and other +inconveniences. In 1718, the year in which the first College +edifice was completed, was held at New Haven the first public +Commencement. The following account of the exercises on this +occasion was written at the time by one of the College officers, +and is cited by President Woolsey in his Discourse before the +Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850. "[We were] favored +and honored with the presence of his Honor, Governor Saltonstall, +and his lady, and the Hon. Col. Taylor of Boston, and the +Lieutenant-Governor, and the whole Superior Court, at our +Commencement, September 10th, 1718, where the Trustees +present,--those gentlemen being present,--in the hall of our new +College, first most solemnly named our College by the name of Yale +College, to perpetuate the memory of the honorable Gov. Elihu +Yale, Esq., of London, who had granted so liberal and bountiful a +donation for the perfecting and adorning of it. Upon which the +honorable Colonel Taylor represented Governor Yale in a speech +expressing his great satisfaction; which ended, we passed to the +church, and there the Commencement was carried on. In which +affair, in the first place, after prayer an oration was had by the +saluting orator, James Pierpont, and then the disputations as +usual; which concluded, the Rev. Mr. Davenport [one of the +Trustees and minister of Stamford] offered an excellent oration in +Latin, expressing their thanks to Almighty God, and Mr. Yale under +him, for so public a favor and so great regard to our languishing +school. After which were graduated ten young men, whereupon the +Hon. Gov. Saltonstall, in a Latin speech, congratulated the +Trustees in their success and in the comfortable appearance of +things with relation to their school. All which ended, the +gentlemen returned to the College Hall, where they were +entertained with a splendid dinner, and the ladies, at the same +time, were also entertained in the Library; after which they sung +the four first verses in the 65th Psalm, and so the day +ended."--p. 24. + +The following excellent and interesting account of the exercises +and customs of Commencement at Yale College, in former times, is +taken from the entertaining address referred to +above:--"Commencements were not to be public, according to the +wishes of the first Trustees, through fear of the attendant +expense; but another practice soon prevailed, and continued with +three or four exceptions until the breaking out of the war in +1775. They were then private for five years, on account of the +times. The early exercises of the candidates for the first degree +were a 'saluting' oration in Latin, succeeded by syllogistic +disputations in the same language; and the day was closed by the +Masters' exercises,--disputations and a valedictory. According to +an ancient academical practice, theses were printed and +distributed upon this occasion, indicating what the candidates for +a degree had studied, and were prepared to defend; yet, contrary +to the usage still prevailing at universities which have adhered +to the old method of testing proficiency, it does not appear that +these theses were ever defended in public. They related to a +variety of subjects in Technology, Logic, Grammar, Rhetoric, +Mathematics, Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, and afterwards +Theology. The candidates for a Master's degree also published +theses at this time, which were called _Quaestiones magistrales_. +The syllogistic disputes were held between an affirmant and +respondent, who stood in the side galleries of the church opposite +to one another, and shot the weapons of their logic over the heads +of the audience. The saluting Bachelor and the Master who +delivered the valedictory stood in the front gallery, and the +audience huddled around below them to catch their Latin eloquence +as it fell. It seems also to have been usual for the President to +pronounce an oration in some foreign tongue upon the same +occasion.[11] + +"At the first public Commencement under President Stiles, in 1781, +we find from a particular description which has been handed down, +that the original plan, as above described, was subjected for the +time to considerable modifications. The scheme, in brief, was as +follows. The salutatory oration was delivered by a member of the +graduating class, who is now our aged and honored townsman, Judge +Baldwin. This was succeeded by the syllogistic disputations, and +these by a Greek oration, next to which came an English colloquy. +Then followed a forensic disputation, in which James Kent was one +of the speakers. Then President Stiles delivered an oration in +Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Arabic,--it being an extraordinary occasion. +After which the morning was closed with an English oration by one +of the graduating class. In the afternoon, the candidates for the +second degree had the time, as usual, to themselves, after a Latin +discourse by President Stiles. The exhibiters appeared in +syllogistic disputes, a dissertation, a poem, and an English +oration. Among these performers we find the names of Noah Webster, +Joel Barlow, and Oliver Wolcott. Besides the Commencements there +were exhibitions upon quarter-days, as they were called, in +December and March, as well as at the end of the third term, when +the younger classes performed; and an exhibition of the Seniors in +July, at the time of their examination for degrees, when the +valedictory orator was one of their own choice. This oration was +transferred to the Commencement about the year 1798, when the +Masters' valedictories had fallen into disuse; and being in +English, gave a new interest to the exercises of the day. + +"Commencements were long occasions of noisy mirth, and even of +riot. The older records are full of attempts, on the part of the +Corporation, to put a stop to disorder and extravagance at this +anniversary. From a document of 1731, it appears that cannons had +been fired in honor of the day, and students were now forbidden to +have a share in this on pain of degradation. The same prohibition +was found necessary again in 1755, at which time the practice had +grown up of illuminating the College buildings upon Commencement +eve. But the habit of drinking spirituous liquor, and of +furnishing it to friends, on this public occasion, grew up into +more serious evils. In the year 1737, the Trustees, having found +that there was a great expense in spirituous distilled liquors +upon Commencement occasions, ordered that for the future no +candidate for a degree, or other student, should provide or allow +any such liquors to be drunk in his chamber during Commencement +week. And again, it was ordered in 1746, with the view of +preventing several extravagant and expensive customs, that there +should be 'no kind of public treat but on Commencement, +quarter-days, and the day on which the valedictory oration was +pronounced; and on that day the Seniors may provide and give away +a barrel of metheglin, and nothing more.' But the evil continued a +long time. In 1760, it appears that it was usual for the +graduating class to provide a pipe of wine, in the payment of +which each one was forced to join. The Corporation now attempted +by very stringent law to break up this practice; but the Senior +Class having united in bringing large quantities of rum into +College, the Commencement exercises were suspended, and degrees +were withheld until after a public confession of the class. In the +two next years degrees were given at the July examination, with a +view to prevent such disorders, and no public Commencement was +celebrated. Similar scenes are not known to have occurred +afterwards, although for a long time that anniversary wore as much +the aspect of a training-day as of a literary festival. + +"The Commencement Day in the modern sense of the term--that is, a +gathering of graduated members and of others drawn together by a +common interest in the College, and in its young members who are +leaving its walls--has no counterpart that I know of in the older +institutions of Europe. It arose by degrees out of the former +exercises upon this occasion, with the addition of such as had +been usual before upon quarter-days, or at the presentation in +July. For a time several of the commencing Masters appeared on the +stage to pronounce orations, as they had done before. In process +of time, when they had nearly ceased to exhibit, this anniversary +began to assume a somewhat new feature; the peculiarity of which +consists in this, that the graduates have a literary festival more +peculiarly their own, in the shape of discourses delivered before +their assembled body, or before some literary +society."--_Woolsey's Historical Discourse_, pp. 65-68. + +Further remarks concerning the observance of Commencement at Yale +College may be found in Ebenezer Baldwin's "Annals" of that +institution, pp. 189-197. + +An article "On the Date of the First Public Commencement at Yale +College, in New Haven," will be read with pleasure by those who +are interested in the deductions of antiquarian research. It is +contained in the "Yale Literary Magazine," Vol. XX. pp. 199, 200. + +The following account of Commencement at Dartmouth College, on +Wednesday, August 24th, 1774, written by Dr. Belknap, may not +prove uninteresting. + +"About eleven o'clock, the Commencement began in a large tent +erected on the east side of the College, and covered with boards; +scaffolds and seats being prepared. + +"The President began with a prayer in the usual _strain_. Then an +English oration was spoken by one of the Bachelors, complimenting +the Trustees, &c. A syllogistic disputation on this question: +_Amicitia vera non est absque amore divina_. Then a cliosophic +oration. Then an anthem, 'The voice of my beloved sounds,' &c. +Then a forensic dispute, _Whether Christ died for all men_? which +was well supported on both sides. Then an anthem, 'Lift up your +heads, O ye gates,' &c. + +"The company were invited to dine at the President's and the hall. +The Connecticut lads and lasses, I observed, walked about hand in +hand in procession, as 't is said they go to a wedding. + +"Afternoon. The exercises began with a Latin oration on the state +of society by Mr. Kipley. Then an English _Oration on the +Imitative Arts_, by Mr. J. Wheelock. The degrees were then +conferred, and, in addition to the usual ceremony of the book, +diplomas were delivered to the candidates, with this form of +words: 'Admitto vos ad primum (vel secundum) gradum in artibus pro +more Academiarum in Anglia, vobisque trado hunc librum, una cum +potestate publice prelegendi ubicumque ad hoc munus avocati +fueritis (to the masters was added, fuistis vel fueritis), cujus +rei haec diploma membrana scripta est testimonium.' Mr. Woodward +stood by the President, and held the book and parchments, +delivering and exchanging them as need required. Rev. Mr. Benjamin +Pomeroy, of Hebron, was admitted to the degree of Doctor in +Divinity. + +"After this, McGregore and Sweetland, two Bachelors, spoke a +dialogue of Lord Lyttleton's between Apicius and Darteneuf, upon +good eating and drinking. The Mercury (who comes in at the close +of the piece) performed his part but clumsily; but the two +epicures did well, and the President laughed as heartily as the +rest of the audience; though considering the circumstances, it +might admit of some doubt, whether the dialogue were really a +burlesque, or a compliment to the College. + +"An anthem and prayer concluded the public exercises. Much decency +and regularity were observable through the day, in the numerous +attending concourse of people."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, +pp. 69-71. + +At Shelby College, Ky., it is customary at Commencement to perform +plays, with appropriate costumes, at stated intervals during the +exercises. + +An account of the manner in which Commencement has been observed +at other colleges would only be a repetition of what has been +stated above, in reference to Harvard and Yale. These being, the +former the first, and the latter the third institution founded in +our country, the colleges which were established at a later period +grounded, not only their laws, but to a great extent their +customs, on the laws and customs which prevailed at Cambridge and +New Haven. + + +COMMENCEMENT CARD. At Union College, there is issued annually at +Commencement a card containing a programme of the exercises of the +day, signed with the names of twelve of the Senior Class, who are +members of the four principal college societies. These cards are +worded in the form of invitations, and are to be sent to the +friends of the students. To be "_on the Commencement card_" is +esteemed an honor, and is eagerly sought for. At other colleges, +invitations are often issued at this period, usually signed by the +President. + + +COMMENCER. In American colleges, a member of the Senior Class, +after the examination for degrees; generally, one who _commences_. + +These exercises were, besides an oration usually made by the +President, orations both salutatory and valedictory, made by some +or other of the _commencers_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 128. + +The Corporation with the Tutors shall visit the chambers of the +_commencers_ to see that this law be well observed.--_Peirce's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 137. + +Thirty _commencers_, besides Mr. Rogers, &c.--_Ibid._, App., p. +150. + + +COMMERS. In the German universities, a party of students assembled +for the purpose of making an excursion to some place in the +country for a day's jollification. On such an occasion, the +students usually go "in a long train of carriages with outriders"; +generally, a festive gathering of the students.--_Howitt's Student +Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 56; see also Chap. XVI. + + +COMMISSARY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., an officer under +the Chancellor, and appointed by him, who holds a court of record +for all privileged persons and scholars under the degree of M.A. +In this court, all causes are tried and determined by the civil +and statute law, and by the custom of the University.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +COMMON. To board together; to eat at a table in common. + + +COMMONER. A student of the second rank in the University of +Oxford, Eng., who is not dependent on the foundation for support, +but pays for his board or _commons_, together with all other +charges. Corresponds to a PENSIONER at Cambridge. See GENTLEMAN +COMMONER. + +2. One who boards in commons. + +In all cases where those who do damage to the table furniture, or +in the steward's kitchen, cannot be detected, the amount shall be +charged to the _commoners_.--_Laws Union Coll._, 1807, p. 34. + +The steward shall keep an accurate list of the +_commoners_.--_Ibid._, 1807, p. 34. + + +COMMON ROOM. The room to which all the members of the college have +access. There is sometimes one _common room_ for graduates, and +another for undergraduates.--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + + Oh, could the days once more but come, + When calm I smoak'd in _common room_. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., 1750, Vol. I. p. 237. + + +COMMONS. Food provided at a common table, as in colleges, where +many persons eat at the same table, or in the same +hall.--_Webster_. + +Commons were introduced into Harvard College at its first +establishment, in the year 1636, in imitation of the English +universities, and from that time until the year 1849, when they +were abolished, seem to have been a never-failing source of +uneasiness and disturbance. While the infant College with the +title only of "school," was under the superintendence of Mr. +Nathaniel Eaton, its first "master," the badness of commons was +one of the principal causes of complaint. "At no subsequent period +of the College history," says Mr. Quincy, "has discontent with +commons been more just and well founded, than under the huswifery +of Mrs. Eaton." "It is perhaps owing," Mr. Winthrop observes in +his History of New England, "to the gallantry of our fathers, that +she was not enjoined in the perpetual malediction they bestowed on +her husband." A few years after, we read, in the "Information +given by the Corporation and Overseers to the General Court," a +proposition either to make "the scholars' charges less, or their +commons better." For a long period after this we have no account +of the state of commons, "but it is not probable," says Mr. +Peirce, "they were materially different from what they have been +since." + +During the administration of President Holyoke, from 1737 to 1769, +commons were the constant cause of disorders among the students. +There appears to have been a very general permission to board in +private families before the year 1737: an attempt was then made to +compel the undergraduates to board in commons. After many +resolutions, a law was finally passed, in 1760, prohibiting them +"from dining or supping in any house in town, except on an +invitation to dine or sup _gratis_." "The law," says Quincy, "was +probably not very strictly enforced. It was limited to one year, +and was not renewed." + +An idea of the quality of commons may be formed from the following +accounts furnished by Dr. Holyoke and Judge Wingate. According to +the former of these gentlemen, who graduated in 1746, the +"breakfast was two sizings of bread and a cue of beer"; and +"evening commons were a pye." The latter, who graduated thirteen +years after, says: "As to the commons, there were in the morning +none while I was in College. At dinner, we had, of rather ordinary +quality, a sufficiency of meat of some kind, either baked or +boiled; and at supper, we had either a pint of milk and half a +biscuit, or a meat pye of some other kind. Such were the commons +in the hall in my day. They were rather ordinary; but I was young +and hearty, and could live comfortably upon them. I had some +classmates who paid for their commons and never entered the hall +while they belonged to the College. We were allowed at dinner a +cue of beer, which was a half-pint, and a sizing of bread, which I +cannot describe to you. It was quite sufficient for one dinner." +By a vote of the Corporation in 1750, a law was passed, declaring +"that the quantity of commons be as hath been usual, viz. two +sizes of bread in the morning; one pound of meat at dinner, with +sufficient sauce" (vegetables), "and a half a pint of beer; and at +night that a part pie be of the same quantity as usual, and also +half a pint of beer; and that the supper messes be but of four +parts, though the dinner messes be of six." This agrees in +substance with the accounts given above. The consequence of such +diet was, "that the sons of the rich," says Mr. Quincy, +"accustomed to better fare, paid for commons, which they would not +eat, and never entered the hall; while the students whose +resources did not admit of such an evasion were perpetually +dissatisfied." + +About ten years after, another law was made, "to restrain scholars +from breakfasting in the houses of town's people," and provision +was made "for their being accommodated with breakfast in the hall, +either milk, chocolate, tea, or coffee, as they should +respectively choose." They were allowed, however, to provide +themselves with breakfasts in their own chambers, but not to +breakfast in one another's chambers. From this period breakfast +was as regularly provided in commons as dinner, but it was not +until about the year 1807 that an evening meal was also regularly +provided. + +In the year 1765, after the erection of Hollis Hall, the +accommodations for students within the walls were greatly +enlarged; and the inconvenience being thus removed which those had +experienced who, living out of the College buildings, were +compelled to eat in commons, a system of laws was passed, by which +all who occupied rooms within the College walls were compelled to +board constantly in common, "the officers to be exempted only by +the Corporation, with the consent of the Overseers; the students +by the President only when they were about to be absent for at +least one week." Scarcely a year had passed under this new +_regime_ "before," says Quincy, "an open revolt of the students +took place on account of the provisions, which it took more than a +month to quell." "Although," he continues, "their proceedings were +violent, illegal, and insulting, yet the records of the immediate +government show unquestionably, that the disturbances, in their +origin, were not wholly without cause, and that they were +aggravated by want of early attention to very natural and +reasonable complaints." + +During the war of the American Revolution, the difficulty of +providing satisfactory commons was extreme, as may be seen from +the following vote of the Corporation, passed Aug. 11th, 1777. + +"Whereas by law 9th of Chap. VI. it is provided, 'that there shall +always be chocolate, tea, coffee, and milk for breakfast, with +bread and biscuit and butter,' and whereas the foreign articles +above mentioned are now not to be procured without great +difficulty, and at a very exorbitant price; therefore, that the +charge of commons may be kept as low as possible,-- + +"_Voted_, That the Steward shall provide at the common charge only +bread or biscuit and milk for breakfast; and, if any of the +scholars choose tea, coffee, or chocolate for breakfast, they +shall procure those articles for themselves, and likewise the +sugar and butter to be used with them; and if any scholars choose +to have their milk boiled, or thickened with flour, if it may be +had, or with meal, the Steward, having reasonable notice, shall +provide it; and further, as salt fish alone is appointed by the +aforesaid law for the dinner on Saturdays, and this article is now +risen to a very high price, and through the scarcity of salt will +probably be higher, the Steward shall not be obliged to provide +salt fish, but shall procure fresh fish as often as he +can."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 541. + +Many of the facts in the following account of commons prior to, +and immediately succeeding, the year 1800, have been furnished by +Mr. Royal Morse of Cambridge. + +The hall where the students took their meals was usually provided +with ten tables; at each table were placed two messes, and each +mess consisted of eight persons. The tables where the Tutors and +Seniors sat were raised eighteen or twenty inches, so as to +overlook the rest. It was the duty of one of the Tutors or of the +Librarian to "ask a blessing and return thanks," and in their +absence, the duty devolved on "the senior graduate or +undergraduate." The waiters were students, chosen from the +different classes, and receiving for their services suitable +compensation. Each table was waited on by members of the class +which occupied it, with the exception of the Tutor's table, at +which members of the Senior Class served. Unlike the _sizars_ and +_servitors_ at the English universities, the waiters were usually +much respected, and were in many cases the best scholars in their +respective classes. + +The breakfast consisted of a specified quantity of coffee, a +_size_ of baker's biscuit, which was one biscuit, and a _size_ of +butter, which was about an ounce. If any one wished for more than +was provided, he was obliged to _size_ it, i.e. order from the +kitchen or buttery, and this was charged as extra commons or +_sizings_ in the quarter-bill. + +At dinner, every mess was served with eight pounds of meat, +allowing a pound to each person. On Monday and Thursday the meat +was boiled; these days were on this account commonly called +"boiling days." On the other days the meat was roasted; these were +accordingly named "roasting days." Two potatoes were allowed to +each person, which he was obliged to pare for himself. On _boiling +days_, pudding and cabbage were added to the bill of fare, and in +their season, greens, either dandelion or the wild pea. Of bread, +a _size_ was the usual quantity apiece, at dinner. Cider was the +common beverage, of which there was no stated allowance, but each +could drink as much as he chose. It was brought, on in pewter +quart cans, two to a mess, out of which they drank, passing them +from mouth to mouth like the English wassail-bowl. The waiters +replenished them as soon as they were emptied. + +No regular supper was provided, but a bowl of milk, and a size of +bread procured at the kitchen, supplied the place of the evening +meal. + +Respecting the arrangement of the students at table, before +referred to, Professor Sidney Willard remarks: "The intercourse +among students at meals was not casual or promiscuous. Generally, +the students of the same class formed themselves into messes, as +they were called, consisting each of eight members; and the length +of one table was sufficient to seat two messes. A mess was a +voluntary association of those who liked each other's company; and +each member had his own place. This arrangement was favorable for +good order; and, where the members conducted themselves with +propriety, their cheerful conversation, and even exuberant spirits +and hilarity, if not too boisterous, were not unpleasant to that +portion of the government who presided at the head table. But the +arrangement afforded opportunities also for combining in factious +plans and organizations, tending to disorders, which became +infectious, and terminated unhappily for all +concerned."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. pp. 192, +193. + +A writer in the New England Magazine, referring to the same +period, says: "In commons, we fared as well as one half of us had +been accustomed to at home. Our breakfast consisted of a +good-sized biscuit of wheaten flour, with butter and coffee, +chocolate, or milk, at our option. Our dinner was served up on +dishes of pewter, and our drink, which was cider, in cans of the +same material. For our suppers, we went with our bowls to the +kitchen, and received our rations of milk, or chocolate, and +bread, and returned with them to our rooms."--Vol. III. p. 239. + +Although much can be said in favor of the commons system, on +account of its economy and its suitableness to health and study, +yet these very circumstances which were its chief recommendation +were the occasion also of all the odium which it had to encounter. +"That simplicity," says Peirce, "which makes the fare cheap, and +wholesome, and philosophical, renders it also unsatisfactory to +dainty palates; and the occasional appearance of some unlucky +meat, or other food, is a signal for a general outcry against the +provisions." In the plain but emphatic words of one who was +acquainted with the state of commons, as they once were at Harvard +College, "the butter was sometimes so bad, that a farmer would not +take it to grease his cart-wheels with." It was the usual practice +of the Steward, when veal was cheap, to furnish it to the students +three, four, and sometimes five times in the week; the same with +reference to other meats when they could be bought at a low price, +and especially with lamb. The students, after eating this latter +kind of meat for five or six successive weeks would often assemble +before the Steward's house, and, as if their natures had been +changed by their diet, would bleat and blatter until he was fain +to promise them a change of food, upon which they would separate +until a recurrence of the same evil compelled them to the same +measures. + +The annexed account of commons at Yale College, in former times, +is given by President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse, +pronounced at New Haven, August 14th, 1850. + +"At first, a college without common meals was hardly conceived of; +and, indeed, if we trace back the history of college as they grew +up at Paris, nothing is more of their essence than that students +lived and ate together in a kind of conventual system. No doubt, +also, when the town of New Haven was smaller, it was far more +difficult to find desirable places for boarding than at present. +But however necessary, the Steward's department was always beset +with difficulties and exposed to complaints which most gentlemen +present can readily understand. The following rations of commons, +voted by the Trustees in 1742, will show the state of college fare +at that time. 'Ordered, that the Steward shall provide the commons +for the scholars as follows, viz.: For breakfast, one loaf of +bread for four, which [the dough] shall weigh one pound. For +dinner for four, one loaf of bread as aforesaid, two and a half +pounds beef, veal, or mutton, or one and three quarter pounds salt +pork about twice a week in the summer time, one quart of beer, two +pennyworth of sauce [vegetables]. For supper for four, two quarts +of milk and one loaf of bread, when milk can conveniently be had, +and when it cannot, then apple-pie, which shall be made of one and +three fourth pounds dough, one quarter pound hog's fat, two ounces +sugar, and half a peck apples.' In 1759 we find, from a vote +prohibiting the practice, that beer had become one of the articles +allowed for the evening meal. Soon after this, the evening meal +was discontinued, and, as is now the case in the English colleges, +the students had supper in their own rooms, which led to +extravagance and disorder. In the Revolutionary war the Steward +was quite unable once or twice to provide food for the College, +and this, as has already appeared, led to the dispersion of the +students in 1776 and 1777, and once again in 1779 delayed the +beginning of the winter term several weeks. Since that time, +nothing peculiar has occurred with regard to commons, and they +continued with all their evils of coarse manners and wastefulness +for sixty years. The conviction, meanwhile, was increasing, that +they were no essential part of the College, that on the score of +economy they could claim no advantage, that they degraded the +manners of students and fomented disorder. The experiment of +suppressing them has hitherto been only a successful one. No one, +who can retain a lively remembrance of the commons and the manners +as they were both before and since the building of the new hall in +1819, will wonder that this resolution was adopted by the +authorities of the College."--pp. 70-72. + +The regulations which obtained at meal-time in commons were at one +period in these words: "The waiters in the hall, appointed by the +President, are to put the victuals on the tables spread with +decent linen cloths, which are to be washed every week by the +Steward's procurement, and the Tutors, or some of the senior +scholars present, are to ask a blessing on the food, and to return +thanks. All the scholars at mealtime are required to behave +themselves decently and gravely, and abstain from loud talking. No +victuals, platters, cups, &c. may be carried out of the hall, +unless in case of sickness, and with liberty from one of the +Tutors. Nor may any scholar go out before thanks are returned. And +when dinner is over, the waiters are to carry the platters and +cloths back into the kitchen. And if any one shall offend in +either of these things, or carry away anything belonging to the +hall without leave, he shall be fined sixpence."--_Laws of Yale +Coll._, 1774, p. 19. + +From a little work by a graduate at Yale College of the class of +1821, the accompanying remarks, referring to the system of commons +as generally understood, are extracted. + +"The practice of boarding the students in commons was adopted by +our colleges, naturally, and perhaps without reflection, from the +old universities of Europe, and particularly from those of +England. At first those universities were without buildings, +either for board or lodging; being merely rendezvous for such as +wished to pursue study. The students lodged at inns, or at private +houses, defraying out of their own pockets, and in their own way, +all charges for board and education. After a while, in consequence +of the exorbitant demands of landlords, _halls_ were built, and +common tables furnished, to relieve them from such exactions. +Colleges, with chambers for study and lodging, were erected for a +like reason. Being founded, in many cases, by private munificence, +for the benefit of indigent students, they naturally included in +their economy both lodging-rooms and board. There was also a +_police_ reason for the measure. It was thought that the students +could be better regulated as to their manners and behavior, being +brought together under the eye of supervisors." + +Omitting a few paragraphs, we come to a more particular account of +some of the jocose scenes which resulted from the commons system +as once developed at Yale College. + +"The Tutors, who were seated at raised tables, could not, with all +their vigilance, see all that passed, and they winked at much they +did see. Boiled potatoes, pieces of bread, whole loaves, balls of +butter, dishes, would be flung back and forth, especially between +Sophomores and Freshmen; and you were never sure, in raising a cup +to your lips, that it would not be dashed out of your hands, and +the contents spilt upon your clothes, by one of these flying +articles slyly sent at random. Whatever damage was done was +averaged on our term-bills; and I remember a charge of six hundred +tumblers, thirty coffee-pots, and I know not how many other +articles of table furniture, destroyed or carried off in a single +term. Speaking of tumblers, it may be mentioned as an instance of +the progress of luxury, even there, that down to about 1815 such a +thing was not known, the drinking-vessels at dinner being +capacious pewter mugs, each table being furnished with two. We +were at one time a good deal incommoded by the diminutive size of +the milk-pitchers, which were all the while empty and gone for +more. A waiter mentioned, for our patience, that, when these were +used up, a larger size would be provided. 'O, if that's the case, +the remedy is easy.' Accordingly the hint was passed through the +room, the offending pitchers were slyly placed upon the floor, +and, as we rose from the tables, were crushed under foot. The next +morning the new set appeared. One of the classes being tired of +_lamb, lamb, lamb_, wretchedly cooked, during the season of it, +expressed their dissatisfaction by entering the hall bleating; no +notice of which being taken, a day or two after they entered in +advance of the Tutors, and cleared the tables of it, throwing it +out of the windows, platters and all, and immediately retired. + +"In truth, not much could be said in commendation of our Alma +Mater's table. A worse diet for sedentary men than that we had +during the last days of the _old_ hall, now the laboratory, cannot +be imagined. I will not go into particulars, for I hate to talk +about food. It was absolutely destructive of health. I know it to +have ruined, permanently, the health of some, and I have not the +least doubt of its having occasioned, in certain instances which I +could specify, incurable debility and premature death."--_Scenes +and Characters in College_, New Haven, 1847, pp. 113-117. + +See INVALID'S TABLE. SLUM. + +That the commons at Dartmouth College were at times of a quality +which would not be called the best, appears from the annexed +paragraph, written in the year 1774. "He [Eleazer Wheelock, +President of the College] has had the mortification to lose two +cows, and the rest were greatly hurt by a contagious distemper, so +that they _could not have a full supply of milk_; and once the +pickle leaked out of the beef-barrel, so that the _meat was not +sweet_. He had also been ill-used with respect to the purchase of +some wheat, so that they had smutty bread for a while, &c. The +scholars, on the other hand, say they scarce ever have anything +but pork and greens, without vinegar, and pork and potatoes; that +fresh meat comes but very seldom, and that the victuals are very +badly dressed."--_Life of Jeremy Belknap, D.D._, pp. 68, 69. + +The above account of commons applies generally to the system as it +was carried out in the other colleges in the United States. In +almost every college, commons have been abolished, and with them +have departed the discords, dissatisfactions, and open revolts, of +which they were so often the cause. + +See BEVER. + + +COMMORANTES IN VILLA. Latin; literally, _those abiding in town_. +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the designation of Masters +of Arts, and others of higher degree, who, residing within the +precincts of the University, enjoy the privilege of being members +of the Senate, without keeping their names on the college boards. +--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +To have a vote in the Senate, the graduate must keep his name on +the books of some college, or on the list of the _commorantes in +villa_.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + + +COMPOSITION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., translating +English into Greek or Latin is called _composition_.--_Bristed_. + +In _composition_ and cram I was yet untried.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + +You will have to turn English prose into Greek and Latin prose, +English verse into Greek Iambic Trimeters, and part of some chorus +in the Agamemnon into Latin, and possibly also into English verse. +This is the "_composition_," and is to be done, remember, without +the help of books or any other assistance.--_Ibid._, p. 68. + +The term _Composition_ seems in itself to imply that the +translation is something more than a translation.--_Ibid._, p. +185. + +Writing a Latin Theme, or original Latin verses, is designated +_Original Composition_.--_Bristed_. + + +COMPOSUIST. A writer; composer. "This extraordinary word," says +Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "has been much used at some of +our colleges, but very seldom elsewhere. It is now rarely heard +among us. A correspondent observes, that 'it is used in England +among _musicians_.' I have never met with it in any English +publications upon the subject of music." + +The word is not found, I believe, in any dictionary of the English +tongue. + + +COMPOUNDER. One at a university who pays extraordinary fees, +according to his means, for the degree he is to take. A _Grand +Compounder_ pays double fees. See the _Customs and Laws of Univ. +of Cam., Eng._, p. 297. + + +CONCIO AD CLERUM. A sermon to the clergy. In the English +universities, an exercise or Latin sermon, which is required of +every candidate for the degree of D.D. Used sometimes in America. + +In the evening the "_concio ad clerum_" will be preached.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 426. + + +CONDITION. A student on being examined for admission to college, +if found deficient in certain studies, is admitted on _condition_ +he will make up the deficiency, if it is believed on the whole +that he is capable of pursuing the studies of the class for which +he is offered. The branches in which he is deficient are called +_conditions_. + + Talks of Bacchus and tobacco, short sixes, sines, transitions, + And Alma Mater takes him in on ten or twelve _conditions_. + _Poem before Y.H. Soc., Harv. Coll._ + + Praying his guardian powers + To assist a poor Sub Fresh at the dread Examination, + And free from all _conditions_ to insure his first vacation. + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._ + + +CONDITION. To admit a student as member of a college, who on being +examined has been found deficient in some particular, the +provision of his admission being that he will make up the +deficiency. + +A young man shall come down to college from New Hampshire, with no +preparation save that of a country winter-school, shall be +examined and "_conditioned_" in everything, and yet he shall come +out far ahead of his city Latin-school classmate.--_A Letter to a +Young Man who has just entered College_, 1849, p. 8. + +They find themselves _conditioned_ on the studies of the term, and +not very generally respected.--_Harvard Mag._, Vol. I. p. 415. + + +CONDUCT. The title of two clergymen appointed to read prayers at +Eton College, in England.--_Mason. Webster_. + + +CONFESSION. It was formerly the custom in the older American +colleges, when a student had rendered himself obnoxious to +punishment, provided the crime was not of an aggravated nature, to +pardon and restore him to his place in the class, on his +presenting a confession of his fault, to be read publicly in the +hall. The Diary of President Leverett, of Harvard College, under +date of the 20th of March, 1714, contains an interesting account +of the confession of Larnel, an Indian student belonging to the +Junior Sophister class, who had been guilty of some offence for +which he had been dismissed from college. + +"He remained," says Mr. Leverett, "a considerable time at Boston, +in a state of penance. He presented his confession to Mr. +Pemberton, who thereupon became his intercessor, and in his letter +to the President expresses himself thus: 'This comes by Larnel, +who brings a confession as good as Austin's, and I am charitably +disposed to hope it flows from a like spirit of penitence.' In the +public reading of his confession, the flowing of his passions was +extraordinarily timed, and his expressions accented, and most +peculiarly and emphatically those of the grace of God to him; +which indeed did give a peculiar grace to the performance itself, +and raised, I believe, a charity in some that had very little I am +sure, and ratified wonderfully that which I had conceived of him. +Having made his public confession, he was restored to his standing +in the College."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 443, +444. + + +CONGREGATION. At Oxford, the house of _congregation_ is one of the +two assemblies in which the business of the University, as such, +is carried on. In this house the Chancellor, or his vicar the +Vice-Chancellor, or in his absence one of his four deputies, +termed Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and the two Proctors, either by +themselves or their deputies, always preside. The members of this +body are regents, "either regents '_necessary_' or '_ad +placitum_,' that is, on the one hand, all doctors and masters of +arts, during the first year of their degree; and on the other, all +those who have gone through the year of their necessary regency, +and which includes all resident doctors, heads of colleges and +halls, professors and public lecturers, public examiners, masters +of the schools, or examiners for responsions or 'little go,' deans +and censors of colleges, and all other M.A.'s during the second +year of their regency." The business of the house of congregation, +which may be regarded as the oligarchical body, is chiefly to +grant degrees, and pass graces and dispensations.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +CONSERVATOR. An officer who has the charge of preserving the +rights and privileges of a city, corporation, or community, as in +Roman Catholic universities.--_Webster_. + + +CONSILIUM ABEUNDI. Latin; freely, _the decree of departure_. In +German universities, the _consilium abeundi_ "consists in +expulsion out of the district of the court of justice within which +the university is situated. This punishment lasts a year; after +the expiration of which, the banished student can renew his +matriculation."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +33. + + +CONSISTORY COURT. In the University of Cambridge, England, there +is a _consistory court_ of the Chancellor and of the Commissary. +"For the former," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "the +Chancellor, and in his absence the Vice-Chancellor, assisted by +some of the heads of houses, and one or more doctors of the civil +law, administers justice desired by any member of the University, +&c. In the latter, the Commissary acts by authority given him +under the seal of the Chancellor, as well in the University as at +Stourbridge and Midsummer fairs, and takes cognizance of all +offences, &c. The proceedings are the same in both courts." + + +CONSTITUTIONAL. Among students at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., a walk for exercise. + +The gallop over Bullington, and the "_constitutional_" up +Headington.--_Lond. Quart. Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. 53. + +Instead of boots he [the Cantab] wears easy low-heeled shoes, for +greater convenience in fence and ditch jumping, and other feats of +extempore gymnastics which diversify his +"_constitutionals_".--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 4. + +Even the mild walks which are dignified with the name of exercise +there, how unlike the Cantab's _constitutional_ of eight miles in +less than two hours.--_Ibid._, p. 45. + +Lucky is the man who lives a mile off from his private tutor, or +has rooms ten minutes' walk from chapel: he is sure of that much +_constitutional_ daily.--_Ibid._, p. 224. + +"_Constitutionals_" of eight miles in less than two hours, varied +with jumping hedges, ditches, and gates; "pulling" on the river, +cricket, football, riding twelve miles without drawing bridle,... +are what he understands by his two hours' exercise.--_Ibid._, p. +328. + + +CONSTITUTIONALIZING. Walking. + +The most usual mode of exercise is walking,--_constitutionalizing_ +is the Cantab for it.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 19. + + +CONVENTION. In the University of Cambridge, England, a court +consisting of the Master and Fellows of a college, who sit in the +_Combination Room_, and pass sentence on any young offender +against the laws of soberness and chastity.--_Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam_. + + +CONVICTOR. Latin, _a familiar acquaintance_. In the University of +Oxford, those are called _convictores_ who, although not belonging +to the foundation of any college or hall, have at any time been +regents, and have constantly kept their names on the books of some +college or hall, from the time of their admission to the degree of +M.A., or Doctors in either of the three faculties.--_Oxf. Cal._ + + +CONVOCATION. At Oxford, the house of _convocation_ is one of the +two assemblies in which the business of the University, as such, +is transacted. It consists both of regents and non-regents, "that +is, in brief, all masters of arts not 'honorary,' or 'ad eundems' +from Cambridge or Dublin, and of course graduates of a higher +order." In this house, the Chancellor, or his vicar the +Vice-Chancellor, or in his absence one of his four deputies, +termed Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and the two Proctors, either by +themselves or their deputies, always preside. The business of this +assembly--which may be considered as the house of commons, +excepting that the lords have a vote here equally as in their own +upper house, i.e. the house of congregation--is unlimited, +extending to all subjects connected with the well-being of the +University, including the election of Chancellor, members of +Parliament, and many of the officers of the University, the +conferring of extraordinary degrees, and the disposal of the +University ecclesiastical patronage. It has no initiative power, +this resting solely with the hebdomadal board, but it can debate, +and accept or refuse, the measures which originate in that +board.--_Oxford Guide. Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 223. + +In the University of Cambridge, England, an assembly of the Senate +out of term time is called a _convocation_. In such a case a grace +is immediately passed to convert the convocation into a +congregation, after which the business proceeds as usual.--_Cam. +Cal._ + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the house of _convocation_ +consists of the Fellows and Professors, with all persons who have +received any academic degree whatever in the same, except such as +may be lawfully deprived of their privileges. Its business is such +as may from time to time be delegated by the Corporation, from +which it derives its existence; and is, at present, limited to +consulting and advising for the good of the College, nominating +the Junior Fellows, and all candidates for admissions _ad eundem_; +making laws for its own regulation; proposing plans, measures, or +counsel to the Corporation; and to instituting, endowing, and +naming with concurrence of the same, professorships, scholarships, +prizes, medals, and the like. This and the _Corporation_ compose +the _Senatus Academicus_.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, pp. 6, 7. + + +COPE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the ermined robe worn +by a Doctor in the Senate House, on Congregation Day, is called a +_cope_. + + +COPUS. "Of mighty ale, a large quarte."--_Chaucer_. + +The word _copus_ and the beverage itself are both extensively used +among the _men_ of the University of Cambridge, England. "The +conjecture," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "is surely +ridiculous and senseless, that _Copus_ is contracted from +_Epis_copus, a bishop, 'a mixture of wine, oranges, and sugar.' A +copus of ale is a common fine at the student's table in hall for +speaking Latin, or for some similar impropriety." + + +COPY. At Cambridge, Eng., this word is applied exclusively to +papers of verse composition. It is a public-school term +transplanted to the University.--_Bristed_. + + +CORK, CALK. In some of the Southern colleges, this word, with a +derived meaning, signifies a _complete stopper_. Used in the sense +of an entire failure in reciting; an utter inability to answer an +instructor's interrogatories. + + +CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. In the older American colleges, corporal +punishment was formerly sanctioned by law, and several instances +remain on record which show that its infliction was not of rare +occurrence. + +Among the laws, rules, and scholastic forms established between +the years 1642 and 1646, by Mr. Dunster, the first President of +Harvard College, occurs the following: "Siquis scholarium ullam +Dei et hujus Collegii legem, sive animo perverso, seu ex supina +negligentia, violarit, postquam fuerit bis admonitus, si non +adultus, _virgis coerceatur_, sin adultus, ad Inspectores Collegii +deferendus erit, ut publice in eum pro meritis animadversio fiat." +In the year 1656, this law was strengthened by another, recorded +by Quincy, in these words: "It is hereby ordered that the +President and Fellows of Harvard College, for the time being, or +the major part of them, are hereby empowered, according to their +best discretion, to punish all misdemeanors of the youth in their +society, either by fine, or _whipping in the Hall openly_, as the +nature of the offence shall require, not exceeding ten shillings +or _ten stripes_ for one offence; and this law to continue in +force until this Court or the Overseers of the College provide +some other order to punish such offences."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 578, 513. + +A knowledge of the existence of such laws as the above is in some +measure a preparation for the following relation given by Mr. +Peirce in his History of Harvard University. + +"At the period when Harvard College was founded," says that +gentleman, "one of the modes of punishment in the great schools of +England and other parts of Europe was corporal chastisement. It +was accordingly introduced here, and was, no doubt, frequently put +in practice. An instance of its infliction, as part of the +sentence upon an offender, is presented in Judge Sewall's MS. +Diary, with the particulars of a ceremonial, which was reserved +probably for special occasions. His account will afford some idea +of the manners and spirit of the age:-- + +"'June 15, 1674, Thomas Sargeant was examined by the Corporation +finally. The advice of Mr. Danforth, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Thacher, +Mr. Mather (the present), was taken. This was his sentence: + +"'That being convicted of speaking blasphemous words concerning +the H.G., he should be therefore publickly whipped before all the +scholars. + +"'2. That he should be suspended as to taking his degree of +Bachelor. (This sentence read before him twice at the President's +before the Committee and in the Library, before execution.) + +"'3. Sit alone by himself in the Hall uncovered at meals, during +the pleasure of the President and Fellows, and be in all things +obedient, doing what exercise was appointed him by the President, +or else be finally expelled the College. The first was presently +put in execution in the Library (Mr. Danforth, Jr. being present) +before the scholars. He kneeled down, and the instrument, Goodman +Hely, attended the President's word as to the performance of his +part in the work. Prayer was had before and after by the +President, July 1, 1674.'" + +"Men's ideas," continues Mr. Peirce, "must have been very +different from those of the present day, to have tolerated a law +authorizing so degrading a treatment of the members of such a +society. It may easily be imagined what complaints and uneasiness +its execution must frequently have occasioned among the friends +and connections of those who were the subjects of it. In one +instance, it even occasioned the prosecution of a Tutor; but this +was as late as 1733, when old rudeness had lost much of the +people's reverence. The law, however, was suffered, with some +modification, to continue more than a century. In the revised body +of Laws made in the year 1734, we find this article: +'Notwithstanding the preceding pecuniary mulcts, it shall be +lawful for the President, Tutors, and Professors, to punish +Undergraduates by Boxing, when they shall judge the nature or +circumstances of the offence call for it.' This relic of +barbarism, however, was growing more and more repugnant to the +general taste and sentiment. The late venerable Dr. Holyoke, who +was of the class of 1746, observed, that in his day 'corporal +punishment was going out of use'; and at length it was expunged +from the code, never, we trust, to be recalled from the rubbish of +past absurdities."--pp. 227, 228. + +The last movements which were made in reference to corporal +punishment are thus stated by President Quincy, in his History of +Harvard University. "In July, 1755, the Overseers voted, that it +[the right of boxing] should be 'taken away.' The Corporation, +however, probably regarded it as too important an instrument of +authority to be for ever abandoned, and voted, 'that it should be +suspended, as to the execution of it, for one year.' When this +vote came before the Overseers for their sanction, the board +hesitated, and appointed a large committee 'to consider and make +report what punishments they apprehend proper to be substituted +instead of boxing, in case it be thought expedient to repeal or +suspend the law which allows or establishes the same.' From this +period the law disappeared, and the practice was +discontinued."--Vol. II. p. 134. + +The manner in which corporal punishment was formerly inflicted at +Yale College is stated by President Woolsey, in his Historical +Discourse, delivered at New Haven, August, 1850. After speaking of +the methods of punishing by fines and degradation, he thus +proceeds to this topic: "There was a still more remarkable +punishment, as it must strike the men of our times, and which, +although for some reason or other no traces of it exist in any of +our laws so far as I have discovered, was in accordance with the +'good old plan,' pursued probably ever since the origin of +universities. I refer--'horresco referens'--to the punishment of +boxing or cuffing. It was applied before the Faculty to the +luckless offender by the President, towards whom the culprit, in a +standing position, inclined his head, while blows fell in quick +succession upon either ear. No one seems to have been served in +this way except Freshmen and commencing 'Sophimores.'[12] I do not +find evidence that this usage much survived the first jubilee of +the College. One of the few known instances of it, which is on +other accounts remarkable, was as follows. A student in the first +quarter of his Sophomore year, having committed an offence for +which he had been boxed when a Freshman, was ordered to be boxed +again, and to have the additional penalty of acting as butler's +waiter for one week. On presenting himself, _more academico_, for +the purpose of having his ears boxed, and while the blow was +falling, he dodged and fled from the room and the College. The +beadle was thereupon ordered to try to find him, and to command +him to keep himself out of College and out of the yard, and to +appear at prayers the next evening, there to receive further +orders. He was then publicly admonished and suspended; but in four +days after submitted to the punishment adjudged, which was +accordingly inflicted, and upon his public confession his +suspension was taken off. Such public confessions, now unknown, +were then exceedingly common." + +After referring to the instance mentioned above, in which corporal +punishment was inflicted at Harvard College, the author speaks as +follows, in reference to the same subject, as connected with the +English universities. "The excerpts from the body of Oxford +statutes, printed in the very year when this College was founded, +threaten corporal punishment to persons of the proper age,--that +is, below the age of eighteen,--for a variety of offences; and +among the rest for disrespect to Seniors, for frequenting places +where 'vinum aut quivis alius potus aut herba Nicotiana ordinarie +venditur,' for coming home to their rooms after the great Tom or +bell of Christ's Church had sounded, and for playing football +within the University precincts or in the city streets. But the +statutes of Trinity College, Cambridge, contain more remarkable +rules, which are in theory still valid, although obsolete in fact. +All the scholars, it is there said, who are absent from +prayers,--Bachelors excepted,--if over eighteen years of age, +'shall be fined a half-penny, but if they have not completed the +year of their age above mentioned, they shall be chastised with +rods in the hall on Friday.' At this chastisement all +undergraduates were required to be lookers on, the Dean having the +rod of punishment in his hand; and it was provided also, that +whosoever should not answer to his name on this occasion, if a +boy, should be flogged on Saturday. No doubt this rigor towards +the younger members of the society was handed down from the +monastic forms which education took in the earlier schools of the +Middle Ages. And an advance in the age of admission, as well as a +change in the tone of treatment of the young, may account for this +system being laid aside at the universities; although, as is well +known, it continues to flourish at the great public schools of +England."--pp. 49-51. + + +CORPORATION. The general government of colleges and universities +is usually vested in a corporation aggregate, which is preserved +by a succession of members. "The President and Fellows of Harvard +College," says Mr. Quincy in his History of Harvard University, +"being the only Corporation in the Province, and so continuing +during the whole of the seventeenth century, they early assumed, +and had by common usage conceded to them, the name of "_The +Corporation_," by which they designate themselves in all the early +records. Their proceedings are recorded as being done 'at a +meeting of _the Corporation_,' or introduced by the formula, 'It +is ordered by _the Corporation_,' without stating the number or +the names of the members present, until April 19th, 1675, when, +under President Oakes, the names of those present were first +entered on the records, and afterwards they were frequently, +though not uniformly, inserted."--Vol. I. p. 274. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Corporation_, on which the +_House of Convocation_ is wholly dependent, and to which, by law, +belongs the supreme control of the College, consists of not more +than twenty-four Trustees, resident within the State of +Connecticut; the Chancellor and President of the College being _ex +officio_ members, and the Chancellor being _ex officio_ President +of the same. They have authority to fill their own vacancies; to +appoint to offices and professorships; to direct and manage the +funds for the good of the College; and, in general, to exercise +the powers of a collegiate society, according to the provisions of +the charter.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 6. + + +COSTUME. At the English universities there are few objects that +attract the attention of the stranger more than the various +academical dresses worn by the members of those institutions. The +following description of the various costumes assumed in the +University of Cambridge is taken from "The Cambridge Guide," Ed. +1845. + +"A _Doctor in Divinity_ has three robes: the _first_, a gown made +of scarlet cloth, with ample sleeves terminating in a point, and +lined with rose-colored silk, which is worn in public processions, +and on all state and festival days;--the _second_ is the cope, +worn at Great St. Mary's during the service on Litany-days, in the +Divinity Schools during an Act, and at Conciones ad Clerum; it is +made of scarlet cloth, and completely envelops the person, being +closed down the front, which is trimmed with an edging of ermine; +at the back of it is affixed a hood of the same costly fur;--the +_third_ is a gown made of black silk or poplin, with full, round +sleeves, and is the habit commonly worn in public by a D.D.; +Doctors, however, sometimes wear a Master of Arts' gown, with a +silk scarf. These several dresses are put over a black silk +cassock, which covers the entire body, around which it is fastened +by a broad sash, and has sleeves coming down to the wrists, like a +coat. A handsome scarf of the same materials, which hangs over the +shoulders, and extends to the feet, is always worn with the +scarlet and black gowns. A square black cloth cap, with silk +tassel, completes the costume. + +"_Doctors in the Civil Law and in Physic_ have two robes: the +_first_ is the scarlet gown, as just described, and the _second_, +or ordinary dress of a D.C.L., is a black silk gown, with a plain +square collar, the sleeves hanging down square to the feet;--the +ordinary gown of an M.D. is of the same shape, but trimmed at the +collar, sleeves, and front with rich black silk lace. + +"A _Doctor in Music_ commonly wears the same dress as a D.C.L.; +but on festival and scarlet-days is arrayed in a gown made of rich +white damask silk, with sleeves and facings of rose-color, a hood +of the same, and a round black velvet cap with gold tassel. + +"_Bachelors in Divinity_ and _Masters of Arts_ wear a black gown, +made of bombazine, poplin, or silk. It has sleeves extending to +the feet, with apertures for the arms just above the elbow, and +may be distinguished by the shape of the sleeves, which hang down +square, and are cut out at the bottom like the section of a +horseshoe. + +"_Bachelors in the Civil Law and in Physic_ wear a gown of the +same shape as that of a Master of Arts. + +"All Graduates of the above ranks are entitled to wear a hat, +instead of the square black cloth cap, with their gowns, and the +custom of doing so is generally adopted, except by the HEADS, +_Tutors_, and _University_ and _College Officers_, who consider it +more correct to appear in the full academical costume. + +"A _Bachelor of Arts'_ gown is made of bombazine or poplin, with +large sleeves terminating in a point, with apertures for the arms, +just below the shoulder-joint.[13] _Bachelor Fellow-Commoners_ +usually wear silk gowns, and square velvet caps. The caps of other +Bachelors are of cloth. + +"All the above, being _Graduates_, when they use surplices in +chapel wear over them their _hoods_, which are peculiar to the +several degrees. The hoods of _Doctors_ are made of scarlet cloth, +lined with rose-colored silk; those of _Bachelors in Divinity_, +and _Non-Regent Masters of Arts_, are of black silk; those of +_Regent Masters of Arts_ and _Bachelors in the Civil Law and in +Physic_, of black silk lined with white; and those of _Bachelors +of Arts_, of black serge, trimmed with a border of white +lamb's-wool. + +"The dresses of the _Undergraduates_ are the following:-- + +"A _Nobleman_ has two gowns: the _first_ in shape like that of the +Fellow-Commoners, is made of purple Ducape, very richly +embroidered with gold lace, and is worn in public processions, and +on festival-days: a square black velvet cap with a very large gold +tassel is worn with it;--the _second_, or ordinary gown, is made +of black silk, with full round sleeves, and a hat is worn with it. +The latter dress is worn also by the Bachelor Fellows of King's +College. + +"A _Fellow-Commoner_ wears a black prince's stuff gown, with a +square collar, and straight hanging sleeves, which are decorated +with gold lace; and a square black velvet cap with a gold tassel. + +"The Fellow-Commoners of Emmanuel College wear a similar gown, +with the addition of several gold-lace buttons attached to the +trimmings on the sleeves;--those of Trinity College have a purple +prince's stuff gown, adorned with silver lace,[14] and a silver +tassel is attached to the cap;--at Downing the gown is made of +black silk, of the same shape, ornamented with tufts and silk +lace; and a square cap of velvet with a gold tassel is worn. At +Jesus College, a Bachelor's silk gown is worn, plaited up at the +sleeve, and with a gold lace from the shoulder to the bend of the +arm. At Queen's a Bachelor's silk gown, with a velvet cap and gold +tassel, is worn: the same at Corpus and Magdalene; at the latter +it is gathered and looped up at the sleeve,--at the former +(Corpus) it has velvet facings. Married Fellow-Commoners usually +wear a black silk gown, with full, round sleeves, and a square +velvet cap with silk tassel.[15] + +"The _Pensioner's_ gown and cap are mostly of the same material +and shape as those of the Bachelor's: the gown differs only in the +mode of trimming. At Trinity and Caius Colleges the gown is +purple, with large sleeves, terminating in a point. At St. Peter's +and Queen's, the gown is precisely the same as that of a Bachelor; +and at King's, the same, but made of fine black woollen cloth. At +Corpus Christi is worn a B.A. gown, with black velvet facings. At +Downing and Trinity Hall the gown is made of black bombazine, with +large sleeves, looped up at the elbows.[16] + +"_Students in the Civil Law and in Physic_, who have kept their +Acts, wear a full-sleeved gown, and are entitled to use a B.A. +hood. + +"Bachelors of Arts and Undergraduates are obliged by the statutes +to wear their academical costume constantly in public, under a +penalty of 6s. 8d. for every omission.[17] + +"Very few of the _University Officers_ have distinctive dresses. + +"The _Chancellor's_ gown is of black damask silk, very richly +embroidered with gold. It is worn with a broad, rich lace band, +and square velvet cap with large gold tassel. + +"The _Vice-Chancellor_ dresses merely as a Doctor, except at +Congregations in the Senate-House, when he wears a cope. When +proceeding to St. Mary's, or elsewhere, in his official capacity, +he is preceded by the three Esquire-Bedells with their silver +maces, which were the gift of Queen Elizabeth. + +"The _Regius Professors of the Civil Law and of Physic_, when they +preside at Acts in the Schools, wear copes, and round black velvet +caps with gold tassels. + +"The _Proctors_ are not distinguishable from other Masters of +Arts, except at St. Mary's Church and at Congregations, when they +wear cassocks and black silk ruffs, and carry the Statutes of the +University, being attended by two servants, dressed in large blue +cloaks, ornamented with gold-lace buttons. + +"The _Yeoman-Bedell_, in processions, precedes the +Esquire-Bedells, carrying an ebony mace, tipped with silver; his +gown, as well as those of the _Marshal_ and _School-Keeper_, is +made of black prince's stuff, with square collar, and square +hanging sleeves."--pp. 28-33. + +At the University of Oxford, Eng., the costume of the Graduates is +as follows:-- + +"The Doctor in Divinity has three dresses: the first consists of a +gown of scarlet cloth, with black velvet sleeves and facings, a +cassock, sash, and scarf. This dress is worn on all public +occasions in the Theatre, in public processions, and on those +Sundays and holidays marked (*) in the _Oxford Calendar_. The +second is a habit of scarlet cloth, and a hood of the same color +lined with black, and a black silk scarf: the Master of Arts' gown +is worn under this dress, the sleeves appearing through the +arm-holes of the habit. This is the dress of business; it is used +in Convocation, Congregation, at Morning Sermons at St. Mary's +during the term, and at Afternoon Sermons at St. Peter's during +Lent, with the exception of the Morning Sermon on Quinquagesima +Sunday, and the Morning Sermons in Lent. The third, which is the +usual dress in which a Doctor of Divinity appears, is a Master of +Arts' gown, with cassock, sash, and scarf. The Vice-Chancellor and +Heads of Colleges and Halls have no distinguishing dress, but +appear on all occasions as Doctors in the faculty to which they +belong. + +"The dresses worn by Graduates in Law and Physic are nearly the +same. The Doctor has three. The first is a gown of scarlet cloth, +with sleeves and facings of pink silk, and a round black velvet +cap. This is the dress of state. The second consists of a habit +and hood of scarlet cloth, the habit faced and the hood lined with +pink silk. This habit, which is perfectly analogous to the second +dress of the Doctor in Divinity, has lately grown into disuse; it +is, however, retained by the Professors, and is always used in +presenting to Degrees. The third or common dress of a Doctor in +Law or Physic nearly resembles that of the Bachelor in these +faculties; it is a black silk gown richly ornamented with black +lace; the hood of the Bachelor of Laws (worn as a dress) is of +purple silk, lined with white fur. + +"The dress worn by the Doctor of Music on public occasions is a +rich white damask silk gown, with sleeves and facings of crimson +satin, a hood of the same material, and a round black velvet cap. +The usual dresses of the Doctor and of the Bachelor in Music are +nearly the same as those of Law and Physic. + +"The Master of Arts wears a black gown, usually made of prince's +stuff or crape, with long sleeves which are remarkable for the +circular cut at the bottom. The arm comes through an aperture in +the sleeve, which hangs down. The hood of a Master of Arts is +black silk lined with crimson. + +"The gown of a Bachelor of Arts is also usually made of prince's +stuff or crape. It has a full sleeve, looped up at the elbow, and +terminating in a point; the dress hood is black, trimmed with +white fur. In Lent, at the time of _determining_ in the Schools, a +strip of lamb's-wool is worn in addition to the hood. Noblemen and +Gentlemen-Commoners, who take the Degrees of Bachelor and Master +of Arts, wear their gowns of silk." + +The costume of the Undergraduates is thus described:-- + +"The Nobleman has two dresses; the first, which is worn in the +Theatre, in processions, and on all public occasions, is a gown of +purple damask silk, richly ornamented with gold lace. The second +is a black silk gown, with full sleeves; it has a tippet attached +to the shoulders. With both these dresses is worn a square cap of +black velvet, with a gold tassel. + +"The Gentleman-Commoner has two gowns, _both of black silk_; the +first, which is considered as a dress gown, although worn on all +occasions, at pleasure, is richly ornamented with tassels. The +second, or undress gown, is ornamented with plaits at the sleeves. +A square black velvet cap with a silk tassel, is worn with both. + +"The dress of Commoners is a gown of black prince's stuff, without +sleeves; from each shoulder is appended a broad strip, which +reaches to the bottom of the dress, and towards the top is +gathered into plaits. Square cap of black cloth and silk tassel. + +"The student in Civil Law, or Civilian, wears a plain black silk +gown, and square cloth cap, with silk tassel. + +"Scholars and Demies of Magdalene, and students of Christ Church +who have not taken a degree, wear a plain black gown of prince's +stuff, with round, full sleeves half the length of the gown, and a +square black cap, with silk tassel. + +"The dress of the Servitor is the same as that of the Commoner, +but it has no plaits at the shoulder, and the cap is without a +tassel." + +The costume of those among the University Officers who are +distinguished by their dress, may be thus noted:-- + +"The dress of the Chancellor is of black damask silk, richly +ornamented with gold embroidery, a rich lace band, and square +velvet cap, with a large gold tassel. + +"The Proctors wear gowns of prince's stuff, the sleeves and +facings of black velvet; to the left shoulder is affixed a small +tippet. To this is added, as a dress, a large ermine hood. + +"The Pro-Proctor wears a Master of Arts' gown, faced with velvet, +with a tippet attached to the left shoulder." + +The Collectors wear the same dress as the Proctors, with the +exception of the hood and tippet. + +The Esquire Bedels wear silk gowns, similar to those of Bachelors +of Law, and round velvet caps. The Yeoman Bedels have black stuff +gowns, and round silk caps. + +The dress of the Verger is nearly the same as that of the Yeoman +Bedel. + +"Bands at the neck are considered as necessary appendages to the +academic dress, particularly on all public occasions."--_Guide to +Oxford_. + +See DRESS. + + +COURTS. At the English universities, the squares or acres into +which each college is divided. Called also quadrangles, +abbreviated quads. + +All the colleges are constructed in quadrangles or _courts_; and, +as in course of years the population of every college, except +one,[18] has outgrown the original quadrangle, new courts have +been added, so that the larger foundations have three, and one[19] +has four courts.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 2. + + +CRACKLING. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., in common +parlance, the three stripes of velvet which a member of St. John's +College wears on his sleeve, are designated by this name. + +Various other gowns are to be discerned, the Pembroke looped at +the sleeve, the Christ's and Catherine curiously crimped in front, +and the Johnian with its unmistakable "_Crackling_"--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 73. + + +CRAM. To prepare a student to pass an examination; to study in +view of examination. In the latter sense used in American +colleges. + +In the latter [Euclid] it is hardly possible, at least not near so +easy as in Logic, to present the semblance of preparation by +learning questions and answers by rote:--in the cant phrase of +undergraduates, by getting _crammed_.--_Whalely's Logic, Preface_. + + For many weeks he "_crams_" him,--daily does he rehearse. + _Poem before the Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + +A class of men arose whose business was to _cram_ the candidates. +--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 246. + +In a wider sense, to prepare another, or one's self, by study, for +any occasion. + +The members of the bar were lounging about that tabooed precinct, +some smoking, some talking and laughing, some poring over long, +ill-written papers or large calf-bound books, and all big with the +ponderous interests depending upon them, and the eloquence and +learning with which they were "_crammed_" for the +occasion.--_Talbot and Vernon_. + +When he was to write, it was necessary to _cram_ him with the +facts and points.--_F.K. Hunt's Fourth Estate_, 1850. + + +CRAM. All miscellaneous information about Ancient History, +Geography, Antiquities, Law, &c.; all classical matter not +included under the heads of TRANSLATION and COMPOSITION, which can +be learned by CRAMMING. Peculiar to the English +Universities.--_Bristed_. + +2. The same as CRAMMING, which see. + +I have made him promise to give me four or five evenings of about +half an hour's _cram_ each.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 240. + +It is not necessary to practise "_cram_" so outrageously as at +some of the college examinations.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., +Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + +3. A paper on which is written something necessary to be learned, +previous to an examination. + +"Take care what you light your cigars with," said Belton, "you'll +be burning some of Tufton's _crams_: they are stuck all about the +pictures."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 223. + +He puzzled himself with his _crams_ he had in his pocket, and +copied what he did not understand.--_Ibid._, p. 279. + + +CRAMBAMBULI. A favorite drink among the students in the German +universities, composed of burnt rum and sugar. + + _Crambambuli_, das ist der Titel + Des Tranks, der sich bei uns bewaehrt. + _Drinking song_. + +To the next! let's have the _crambambuli_ first, however.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 117. + + +CRAM BOOK. A book in which are laid down such topics as constitute +an examination, together with the requisite answers to the +questions proposed on that occasion. + +He in consequence engages a private tutor, and buys all the _cram +books_ published for the occasion.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 128. + + +CRAMINATION. A farcical word, signifying the same as _cramming_; +the termination _tion_ being suffixed for the sake of mock +dignity. + +The ---- scholarship is awarded to the student in each Senior +Class who attends most to _cramination_ on the College +course.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 28. + + +CRAM MAN. One who is cramming for an examination. + +He has read all the black-lettered divinity in the Bodleian, and +says that none of the _cram men_ shall have a chance with +him.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 274. + + +CRAMMER. One who prepares another for an examination. + +The qualifications of a _crammer_ are given in the following +extract from the Collegian's Guide. + +"The first point, therefore, in which a crammer differs from other +tutors, is in the selection of subjects. While another tutor would +teach every part of the books given up, he virtually reduces their +quantity, dwelling chiefly on the 'likely parts.' + +"The second point in which a crammer excels is in fixing the +attention, and reducing subjects to the comprehension of +ill-formed and undisciplined minds. + +"The third qualification of a crammer is a happy manner and +address, to encourage the desponding, to animate the idle, and to +make the exertions of the pupil continually increase in such a +ratio, that he shall be wound up to concert pitch by the day of +entering the schools."--pp. 231, 232. + + +CRAMMING. A cant term, in the British universities, for the act of +preparing a student to pass an examination, by going over the +topics with him beforehand, and furnishing him with the requisite +answers.--_Webster_. + +The author of the Collegian's Guide, speaking of examinations, +says: "First, we must observe that all examinations imply the +existence of examiners, and examiners, like other mortal beings, +lie open to the frauds of designing men, through the uniformity +and sameness of their proceedings. This uniformity inventive men +have analyzed and reduced to a system, founding thereon a certain +science, and corresponding art, called _Cramming_."--p. 229. + +The power of "_cramming_"--of filling the mind with knowledge +hastily acquired for a particular occasion, and to be forgotten +when that occasion is past--is a power not to be despised, and of +much use in the world, especially at the bar.--_Westminster Rev._, +Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + +I shall never forget the torment I suffered in _cramming_ long +lessons in Greek Grammar.--_Dickens's Household Words_, Vol. I. p. +192. + + +CRAM PAPER. A paper in which are inserted such questions as are +generally asked at an examination. The manner in which these +questions are obtained is explained in the following extract. +"Every pupil, after his examination, comes to thank him as a +matter of course; and as every man, you know, is loquacious enough +on such occasions, Tufton gets out of him all the questions he was +asked in the schools; and according to these questions, he has +moulded his _cram papers_."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 239. + +We should be puzzled to find any questions more absurd and +unreasonable than those in the _cram papers_ in the college +examination.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 237. + + +CRIB. Probably a translation; a pony. + +Of the "Odes and Epodes of Horace, translated literally and +rhythmically" by W. Sewell, of Oxford, the editor of the Literary +World remarks: "Useful as a '_crib_,' it is also poetical."--Vol. +VIII. p. 28. + + +CROW'S-FOOT. At Harvard College a badge formerly worn on the +sleeve, resembling a crow's foot, to denote the class to which a +student belongs. In the regulations passed April 29, 1822, for +establishing the style of dress among the students at Harvard +College, we find the following. A part of the dress shall be +"three crow's-feet, made of black silk cord, on the lower part of +the sleeve of a Senior, two on that of a Junior, and one on that +of a Sophomore." The Freshmen were not allowed to wear the +crow's-foot, and the custom is now discontinued, although an +unsuccessful attempt was made to revive it a few years ago. + +The Freshman scampers off at the first bell for the chapel, where, +finding no brother student of a higher class to encourage his +punctuality, he crawls back to watch the starting of some one +blessed with a _crow's-foot_, to act as vanguard.--_Harv. Reg._, +p. 377. + + The corded _crow's-feet_, and the collar square, + The change and chance of earthly lot must share. + _Class Poem at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 18. + + What if the creature should arise,-- + For he was stout and tall,-- + And swallow down a Sophomore, + Coat, _crow's-foot_, cap, and all. + _Holmes's Poems_, 1850, p. 109. + + +CUE, KUE, Q. A small portion of bread or beer; a term formerly +current in both the English universities, the letter q being the +mark in the buttery books to denote such a piece. Q would seem to +stand for _quadrans_, a farthing; but Minsheu says it was only +half that sum, and thus particularly explains it: "Because they +set down in the battling or butterie bookes in Oxford and +Cambridge, the letter q for half a farthing; and in Oxford when +they make that cue or q a farthing, they say, _cap my q_, and make +it a farthing, thus, [Symbol: small q with a line over]. But in +Cambridge they use this letter, a little f; thus, f, or thus, s, +for a farthing." He translates it in Latin _calculus panis_. Coles +has, "A _cue_ [half a farthing] minutum."--_Nares's Glossary_. + +"A cue of bread," says Halliwell, "is the fourth part of a +half-penny crust. A cue of beer, one draught." + +J. Woods, under-butler of Christ Church, Oxon, said he would never +sitt capping of _cues_.--_Urry's MS._ add. to Ray. + +You are still at Cambridge with size _kue_.--_Orig. of Dr._, III. +p. 271. + +He never drank above size _q_ of Helicon.--_Eachard, Contempt of +Cl._, p. 26. + +"_Cues_ and _cees_," says Nares, "are generally mentioned +together, the _cee_ meaning a small measure of beer; but why, is +not equally explained." From certain passages in which they are +used interchangeably, the terms do not seem to have been well +defined. + +Hee [the college butler] domineers over freshmen, when they first +come to the hatch, and puzzles them with strange language of +_cues_ and _cees_, and some broken Latin, which he has learnt at +his bin.--_Earle's Micro-cosmographie_, (1628,) Char. 17. + +The word _cue_ was formerly used at Harvard College. Dr. Holyoke, +who graduated in 1746, says, the "breakfast was two sizings of +bread and a _cue_ of beer." Judge Wingate, who graduated thirteen +years after, says: "We were allowed at dinner a _cue_ of beer, +which was a half-pint." + +It is amusing to see, term after term, and year after year, the +formal votes, passed by this venerable body of seven ruling and +teaching elders, regulating the price at which a _cue_ (a +half-pint) of cider, or a _sizing_ (ration) of bread, or beef, +might be sold to the student by the butler.--_Eliot's Sketch of +Hist. Harv. Coll._, p. 70. + + +CUP. Among the English Cantabs, "an odious mixture ... compounded +of spice and cider."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +239. + + +CURL. In the University of Virginia, to make a perfect recitation; +to overwhelm a Professor with student learning. + + +CUT. To be absent from; to neglect. Thus, a person is said to +"_cut_ prayers," to "_cut_ lecture," &c. Also, to "_cut_ Greek" or +"Latin"; i.e. to be absent from the Greek or Latin recitation. +Another use of the word is, when one says, "I _cut_ Dr. B----, or +Prof. C----, this morning," meaning that he was absent from their +exercises. + +Prepare to _cut_ recitations, _cut_ prayers, _cut_ lectures,--ay, +to _cut_ even the President himself.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. +of O.F._ 1848. + +Next morn he _cuts_ his maiden prayer, to his last night's text +abiding.--_Poem before Y.H. of Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + As soon as we were Seniors, + We _cut_ the morning prayers, + We showed the Freshmen to the door, + And helped them down the stairs. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 15, 1854. + +We speak not of individuals but of majorities, not of him whose +ambition is to "_cut_" prayers and recitations so far as possible. +--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 15. + +The two rudimentary lectures which he was at first forced to +attend, are now pressed less earnestly upon his notice. In fact, +he can almost entirely "_cut_" them, if he likes, and does _cut_ +them accordingly, as a waste of time,--_Household Words_, Vol. II. +p. 160. + +_To cut dead_, in student use, to neglect entirely. + +I _cut_ the Algebra and Trigonometry papers _dead_ my first year, +and came out seventh.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 51. + +This word is much used in the University of Cambridge, England, as +appears from the following extract from a letter in the +Gentleman's Magazine, written with reference to some of the +customs there observed:--"I remarked, also, that they frequently +used the words _to cut_, and to sport, in senses to me totally +unintelligible. A man had been cut in chapel, cut at afternoon +lectures, cut in his tutor's rooms, cut at a concert, cut at a +ball, &c. Soon, however, I was told of men, _vice versa_, who cut +a figure, _cut_ chapel, _cut_ gates, _cut_ lectures, _cut_ hall, +_cut_ examinations, cut particular connections; nay, more, I was +informed of some who _cut_ their tutors!"--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. +1085. + +The instances in which the verb _to cut_ is used in the above +extract without Italics, are now very common both in England and +America. + +_To cut Gates_. To enter college after ten o'clock,--the hour of +shutting them.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 40. + + +CUT. An omission of a recitation. This phrase is frequently heard: +"We had a cut to-day in Greek," i.e. no recitation in Greek. +Again, "Prof. D---- gave us a cut," i.e. he had no recitation. A +correspondent from Bowdoin College gives, in the following +sentence, the manner in which this word is there used:--"_Cuts_. +When a class for any reason become dissatisfied with one of the +Faculty, they absent themselves from his recitation, as an +expression of their feelings" + + + +_D_. + + +D.C.L. An abbreviation for _Doctor Civilis Legis_, Doctor in Civil +Law. At the University of Oxford, England, this degree is +conferred four years after receiving the degree of B.C.L. The +exercises are three lectures. In the University of Cambridge, +England, a D.C.L. must be a B.C.L. of five years' standing, or an +M.A. of seven years' standing, and must have kept two acts. + + +D.D. An abbreviation of _Divinitatis Doctor_, Doctor in Divinity. +At the University of Cambridge, England, this degree is conferred +on a B.D. of five, or an M.A. of twelve years' standing. The +exercises are one act, two opponencies, a clerum, and an English +sermon. At Oxford it is given to a B.D. of four, or a regent M.A. +of eleven years' standing. The exercises are three lectures. In +American colleges this degree is honorary, and is conferred _pro +meritis_ on those who are distinguished as theologians. + + +DEAD. To be unable to recite; to be ignorant of the lesson; to +declare one's self unprepared to recite. + +Be ready, in fine, to cut, to drink, to smoke, to +_dead_.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + +I see our whole lodge desperately striving to _dead_, by doing +that hardest of all work, nothing.--_Ibid._, 1849. + +_Transitively_; to cause one to fail in reciting. Said of a +teacher who puzzles a scholar with difficult questions, and +thereby causes him to fail. + + Have I been screwed, yea, _deaded_ morn and eve, + Some dozen moons of this collegiate life, + And not yet taught me to philosophize? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 255. + + +DEAD. A complete failure; a declaration that one is not prepared +to recite. + +One must stand up in the singleness of his ignorance to understand +all the mysterious feelings connected with a _dead_.--_Harv. +Reg._, p. 378. + + And fearful of the morrow's screw or _dead_, + Takes book and candle underneath his bed. + _Class Poem, by B.D. Winslow, at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 10. + + He, unmoved by Freshman's curses, + Loves the _deads_ which Freshmen make.--_MS. Poem_. + + But oh! what aching heads had they! + What _deads_ they perpetrated the succeeding day.--_Ibid._ + +It was formerly customary in many colleges, and is now in a few, +to talk about "taking a dead." + + I have a most instinctive dread + Of getting up to _take a dead_, + Unworthy degradation!--_Harv. Reg._, p. 312. + + +DEAD-SET. The same as a DEAD, which see. + + Now's the day and now's the hour; + See approach Old Sikes's power; + See the front of Logic lower; + Screws, _dead-sets_, and fines.--_Rebelliad_, p. 52. + +Grose has this word in his Slang Dictionary, and defines it "a +concerted scheme to defraud a person by gaming." "This phrase," +says Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, "seems to be +taken from the lifeless attitude of a pointer in marking his +game." + +"The lifeless attitude" seems to be the only point of resemblance +between the above definitions, and the appearance of one who is +_taking a dead set_. The word has of late years been displaced by +the more general use of the word _dead_, with the same meaning. + +The phrase _to be at a dead-set_, implying a fixed state or +condition which precludes further progress, is in general use. + + +DEAN. An officer in each college of the universities in England, +whose duties consist in the due preservation of the college +discipline. + +"Old Holingshed," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "in his +Chronicles, describing Cambridge, speaks of 'certain censors, or +_deanes_, appointed to looke to the behaviour and manner of the +Students there, whom they punish _very severely_, if they make any +default, according to the quantitye and qualitye of their +trespasses.' When _flagellation_ was enforced at the universities, +the Deans were the ministers of vengeance." + +At the present time, a person applying for admission to a college +in the University of Cambridge, Eng., is examined by the Dean and +the Head Lecturer. "The Dean is the presiding officer in chapel, +and the only one whose presence there is indispensable. He +oversees the markers' lists, pulls up the absentees, and receives +their excuses. This office is no sinecure in a large college." At +Oxford "the discipline of a college is administered by its head, +and by an officer usually called Dean, though, in some colleges, +known by other names."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 12, 16. _Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 223. + +In the older American colleges, whipping and cuffing were +inflicted by a tutor, professor, or president; the latter, +however, usually employed an agent for this purpose. + +See under CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. + +2. In the United States, a registrar of the faculty in some +colleges, and especially in medical institutions.--_Webster_. + +A _dean_ may also be appointed by the Faculty of each Professional +School, if deemed expedient by the Corporation.--_Laws Univ. at +Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 8. + +3. The head or president of a college. + +You rarely find yourself in a shop, or other place of public +resort, with a Christ-Church-man, but he takes occasion, if young +and frivolous, to talk loudly of the _Dean_, as an indirect +expression of his own connection with this splendid college; the +title of _Dean_ being exclusively attached to the headship of +Christ Church.--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 245. + + +DEAN OF CONVOCATION. At Trinity College, Hartford, this officer +presides in the _House of Convocation_, and is elected by the +same, biennially.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 7. + + +DEAN'S BOUNTY. In 1730, the Rev. Dr. George Berkeley, then Dean of +Derry, in Ireland, came to America, and resided a year or two at +Newport, Rhode Island, "where," says Clap, in his History of Yale +College, "he purchased a country seat, with about ninety-six acres +of land." On his return to London, in 1733, he sent a deed of his +farm in Rhode Island to Yale College, in which it was ordered, +"that the rents of the farm should be appropriated to the +maintenance of the three best scholars in Greek and Latin, who +should reside at College at least nine months in a year, in each +of the three years between their first and second degrees." +President Clap further remarks, that "this premium has been a +great incitement to a laudable ambition to excel in the knowledge +of the classics." It was commonly known as the _Dean's +bounty_.--_Clap's Hist. of Yale Coll._, pp. 37, 38. + +The Dean afterwards conveyed to it [Yale College], by a deed +transmitted to Dr. Johnson, his Rhode Island farm, for the +establishment of that _Dean's bounty_, to which sound classical +learning in Connecticut has been much indebted.--_Hist. Sketch of +Columbia Coll._, p. 19. + + +DEAN SCHOLAR. The person who received the money appropriated by +Dean Berkeley was called the _Dean scholar_. + +This premium was formerly called the Dean's bounty, and the person +who received it the _Dean scholar_.--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. +87. + + +DECENT. Tolerable; pretty good. He is a _decent_ scholar; a +_decent_ writer; he is nothing more than _decent_. "This word," +says Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, "has been in common use at +some of our colleges, but only in the language of conversation. +The adverb _decently_ (and possibly the adjective also) is +sometimes used in a similar manner in some parts of Great +Britain." + +The greater part of the pieces it contains may be said to be very +_decently_ written.--_Edinb. Rev._, Vol. I. p. 426. + + +DECLAMATION. The word is applied especially to the public speaking +and speeches of students in colleges, practised for exercises in +oratory.--_Webster_. + +It would appear by the following extract from the old laws of +Harvard College, that original declamations were formerly required +of the students. "The Undergraduates shall in their course declaim +publicly in the hall, in one of the three learned languages; and +in no other without leave or direction from the President, and +immediately give up their declamations fairly written to the +President. And he that neglects this exercise shall be punished by +the President or Tutor that calls over the weekly bill, not +exceeding five shillings. And such delinquent shall within one +week after give in to the President a written declamation +subscribed by himself."--_Laws 1734, in Peirce's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, App., p. 129. + +2. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an essay upon a given +subject, written in view of a prize, and publicly recited in the +chapel of the college to which the writer belongs. + + +DECLAMATION BOARDS. At Bowdoin College, small establishments in +the rear of each building, for urinary purposes. + + +DEDUCTION. In some of the American colleges, one of the minor +punishments for non-conformity with laws and regulations is +deducting from the marks which a student receives for recitations +and other exercises, and by which his standing in the class is +determined. + +Soften down the intense feeling with which he relates heroic +Rapid's _deductions_.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 267. + +2. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an original proposition +in geometry. + +"How much Euclid did you do? Fifteen?" + +"No, fourteen; one of them was a _deduction_."--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 75. + +With a mathematical tutor, the hour of tuition is a sort of +familiar examination, working out examples, _deductions_, +&c.--_Ibid._, pp. 18, 19. + + +DEGRADATION. In the older American colleges, it was formerly +customary to arrange the members of each class in an order +determined by the rank of the parent. "Degradation consisted in +placing a student on the list, in consequence of some offence, +below the level to which his father's condition would assign him; +and thus declared that he had disgraced his family." + +In the Immediate Government Book, No. IV., of Harvard College, +date July 20th, 1776, is the following entry: "Voted, that +Trumbal, a Middle Bachelor, who was degraded to the bottom of his +class for his misdemeanors when an undergraduate, having presented +an humble confession of his faults, with a petition to be restored +to his place in the class in the Catalogue now printing, be +restored agreeable to his request." The Triennial Catalogue for +that year was the first in which the names of the students +appeared in an alphabetical order. The class of 1773 was the first +in which the change was made. + +"The punishment of degradation," says President Woolsey, in his +Historical Discourse before the Graduates of Yale College, "laid +aside not very long before the beginning of the Revolutionary war, +was still more characteristic of the times. It was a method of +acting upon the aristocratic feelings of family; and we at this +day can hardly conceive to what extent the social distinctions +were then acknowledged and cherished. In the manuscript laws of +the infant College, we find the following regulation, which was +borrowed from an early ordinance of Harvard under President +Dunster. 'Every student shall be called by his surname, except he +be the son of a nobleman, or a knight's eldest son.' I know not +whether such a 'rara avis in terris' ever received the honors of +the College; but a kind of colonial, untitled aristocracy grew up, +composed of the families of chief magistrates, and of other +civilians and ministers. In the second year of college life, +precedency according to the aristocratic scale was determined, and +the arrangement of names on the class roll was in accordance. This +appears on our Triennial Catalogue until 1768, when the minds of +men began to be imbued with the notion of equality. Thus, for +instance, Gurdon Saltonstall, son of the Governor of that name, +and descendant of Sir Richard, the first emigrant of the family, +heads the class of 1725, and names of the same stock begin the +lists of 1752 and 1756. It must have been a pretty delicate matter +to decide precedence in a multitude of cases, as in that of the +sons of members of the Council or of ministers, to which class +many of the scholars belonged. The story used to circulate, as I +dare say many of the older graduates remember, that a shoemaker's +son, being questioned as to the quality of his father, replied, +that _he was upon the bench_, which gave him, of course, a high +place."--pp. 48, 49. + +See under PLACE. + + +DEGRADE. At the English universities to go back a year. + +"'_Degrading_,' or going back a year," says Bristed, "is not +allowed except in case of illness (proved by a doctor's +certificate). A man _degrading_ for any other reason cannot go out +afterwards in honors."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +98. + +I could choose the year below without formally +_degrading_.--_Ibid._, p. 157. + + +DEGREE. A mark of distinction conferred on students, as a +testimony of their proficiency in arts and sciences; giving them a +kind of rank, and entitling them to certain privileges. This is +usually evidenced by a diploma. Degrees are conferred _pro +meritis_ on the alumni of a college; or they are honorary tokens +of respect, conferred on strangers of distinguished reputation. +The _first degree_ is that of _Bachelor of Arts_; the _second_, +that _of Master of Arts_. Honorary degrees are those of _Doctor of +Divinity_, _Doctor of Laws_, &c. Physicians, also, receive the +degree of _Doctor of Medicine_.--_Webster_. + + +DEGREE EXAMINATION. At the English universities, the final +university examination, which must be passed before the B.A. +degree is conferred. + +The Classical Tripos is generally spoken of as _the_ Tripos, the +Mathematical one as _the Degree Examination_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 170. + + +DELTA. A piece of land in Cambridge, which belongs to Harvard +College, where the students kick football, and play at cricket, +and other games. The shape of the land is that of the Greek +Delta, whence its name. + +What was unmeetest of all, timid strangers as we were, it was +expected on the first Monday eventide after our arrival, that we +should assemble on a neighboring green, the _Delta_, since devoted +to the purposes of a gymnasium, there to engage in a furious +contest with those enemies, the Sophs, at kicking football and +shins.--_A Tour through College_, 1823-1827, p. 13. + +Where are the royal cricket-matches of old, the great games of +football, when the obtaining of victory was a point of honor, and +crowds assembled on the _Delta_ to witness the all-absorbing +contest?--_Harvardiana_, Vol. I. p. 107. + +I must have another pair of pantaloons soon, for I have burst the +knees of two, in kicking football on the _Delta_.--_Ibid._, Vol. +III. p. 77. + + The _Delta_ can tell of the deeds we've done, + The fierce-fought fields we've lost and won, + The shins we've cracked, + And noses we've whacked, + The eyes we've blacked, and all in fun. + _Class Poem, 1849, Harv. Coll._ + +A plat at Bowdoin College, of this shape, and used for similar +purposes, is known by the same name. + + +DEMI, DEMY. The name of a scholar at Magdalene College, Oxford, +where there are thirty _demies_ or half-fellows, as it were, who, +like scholars in other colleges, succeed to +fellowships.--_Johnson_. + + +DEN. One of the buildings formerly attached to Harvard College, +which was taken down in the year 1846, was for more than a +half-century known by the name of the _Den_. It was occupied by +students during the greater part of that period, although it was +originally built for private use. In later years, from its +appearance, both externally and internally, it fully merited its +cognomen; but this is supposed to have originated from the +following incident, which occurred within its walls about the year +1770, the time when it was built. The north portion of the house +was occupied by Mr. Wiswal (to whom it belonged) and his family. +His wife, who was then ill, and, as it afterwards proved, fatally, +was attended by a woman who did not bear a very good character, to +whom Mr. Wiswal seemed to be more attentive than was consistent +with the character of a true and loving husband. About six weeks +after Mrs. Wiswal's death, Mr. Wiswal espoused the nurse, which, +circumstance gave great offence to the good people of Cambridge, +and was the cause of much scandal among the gossips. One Sunday, +not long after this second marriage, Mr. Wiswal having gone to +church, his wife, who did not accompany him, began an examination +of her predecessor's wardrobe and possessions, with the intention, +as was supposed, of appropriating to herself whatever had been +left by the former Mrs. Wiswal to her children. On his return from +church, Mr. Wiswal, missing his wife, after searching for some +time, found her at last in the kitchen, convulsively clutching the +dresser, her eyes staring wildly, she herself being unable to +speak. In this state of insensibility she remained until her +decease, which occurred shortly after. Although it was evident +that she had been seized with convulsions, and that these were the +cause of her death, the old women were careful to promulgate, and +their daughters to transmit the story, that the Devil had appeared +to her _in propria persona_, and shaken her in pieces, as a +punishment for her crimes. The building was purchased by Harvard +College in the year 1774. + +In the Federal Orrery, March 26, 1795, is an article dated +_Wiswal-Den_, Cambridge, which title it also bore, from the name +of its former occupant. + +In his address spoken at the Harvard Alumni Festival, July 22, +1852, Hon. Edward Everett, with reference to this mysterious +building as it appeared in the year 1807, said:-- + +"A little further to the north, and just at the corner of Church +Street (which was not then opened), stood what was dignified in +the annual College Catalogue--(which was printed on one side of a +sheet of paper, and was a novelty)--as 'the College House.' The +cellar is still visible. By the students, this edifice was +disrespectfully called 'Wiswal's Den,' or, for brevity, 'the Den.' +I lived in it in my Freshman year. Whence the name of 'Wiswal's +Den' I hardly dare say: there was something worse than 'old fogy' +about it. There was a dismal tradition that, at some former +period, it had been the scene of a murder. A brutal husband had +dragged his wife by the hair up and down the stairs, and then +killed her. On the anniversary of the murder,--and what day that +was no one knew,--there were sights and sounds,--flitting garments +daggled in blood, plaintive screams,--_stridor ferri tractaeque +catenae_,--enough to appall the stoutest Sophomore. But for +myself, I can truly say, that I got through my Freshman year +without having seen the ghost of Mr. Wiswal or his lamented lady. +I was not, however, sorry when the twelvemonth was up, and I was +transferred to that light, airy, well-ventilated room, No. 20 +Hollis; being the inner room, ground floor, north entry of that +ancient and respectable edifice."--_To-Day_, Boston, Saturday, +July 31, 1852, p. 66. + +Many years ago there emigrated to this University, from the wilds +of New Hampshire, an odd genius, by the name of Jedediah Croak, +who took up his abode as a student in the old _Den_.--_Harvard +Register_, 1827-28, _A Legend of the Den_, pp. 82-86. + + +DEPOSITION. During the first half of the seventeenth century, in +the majority of the German universities, Catholic as well as +Protestant, the matriculation of a student was preceded by a +ceremony called the _deposition_. See _Howitt's Student Life in +Germany_, Am. ed., pp. 119-121. + + +DESCENDAS. Latin; literally, _you may descend_. At the University +of Cambridge, Eng., when a student who has been appointed to +declaim in chapel fails in eloquence, memory, or taste, his +harangue is usually cut short "by a testy _descendas_."--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +DETERMINING. In the University of Oxford, a Bachelor is entitled +to his degree of M.A. twelve terms after the regular time for +taking his first degree, having previously gone through the +ceremony of _determining_, which exercise consists in reading two +dissertations in Latin prose, or one in prose and a copy of Latin +verses. As this takes place in Lent, it is commonly called +_determining in Lent_.--_Oxf. Guide_. + + +DETUR. Latin; literally, _let it be given_. + +In 1657, the Hon. Edward Hopkins, dying, left, among other +donations to Harvard College, one "to be applied to the purchase +of books for presents to meritorious undergraduates." The +distribution of these books is made, at the commencement of each +academic year, to students of the Sophomore Class who have made +meritorious progress in their studies during their Freshman year; +also, as far as the state of the funds admits, to those members of +the Junior Class who entered as Sophomores, and have made +meritorious progress in their studies during the Sophomore year, +and to such Juniors as, having failed to receive a _detur_ at the +commencement of the Sophomore year, have, during that year, made +decided improvement in scholarship.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., +Mass._, 1848, p. 18. + +"From the first word in the short Latin label," Peirce says, +"which is signed by the President, and attached to the inside of +the cover, a book presented from this fund is familiarly called a +_Detur_."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 103. + + Now for my books; first Bunyan's Pilgrim, + (As he with thankful pleasure will grin,) + Tho' dogleaved, torn, in bad type set in, + 'T will do quite well for classmate B----, + And thus with complaisance to treat her, + 'T will answer for another _Detur_. + _The Will of Charles Prentiss_. + +Be not, then, painfully anxious about the Greek particles, and sit +not up all night lest you should miss prayers, only that you may +have a "_Detur_," and be chosen into the Phi Beta Kappa among the +first eight. Get a "_Detur_" by all means, and the square medal +with its cabalistic signs, the sooner the better; but do not +"stoop and lie in wait" for them.--_A Letter to a Young Man who +has just entered College_, 1849, p. 36. + + Or yet,--though 't were incredible, + --say hast obtained a _detur_! + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850. + + +DIG. To study hard; to spend much time in studying. + + Another, in his study chair, + _Digs_ up Greek roots with learned care,-- + Unpalatable eating.--_Harv. Reg._, 1827-28, p. 247. + +Here the sunken eye and sallow countenance bespoke the man who +_dug_ sixteen hours "per diem."--_Ibid._, p. 303. + +Some have gone to lounge away an hour in the libraries,--some to +ditto in the grove,--some to _dig_ upon the afternoon +lesson.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 77. + + +DIG. A diligent student; one who learns his lessons by hard and +long-continued exertion. + + A clever soul is one, I say, + Who wears a laughing face all day, + Who never misses declamation, + Nor cuts a stupid recitation, + And yet is no elaborate _dig_, + Nor for rank systems cares a fig. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 283. + +I could see, in the long vista of the past, the many honest _digs_ +who had in this room consumed the midnight oil.--_Collegian_, p. +231. + +And, truly, the picture of a college "_dig_" taking a walk--no, I +say not so, for he never "takes a walk," but "walking for +exercise"--justifies the contemptuous estimate.--_A Letter to a +Young Man who has just entered College_, 1849, p. 14. + +He is just the character to enjoy the treadmill, which perhaps +might be a useful appendage to a college, not as a punishment, but +as a recreation for "_digs_."--_Ibid._, p. 14. + + Resolves that he will be, in spite of toil or of fatigue, + That humbug of all humbugs, the staid, inveterate "_dig_." + _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + There goes the _dig_, just look! + How like a parson he eyes his book! + _The Jobsiad_, in _Lit. World_, Oct. 11, 1851. + +The fact that I am thus getting the character of a man of no +talent, and a mere "_dig_," does, I confess, weigh down my +spirits.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 224. + + By this 't is that we get ahead of the _Dig_, + 'T is not we that prevail, but the wine that we swig. + _Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 252. + + +DIGGING. The act of studying hard; diligent application. + + I find my eyes in doleful case, + By _digging_ until midnight.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 312. + +I've had an easy time in College, and enjoyed well the "otium cum +dignitate,"--the learned leisure of a scholar's life,--always +despised _digging_, you know.--_Ibid._, p. 194. + +How often after his day of _digging_, when he comes to lay his +weary head to rest, he finds the cruel sheets giving him no +admittance.--_Ibid._, p. 377. + + Hopes to hit the mark + By _digging_ nightly into matters dark. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1835. + + He "makes up" for past "_digging_." + _Iadma Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1850. + + +DIGNITY. At Bowdoin College, "_Dignity_," says a correspondent, +"is the name applied to the regular holidays, varying from one +half-day per week, during the Freshman year, up to four in the +Senior." + + +DIKED. At the University of Virginia, one who is dressed with more +than ordinary elegance is said to be _diked out_. Probably +corrupted from the word _decked_, or the nearly obsolete +_dighted_. + + +DIPLOMA. Greek, [Greek: diploma], from [Greek: diploo], to +_double_ or fold. Anciently, a letter or other composition written +on paper or parchment, and folded; afterward, any letter, literary +monument, or public document. A letter or writing conferring some +power, authority, privilege, or honor. Diplomas are given to +graduates of colleges on their receiving the usual degrees; to +clergymen who are licensed to exercise the ministerial functions; +to physicians who are licensed to practise their profession; and +to agents who are authorized to transact business for their +principals. A diploma, then, is a writing or instrument, usually +under seal, and signed by the proper person or officer, conferring +merely honor, as in the case of graduates, or authority, as in the +case of physicians, agents, &c.--_Webster_. + + +DISCIPLINE. The punishments which are at present generally adopted +in American colleges are warning, admonition, the letter home, +suspension, rustication, and expulsion. Formerly they were more +numerous, and their execution was attended with great solemnity. +"The discipline of the College," says President Quincy, in his +History of Harvard University, "was enforced and sanctioned by +daily visits of the tutors to the chambers of the students, fines, +admonitions, confession in the hall, publicly asking pardon, +degradation to the bottom of the class, striking the name from the +College list, and expulsion, according to the nature and +aggravation of the offence."--Vol. I. p. 442. + +Of Yale College, President Woolsey in his Historical Discourse +says: "The old system of discipline may be described in general as +consisting of a series of minor punishments for various petty +offences, while the more extreme measure of separating a student +from College seems not to have been usually adopted until long +forbearance had been found fruitless, even in cases which would +now be visited in all American colleges with speedy dismission. +The chief of these punishments named in the laws are imposition of +school exercises,--of which we find little notice after the first +foundation of the College, but which we believe yet exists in the +colleges of England;[20] deprivation of the privilege of sending +Freshmen upon errands, or extension of the period during which +this servitude should be required beyond the end of the Freshman +year; fines either specified, of which there are a very great +number in the earlier laws, or arbitrarily imposed by the +officers; admonition and degradation. For the offence of +mischievously ringing the bell, which was very common whilst the +bell was in an exposed situation over an entry of a college +building, students were sometimes required to act as the butler's +waiters in ringing the bell for a certain time."--pp. 46, 47. + +See under titles ADMONITION, CONFESSION, CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, +DEGRADATION, FINES, LETTER HOME, SUSPENSION, &c. + + +DISCOMMUNE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., to prohibit an +undergraduate from dealing with any tradesman or inhabitant of the +town who has violated the University privileges or regulations. +The right to exercise this power is vested in the Vice-Chancellor. + +Any tradesman who allows a student to run in debt with him to an +amount exceeding $25, without informing his college tutor, or to +incur any debt for wine or spirituous liquors without giving +notice of it to the same functionary during the current quarter, +or who shall take any promissory note from a student without his +tutor's knowledge, is liable to be _discommuned_.--_Lit. World_, +Vol. XII. p. 283. + +In the following extracts, this word appears under a different +orthography. + +There is always a great demand for the rooms in college. Those at +lodging-houses are not so good, while the rules are equally +strict, the owners being solemnly bound to report all their +lodgers who stay out at night, under pain of being +"_discommonsed_," a species of college +excommunication.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 81. + +Any tradesman bringing a suit against an Undergraduate shall be +"_discommonsed_"; i.e. all the Undergraduates are forbidden to +deal with him.--_Ibid._, p. 83. + +This word is allied to the law term "discommon," to deprive of the +privileges of a place. + + +DISMISS. To separate from college, for an indefinite or limited +time. + + +DISMISSION. In college government, dismission is the separation of +a student from a college, for an indefinite or for a limited time, +at the discretion of the Faculty. It is required of the dismissed +student, on applying for readmittance to his own or any other +class, to furnish satisfactory testimonials of good conduct during +his separation, and to appear, on examination, to be well +qualified for such readmission.--_College Laws_. + +In England, a student, although precluded from returning to the +university whence he has been dismissed, is not hindered from +taking a degree at some other university. + + +DISPENSATION. In universities and colleges, the granting of a +license, or the license itself, to do what is forbidden by law, or +to omit something which is commanded. Also, an exemption from +attending a college exercise. + +The business of the first of these houses, or the oligarchal +portion of the constitution [the House of Congregation], is +chiefly to grant degrees, and pass graces and +_dispensations_.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xi. + +All the students who are under twenty-one years of age may be +excused from attending the private Hebrew lectures of the +Professor, upon their producing to the President a certificate +from their parents or guardians, desiring a _dispensation_.--_Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 12. + + +DISPERSE. A favorite word with tutors and proctors; used when +speaking to a number of students unlawfully collected. This +technical use of the word is burlesqued in the following passages. + +Minerva conveys the Freshman to his room, where his cries make +such a disturbance, that a proctor enters and commands the +blue-eyed goddess "_to disperse_." This order she reluctantly +obeys.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 23. + + And often grouping on the chains, he hums his own sweet verse, + Till Tutor ----, coming up, commands him to _disperse_. + _Poem before Y.H. Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + +DISPUTATION. An exercise in colleges, in which parties reason in +opposition to each other, on some question proposed.--_Webster_. + +Disputations were formerly, in American colleges, a part of the +exercises on Commencement and Exhibition days. + + +DISPUTE. To contend in argument; to reason or argue in opposition. +--_Webster_. + +The two Senior classes shall _dispute_ once or twice a week before +the President, a Professor, or the Tutor.--_Laws Yale Coll._, +1837, p. 15. + + +DIVINITY. A member of a theological school is often familiarly +called a _Divinity_, abbreviated for a Divinity student. + + One of the young _Divinities_ passed + Straight through the College yard. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 40. + + +DIVISION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., each of the three +terms is divided into two parts. _Division_ is the time when this +partition is made. + +After "_division_" in the Michaelmas and Lent terms, a student, +who can assign a good plea for absence to the college authorities, +may go down and take holiday for the rest of the time.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 63. + + +DOCTOR. One who has passed all the degrees of a faculty, and is +empowered to practise and teach it; as, a _doctor_ in divinity, in +physic, in law; or, according to modern usage, a person who has +received the highest degree in a faculty. The degree of _doctor_ +is conferred by universities and colleges, as an honorary mark of +literary distinction. It is also conferred on physicians as a +professional degree.--_Webster_. + + +DOCTORATE. The degree of a doctor.--_Webster_. + +The first diploma for a doctorate in divinity given in America was +presented under the seal of Harvard College to Mr. Increase +Mather, the President of that institution, in the year +1692.--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 68. + + +DODGE. A trick; an artifice or stratagem for the purpose of +deception. Used often with _come_; as, "_to come a dodge_ over +him." + + No artful _dodge_ to leave my school could I just then prepare. + _Poem before Iadma, Harv. Coll._, 1850. + +Agreed; but I have another _dodge_ as good as yours.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 240. + +We may well admire the cleverness displayed by this would-be +Chatterton, in his attempt to sell the unwary with an Ossian +_dodge_.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 191. + + +DOMINUS. A title bestowed on Bachelors of Arts, in England. +_Dominus_ Nokes; _Dominus_ Stiles.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +DON. In the English universities, a short generic term for a +Fellow or any college authority. + +He had already told a lie to the _Dons_, by protesting against the +justice of his sentence.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 169. + +Never to order in any wine from an Oxford merchant, at least not +till I am a _Don_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 288. + + Nor hint how _Dons_, their untasked hours to pass, + Like Cato, warm their virtues with the glass.[21] + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +DONKEY. At Washington College, Penn., students of a religious +character are vulgarly called _donkeys_. + +See LAP-EAR. + + +DORMIAT. Latin; literally, _let him sleep_. To take out a +_dormiat_, i.e. a license to sleep. The licensed person is excused +from attending early prayers in the Chapel, from a plea of being +indisposed. Used in the English universities.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +DOUBLE FIRST. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student who +attains high honors in both the classical and the mathematical +tripos. + +The Calendar does not show an average of two "_Double Firsts_" +annually for the last ten years out of one hundred and +thirty-eight graduates in Honors.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 91. + +The reported saying of a distinguished judge,... "that the +standard of a _Double First_ was getting to be something beyond +human ability," seems hardly an exaggeration.--_Ibid._, p. 224. + + +DOUBLE MAN. In the English universities, a student who is a +proficient in both classics and mathematics. + +"_Double men_," as proficients in both classics and mathematics +are termed, are very rare.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 91. + +It not unfrequently happens that he now drops the intention of +being a "_double man_," and concentrates himself upon mathematics. +--_Ibid._, p. 104. + +To one danger mathematicians are more exposed than either +classical or _double men_,--disgust and satiety arising from +exclusive devotion to their unattractive studies.--_Ibid._, p. +225. + + +DOUBLE MARKS. It was formerly the custom in Harvard College with +the Professors in Rhetoric, when they had examined and corrected +the _themes_ of the students, to draw a straight line on the back +of each one of them, under the name of the writer. Under the names +of those whose themes were of more than ordinary correctness or +elegance, _two_ lines were drawn, which were called _double +marks_. + +They would take particular pains for securing the _double mark_ of +the English Professor to their poetical compositions.--_Monthly +Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 104. + +Many, if not the greater part of Paine's themes, were written in +verse; and his vanity was gratified, and his emulation roused, by +the honor of constant _double marks_.--_Works of R.T. Paine, +Biography_, p. xxii., Ed. 1812. + +See THEME. + + +DOUBLE SECOND. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., one who +obtains a high place in the second rank, in both mathematical and +classical honors. + +A good _double second_ will make, by his college scholarship, two +fifths or three fifths of his expenses during two thirds of the +time he passes at the University.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 427. + + +DOUGH-BALL. At the Anderson Collegiate Institute, Indiana, a name +given by the town's people to a student. + + +DRESS. A uniformity in dress has never been so prevalent in +American colleges as in the English and other universities. About +the middle of the last century, however, the habit among the +students of Harvard College of wearing gold lace attracted the +attention of the Overseers, and a law was passed "requiring that +on no occasion any of the scholars wear any gold or silver lace, +or any gold or silver brocades, in the College or town of +Cambridge," and "that no one wear any silk night-gowns." "In +1786," says Quincy, "in order to lessen the expense of dress, a +uniform was prescribed, the color and form of which were minutely +set forth, with a distinction of the classes by means of frogs on +the cuffs and button-holes; silk was prohibited, and home +manufactures were recommended." This system of uniform is fully +described in the laws of 1790, and is as follows:-- + +"All the Undergraduates shall be clothed in coats of blue-gray, +and with waistcoats and breeches of the same color, or of a black, +a nankeen, or an olive color. The coats of the Freshmen shall have +plain button-holes. The cuffs shall be without buttons. The coats +of the Sophomores shall have plain button-holes like those of the +Freshmen, but the cuffs shall have buttons. The coats of the +Juniors shall have cheap frogs to the button-holes, except the +button-holes of the cuffs. The coats of the Seniors shall have +frogs to the button-holes of the cuffs. The buttons upon the coats +of all the classes shall be as near the color of the coats as they +can be procured, or of a black color. And no student shall appear +within the limits of the College, or town of Cambridge, in any +other dress than in the uniform belonging to his respective class, +unless he shall have on a night-gown or such an outside garment as +may be necessary over a coat, except only that the Seniors and +Juniors are permitted to wear black gowns, and it is recommended +that they appear in them on all public occasions. Nor shall any +part of their garments be of silk; nor shall they wear gold or +silver lace, cord, or edging upon their hats, waistcoats, or any +other parts of their clothing. And whosoever shall violate these +regulations shall be fined a sum not exceeding ten shillings for +each offence."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1790, pp. 36, 37. + +It is to this dress that the poet alludes in these lines:-- + + "In blue-gray coat, with buttons on the cuffs, + First Modern Pride your ear with fustian stuffs; + 'Welcome, blest age, by holy seers foretold, + By ancient bards proclaimed the age of gold,'" &c.[22] + +But it was by the would-be reformers of that day alone that such +sentiments were held, and it was only by the severity of the +punishment attending non-conformity with these regulations that +they were ever enforced. In 1796, "the sumptuary law relative to +dress had fallen into neglect," and in the next year "it was found +so obnoxious and difficult to enforce," says Quincy, "that a law +was passed abrogating the whole system of distinction by 'frogs on +the cuffs and button-holes,' and the law respecting dress was +limited to prescribing a blue-gray or dark-blue coat, with +permission to wear a black gown, and a prohibition of wearing gold +or silver lace, cord, or edging."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. II. p. 277. + +A writer in the New England Magazine, in an article relating to +the customs of Harvard College at the close of the last century, +gives the following description of the uniform ordered by the +Corporation to be worn by the students:-- + +"Each head supported a three-cornered cocket hat. Yes, gentle +reader, no man or boy was considered in full dress, in those days, +unless his pericranium was thus surmounted, with the forward peak +directly over the right eye. Had a clergyman, especially, appeared +with a hat of any other form, it would have been deemed as great a +heresy as Unitarianism is at the present day. Whether or not the +three-cornered hat was considered as an emblem of Trinitarianism, +I am not able to determine. Our hair was worn in a _queue_, bound +with black ribbon, and reached to the small of the back, in the +shape of the tail of that motherly animal which furnishes +ungrateful bipeds of the human race with milk, butter, and cheese. +Where nature had not bestowed a sufficiency of this ornamental +appendage, the living and the dead contributed of their +superfluity to supply the deficiency. Our ear-locks,--_horresco +referens_!--my ears tingle and my countenance is distorted at the +recollection of the tortures inflicted on them by the heated +curling-tongs and crimping-irons. + +"The bosoms of our shirts were ruffled with lawn or cambric, and + 'Our fingers' ends were seen to peep + From ruffles, full five inches deep.' +Our coats were double-breasted, and of a black or priest-gray +color. The directions were not so particular respecting our +waistcoats, breeches,--I beg pardon,--small clothes, and +stockings. Our shoes ran to a point at the distance of two or +three inches from the extremity of the foot, and turned upward, +like the curve of a skate. Our dress was ornamented with shining +stock, knee, and shoe buckles, the last embracing at least one +half of the foot of ordinary dimensions. If any wore boots, they +were made to set as closely to the leg as its skin; for a handsome +calf and ankle were esteemed as great beauties as any portion of +the frame, or point in the physiognomy."--Vol. III. pp. 238, 239. + +In his late work, entitled, "Memories of Youth and Manhood," +Professor Sidney Willard has given an entertaining description of +the style of dress which was in vogue at Harvard College near the +close of the last century, in the following words:-- + +"Except on special occasions, which required more than ordinary +attention to dress, the students, when I was an undergraduate, +were generally very careless in this particular. They were obliged +by the College laws to wear coats of blue-gray; but as a +substitute in warm weather, they were allowed to wear gowns, +except on public occasions; and on these occasions they were +permitted to wear black gowns. Seldom, however, did any one avail +himself of this permission. In summer long gowns of calico or +gingham were the covering that distinguished the collegian, not +only about the College grounds, but in all parts of the village. +Still worse, when the season no longer tolerated this thin outer +garment, many adopted one much in the same shape, made of +colorless woollen stuff called lambskin. These were worn by many +without any under-coat in temperate weather, and in some cases for +a length of time in which they had become sadly soiled. In other +respects there was nothing peculiar in the common dress of the +young men and boys of College to distinguish it from that of +others of the same age. Breeches were generally worn, buttoned at +the knees, and tied or buckled a little below; not so convenient a +garment for a person dressing in haste as trousers or pantaloons. +Often did I see a fellow-student hurrying to the Chapel to escape +tardiness at morning prayers, with this garment unbuttoned at the +knees, the ribbons dangling over his legs, the hose refusing to +keep their elevation, and the calico or woollen gown wrapped about +him, ill concealing his dishabille. + +"Not all at once did pantaloons gain the supremacy as the nether +garment. About the beginning of the present century they grew +rapidly in favor with the young; but men past middle age were more +slow to adopt the change. Then, last, the aged very gradually were +converted to the fashion by the plea of convenience and comfort; +so that about the close of the first quarter of the present +century it became almost universal. In another particular, more +than half a century ago, the sons adopted a custom of their wiser +fathers. The young men had for several years worn shoes and boots +shaped in the toe part to a point, called peaked toes, while the +aged adhered to the shape similar to the present fashion; so that +the shoemaker, in a doubtful case, would ask his customer whether +he would have square-toed or peaked-toed. The distinction between +young and old in this fashion was so general, that sometimes a +graceless youth, who had been crossed by his father or guardian in +some of his unreasonable humors, would speak of him with the title +of _Old Square-toes_. + +"Boots with yellow tops inverted, and coming up to the knee-band, +were commonly worn by men somewhat advanced in years; but the +younger portion more generally wore half-boots, as they were +called, made of elastic leather, cordovan. These, when worn, left +a space of two or three inches between the top of the boot and the +knee-band. The great beauty of this fashion, as it was deemed by +many, consisted in restoring the boots, which were stretched by +drawing them on, to shape, and bringing them as nearly as possible +into contact with the legs; and he who prided himself most on the +form of his lower limbs would work the hardest in pressure on the +leather from the ankle upward in order to do this most +effectually."--Vol. I. pp. 318-320. + +In 1822 was passed the "Law of Harvard University, regulating the +dress of the students." The established uniform was as follows. +"The coat of black-mixed, single-breasted, with a rolling cape, +square at the end, and with pocket flaps; waist reaching to the +natural waist, with lapels of the same length; skirts reaching to +the bend of the knee; three crow's-feet, made of black-silk cord, +on the lower part of the sleeve of a Senior, two on that of a +Junior, and one on that of a Sophomore. The waistcoat of +black-mixed or of black; or when of cotton or linen fabric, of +white, single-breasted, with a standing collar. The pantaloons of +black-mixed or of black bombazette, or when of cotton or linen +fabric, of white. The surtout or great coat of black-mixed, with +not more than two capes. The buttons of the above dress must be +flat, covered with the same cloth as that of the garments, not +more than eight nor less than six on the front of the coat, and +four behind. A surtout or outside garment is not to be substituted +for the coat. But the students are permitted to wear black gowns, +in which they may appear on all public occasions. Night-gowns, of +cotton or linen or silk fabric, made in the usual form, or in that +of a frock coat, may be worn, except on the Sabbath, on exhibition +and other occasions when an undress would be improper. The +neckcloths must be plain black or plain white." + +No student, while in the State of Massachusetts, was allowed, +either in vacation or term time, to wear any different dress or +ornament from those above named, except in case of mourning, when +he could wear the customary badges. Although dismission was the +punishment for persisting in the violation of these regulations, +they do not appear to have been very well observed, and gradually, +like the other laws of an earlier date on this subject, fell into +disuse. The night-gowns or dressing-gowns continued to be worn at +prayers and in public until within a few years. The black-mixed, +otherwise called OXFORD MIXED cloth, is explained under the latter +title. + +The only law which now obtains at Harvard College on the subject +of dress is this: "On Sabbath, Exhibition, Examination, and +Commencement days, and on all other public occasions, each +student, in public, shall wear a black coat, with buttons of the +same color, and a black hat or cap."--_Orders and Regulations of +the Faculty of Harv. Coll._, July, 1853, p. 5. + +At one period in the history of Yale College, a passion for +expensive dress having become manifest among the students, the +Faculty endeavored to curb it by a direct appeal to the different +classes. The result was the establishment of the Lycurgan Society, +whose object was the encouragement of plainness in apparel. The +benefits which might have resulted from this organization were +contravened by the rashness of some of its members. The shape +which this rashness assumed is described in a work entitled +"Scenes and Characters in College," written by a Yale graduate of +the class of 1821. + +"Some members were seized with the notion of a _distinctive +dress_. It was strongly objected to; but the measure was carried +by a stroke of policy. The dress proposed was somewhat like that +of the Quakers, but less respectable,--a rustic cousin to it, or +rather a caricature; namely, a close coatee, with stand-up collar, +and _very_ short skirts,--_skirtees_, they might be called,--the +color gray; pantaloons and vest the same;--making the wearer a +monotonous gray man throughout, invisible at twilight. The +proposers of this metamorphosis, to make it go, selected an +individual of small and agreeable figure, and procuring a suit of +fine material, and a good fit, placed him on a platform as a +specimen. On _him_ it appeared very well, as a belted blouse does +on a graceful child; and all the more so, as he was a favorite +with the class, and lent to it the additional effect of agreeable +association. But it is bad logic to derive a general conclusion +from a single fact: it did not follow that the dress would be +universally becoming because it was so on him. However, majorities +govern; the dress was voted. The tailors were glad to hear of it, +expecting a fine run of business. + +"But when a tall son of Anak appeared in the little bodice of a +coat, stuck upon the hips; and still worse, when some very clumsy +forms assumed the dress, and one in particular, that I remember, +who was equally huge in person and coarse in manners, whose taste, +or economy, or both,--the one as probably as the other,--had led +him to the choice of an ugly pepper-and-salt, instead of the true +Oxford mix, or whatever the standard gray was called, and whose +tailor, or tailoress, probably a tailoress, had contrived to +aggravate his natural disproportions by the most awkward fit +imaginable,--then indeed you might have said that 'some of +nature's journeymen had made men, and not made them well, they +imitated humanity so abominably.' They looked like David's +messengers, maltreated and sent back by Hanun.[23] + +"The consequence was, the dress was unpopular; very few adopted +it; and the society itself went quietly into oblivion. +Nevertheless it had done some good; it had had a visible effect in +checking extravagance; and had accomplished all it would have +done, I imagine, had it continued longer. + +"There was a time, some three or four years previous to this, when +a rakish fashion began to be introduced of wearing white-topped +boots. It was a mere conceit of the wearers, such a fashion not +existing beyond College,--except as it appeared in here and there +an antiquated gentleman, a venerable remnant of the olden time, in +whom the boots were matched with buckles at the knee, and a +powdered queue. A practical satire quickly put an end to it. Some +humorists proposed to the waiters about College to furnish them +with such boots on condition of their wearing them. The offer was +accepted; a lot of them was ordered at a boot-and-shoe shop, and, +all at once, sweepers, sawyers, and the rest, appeared in +white-topped boots. I will not repeat the profaneness of a +Southerner when he first observed a pair of them upon a tall and +gawky shoe-black striding across the yard. He cursed the 'negro,' +and the boots; and, pulling off his own, flung them from him. +After this the servants had the fashion to themselves, and could +buy the article at any discount."--pp. 127-129. + +At Union College, soon after its foundation, there was enacted a +law, "forbidding any student to appear at chapel without the +College badge,--a piece of blue ribbon, tied in the button-hole of +the coat."--_Account of the First Semi-Centennial Anniversary of +the Philomathean Society, Union College_, 1847. + +Such laws as the above have often been passed in American +colleges, but have generally fallen into disuse in a very few +years, owing to the predominancy of the feeling of democratic +equality, the tendency of which is to narrow, in as great a degree +as possible, the intervals between different ages and conditions. + +See COSTUME. + + +DUDLEIAN LECTURE. An anniversary sermon which is preached at +Harvard College before the students; supported by the yearly +interest of one hundred pounds sterling, the gift of Paul Dudley, +from whom the lecture derives its name. The following topics were +chosen by him as subjects for this lecture. First, for "the +proving, explaining, and proper use and improvement of the +principles of Natural Religion." Second, "for the confirmation, +illustration, and improvement of the great articles of the +Christian Religion." Third, "for the detecting, convicting, and +exposing the idolatry, errors, and superstitions of the Romish +Church." Fourth, "for maintaining, explaining, and proving the +validity of the ordination of ministers or pastors of the +churches, and so their administration of the sacraments or +ordinances of religion, as the same hath been practised in New +England from the first beginning of it, and so continued to this +day." + +"The instrument proceeds to declare," says Quincy, "that he does +not intend to invalidate Episcopal ordination, or that practised +in Scotland, at Geneva, and among the Dissenters in England and in +this country, all which 'I esteem very safe, Scriptural, and +valid.' He directed these subjects to be discussed in rotation, +one every year, and appointed the President of the College, the +Professor of Divinity, the pastor of the First Church in +Cambridge, the Senior Tutor of the College, and the pastor of the +First Church in Roxbury, trustees of these lectures, which +commenced in 1755, and have since been annually continued without +intermission."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 139, +140. + + +DULCE DECUS. Latin; literally, _sweet honor_. At Williams College +a name given by a certain class of students to the game of whist; +the reason for which is evident. Whether Maecenas would have +considered it an _honor_ to have had the compliment of Horace, + "O et praesidium et dulce decus meum," +transferred as a title for a game at cards, we leave for others to +decide. + + +DUMMER JUNGE,--literally, _stupid youth_,--among German students +"is the highest and most cutting insult, since it implies a denial +of sound, manly understanding and strength of capacity to him to +whom it is applied."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., +p. 127. + + +DUN. An importunate creditor who urges for payment. A character +not wholly unknown to collegians. + + Thanks heaven, flings by his cap and gown, and shuns + A place made odious by remorseless _duns_. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + + +_E_. + + +EGRESSES. At the older American colleges, when charges were made +and excuses rendered in Latin, the student who had left before the +conclusion of any of the religious services was accused of the +misdemeanor by the proper officer, who made use of the word +_egresses_, a kind of barbarous second person singular of some +imaginary verb, signifying, it is supposed, "you went out." + + Much absence, tardes and _egresses_, + The college-evil on him seizes. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +EIGHT. On the scale of merit, at Harvard College, eight is the +highest mark which a student can receive for a recitation. +Students speak of "_getting an eight_," which is equivalent to +saying, that they have made a perfect recitation. + + But since the Fates will not grant all _eights_, + Save to some disgusting fellow + Who'll fish and dig, I care not a fig, + We'll be hard boys and mellow. + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen. + + Numberless the _eights_ he showers + Full on my devoted head.--_MS. Ibid._ + +At the same college, when there were three exhibitions in the +year, it was customary for the first eight scholars in the Junior +Class to have "parts" at the first exhibition, the second eight at +the second exhibition, and the third eight at the third +exhibition. Eight Seniors performed with them at each of these +three exhibitions, but they were taken promiscuously from the +first twenty-four in their class. Although there are now but two +exhibitions in the year, twelve performing from each of the two +upper classes, yet the students still retain the old phraseology, +and you will often hear the question, "Is he in the first or +second _eight_?" + + The bell for morning prayers had long been sounding! + She says, "What makes you look so very pale?"-- + "I've had a dream."--"Spring to 't, or you'll be late!"-- + "Don't care! 'T was worth a part among the _Second Eight_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 121. + + +ELECTIONEERING. In many colleges in the United States, where there +are rival societies, it is customary, on the admission of a +student to college, for the partisans of the different societies +to wait upon him, and endeavor to secure him as a member. An +account of this _Society Electioneering_, as it is called, is +given in _Sketches of Yale College_, at page 162. + +Society _electioneering_ has mostly gone by.--_Williams +Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 285. + + +ELEGANT EXTRACTS. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a cant +title applied to some fifteen or twenty men who have just +succeeded in passing their final examination, and who are +bracketed together, at the foot of the Polloi list.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 250. + + +EMERITUS, _pl._ EMERITI. Latin; literally, _obtained by service_. +One who has been honorably discharged from public service, as, in +colleges and universities, a _Professor Emeritus_. + + +EMIGRANT. In the English universities, one who migrates, or +removes from one college to another. + +At Christ's, for three years successively,... the first man was an +_emigrant_ from John's.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 100. + +See MIGRATION. + + +EMPTY BOTTLE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the sobriquet +of a fellow-commoner. + +Indeed they [fellow-commoners] are popularly denominated "_empty +bottles_," the first word of the appellation being an adjective, +though were it taken as a verb there would be no untruth in +it.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + + +ENCENIA, _pl._ Greek [Greek: enkainia], _a feast of dedication_. +Festivals anciently kept on the days on which cities were built or +churches consecrated; and, in later times, ceremonies renewed at +certain periods, as at Oxford, at the celebration of founders and +benefactors.--_Hook_. + + +END WOMAN. At Bowdoin College, "end women," says a correspondent, +"are the venerable females who officiate as chambermaids in the +different entries." They are so called from the entries being +placed at the _ends_ of the buildings. + + +ENGAGEMENT. At Yale College, the student, on entering, signs an +_engagement_, as it is called, in the words following: "I, A.B., +on condition of being admitted as a member of Yale College, +promise, on my faith and honor, to observe all the laws and +regulations of this College; particularly that I will faithfully +avoid using profane language, gaming, and all indecent, disorderly +behavior, and disrespectful conduct to the Faculty, and all +combinations to resist their authority; as witness my hand. A.B." +--_Yale Coll. Cat._, 1837, p. 10. + +Nearly the same formula is used at Williams College. + + +ENGINE. At Harvard College, for many years before and succeeding +the year 1800, a fire-engine was owned by the government, and was +under the management of the students. In a MS. Journal, under date +of Oct. 29, 1792, is this note: "This day I turned out to exercise +the engine. P.M." The company were accustomed to attend all the +fires in the neighboring towns, and were noted for their skill and +efficiency. But they often mingled enjoyment with their labor, nor +were they always as scrupulous as they might have been in the +means used to advance it. In 1810, the engine having been newly +repaired, they agreed to try its power on an old house, which was +to be fired at a given time. By some mistake, the alarm was given +before the house was fairly burning. Many of the town's people +endeavored to save it, but the company, dragging the engine into a +pond near by, threw the dirty water on them in such quantities +that they were glad to desist from their laudable endeavors. + +It was about this time that the Engine Society was organized, +before which so many pleasant poems and orations were annually +delivered. Of these, that most noted is the "Rebelliad," which was +spoken in the year 1819, and was first published in the year 1842. +Of it the editor has well remarked: "It still remains the +text-book of the jocose, and is still regarded by all, even the +melancholy, as a most happy production of humorous taste." Its +author was Dr. Augustus Pierce, who died at Tyngsborough, May 20, +1849. + +The favorite beverage at fires was rum and molasses, commonly +called _black-strap_, which is referred to in the following lines, +commemorative of the engine company in its palmier days. + + "But oh! let _black-strap's_ sable god deplore + Those _engine-heroes_ so renowned of yore! + Gone is that spirit, which, in ancient time, + Inspired more deeds than ever shone in rhyme! + Ye, who remember the superb array, + The deafening cry, the engine's 'maddening play,' + The broken windows, and the floating floor, + Wherewith those masters of hydraulic lore + Were wont to make us tremble as we gazed, + Can tell how many a false alarm was raised, + How many a room by their o'erflowings drenched, + And how few fires by their assistance quenched?" + _Harvard Register_, p. 235. + +The habit of attending fires in Boston, as it had a tendency to +draw the attention of the students from their college duties, was +in part the cause of the dissolution of the company. Their +presence was always welcomed in the neighboring city, and although +they often left their engine behind them on returning to +Cambridge, it was usually sent out to them soon after. The company +would often parade through the streets of Cambridge in masquerade +dresses, headed by a chaplain, presenting a most ludicrous +appearance. In passing through the College yard, it was the custom +to throw water into any window that chanced to be open. Their +fellow-students, knowing when they were to appear, usually kept +their windows closed; but the officers were not always so +fortunate. About the year 1822, having discharged water into the +room of the College regent, thereby damaging a very valuable +library of books, the government disbanded the company, and +shortly after sold the engine to the then town of Cambridge, on +condition that it should never be taken out of the place. A few +years ago it was again sold to some young men of West Cambridge, +in whose hands it still remains. One of the brakes of the engine, +a relic of its former glory, was lately discovered in the cellar +of one of the College buildings, and that perchance has by this +time been used to kindle the element which it once assisted to +extinguish. + + +ESQUIRE BEDELL. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., three +_Esquire Bedells_ are appointed, whose office is to attend the +Vice-Chancellor, whom they precede with their silver maces upon +all public occasions.--_Cam. Guide_. + +At the University of Oxford, the Esquire Bedells are three in +number. They walk before the Vice-Chancellor in processions, and +carry golden staves as the insignia of their office.--_Guide to +Oxford_. + +See BEADLE. + + +EVANGELICAL. In student phrase, a religious, orthodox man, one who +is sound in the doctrines of the Gospel, or one who is reading +theology, is called an _Evangelical_. + +He was a King's College, London, man, an +_Evangelical_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 265. + +It has been said by some of the _Evangelicals_, that nothing can +be done to improve the state of morality in the Universities so +long as the present Church system continues.--_Ibid._, p. 348. + + +EXAMINATION. An inquiry into the acquisitions of the students, in +_colleges_ and _seminaries of learning_, by questioning them in +literature and the sciences, and by hearing their +recitals.--_Webster_. + +In all colleges candidates for entrance are required to be able to +pass an examination in certain branches of study before they can +be admitted. The students are generally examined, in most +colleges, at the close of each term. + +In the revised laws of Harvard College, printed in the year 1790, +was one for the purpose of introducing examinations, the first +part of which is as follows: "To animate the students in the +pursuit of literary merit and fame, and to excite in their breasts +a noble spirit of emulation, there shall be annually a public +examination, in the presence of a joint committee of the +Corporation and Overseers, and such other gentlemen as may be +inclined to attend it." It then proceeds to enumerate the times +and text-books for each class, and closes by stating, that, +"should any student neglect or refuse to attend such examination, +he shall be liable to be fined a sum not exceeding twenty +shillings, or to be admonished or suspended." Great discontent was +immediately evinced by the students at this regulation, and as it +was not with this understanding that they entered college, they +considered it as an _ex post facto_ law, and therefore not binding +upon them. With these views, in the year 1791, the Senior and +Junior Classes petitioned for exemption from the examination, but +their application was rejected by the Overseers. When this was +declared, some of the students determined to stop the exercises +for that year, if possible. For this purpose they obtained six +hundred grains of tartar emetic, and early on the morning of April +12th, the day on which the examination was to begin, emptied it +into the great cooking boilers in the kitchen. At breakfast, 150 +or more students and officers being present, the coffee was +brought on, made with the water from the boilers. Its effects were +soon visible. One after another left the hall, some in a slow, +others in a hurried manner, but all plainly showing that their +situation was by no means a pleasant one. Out of the whole number +there assembled, only four or five escaped without being made +unwell. Those who put the drug in the coffee had drank the most, +in order to escape detection, and were consequently the most +severely affected. Unluckily, one of them was seen putting +something into the boilers, and the names of the others were soon +after discovered. Their punishment is stated in the following +memoranda from a manuscript journal. + +"Exhibition, 1791. April 20th. This morning Trapier was rusticated +and Sullivan suspended to Groton for nine months, for mingling +tartar emetic with our commons on ye morning of April 12th." + +"May 21st. Ely was suspended to Amherst for five months, for +assisting Sullivan and Trapier in mingling tartar emetic with our +commons." + +Another student, who threw a stone into the examination-room, +which struck the chair in which Governor Hancock sat, was more +severely punished. The circumstance is mentioned in the manuscript +referred to above as follows:-- + +"April 14th, 1791. Henry W. Jones of H---- was expelled from +College upon evidence of a little boy that he sent a stone into ye +Philosopher's room while a committee of ye Corporation and +Overseers, and all ye Immediate Government, were engaged in +examination of ye Freshman Class." + +Although the examination was delayed for a day or two on account +of these occurrences, it was again renewed and carried on during +that year, although many attempts were made to stop it. For +several years after, whenever these periods occurred, disturbances +came with them, and it was not until the year 1797 that the +differences between the officers and the students were +satisfactorily adjusted, and examinations established on a sure +basis. + + +EXAMINE. To inquire into the improvements or qualifications of +students, by interrogatories, proposing problems, or by hearing +their recitals; as, to _examine_ the classes in college; to +_examine_ the candidates for a degree, or for a license to preach +or to practise in a profession.--_Webster_. + + +EXAMINEE. One who is examined; one who undergoes at examination. + +What loads of cold beef and lobster vanish before the _examinees_. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 72. + + +EXAMINER. One who examines. In colleges and seminaries of +learning, the person who interrogates the students, proposes +questions for them to answer, and problems to solve. + +Coming forward with assumed carelessness, he threw towards us the +formal reply of his _examiners_.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 9. + + +EXEAT. Latin; literally, _let him depart_. Leave of absence given +to a student in the English universities.--_Webster_. + +The students who wish to go home apply for an "_Exeat_," which is +a paper signed by the Tutor, Master, and Dean.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. +I. p. 162. + +[At King's College], _exeats_, or permission to go down during +term, were never granted but in cases of life and +death.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 140. + + +EXERCISE. A task or lesson; that which is appointed for one to +perform. In colleges, all the literary duties are called +_exercises_. + +It may be inquired, whether a great part of the _exercises_ be not +at best but serious follies.--_Cotton Mather's Suggestions_, in +_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 558. + +In the English universities, certain exercises, as acts, +opponencies, &c., are required to be performed for particular +degrees. + + +EXHIBIT. To take part in an exhibition; to speak in public at an +exhibition or commencement. + +No student who shall receive any appointment to _exhibit_ before +the class, the College, or the public, shall give any treat or +entertainment to his class, or any part thereof, for or on account +of those appointments.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 29. + +If any student shall fail to perform the exercise assigned him, or +shall _exhibit_ anything not allowed by the Faculty, he may be +sent home.--_Ibid._, 1837, p. 16. + +2. To provide for poor students by an exhibition. (See EXHIBITION, +second meaning.) An instance of this use is given in the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, where one Antony Wood says of Bishop Longland, "He +was a special friend to the University, in maintaining its +privileges and in _exhibiting_ to the wants of certain scholars." +In Mr. Peirce's History of Harvard University occurs this passage, +in an account of the will of the Hon. William Stoughton: "He +bequeathed a pasture in Dorchester, containing twenty-three acres +and four acres of marsh, 'the income of both to be _exhibited_, in +the first place, to a scholar of the town of Dorchester, and if +there be none such, to one of the town of Milton, and in want of +such, then to any other well deserving that shall be most needy.'" +--p. 77. + + +EXHIBITION. In colleges, a public literary and oratorical display. +The exercises at _exhibitions_ are original compositions, prose +translations from the English into Greek and Latin, and from other +languages into the English, metrical versions, dialogues, &c. + +At Harvard College, in the year 1760, it was voted, "that twice in +a year, in the spring and fall, each class should recite to their +Tutors, in the presence of the President, Professors, and Tutors, +in the several books in which they are reciting to their +respective Tutors, and that publicly in the College Hall or +Chapel." The next year, the Overseers being informed "that the +students are not required to translate English into Latin nor +Latin into English," their committee "thought it would be +convenient that specimens of such translations and other +performances in classical and polite literature should be from +time to time laid before" their board. A vote passed the Board of +Overseers recommending to the Corporation a conformity to these +suggestions; but it was not until the year 1766 that a law was +formally enacted in both boards, "that twice in the year, viz. at +the semiannual visitation of the committee of the Overseers, some +of the scholars, at the direction of the President and Tutors, +shall publicly exhibit specimens of their proficiency, by +pronouncing orations and delivering dialogues, either in English +or in one of the learned languages, or hearing a forensic +disputation, or such other exercises as the President and Tutors +shall direct."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. +128-132. + +A few years after this, two more exhibitions were added, and were +so arranged as to fall one in each quarter of the College year. +The last year in which there were four exhibitions was 1789. After +this time there were three exhibitions during the year until 1849, +when one was omitted, since which time the original plan has been +adopted. + +In the journal of a member of the class which graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1793, under the date of December 23d, 1789, +Exhibition, is the following memorandum: "Music was intermingled +with elocution, which (we read) has charms to soothe even a savage +breast." Again, on a similar occasion, April 13th, 1790, an +account of the exercises of the day closes with this note: "Tender +music being interspersed to enliven the audience." Vocal music was +sometimes introduced. In the same Journal, date October 1st, 1790, +Exhibition, the writer says: "The performances were enlivened with +an excellent piece of music, sung by Harvard Singing Club, +accompanied with a band of music." From this time to the present +day, music, either vocal or instrumental, has formed a very +entertaining part of the Exhibition performances.[24] + +The exercises for exhibitions are assigned by the Faculty to +meritorious students, usually of the two higher classes. The +exhibitions are held under the direction of the President, and a +refusal to perform the part assigned is regarded as a high +offence.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 19. _Laws Yale +Coll._, 1837, p. 16. + +2. Allowance of meat and drink; pension; benefaction settled for +the maintenance of scholars in the English Universities, not +depending on the foundation.--_Encyc._ + + What maintenance he from his friends receives, + Like _exhibition_ thou shalt have from me. + _Two Gent. Verona_, Act. I. Sc. 3. + +This word was formerly used in American colleges. + +I order and appoint ... ten pounds a year for one _exhibition_, to +assist one pious young man.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. +p. 530. + +As to the extending the time of his _exhibitions_, we agree to it. +--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 532. + +In the yearly "Statement of the Treasurer" of Harvard College, the +word is still retained. + +"A _school exhibition_," says a writer in the Literary World, with +reference to England, "is a stipend given to the head boys of a +school, conditional on their proceeding to some particular college +in one of the universities."--Vol. XII. p. 285. + + +EXHIBITIONER. One who has a pension or allowance, granted for the +encouragement of learning; one who enjoys an exhibition. Used +principally in the English universities. + +2. One who performs a part at an exhibition in American colleges +is sometimes called an _exhibitioner_. + + +EXPEL. In college government, to command to leave; to dissolve the +connection of a student; to interdict him from further connection. +--_Webster_. + + +EXPULSION. In college government, expulsion is the highest +censure, and is a final separation from the college or university. +--_Coll. Laws_. + +In the Diary of Mr. Leverett, who was President of Harvard College +from 1707 to 1724, is an account of the manner in which the +punishment of expulsion was then inflicted. It is as follows:--"In +the College Hall the President, after morning prayers, the +Fellows, Masters of Art, and the several classes of Undergraduates +being present, after a full opening of the crimes of the +delinquents, a pathetic admonition of them, and solemn obtestation +and caution to the scholars, pronounced the sentence of expulsion, +ordered their names to be rent off the tables, and them to depart +the Hall."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 442. + +In England, "an expelled man," says Bristed, "is shut out from the +learned professions, as well as from all Colleges at either +University."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 131. + + + +_F_. + + +FACILITIES. The means by which the performance of anything is +rendered easy.--_Webster_. + +Among students, a general name for what are technically called +_ponies_ or translations. + +All such subsidiary helps in learning lessons, he classed ... +under the opprobrious name of "_facilities_," and never scrupled +to seize them as contraband goods.--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, +D.D._, p. lxxvii. + + +FACULTY. In colleges, the masters and professors of the several +sciences.--_Johnson_. + +In America, the _faculty_ of a college or university consists of +the president, professors, and tutors.--_Webster_. + +The duties of the faculty are very extended. They have the general +control and direction of the studies pursued in the college. They +have cognizance of all offences committed by undergraduates, and +it is their special duty to enforce the observance of all the laws +and regulations for maintaining discipline, and promoting good +order, virtue, piety, and good learning in the institution with +which they are connected. The faculty hold meetings to communicate +and compare their opinions and information, respecting the conduct +and character of the students and the state of the college; to +decide upon the petitions or requests which may be offered them by +the members of college, and to consider and suggest such measures +as may tend to the advancement of learning, and the improvement of +the college. This assembly is called a _Faculty-meeting_, a word +very often in the mouths of students.--_Coll. Laws_. + +2. One of the members or departments of a university. + +"In the origin of the University of Paris," says Brande, "the +seven liberal arts (grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, +geometry, astronomy, and music) seem to have been the subjects of +academic instruction. These constituted what was afterwards +designated the Faculty of Arts. Three other faculties--those of +divinity, law, and medicine--were subsequently added. In all these +four, lectures were given, and degrees conferred by the +University. The four Faculties were transplanted to Oxford and +Cambridge, where they are still retained; although, in point of +fact, the faculty of arts is the only one in which substantial +instruction is communicated in the academical course."--_Brande's +Dict._, Art. FACULTY. + +In some American colleges, these four departments are established, +and sometimes a fifth, the Scientific, is added. + + +FAG. Scotch, _faik_, to fail, to languish. Ancient Swedish, +_wik-a_, cedere. To drudge; to labor to weariness; to become +weary. + +2. To study hard; to persevere in study. + + Place me 'midst every toil and care, + A hapless undergraduate still, + To _fag_ at mathematics dire, &c. + _Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 8. + +Dee, the famous mathematician, appears to have _fagged_ as +intensely as any man at Cambridge. For three years, he declares, +he only slept four hours a night, and allowed two hours for +refreshment. The remaining eighteen hours were spent in +study.--_Ibid._, p. 48. + + How did ye toil, and _fagg_, and fume, and fret, + And--what the bashful muse would blush to say. + But, now, your painful tremors are all o'er, + Cloath'd in the glories of a full-sleev'd gown, + Ye strut majestically up and down, + And now ye _fagg_, and now ye fear, no more! + _Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 20. + + +FAG. A laborious drudge; a drudge for another. In colleges and +schools, this term is applied to a boy of a lower form who is +forced to do menial services for another boy of a higher form or +class. + +But who are those three by-standers, that have such an air of +submission and awe in their countenances? They are +_fags_,--Freshmen, poor fellows, called out of their beds, and +shivering with fear in the apprehension of missing morning +prayers, to wait upon their lords the Sophomores in their midnight +revellings.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. II. p. 106. + + His _fag_ he had well-nigh killed by a blow. + _Wallenstein in Bohn's Stand. Lib._, p. 155. + +A sixth-form schoolboy is not a little astonished to find his +_fags_ becoming his masters.--_Lond. Quar. Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. +LXXIII, p. 53. + +Under the title FRESHMAN SERVITUDE will be found as account of the +manner in which members of that class were formerly treated in the +older American colleges. + +2. A diligent student, i.e. a _dig_. + + +FAG. Time spent in, or period of, studying. + +The afternoon's _fag_ is a pretty considerable one, lasting from +three till dark.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 248. + +After another _hard fag_ of a week or two, a land excursion would +be proposed.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 56. + + +FAGGING. Laborious drudgery; the acting as a drudge for another at +a college or school. + +2. Studying hard, equivalent to _digging, grubbing, &c._ + + Thrice happy ye, through toil and dangers past, + Who rest upon that peaceful shore, + Where all your _fagging_ is no more, + And gain the long-expected port at last. + _Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + +To _fagging_ I set to, therefore, with as keen a relish as ever +alderman sat down to turtle.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 123. + +See what I pay for liberty to leave school early, and to figure in +every ball-room in the country, and see the world, instead of +_fagging_ at college.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 307. + + +FAIR HARVARD. At the celebration of the era of the second century +from the origin of Harvard College, which was held at Cambridge, +September 8th, 1836, the following Ode, written by the Rev. Samuel +Gilman, D.D., of Charleston, S.C., was sung to the air, "Believe +me, if all those endearing young charms." + + "FAIR HARVARD! thy sons to thy Jubilee throng, + And with blessings surrender thee o'er, + By these festival-rites, from the Age that is past, + To the Age that is waiting before. + O Relic and Type of our ancestors' worth, + That hast long kept their memory warm! + First flower of their wilderness! Star of their night, + Calm rising through change and through storm! + + "To thy bowers we were led in the bloom of our youth, + From the home of our free-roving years, + When our fathers had warned, and our mothers had prayed, + And our sisters had blest, through their tears. + _Thou_ then wert our parent,--the nurse of our souls,-- + We were moulded to manhood by thee, + Till, freighted with treasure-thoughts, friendships, and hopes, + Thou didst launch us on Destiny's sea. + + "When, as pilgrims, we come to revisit thy halls, + To what kindlings the season gives birth! + Thy shades are more soothing, thy sunlight more dear, + Than descend on less privileged earth: + For the Good and the Great, in their beautiful prime, + Through thy precincts have musingly trod, + As they girded their spirits, or deepened the streams + That make glad the fair City of God. + + "Farewell! be thy destinies onward and bright! + To thy children the lesson still give, + With freedom to think, and with patience to bear, + And for right ever bravely to live. + Let not moss-covered Error moor _thee_ at its side, + As the world on Truth's current glides by; + Be the herald of Light, and the bearer of Love, + Till the stock of the Puritans die." + +Since the occasion on which this ode was sung, it has been the +practice with the odists of Class Day at Harvard College to write +the farewell class song to the tune of "Fair Harvard," the name by +which the Irish air "Believe me" has been adopted. The deep pathos +of this melody renders it peculiarly appropriate to the +circumstances with which it has been so happily connected, and +from which it is to be hoped it may never be severed. + +See CLASS DAY. + + +FAIR LICK. In the game of football, when the ball is fairly caught +or kicked beyond the bounds, the cry usually heard, is _Fair lick! +Fair lick!_ + + "_Fair lick_!" he cried, and raised his dreadful foot, + Armed at all points with the ancestral boot. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 22. + +See FOOTBALL. + + +FANTASTICS. At Princeton College, an exhibition on Commencement +evening, of a number of students on horseback, fantastically +dressed in masks, &c. + + +FAST. An epithet of one who is showy in dress, expensive or +apparently so in his mode of living, and inclined to spree. +Formerly used exclusively among students; now of more general +application. + +Speaking of the student signification of the word, Bristed +remarks: "A _fast man_ is not necessarily (like the London fast +man) a _rowing_ man, though the two attributes are often combined +in the same person; he is one who dresses flashily, talks big, and +spends, or affects to spend, money very freely."--_Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 23. + + The _Fast_ Man comes, with reeling tread, + Cigar in mouth, and swimming head. + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton. + + +FAT. At Princeton College, a letter with money or a draft is thus +denominated. + + +FATHER or PRAELECTOR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., one of +the fellows of a college, who attends all the examinations for the +Bachelor's degree, to see that justice is done to the candidates +from his own college, who are at that time called his +_sons_.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +The _Fathers_ of the respective colleges, zealous for the credit +of the societies of which they are the guardians, are incessantly +employed in examining those students who appear most likely to +contest the palm of glory with their _sons_.--_Gent. Mag._, 1773, +p. 435. + + +FEBRUARY TWENTY-SECOND. At Shelby, Centre, and Bacon Colleges, in +Kentucky, it is customary to select the best orators and speakers +from the different literary societies to deliver addresses on the +twenty-second of February, in commemoration of the birthday of +Washington. At Bethany College, in Virginia, this day is observed +in a similar manner. + + +FEEZE. Usually spelled PHEEZE, q.v. + +Under FLOP, another, but probably a wrong or obsolete, +signification is given. + + +FELLOW. A member of a corporation; a trustee. In the English +universities, a residence at the college, engagement in +instruction, and receiving therefor a stipend, are essential +requisites to the character of a _fellow_. In American colleges, +it is not necessary that a _fellow_ should be a resident, a +stipendiary, or an instructor. In most cases the greater number of +the _Fellows of the Corporation_ are non-residents, and have no +part in the instruction at the college. + +With reference to the University of Cambridge, Eng., Bristed +remarks: "The Fellows, who form the general body from which the +other college officers are chosen, consist of those four or five +Bachelor Scholars in each year who pass the best examination in +classics, mathematics, and metaphysics. This examination being a +severe one, and only the last of many trials which they have gone +through, the inference is allowable that they are the most learned +of the College graduates. They have a handsome income, whether +resident or not; but if resident, enjoy the additional advantages +of a well-spread table for nothing, and good rooms at a very low +price. The only conditions of retaining their Fellowships are, +that they take orders after a certain time and remain unmarried. +Of those who do not fill college offices, some occupy themselves +with private pupils; others, who have property of their own, +prefer to live a life of literary leisure, like some of their +predecessors, the monks of old. The eight oldest Fellows at any +time in residence, together with the Master, have the government +of the college vested in them."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 16. + +For some remarks on the word Fellow, see under the title COLLEGE. + + +FELLOW-COMMONER. In the University of Cambridge, England, +_Fellow-Commoners_ are generally the younger sons of the nobility, +or young men of fortune, and have the privilege of dining at the +Fellows' table, whence the appellation originated. + +"Fellow-Commoners," says Bristed, "are 'young men of fortune,' as +the _Cambridge Calendar_ and _Cambridge Guide_ have it, who, in +consideration of their paying twice as much for everything as +anybody else, are allowed the privilege of sitting at the Fellows' +table in hall, and in their seats at chapel; of wearing a gown +with gold or silver lace, and a velvet cap with a metallic tassel; +of having the first choice of rooms; and as is generally believed, +and believed not without reason, of getting off with a less number +of chapels per week. Among them are included the Honorables _not_ +eldest sons,--only these wear a hat instead of the velvet cap, and +are thence popularly known as _Hat_ Fellow-Commoners."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 13. + +A _Fellow-Commoner_ at Cambridge is equivalent to an Oxford +_Gentleman-Commoner_, and is in all respects similar to what in +private schools and seminaries is called a _parlor boarder_. A +fuller account of this, the first rank at the University, will be +found in the Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 20, and in the Gradus +ad Cantabrigiam, p. 50. + +"Fellow-Commoners have been nicknamed '_Empty Bottles_'! They have +been called, likewise, 'Useless Members'! 'The licensed Sons of +Ignorance.'"--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +The Fellow-Commoners, alias _empty bottles_, (not so called +because they've let out anything during the examination,) are then +presented.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 101. + +In the old laws of Harvard College we find the following: "None +shall be admitted a _Fellow-Commoner_ unless he first pay thirteen +pounds six and eight pence to the college. And every +_Fellow-Commoner_ shall pay double tuition money. They shall have +the privilege of dining and supping with the Fellows at their +table in the hall; they shall be excused from going on errands, +and shall have the title of Masters, and have the privilege of +wearing their hats as the Masters do; but shall attend all duties +and exercises with the rest of their class, and be alike subject +to the laws and government of the College," &c. The Hon. Paine +Wingate, a graduate of the class of 1759, says in reference to +this subject: "I never heard anything about _Fellow-Commoners_ in +college excepting in this paragraph. I am satisfied there has been +no such description of scholars at Cambridge since I have known +anything about the place."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Coll._, p. 314. + +In the Appendix to "A Sketch of the History of Harvard College," +by Samuel A. Eliot, is a memorandum, in the list of donations to +that institution, under the date 1683, to this effect. "Mr. Joseph +Brown, Mr. Edward Page, Mr. Francis Wainwright, +_fellow-commoners_, gave each a silver goblet." Mr. Wainwright +graduated in 1686. The other two do not appear to have received a +degree. All things considered, it is probable that this order, +although introduced from the University of Cambridge, England, +into Harvard College, received but few members, on account of the +evil influence which such distinctions usually exert. + + +FELLOW OF THE HOUSE. See under HOUSE. + + +FELLOW, RESIDENT. At Harvard College, the tutors were formerly +called _resident fellows_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. +p. 278. + +The _resident fellows_ were tutors to the classes, and instructed +them in Hebrew, "and led them through all the liberal arts before +the four years were expired."--_Harv. Reg._, p. 249. + + +FELLOWSHIP. An establishment in colleges, for the maintenance of a +fellow.--_Webster_. + +In Harvard College, tutors were formerly called Fellows of the +House or College, and their office, _fellowships_. In this sense +that word is used in the following passage. + +Joseph Stevens was chosen "Fellow of the College, or House," and +as such was approved by that board [the Corporation], in the +language of the records, "to supply a vacancy in one of the +_Fellowships_ of the House."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. +I. p. 279. + + +FELLOWS' ORCHARD. See TUTORS' PASTURE. + + +FEMUR. Latin; _a thigh-bone_. At Yale College, a _femur_ was +formerly the badge of a medical bully. + + When hand in hand all joined in band, + With clubs, umbrellas, _femurs_, + Declaring death and broken teeth + 'Gainst blacksmiths, cobblers, seamers. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 14. + + "One hundred valiant warriors, who + (My Captain bid me say) + Three _femurs_ wield, with one to fight, + With two to run away, + + "Wait in Scull Castle, to receive, + With open gates, your men; + Their right arms nerved, their _femurs_ clenched, + Safe to protect ye then!"--_Ibid._, p. 23. + + +FERG. To lose the heat of excitement or passion; to become less +angry, ardent; to cool. A correspondent from the University of +Vermont, where this word is used, says: "If a man gets angry, we +'let him _ferg_,' and he feels better." + + +FESS. Probably abbreviated for CONFESS. In some of the Southern +Colleges, to fail in reciting; to silently request the teacher not +to put farther queries. + +This word is in use among the cadets at West Point, with the same +meaning. + + And when you and I, and Benny, and General Jackson too, + Are brought before a final board our course of life to view, + May we never "_fess_" on any "point," but then be told to go + To join the army of the blest, with Benny Havens, O! + _Song, Benny Havens, O!_ + + +FINES. In many of the colleges in the United States it was +formerly customary to impose fines upon the students as a +punishment for non-compliance with the laws. The practice is now +very generally abolished. + +About the middle of the eighteenth century, the custom of +punishing by pecuniary mulets began, at Harvard College, to be +considered objectionable. "Although," says Quincy, "little +regarded by the students, they were very annoying to their +parents." A list of the fines which were imposed on students at +that period presents a curious aggregate of offences and +punishments. + + L s. d. +Absence from prayers, 0 0 2 +Tardiness at prayers, 0 0 1 +Absence from Professor's public lecture, 0 0 4 +Tardiness at do. 0 0 2 +Profanation of Lord's day, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Absence from public worship, 0 0 9 +Tardiness at do. 0 0 3 +Ill behavior at do. not exceeding 0 1 6 +Going to meeting before bell-ringing, 0 0 6 +Neglecting to repeat the sermon, 0 0 9 +Irreverent behavior at prayers, or public divinity + lectures, 0 1 6 +Absence from chambers, &c., not exceeding 0 0 6 +Not declaiming, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Not giving up a declamation, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Absence from recitation, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Neglecting analyzing, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Bachelors neglecting disputations, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Respondents neglecting do. from 1s. 6d. to 0 3 0 +Undergraduates out of town without leave, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town without leave, not + exceeding _per diem_, 0 1 3 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town one week without + leave, not exceeding 0 10 0 +Undergraduates tarrying out of town one month without + leave, not exceeding 2 10 0 +Lodging strangers without leave, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Entertaining persons of ill character, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Going out of College without proper garb, not exceeding 0 0 6 +Frequenting taverns, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Profane cursing, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Graduates playing cards, not exceeding 0 5 0 +Undergraduates playing cards, not exceeding 0 2 6 +Undergraduates playing any game for money, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Selling and exchanging without leave, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Lying, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Opening door by pick-locks, not exceeding 0 5 0 +Drunkenness, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Liquors prohibited under penalty, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Second offence, not exceeding 0 3 0 +Keeping prohibited liquors, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Sending for do. 0 0 6 +Fetching do. 0 1 6 +Going upon the top of the College, 0 1 6 +Cutting off the lead, 0 1 6 +Concealing the transgression of the 19th Law,[25] 0 1 6 +Tumultuous noises, 0 1 6 +Second offence, 0 3 0 +Refusing to give evidence, 0 3 0 +Rudeness at meals, 0 1 0 +Butler and cook to keep utensils clean, not + exceeding 0 5 0 +Not lodging at their chambers, not exceeding 0 1 6 +Sending Freshmen in studying time, 0 0 9 +Keeping guns, and going on skating, 0 1 0 +Firing guns or pistols in College yard, 0 2 6 +Fighting or hurting any person, not exceeding 0 1 6 + +In 1761, a committee, of which Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson was +a member, was appointed to consider of some other method of +punishing offenders. Although they did not altogether abolish +mulets, yet "they proposed that, in lieu of an increase of mulcts, +absences without justifiable cause from any exercise of the +College should subject the delinquent to warning, private +admonition, exhortation to duty, and public admonition, with a +notification to parents; when recitations had been omitted, +performance of them should be exacted at some other time; and, by +way of punishment for disorders, confinement, and the performance +of exercises during its continuance, should be +enjoined."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 135, 136. + +By the laws of 1798, fines not exceeding one dollar were imposed +by a Professor or Tutor, or the Librarian; not exceeding two +dollars, by the President; all above two dollars, by the +President, Professors, and Tutors, at a meeting. + +Upon this subject, with reference to Harvard College, Professor +Sidney Willard remarks: "For a long period fines constituted the +punishment of undergraduates for negligence in attendance at the +exercises and in the performance of the lessons assigned to them. +A fine was the lowest degree in the gradation of punishment. This +mode of punishment or disapprobation was liable to objections, as +a tax on the father rather than a rebuke of the son, (except it +might be, in some cases, for the indirect moral influence produced +upon the latter, operating on his filial feeling,) and as a +mercenary exaction, since the money went into the treasury of the +College. It was a good day for the College when this punishment +through the purse was abandoned as a part of the system of +punishments; which, not confined to neglect of study, had been +extended also to a variety of misdemeanors more or less aggravated +and aggravating."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. p. +304. + +"Of fines," says President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse +relating to Yale College, "the laws are full, and other documents +show that the laws did not sleep. Thus there was in 1748 a fine of +a penny for the absence of an undergraduate from prayers, and of a +half-penny for tardiness or coming in after the introductory +collect; of fourpence for absence from public worship; of from two +to six pence for absence from one's chamber during the time of +study; of one shilling for picking open a lock the first time, and +two shillings the second; of two and sixpence for playing at cards +or dice, or for bringing strong liquor into College; of one +shilling for doing damage to the College, or jumping out of the +windows,--and so in many other cases. + +"In the year 1759, a somewhat unfair pamphlet was written, which +gave occasion to several others in quick succession, wherein, +amidst other complaints of President Clap's administration, +mention is made of the large amount of fines imposed upon +students. The author, after mentioning that in three years' time +over one hundred and seventy-two pounds of lawful money was +collected in this way, goes on to add, that 'such an exorbitant +collection by fines tempts one to suspect that they have got +together a most disorderly set of young men training up for the +service of the churches, or that they are governed and corrected +chiefly by pecuniary punishments;--that almost all sins in that +society are purged and atoned for by money.' He adds, with +justice, that these fines do not fall on the persons of the +offenders,--most of the students being minors,--but upon their +parents; and that the practice takes place chiefly where there is +the least prospect of working a reformation, since the thoughtless +and extravagant, being the principal offenders against College +law, would not lay it to heart if their frolics should cost them a +little more by way of fine. He further expresses his opinion, that +this way of punishing the children of the College has but little +tendency to better their hearts and reform their manners; that +pecuniary impositions act only by touching the shame or +covetousness or necessities of those upon whom they are levied; +and that fines had ceased to become dishonorable at College, while +to appeal to the love of money was expelling one devil by another, +and to restrain the necessitous by fear of fine would be extremely +cruel and unequal. These and other considerations are very +properly urged, and the same feeling is manifested in the laws by +the gradual abolition of nearly all pecuniary mulcts. The +practice, it ought to be added, was by no means peculiar to Yale +College, but was transferred, even in a milder form, from the +colleges of England."--pp. 47, 48. + +In connection with this subject, it may not be inappropriate to +mention the following occurrence, which is said to have taken +place at Harvard College. + +Dr. ----, _in propria persona_, called upon a Southern student one +morning in the recitation-room to define logic. The question was +something in this form. "Mr. ----, what is logic?" Ans. "Logic, +Sir, is the art of reasoning." "Ay; but I wish you to give the +definition in the exact words of the _learned author_." "O, Sir, +he gives a very long, intricate, confused definition, with which I +did not think proper to burden my memory." "Are you aware who the +learned author is?" "O, yes! your honor, Sir." "Well, then, I fine +you one dollar for disrespect." Taking out a two-dollar note, the +student said, with the utmost _sang froid_, "If you will change +this, I will pay you on the spot." "I fine you another dollar," +said the Professor, emphatically, "for repeated disrespect." "Then +'tis just the change, Sir," said the student, coolly. + + +FIRST-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, England, the title +of _First-Year Men_, or _Freshmen_, is given to students during +the first year of their residence at the University. + + +FISH. At Harvard College, to seek or gain the good-will of an +instructor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious +civilities; to curry favor. The German word _fischen_ has a +secondary meaning, to get by cunning, which is similar to the +English word _fish_. Students speak of fishing for parts, +appointments, ranks, marks, &c. + + I give to those that _fish for parts_, + Long, sleepless nights, and aching hearts, + A little soul, a fawning spirit, + With half a grain of plodding merit, + Which is, as Heaven I hope will say, + Giving what's not my own away. + _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795. + + Who would let a Tutor knave + Screw him like a Guinea slave! + Who would _fish_ a fine to save! + Let him turn and flee.--_Rebelliad_, p. 35. + + Did I not promise those who _fished_ + And pimped most, any part they wished?--_Ibid._, p. 33. + + 'T is all well here; though 't were a grand mistake + To write so, should one "_fish_" for a "forty-eight!" + _Childe Harvard_, p. 33. + + Still achieving, still intriguing, + Learn to labor and to _fish_. + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849. + +The following passage explains more clearly, perhaps, the meaning +of this word. "Any attempt to raise your standing by ingratiating +yourself with the instructors, will not only be useless, but +dishonorable. Of course, in your intercourse with the Professors +and Tutors, you will not be wanting in that respect and courtesy +which is due to them, both as your superiors and as +gentlemen."--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 79. + +Washington Allston, who graduated at Harvard College in the year +1800, left a painting of a fishing scene, to be transmitted from +class to class. It was in existence in the year 1828, but has +disappeared of late. + + +FISH, FISHER. One who attempts to ingratiate himself with his +instructor, thereby to obtain favor or advantage; one who curries +favor. + +You besought me to respect my teachers, and to be attentive to my +studies, though it shall procure me the odious title of a +"_fisher_."--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 153. + + +FISHING. The act performed by a _fisher_. The full force of this +word is set forth in a letter from Dr. Popkin, a Professor at +Harvard College, to his brother William, dated Boston, October +17th, 1800. + +"I am sensible that the good conduct which I have advised you, and +which, I doubt not, you are inclined to preserve, may expose you +to the opprobrious epithet, _fishing_. You undoubtedly understand, +by this time, the meaning of that frightful term, which has done +more damage in college than all the bad wine, and roasted pigs, +that have ever fired the frenzy of Genius! The meaning of it, in +short, is nothing less than this, that every one who acts as a +reasonable being in the various relations and duties of a scholar +is using the basest means to ingratiate himself with the +government, and seeking by mean compliances to purchase their +honors and favors. At least, I thought this to be true when I was +in the government. If times and manners are altered, I am heartily +glad of it; but it will not injure you to hear the tales of former +times. If a scholar appeared to perform his exercises to his best +ability, if there were not a marked contempt and indifference in +his manner, I would hear the whisper run round the class, +_fishing_. If one appeared firm enough to perform an unpopular +duty, or showed common civility to his instructors, who certainly +wished him well, he was _fishing_. If he refused to join in some +general disorder, he was insulted with _fishing_. If he did not +appear to despise the esteem and approbation of his instructors, +and to disclaim all the rewards of diligence and virtue, he was +suspected of _fishing_. The fear of this suspicion or imputation +has, I believe, perverted many minds which, from good and +honorable motives, were better disposed."--_Memorial of John S. +Popkin, D.D._, pp. xxvi., xxvii. + + To those who've parts at exhibition, + Obtained by long, unwearied _fishing_, + I say, to such unlucky wretches, + I give, for wear, a brace of breeches. + _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795. + + And, since his _fishing_ on the land was vain, + To try his luck upon the azure main.--_Class Poem_, 1835. + +Whenever I needed advice or assistance, I did not hesitate, +through any fear of the charge of what, in the College cant, was +called "_fishing_," to ask it of Dr. Popkin.--_Memorial of John S. +Popkin, D.D._, p. ix. + +At Dartmouth College, the electioneering for members of the secret +societies was formerly called _fishing_. At the same institution, +individuals in the Senior Class were said to be _fishing for +appointments_, if they tried to gain the good-will of the Faculty +by any special means. + + +FIVES. A kind of play with a ball against the side of a building, +resembling tennis; so named, because three _fives_ or _fifteen_ +are counted to the game.--_Smart_. + +A correspondent, writing of Centre College, Ky., says: "Fives was +a game very much in vogue, at which the President would often take +a hand, and while the students would play for ice-cream or some +other refreshment, he would never fail to come in for his share." + + +FIZZLE. Halliwell says: "The half-hiss, half-sigh of an animal." +In many colleges in the United States, this word is applied to a +bad recitation, probably from the want of distinct articulation +which usually attends such performances. It is further explained +in the Yale Banger, November 10, 1846: "This figure of a wounded +snake is intended to represent what in technical language is +termed a _fizzle_. The best judges have decided, that to get just +one third of the meaning right constitutes a _perfect fizzle_." + +With a mind and body so nearly at rest, that naught interrupted my +inmost repose save cloudy reminiscences of a morning "_fizzle_" +and an afternoon "flunk," my tranquillity was sufficiently +enviable.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 114. + + Here he could _fizzles_ mark without a sigh, + And see orations unregarded die. + _The Tomahawk_, Nov., 1849. + + Not a wail was heard, or a "_fizzle's_" mild sigh, + As his corpse o'er the pavement we hurried. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec., 1849. + +At Princeton College, the word _blue_ is used with _fizzle_, to +render it intensive; as, he made a _blue fizzle_, he _fizzled +blue_. + + +FIZZLE. To fail in reciting; to recite badly. A correspondent from +Williams College says: "Flunk is the common word when some +unfortunate man makes an utter failure in recitation. He _fizzles_ +when he stumbles through at last." Another from Union writes: "If +you have been lazy, you will probably _fizzle_." A writer in the +Yale Literary Magazine thus humorously defines this word: +"_Fizzle_. To rise with modest reluctance, to hesitate often, to +decline finally; generally, to misunderstand the question."--Vol. +XIV. p. 144. + +My dignity is outraged at beholding those who _fizzle_ and flunk +in my presence tower above me.--_The Yale Banger_, Oct. 22, 1847. + + I "skinned," and "_fizzled_" through. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +The verb _to fizzle out_, which is used at the West, has a little +stronger signification, viz. to be quenched, extinguished; to +prove a failure.--_Bartlett's Dict. Americanisms_. + +The factious and revolutionary action of the fifteen has +interrupted the regular business of the Senate, disgraced the +actors, and _fizzled out_.--_Cincinnati Gazette_. + +2. To cause one to fail in reciting. Said of an instructor. + + _Fizzle_ him tenderly, + Bore him with care, + Fitted so slenderly, + Tutor, beware. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 321. + + +FIZZLING. Reciting badly; the act of making a poor recitation. + +Of this word, a writer jocosely remarks: "_Fizzling_ is a somewhat +_free_ translation of an intricate sentence; proving a proposition +in geometry from a wrong figure. Fizzling is caused sometimes by a +too hasty perusal of the pony, and generally by a total loss of +memory when called upon to recite."--_Sophomore Independent_, +Union College, Nov. 1854. + + Weather drizzling, + Freshmen _fizzling_. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 212. + + +FLAM. At the University of Vermont, in student phrase, to _flam_ +is to be attentive, at any time, to any lady or company of ladies. +E.g. "He spends half his time _flamming_" i.e. in the society of +the other sex. + + +FLASH-IN-THE-PAN. A student is said to make a _flash-in-the-pan_ +when he commences to recite brilliantly, and suddenly fails; the +latter part of such a recitation is a FIZZLE. The metaphor is +borrowed from a gun, which, after being primed, loaded, and ready +to be discharged, _flashes in the pan_. + + +FLOOR. Among collegians, to answer such questions as may be +propounded concerning a given subject. + + Then Olmsted took hold, but he couldn't make it go, + For we _floored_ the Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + +To _floor a paper_, is to answer every question in it.--_Bristed_. + +Somehow I nearly _floored the paper_, and came out feeling much +more comfortable than when I went in.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 12. + +Our best classic had not time to _floor_ the _paper_.--_Ibid._, p. +135. + + +FLOP. A correspondent from the University of Vermont writes: "Any +'cute' performance by which a man is sold [deceived] is a _good +flop_, and, by a phrase borrowed from the ball ground, is 'rightly +played.' The discomfited individual declares that they 'are all on +a side,' and gives up, or 'rolls over' by giving his opponent +'gowdy.'" "A man writes cards during examination to 'feeze the +profs'; said cards are 'gumming cards,' and he _flops_ the +examination if he gets a good mark by the means." One usually +_flops_ his marks by feigning sickness. + + +FLOP A TWENTY. At the University of Vermont, to _flop a twenty_ is +to make a perfect recitation, twenty being the maximum mark for +scholarship. + + +FLUMMUX. Any failure is called a _flummux_. In some colleges the +word is particularly applied to a poor recitation. At Williams +College, a failure on the play-ground is called a _flummux_. + + +FLUMMUX. To fail; to recite badly. Mr. Bartlett, in his Dictionary +of Americanisms, has the word _flummix_, to be overcome; to be +frightened; to give way to. + +Perhaps Parson Hyme didn't put it into Pokerville for two mortal +hours; and perhaps Pokerville didn't mizzle, wince, and finally +_flummix_ right beneath him.--_Field, Drama in Pokerville_. + + +FLUNK. This word is used in some American colleges to denote a +complete failure in recitation. + +This, O, [signifying neither beginning nor end,] Tutor H---- said +meant a perfect _flunk_.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + +I've made some twelve or fourteen _flunks_.--_The Gallinipper_, +Dec. 1849. + + And that bold man must bear a _flunk_, or die, + Who, when John pleased be captious, dared reply. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +The Sabbath dawns upon the poor student burdened with the thought +of the lesson, or _flunk_ of the morrow morning.--_Ibid._, Feb. +1851. + + He thought ... + First of his distant home and parents, tunc, + Of tutors' note-books, and the morrow's _flunk_. + _Ibid._, Feb. 1851. + + In moody meditation sunk, + Reflecting on my future _flunk_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 54. + + And so, in spite of scrapes and _flunks_, + I'll have a sheep-skin too. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +Some amusing anecdotes are told, such as the well-known one about +the lofty dignitary's macaronic injunction, "Exclude canem, et +shut the door"; and another of a tutor's dismal _flunk_ on +faba.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 263. + + +FLUNK. To make a complete failure when called on to recite. A +writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines it, "to decline +peremptorily, and then to whisper, 'I had it all, except that +confounded little place.'"--Vol. XIV. p. 144. + +They know that a man who has _flunked_, because too much of a +genius to get his lesson, is not in a state to appreciate joking. +--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 253. + +Nestor was appointed to deliver a poem, but most ingloriously +_flunked_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 256. + +The phrase _to flunk out_, which Bartlett, in his Dictionary of +Americanisms, defines, "to retire through fear, to back out," is +of the same nature as the above word. + +Why, little one, you must be cracked, if you _flunk out_ before we +begin.--_J.C. Neal_. + +It was formerly used in some American colleges as is now the word +_flunk_. + +We must have, at least, as many subscribers as there are students +in College, or "_flunk out."--The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 3. + + +FLUNKEY. In college parlance, one who makes a complete failure at +recitation; one who _flunks_. + + I bore him safe through Horace, + Saved him from the _flunkey's_ doom. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 76. + + +FLUNKING. Failing completely in reciting. + + _Flunking_ so gloomily, + Crushed by contumely. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 322. + + +We made our earliest call while the man first called up in the +division-room was deliberately and gracefully +"_flunking_."--_Ibid._, Vol. XIV. p. 190. + + See what a spot a _flunking_ Soph'more made! + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + +FLUNKOLOGY. A farcical word, designed to express the science _of +flunking_. + +The ---- scholarship, is awarded to the student in each Freshman +Class who passes the poorest examination in +_Flunkology_.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 28. + + +FOOTBALL. For many years, the game of football has been the +favorite amusement at some of the American colleges, during +certain seasons of the year. At Harvard and Yale, it is customary +for the Sophomore Class to challenge the Freshmen to a trial game, +soon after their entrance into College. The interest excited on +this occasion is always very great, the Seniors usually siding +with the former, and the Juniors with the latter class. The result +is generally in favor of the Sophomores. College poets and +prose-writers have often chosen the game of football as a topic on +which to exercise their descriptive powers. One invokes his muse, +in imitation of a great poet, as follows:-- + + "The Freshmen's wrath, to Sophs the direful spring + Of shins unnumbered bruised, great goddess, sing!" + +Another, speaking of the size of the ball in ancient times +compared with what it is at present, says:-- + + "A ball like this, so monstrous and so hard, + Six eager Freshmen scarce could kick a yard!" + +Further compositions on this subject are to be found in the +Harvard Register, Harvardiana, Yale Banger, &c. + +See WRESTLING-MATCH. + + +FORENSIC. A written argument, maintaining either the affirmative +or the negative side of a question. + +In Harvard College, the two senior classes are required to write +_forensics_ once in every four weeks, on a subject assigned by the +Professor of Moral Philosophy; these they read before him and the +division of the class to which they belong, on appointed days. It +was formerly customary for the teacher to name those who were to +write on the affirmative and those on the negative, but it is now +left optional with the student which side he will take. This word +was originally used as an adjective, and it was usual to speak of +a forensic dispute, which has now been shortened into _forensic_. + +For every unexcused omission of a _forensic_, or of reading a +_forensic_, a deduction shall be made of the highest number of +marks to which that exercise is entitled. Seventy-two is the +highest mark for _forensics_.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, +1848. + +What with themes, _forensics_, letters, memoranda, notes on +lectures, verses, and articles, I find myself considerably +hurried.--_Collegian_, 1830, p. 241. + + When + I call to mind _Forensics_ numberless, + With arguments so grave and erudite, + I never understood their force myself, + But trusted that my sage instructor would. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 403. + + +FORK ON. At Hamilton College, _to fork on_, to appropriate to +one's self. + + +FORTS. At Jefferson and at Washington Colleges in Pennsylvania, +the boarding-houses for the students are called _forts_. + + +FOUNDATION. A donation or legacy appropriated to support an +institution, and constituting a permanent fund, usually for a +charitable purpose.--_Webster_. + +In America it is also applied to a donation or legacy appropriated +especially to maintain poor and deserving, or other students, at a +college. + +In the selection of candidates for the various beneficiary +_foundations_, the preference will be given to those who are of +exemplary conduct and scholarship.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., +Mass._, 1848, p. 19. + +Scholars on this _foundation_ are to be called "scholars of the +house."--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. 86. + + +FOUNDATIONER. One who derives support from the funds or foundation +of a college or a great school.--_Jackson_. + +This word is not in use in the _United States_. + +See BENEFICIARY. + + +FOUNDATION SCHOLAR. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +scholar who enjoys certain privileges, and who is of that class +whence Fellows are taken. + +Of the scholars of this name, Bristed remarks: "The table nearer +the door is filled by students in the ordinary Undergraduate blue +gown; but from the better service of their table, and perhaps some +little consequential air of their own, it is plain that they have +something peculiar to boast of. They are the Foundation Scholars, +from whom the future Fellows are to be chosen, in the proportion +of about one out of three. Their Scholarships are gained by +examination in the second or third year, and entitle them to a +pecuniary allowance from the college, and also to their commons +gratis (these latter subject to certain attendance at and service +in chapel), a first choice of rooms, and some other little +privileges, of which they are somewhat proud, and occasionally +they look as if conscious that some Don may be saying to a chance +visitor at the high table, 'Those over yonder are the scholars, +the best men of their year.'"--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 20. + + +FOX. In the German universities, a student during the first +half-year is called a Fox (Fuchs), the same as Freshman. To this +the epithet _nasty_ is sometimes added. + +On this subject, Howitt remarks: "On entering the University, he +becomes a _Kameel_,--a Camel. This happy transition-state of a few +weeks gone by, he comes forth finally, on entering a Chore, a +_Fox_, and runs joyfully into the new Burschen life. During the +first _semester_ or half-year, he is a gold fox, which means, that +he has _foxes_, or rich gold in plenty yet; or he is a +_Crass-fucks_, or fat fox, meaning that he yet swells or puffs +himself up with gold."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +124. + +"Halloo there, Herdman, _fox_!" yelled another lusty tippler, and +Herdman, thus appealed to, arose and emptied the contents of his +glass.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 116. + +At the same moment, a door at the end of the hall was thrown open, +and a procession of new-comers, or _Nasty Foxes_, as they are +called in the college dialect, entered two by two, looking wild, +and green, and foolish.--_Longfellow's Hyperion_, p. 109. + +See also in the last-mentioned work the Fox song. + + +FREEZE. A correspondent from Williams College writes: "But by far +the most expressive word in use among us is _Freeze_. The meaning +of it might be felt, if, some cold morning, you would place your +tender hand upon some frosty door-latch; it would be a striking +specimen on the part of the door-latch of what we mean by +_Freeze_. Thus we _freeze_ to apples in the orchards, to fellows +whom we electioneer for in our secret societies, and alas! some +even go so far as to _freeze_ to the ladies." + +"Now, boys," said Bob, "_freeze on_," and at it they went.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 111. + + +FRESH. An abbreviation for Freshman or Freshmen; FRESHES is +sometimes used for the plural. + +When Sophs met _Fresh_, power met opposing power. _Harv. Reg._, p. +251. + +The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +_Fresh_, as they call us.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + +Listen to the low murmurings of some annihilated _Fresh_ upon the +Delta.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + + +FRESH. Newly come; likewise, awkward, like a Freshman.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + +For their behavior at table, spitting and coughing, and speaking +loud, was counted uncivil in any but a gentleman; as we say in the +university, that nothing is _fresh_ in a Senior, and to him it was +a glory.--_Archaeol. Atticae_, Edit. Oxon., 1675, B. VI. + + +FRESHMAN, _pl._ FRESHMEN. In England, a student during his first +year's residence at the university. In America, one who belongs to +the youngest of the four classes in college, called the _Freshman +Class_.--_Webster_. + + +FRESHMAN. Pertaining to a Freshman, or to the class called +_Freshman_. + + +FRESHMAN, BUTLER'S. At Harvard and Yale Colleges, a Freshman, +formerly hired by the Butler, to perform certain duties pertaining +to his office, was called by this name. + +The Butler may be allowed a Freshman, to do the foregoing duties, +and to deliver articles to the students from the Buttery, who +shall be appointed by the President and Tutors, and he shall be +allowed the same provision in the Hall as the Waiters; and he +shall not be charged in the Steward's quarter-bills under the +heads of Steward and Instruction and Sweepers, Catalogue and +Dinner.--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1793, p. 61. + +With being _butler's freshman_, and ringing the bell the first +year, waiter the three last, and keeping school in the vacations, +I rubbed through.--_The Algerine Captive_, Walpole, 1797, Vol. I. +p. 54. + +See BUTLER, BUTTERY. + + +FRESHMAN CLUB. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the new +Sophomore Class to present to the Freshmen at the commencement of +the first term a heavy cudgel, six feet long, of black walnut, +brass bound, with a silver plate inscribed "_Freshman Club_." The +club is given to the one who can hold it out at arm's length the +longest time, and the presentation is accompanied with an address +from one of the Sophomores in behalf of his class. He who receives +the club is styled the "leader." The "leader" having been +declared, after an appropriate speech from a Freshman appointed +for that purpose, "the class," writes a correspondent, "form a +procession, and march around the College yard, the leader carrying +the club before them. A trial is then made by the class of the +virtues of the club, on the Chapel door." + + +FRESHMAN, COLLEGE. In Harvard University, a member of the Freshman +Class, whose duties are enumerated below. "On Saturday, after the +exercises, any student not specially prohibited may go out of +town. If the students thus going out of town fail to return so as +to be present at evening prayers, they must enter their names with +the _College Freshman_ within the hour next preceding the evening +study bell; and all students who shall be absent from evening +prayers on Saturday must in like manner enter their +names."--_Statutes and Laws of the Univ. in Cam., Mass._, 1825, p. +42. + +The _College Freshman_ lived in No. 1, Massachusetts Hall, and was +commonly called the _book-keeper_. The duties of this office are +now performed by one of the Proctors. + + +FRESHMANHOOD. The state of a _Freshman_, or the time in which one +is a Freshman, which is in duration a year. + + But yearneth not thy laboring heart, O Tom, + For those dear hours of simple _Freshmanhood_? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 405. + + When to the college I came, + in the first dear day of _my freshhood_, + Like to the school we had left + I imagined the new situation. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 98. + + +FRESHMANIC. Pertaining to a _Freshman_; resembling a _Freshman_, +or his condition. + +The Junior Class had heard of our miraculous doings, and asserted +with that peculiar dignity which should at all times excite terror +and awe in the _Freshmanic_ breast, that they would countenance no +such proceedings.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 316. + +I do not pine for those _Freshmanic_ days.--_Ibid._, Vol. III. p. +405. + + +FRESHMAN, PARIETAL. In Harvard College, the member of the Freshman +Class who gives notice to those whom the chairman of the Parietal +Committee wishes to see, is known by the name of the _Parietal +Freshman_. For his services he receives about forty dollars per +annum, and the rent of his room. + + +FRESHMAN, PRESIDENT'S. A member of the Freshman Class who performs +the official errands of the President, for which he receives the +same compensation as the PARIETAL FRESHMAN. + + Then Bibo kicked his carpet thrice, + Which brought his _Freshman_ in a trice. + "You little rascal! go and call + The persons mentioned in this scroll." + The fellow, hearing, scarcely feels + The ground, so quickly fly his heels. + _Rebelliad_, p. 27. + + +FRESHMAN, REGENT'S. In Harvard College, a member of the Freshman +Class whose duties are given below. + +"When any student shall return to town, after having had leave of +absence for one night or more, or after any vacation, he shall +apply to the _Regent's Freshman_, at his room, to enter the time +of his return; and shall tarry till he see it entered. + +"The _Regent's Freshman_ is not charged under the heads of +Steward, Instruction, Sweepers, Catalogue, and Dinner."--_Laws of +Harv. Coll._, 1816, pp. 46, 47. + +This office is now abolished. + + +FRESHMAN'S BIBLE. Among collegians, the name by which the body of +laws, the catalogue, or the calendar of a collegiate institution +is often designated. The significancy of the word _Bible_ is seen, +when the position in which the laws are intended to be regarded is +considered. The _Freshman_ is supposed to have studied and to be +more familiar with the laws than any one else, hence the propriety +of using his name in this connection. A copy of the laws are +usually presented to each student on his entrance into college. + +Every year there issues from the warehouse of Messrs. Deighton, +the publishers to the University of Cambridge, an octavo volume, +bound in white canvas, and of a very periodical and business-like +appearance. Among the Undergraduates it is commonly known by the +name of the "_Freshman's Bible_,"--the public usually ask for the +"University Calendar."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +230. + +See COLLEGE BIBLE. + + +FRESHMAN SERVITUDE. The custom which formerly prevailed in the +older American colleges of allowing the members of all the upper +classes to send Freshmen upon errands, and in other ways to treat +them as inferiors, appears at the present day strange and almost +unaccountable. That our forefathers had reasons which they deemed +sufficient, not only for allowing, but sanctioning, this +subjection, we cannot doubt; but what these were, we are not able +to know from any accounts which have come down to us from the +past. + +"On attending prayers the first evening," says one who graduated +at Harvard College near the close of the last century, "no sooner +had the President pronounced the concluding 'Amen,' than one of +the Sophomores sung out, 'Stop, Freshmen, and hear the customs +read.'" An account of these customs is given in President Quincy's +History of Harvard University, Vol. II. p. 539. It is entitled, + +"THE ANCIENT CUSTOMS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, ESTABLISHED BY THE +GOVERNMENT OF IT." + +"1. No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, unless it +rains, hails, or snows, provided he be on foot, and have not both +hands full. + +"2. No Undergraduate shall wear his hat in the College yard when +any of the Governors of the College are there; and no Bachelor +shall wear his hat when the President is there. + +"3. Freshmen are to consider all the other classes as their +seniors. + +"4. No Freshman shall speak to a Senior[26] with his hat on, or +have it on in a Senior's chamber, or in his own, if a Senior be +there. + +"5. All the Undergraduates shall treat those in the Government of +the College with respect and deference; particularly they shall +not be seated without leave in their presence; they shall be +uncovered when they speak to them or are spoken to by them. + +"6. All Freshmen (except those employed by the Immediate +Government of the College) shall be obliged to go on any errand +(except such as shall be judged improper by some one in the +Government of the College) for any of his Seniors, Graduates or +Undergraduates, at any time, except in studying hours, or after +nine o'clock in the evening. + +"7. A Senior Sophister has authority to take a Freshman from a +Sophomore, a Middle Bachelor from a Junior Sophister, a Master +from a Senior Sophister, and any Governor of the College from a +Master. + +"8. Every Freshman before he goes for the person who takes him +away (unless it be one in the Government of the College) shall +return and inform the person from whom he is taken. + +"9. No Freshman, when sent on an errand, shall make any +unnecessary delay, neglect to make due return, or go away till +dismissed by the person who sent him. + +"10. No Freshman shall be detained by a Senior, when not actually +employed on some suitable errand. + +"11. No Freshman shall be obliged to observe any order of a Senior +to come to him, or go on any errand for him, unless he be wanted +immediately. + +"12. No Freshman, when sent on an errand, shall tell who he is +going for, unless he be asked; nor be obliged to tell what he is +going for, unless asked by a Governor of the College. + +"13. When any person knocks at a Freshman's door, except in +studying time, he shall immediately open the door, without +inquiring who is there. + +"14. No scholar shall call up or down, to or from, any chamber in +the College. + +"15. No scholar shall play football or any other game in the +College yard, or throw any thing across the yard. + +"16. The Freshmen shall furnish bats, balls, and footballs for the +use of the students, to be kept at the Buttery.[27] + +"17. Every Freshman shall pay the Butler for putting up his name +in the Buttery. + +"18. Strict attention shall be paid by all the students to the +common rules of cleanliness, decency, and politeness. + +"The Sophomores shall publish these customs to the Freshmen in the +Chapel, whenever ordered by any in the Government of the College; +at which time the Freshmen are enjoined to keep their places in +their seats, and attend with decency to the reading." + +At the close of a manuscript copy of the laws of Harvard College, +transcribed by Richard Waldron, a graduate of the class of 1738, +when a Freshman, are recorded the following regulations, which +differ from those already cited, not only in arrangement, but in +other respects. + +COLLEGE CUSTOMS, ANNO 1734-5. + +"1. No Freshman shall ware his hat in the College yard except it +rains, snows, or hails, or he be on horse back or haith both hands +full. + +"2. No Freshman shall ware his hat in his Seniors Chamber, or in +his own if his Senior be there. + +"3. No Freshman shall go by his Senior, without taking his hat of +if it be on. + +"4. No Freshman shall intrude into his Seniors company. + +"5. No Freshman shall laugh in his Seniors face. + +"6. No Freshman shall talk saucily to his Senior, or speak to him +with his hat on. + +"7. No Freshman shall ask his Senior an impertinent question. + +"8. Freshmen are to take notice that a Senior Sophister can take a +Freshman from a Sophimore,[28] a Middle Batcelour from a Junior +Sophister, a Master from a Senior Sophister, and a Fellow[29] from +a Master. + +"9. Freshmen are to find the rest of the Scholars with bats, +balls, and foot balls. + +"10. Freshmen must pay three shillings a peice to the Butler to +have there names set up in the Buttery. + +"11. No Freshman shall loiter by the [way] when he is sent of an +errand, but shall make hast and give a direct answer when he is +asked who he is going [for]. No Freshman shall use lying or +equivocation to escape going of an errand. + +"12. No Freshman shall tell who [he] is going [for] except he be +asked, nor for what except he be asked by a Fellow. + +"13. No Freshman shall go away when he haith been sent of an +errand before he be dismissed, which may be understood by saying, +it is well, I thank you, you may go, or the like. + +"14. When a Freshman knocks at his Seniors door he shall tell +[his] name if asked who. + +"15. When anybody knocks at a Freshmans door, he shall not aske +who is there, but shall immediately open the door. + +"16. No Freshman shall lean at prayrs but shall stand upright. + +"17. No Freshman shall call his classmate by the name of Freshmen. + +"18. No Freshman shall call up or down to or from his Seniors +chamber or his own. + +"19. No Freshman shall call or throw anything across the College +yard. + +"20. No Freshman shall mingo against the College wall, nor go into +the Fellows cus john.[30] + +"21. Freshmen may ware there hats at dinner and supper, except +when they go to receive there Commons of bread and bear. + +"22. Freshmen are so to carry themselves to there Seniors in all +respects so as to be in no wise saucy to them, and who soever of +the Freshmen shall brake any of these customs shall be severely +punished." + +Another manuscript copy of these singular regulations bears date +September, 1741, and is entitled, + +"THE CUSTOMS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, WHICH IF THE FRESHMEN DON'T +OBSERVE AND OBEY, THEY SHALL BE SEVERELY PUNISHED IF THEY HAVE +HEARD THEM READ." + +"1. No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, except it +rains, hails, or snows, he be on horseback, or hath both hands +full. + +"2. No Freshman shall pass by his Senior, without pulling his hat +off. + +"3. No Freshman shall be saucy to his Senior, or speak to him with +his hat on. + +"4. No Freshman shall laugh in his Senior's face. + +"5. No Freshman shall ask his Senior any impertinent question. + +"6. No Freshman shall intrude into his Senior's company. + +"7. Freshmen are to take notice that a Senior Sophister can take a +Freshman from a Sophimore, a Master from a Senior Sophister, and a +Fellow from a Master. + +"8. When a Freshman is sent of an errand, he shall not loiter by +the way, but shall make haste, and give a direct answer if asked +who he is going for. + +"9. No Freshman shall tell who he is a going for (unless asked), +or what he is a going for, unless asked by a Fellow. + +"10. No Freshman, when he is going of errands, shall go away, +except he be dismissed, which is known by saying, 'It is well,' +'You may go,' 'I thank you,' or the like. + +"11. Freshman are to find the rest of the scholars with bats, +balls, and footballs. + +"12. Freshmen shall pay three shillings to the Butler to have +their names set up in the Buttery. + +"13. No Freshman shall wear his hat in his Senior's chambers, nor +in his own if his Senior be there. + +"14. When anybody knocks at a Freshman's door, he shall not ask +who is there, but immediately open the door. + +"15. When a Freshman knocks at his Senior's door, he shall tell +his name immediately. + +"16. No Freshman shall call his classmate by the name of Freshman. + +"17. No Freshman shall call up or down, to or from his Senior's +chamber or his own. + +"18. No Freshman shall call or throw anything across the College +yard, nor go into the Fellows' Cuz-John. + +"19. No Freshman shall mingo against the College walls. + +"20. Freshmen are to carry themselves, in all respects, as to be +in no wise saucy to their Seniors. + +"21. Whatsoever Freshman shall break any of these customs, he +shall be severely punished." + + +A written copy of these regulations in Latin, of a very early +date, is still extant. They appear first in English, in the fourth +volume of the Immediate Government Books, 1781, p. 257. The two +following laws--one of which was passed soon after the +establishment of the College, the other in the year 1734--seem to +have been the foundation of these rules. "Nulli ex scholaribus +senioribus, solis tutoribus et collegii sociis exceptis, recentem +sive juniorem, ad itinerandum, aut ad aliud quodvis faciendum, +minis, verberibus, vel aliis modis impellere licebit. Et siquis +non gradatus in hanc legem peccaverit, castigatione corporali, +expulsione, vel aliter, prout praesidi cum sociis visum fuerit +punietur."--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 133. + +"None belonging to the College, except the President, Fellows, +Professors, and Tutors, shall by threats or blows compel a +Freshman or any Undergraduate to any duty or obedience; and if any +Undergraduate shall offend against this law, he shall be liable to +have the privilege of sending Freshmen taken from him by the +President and Tutors, or be degraded or expelled, according to the +aggravation of the offence. Neither shall any Senior scholars, +Graduates or Undergraduates, send any Freshman on errands in +studying hours, without leave from one of the Tutors, his own +Tutor if in College."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 141. + +That this privilege of sending Freshmen on errands was abused in +some cases, we see from an account of "a meeting of the +Corporation in Cambridge, March 27th, 1682," at which time notice +was given that "great complaints have been made and proved against +----, for his abusive carriage, in requiring some of the Freshmen +to go upon his private errands, and in striking the said +Freshmen." + +In the year 1772, "the Overseers having repeatedly recommended +abolishing the custom of allowing the upper classes to send +Freshmen on errands, and the making of a law exempting them from +such services, the Corporation voted, that, 'after deliberate +consideration and weighing all circumstances, they are not able to +project any plan in the room of this long and ancient custom, that +will not, in their opinion, be attended with equal, if not +greater, inconveniences.'" It seems, however, to have fallen into +disuse, for a time at least, after this period; for in June, 1786, +"the retaining men or boys to perform the services for which +Freshmen had been heretofore employed," was declared to be a +growing evil, and was prohibited by the Corporation.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 515; Vol. II. pp. 274, 277. + +The upper classes being thus forbidden to employ persons not +connected with the College to wait upon them, the services of +Freshmen were again brought into requisition, and they were not +wholly exempted from menial labor until after the year 1800. + +Another service which the Freshmen were called on to perform, was +once every year to shake the carpets of the library and Philosophy +Chamber in the Chapel. + +Those who refused to comply with these regulations were not +allowed to remain in College, as appears from the following +circumstance, which happened about the year 1790. A young man from +the West Indies, of wealthy and highly respectable parents, +entered Freshman, and soon after, being ordered by a member of one +of the upper classes to go upon an errand for him, refused, at the +same time saying, that if he had known it was the custom to +require the lower class to wait on the other classes, he would +have brought a slave with him to perform his share of these +duties. In the common phrase of the day, he was _hoisted_, i.e. +complained of to a tutor, and on being told that he could not +remain at College if he did not comply with its regulations, he +took up his connections and returned home. + +With reference to some of the observances which were in vogue at +Harvard College in the year 1794, the recollections of Professor +Sidney Willard are these:-- + +"It was the practice, at the time of my entrance at College, for +the Sophomore Class, by a member selected for the purpose, to +communicate to the Freshmen, in the Chapel, 'the Customs,' so +called; the Freshmen being required to 'keep their places in their +seats, and attend with decency to the reading.' These customs had +been handed down from remote times, with some modifications not +essentially changing them. Not many days after our seats were +assigned to us in the Chapel, we were directed to remain after +evening prayers and attend to the reading of the customs; which +direction was accordingly complied with, and they were read and +listened to with decorum and gravity. Whether the ancient customs +of outward respect, which forbade a Freshman 'to wear his hat in +the College yard, unless it rains, hails, or snows, provided he be +on foot, and have not both hands full,' as if the ground on which +he trod and the atmosphere around him were consecrated, and the +article which extends the same prohibition to all undergraduates, +when any of the governors of the College are in the yard, were +read, I cannot say; but I think they were not; for it would have +disturbed that gravity which I am confident was preserved during +the whole reading. These prescripts, after a long period of +obsolescence, had become entirely obsolete. + +"The most degrading item in the list of customs was that which +made Freshmen subservient to all the other classes; which obliged +those who were not employed by the Immediate Government of the +College to go on any errand, not judged improper by an officer of +the government, or in study hours, for any of the other classes, +the Senior having the prior right to the service.... The privilege +of claiming such service, and the obligation, on the other hand, +to perform it, doubtless gave rise to much abuse, and sometimes to +unpleasant conflict. A Senior having a claim to the service of a +Freshman prior to that of the classes below them, it had become a +practice not uncommon, for a Freshman to obtain a Senior, to whom, +as a patron and friend, he acknowledged and avowed a permanent +service due, and whom he called _his_ Senior by way of eminence, +thus escaping the demands that might otherwise be made upon him +for trivial or unpleasant errands. The ancient custom was never +abolished by authority, but died with the change of feeling; so +that what might be demanded as a right came to be asked as a +favor, and the right was resorted to only as a sort of defensive +weapon, as a rebuke of a supposed impertinence, or resentment of a +real injury."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. 258, +259. + +The following account of this system, as it formerly obtained at +Yale College, is from President Woolsey's Historical Discourse +before the Graduates of that Institution, Aug. 14, 1850:-- + +"Another remarkable particular in the old system here was the +servitude of Freshmen,--for such it really deserved to be called. +The new-comers--as if it had been to try their patience and +endurance in a novitiate before being received into some monastic +order--were put into the hands of Seniors, to be reproved and +instructed in manners, and were obliged to run upon errands for +the members of all the upper classes. And all this was very +gravely meant, and continued long in use. The Seniors considered +it as a part of the system to initiate the ignorant striplings +into the college system, and performed it with the decorum of +dancing-masters. And, if the Freshmen felt the burden, the upper +classes who had outlived it, and were now reaping the advantages +of it, were not willing that the custom should die in their time. + +"The following paper, printed I cannot tell when, but as early as +the year 1764, gives information to the Freshmen in regard to +their duty of respect towards the officers, and towards the older +students. It is entitled 'FRESHMAN LAWS,' and is perhaps part of a +book of customs which was annually read for the instruction of +new-comers. + +"'It being the duty of the Seniors to teach Freshmen the laws, +usages, and customs of the College, to this end they are empowered +to order the whole Freshman Class, or any particular member of it, +to appear, in order to be instructed or reproved, at such time and +place as they shall appoint; when and where every Freshman shall +attend, answer all proper questions, and behave decently. The +Seniors, however, are not to detain a Freshman more than five +minutes after study bell, without special order from the +President, Professor, or Tutor. + +"'The Freshmen, as well as all other Undergraduates, are to be +uncovered, and are forbidden to wear their hats (unless in stormy +weather) in the front door-yard of the President's or Professor's +house, or within ten rods of the person of the President, eight +rods of the Professor, and five rods of a Tutor. + +"'The Freshmen are forbidden to wear their hats in College yard +(except in stormy weather, or when they are obliged to carry +something in their hands) until May vacation; nor shall they +afterwards wear them in College or Chapel. + +"'No Freshman shall wear a gown, or walk with a cane, or appear +out of his room without being completely dressed, and with his +hat; and whenever a Freshman either speaks to a superior or is +spoken to by one, he shall keep his hat off until he is bidden to +put it on. A Freshman shall not play with any members of an upper +class, without being asked; nor is he permitted to use any acts of +familiarity with them, even in study time. + +"'In case of personal insult, a Junior may call up a Freshman and +reprehend him. A Sophomore, in like case, must obtain leave from a +Senior, and then he may discipline a Freshman, not detaining him +more than five minutes, after which the Freshman may retire, even +without being dismissed, but must retire in a respectful manner. + +"'Freshmen are obliged to perform all reasonable errands for any +superior, always returning an account of the same to the person +who sent them. When called, they shall attend and give a +respectful answer; and when attending on their superior, they are +not to depart until regularly dismissed. They are responsible for +all damage done to anything put into their hands by way of errand. +They are not obliged to go for the Undergraduates in study time, +without permission obtained from the authority; nor are they +obliged to go for a graduate out of the yard in study time. A +Senior may take a Freshman from a Sophimore, a Bachelor from a +Junior, and a Master from a Senior. None may order a Freshman in +one play time, to do an errand in another. + +"'When a Freshman is near a gate or door belonging to College or +College yard, he shall look around and observe whether any of his +superiors are coming to the same; and if any are coming within +three rods, he shall not enter without a signal to proceed. In +passing up or down stairs, or through an entry or any other narrow +passage, if a Freshman meets a superior, he shall stop and give +way, leaving the most convenient side,--if on the stairs, the +banister side. Freshmen shall not run in College yard, or up or +down stairs, or call to any one through a College window. When +going into the chamber of a superior, they shall knock at the +door, and shall leave it as they find it, whether open or shut. +Upon entering the chamber of a superior, they shall not speak +until spoken to; they shall reply modestly to all questions, and +perform their messages decently and respectfully. They shall not +tarry in a superior's room, after they are dismissed, unless asked +to sit. They shall always rise whenever a superior enters or +leaves the room where they are, and not sit in his presence until +permitted. + +"'These rules are to be observed, not only about College, but +everywhere else within the limits of the city of New Haven.' + +"This is certainly a very remarkable document, one which it +requires some faith to look on as originating in this land of +universal suffrage, in the same century with the Declaration of +Independence. He who had been moulded and reduced into shape by +such a system might soon become expert in the punctilios of the +court of Louis the Fourteenth. + +"This system, however, had more tenacity of life than might be +supposed. In 1800 we still find it laid down as the Senior's duty +to inspect the manners and customs of the lower classes, and +especially of the Freshmen; and as the duty of the latter to do +any proper errand, not only for the authorities of the College, +but also, within the limits of one mile, for Resident Graduates +and for the two upper classes. By degrees the old usage sank down +so far, that what the laws permitted was frequently abused for the +purpose of playing tricks upon the inexperienced Freshmen; and +then all evidence of its ever having been current disappeared from +the College code. The Freshmen were formally exempted from the +duty of running upon errands in 1804."--pp. 54-56. + +Among the "Laws of Yale College," published in 1774, appears the +following regulation: "Every Freshman is obliged to do any proper +Errand or Message, required of him by any one in an upper class, +which if he shall refuse to do, he shall be punished. Provided +that in Study Time no Graduate may send a Freshman out of College +Yard, or an Undergraduate send him anywhere at all without Liberty +first obtained of the President or Tutor."--pp. 14, 15. + +In a copy of the "Laws" of the above date, which formerly belonged +to Amasa Paine, who entered the Freshman Class at Yale in 1781, is +to be found a note in pencil appended to the above regulation, in +these words: "This Law was annulled when Dr. [Matthew] Marvin, Dr. +M.J. Lyman, John D. Dickinson, William Bradley, and Amasa Paine +were classmates, and [they] claimed the Honor of abolishing it." +The first three were graduated at Yale in the class of 1785; +Bradley was graduated at the same college in 1784 and Paine, after +spending three years at Yale, was graduated at Harvard College in +the class of 1785. + +As a part of college discipline, the upper classes were sometimes +deprived of the privilege of employing the services of Freshmen. +The laws on this subject were these:-- + +"If any Scholar shall write or publish any scandalous Libel about +the President, a Fellow, Professor, or Tutor, or shall treat any +one of them with any reproachful or reviling Language, or behave +obstinately, refractorily, or contemptuously towards either of +them, or be guilty of any Kind of Contempt, he may be punished by +Fine, Admonition, be deprived the Liberty of sending Freshmen for +a Time; by Suspension from all the Privileges of College; or +Expulsion, according as the Nature and Aggravation of the Crime +may require." + +"If any Freshman near the Time of Commencement shall fire the +great Guns, or give or promise any Money, Counsel, or Assistance +towards their being fired; or shall illuminate College with +Candles, either on the Inside or Outside of the Windows, or +exhibit any such Kind of Show, or dig or scrape the College Yard +otherwise than with the Liberty and according to the Directions of +the President in the Manner formerly practised, or run in the +College Yard in Company, they shall be deprived the Privilege of +sending Freshmen three Months after the End of the Year."--_Laws +Yale Coll._, 1774, pp. 13, 25, 26. + +To the latter of these laws, a clause was subsequently added, +declaring that every Freshman who should "do anything unsuitable +for a Freshman" should be deprived of the privilege "of sending +Freshmen on errands, or teaching them manners, during the first +three months of _his_ Sophomore year."--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1787, +in _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 140. + +In the Sketches of Yale College, p. 174, is the following +anecdote, relating to this subject:--"A Freshman was once +furnished with a dollar, and ordered by one of the upper classes +to procure for him pipes and tobacco, from the farthest store on +Long Wharf, a good mile distant. Being at that time compelled by +College laws to obey the unreasonable demand, he proceeded +according to orders, and returned with ninety-nine cents' worth of +pipes and one pennyworth of tobacco. It is needless to add that he +was not again sent on a similar errand." + +The custom of obliging the Freshmen to run on errands for the +Seniors was done away with at Dartmouth College, by the class of +1797, at the close of their Freshman year, when, having served +their own time out, they presented a petition to the Trustees to +have it abolished. + +In the old laws of Middlebury College are the two following +regulations in regard to Freshmen, which seem to breathe the same +spirit as those cited above. "Every Freshman shall be obliged to +do any proper errand or message for the Authority of the College." +--"It shall be the duty of the Senior Class to inspect the manners +of the Freshman Class, and to instruct them in the customs of the +College, and in that graceful and decent behavior toward +superiors, which politeness and a just and reasonable +subordination require."--_Laws_, 1804, pp. 6, 7. + + +FRESHMANSHIP. The state of a Freshman. + +A man who had been my fellow-pupil with him from the beginning of +our _Freshmanship_, would meet him there.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 150. + + +FRESHMAN'S LANDMARK. At Cambridge, Eng., King's College Chapel is +thus designated. "This stupendous edifice may be seen for several +miles on the London road, and indeed from most parts of the +adjacent country."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +FRESHMAN, TUTOR'S. In Harvard College, the _Freshman_ who occupies +a room under a _Tutor_. He is required to do the errands of the +Tutor which relate to College, and in return has a high choice of +rooms in his Sophomore year. + +The same remarks, _mutatis mutandis_, apply to the _Proctor's +Freshman_. + + +FRESH-SOPH. An abbreviation of _Freshman-Sophomore_. One who +enters college in the _Sophomore_ year, having passed the time of +the _Freshman_ year elsewhere. + +I was a _Fresh-Sophomore_ then, and a waiter in the commons' hall. +--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 114. + + +FROG. In Germany, a student while in the gymnasium, and before +entering the university, is called a _Frosch_,--a frog. + + +FUNK. Disgust; weariness; fright. A sensation sometimes +experienced by students in view of an examination. + +In Cantab phrase I was suffering examination _funk_.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 61. + +A singular case of _funk_ occurred at this examination. The man +who would have been second, took fright when four of the six days +were over, and fairly ran away, not only from the examination, but +out of Cambridge, and was not discovered by his friends or family +till some time after.--_Ibid._, p. 125. + +One of our Scholars, who stood a much better chance than myself, +gave up from mere _funk_, and resolved to go out in the +Poll.--_Ibid._, p. 229. + +2. Fear or sensibility to fear. The general application of the +term. + +So my friend's first fault is timidity, which is only not +recognized as such on account of its vast proportions. I grant, +then, that the _funk_ is sublime, which is a true and friendly +admission.--_A letter to the N.Y. Tribune_, in _Lit. World_, Nov. +30, 1850. + + + +_G_. + + +GAS. To impose upon another by a consequential address, or by +detailing improbable stories or using "great swelling words"; to +deceive; to cheat. + +Found that Fairspeech only wanted to "_gas_" me, which he did +pretty effectually.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 72. + + +GATE BILL. In the English universities, the record of a pupil's +failures to be within his college at or before a specified hour of +the night. + +To avoid gate-bills, he will be out at night as late as he +pleases, and will defy any one to discover his absence; for he +will climb over the college walls, and fee his Gyp well, when he +is out all night--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 128. + + +GATED. At the English universities, students who, for +misdemeanors, are not permitted to be out of their college after +ten in the evening, are said to be _gated_. + +"_Gated_," i.e. obliged to be within the college walls by ten +o'clock at night; by this he is prevented from partaking in +suppers, or other nocturnal festivities, in any other college or +in lodgings.--Note to _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, +1849. + +The lighter college offences, such as staying out at night or +missing chapel, are punished by what they term "_gating_"; in one +form of which, a man is actually confined to his rooms: in a more +mild way, he is simply restricted to the precincts of the college. +--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 241. + + +GAUDY. In the University of Oxford, a feast or festival. The days +on which they occur are called _gaudies_ or _gaudy days_. "Blount, +in his Glossographia," says Archdeacon Nares in his Glossary, +"speaks of a foolish derivation of the word from a Judge _Gaudy_, +said to have been the institutor of such days. But _such_ days +were held in all times, and did not want a judge to invent them." + + Come, + Let's have one other _gaudy_ night: call to me + All my sad captains; fill our bowls; once more + Let's mock the midnight bell. + _Antony and Cleopatra_, Act. III. Sc. 11. + + A foolish utensil of state, + Which like old plate upon a _gaudy day_, + 's brought forth to make a show, and that is all. + _Goblins_, Old Play, X. 143. + +Edmund Riche, called of Pontigny, Archbishop of Canterbury. After +his death he was canonized by Pope Innocent V., and his day in the +calendar, 16 Nov., was formerly kept as a "_gaudy_" by the members +of the hall.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 121. + +2. An entertainment; a treat; a spree. + +Cut lectures, go to chapel as little as possible, dine in hall +seldom more than once a week, give _Gaudies_ and spreads.--_Gradus +ad Cantab._, p. 122. + + +GENTLEMAN-COMMONER. The highest class of Commoners at Oxford +University. Equivalent to a Cambridge _Fellow-Commoner_. + +Gentlemen Commoners "are eldest sons, or only sons, or men already +in possession of estates, or else (which is as common a case as +all the rest put together), they are the heirs of newly acquired +wealth,--sons of the _nouveaux riches_"; they enjoy a privilege as +regards the choice of rooms; associate at meals with the Fellows +and other authorities of the College; are the possessors of two +gowns, "an undress for the morning, and a full dress-gown for the +evening," both of which are made of silk, the latter being very +elaborately ornamented; wear a cap, covered with velvet instead of +cloth; pay double caution money, at entrance, viz. fifty guineas, +and are charged twenty guineas a year for tutorage, twice the +amount of the usual fee.--Compiled from _De Quincey's Life and +Manners_, pp. 278-280. + + +GET UP A SUBJECT. See SUBJECT. + +This was the fourth time I had begun Algebra, and essayed with no +weakness of purpose to _get_ it _up_ properly.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 157. + + +GILL. The projecting parts of a standing collar are, from their +situation, sometimes denominated _gills_. + + But, O, what rage his maddening bosom fills! + Far worse than dust-soiled coat are ruined "_gills_." + _Poem before the Class of 1828, Harv. Coll., by J.C. + Richmond_, p. 6. + + +GOBBLE. At Yale College, to seize; to lay hold of; to appropriate; +nearly the same as to _collar_, q.v. + + Alas! how dearly for the fun they paid, + Whom the Proffs _gobbled_, and the Tutors too. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + I never _gobbled_ one poor flat, + To cheer me with his soft dark eye, &c. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + I went and performed, and got through the burning, + But oh! and alas! I was _gobbled_ returning. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + +Upon that night, in the broad street, was I by one of the +brain-deficient men _gobbled_.--_Yale Battery_, Feb. 1850. + + Then shout for the hero who _gobbles_ the prize. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 39. + +At Cambridge, Eng., this word is used in the phrase _gobbling +Greek_, i.e. studying or speaking that tongue. + +Ambitious to "_gobble_" his Greek in the _haute monde_.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 79. + +It was now ten o'clock, and up stairs we therefore flew to +_gobble_ Greek with Professor ----.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 127. + +You may have seen him, traversing the grass-plots, "_gobbling +Greek_" to himself.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 210. + + +GOLGOTHA. _The place of a skull_. At Cambridge, Eng., in the +University Church, "a particular part," says the Westminster +Review, "is appropriated to the _heads_ of the houses, and is +called _Golgotha_ therefrom, a name which the appearance of its +occupants renders peculiarly fitting, independent of the +pun."--Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 236. + + +GONUS. A stupid fellow. + +He was a _gonus_; perhaps, though, you don't know what _gonus_ +means. One day I heard a Senior call a fellow a _gonus_. "A what?" +said I. "A great gonus," repeated he. "_Gonus_," echoed I, "what's +that mean?" "O," said he, "you're a Freshman and don't +understand." A stupid fellow, a dolt, a boot-jack, an ignoramus, +is called here a _gonus_. "All Freshmen," continued he gravely, +"are _gonuses_."--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 116. + +If the disquisitionist should ever reform his habits, and turn his +really brilliant talents to some good account, then future +_gonuses_ will swear by his name, and quote him in their daily +maledictions of the appointment system.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. +I. p. 76. + +The word _goney_, with the same meaning, is often used. + +"How the _goney_ swallowed it all, didn't he?" said Mr. Slick, +with great glee.--_Slick in England_, Chap. XXI. + +Some on 'em were fools enough to believe the _goney_; that's a +fact.--_Ibid._ + + +GOOD FELLOW. At the University of Vermont, this term is used with +a signification directly opposite to that which it usually has. It +there designates a soft-brained boy; one who is lacking in +intellect, or, as a correspondent observes, "an _epithetical_ +fool." + + +GOODY. At Harvard College, a woman who has the care of the +students' rooms. The word seems to be an abbreviated form of the +word _goodwife_. It has long been in use, as a low term of +civility or sport, and in some cases with the signification of a +good old dame; but in the sense above given it is believed to be +peculiar to Harvard College. In early times, _sweeper_ was in use +instead of _goody_, and even now at Yale College the word _sweep_ +is retained. The words _bed-maker_ at Cambridge, Eng., and _gyp_ +at Oxford, express the same idea. + +The Rebelliad, an epic poem, opens with an invocation to the +Goody, as follows. + + Old _Goody_ Muse! on thee I call, + _Pro more_, (as do poets all,) + To string thy fiddle, wax thy bow, + And scrape a ditty, jig, or so. + Now don't wax wrathy, but excuse + My calling you old _Goody_ Muse; + Because "_Old Goody_" is a name + Applied to every college dame. + Aloft in pendent dignity, + Astride her magic broom, + And wrapt in dazzling majesty, + See! see! the _Goody_ come!--p. 11. + + Go on, dear _Goody_! and recite + The direful mishaps of the fight.--_Ibid._, p. 20. + + The _Goodies_ hearing, cease to sweep, + And listen; while the cook-maids weep.--_Ibid._, p. 47. + + The _Goody_ entered with her broom, + To make his bed and sweep his room.--_Ibid._, p. 73. + +On opening the papers left to his care, he found a request that +his effects might be bestowed on his friend, the _Goody_, who had +been so attentive to him during his declining hours.--_Harvard +Register_, 1827-28, p. 86. + +I was interrupted by a low knock at my door, followed by the +entrance of our old _Goody_, with a bundle of musty papers in her +hand, tied round with a soiled red ribbon.--_Collegian_, 1830, p. +231. + +Were there any _Goodies_ when you were in college, father? Perhaps +you did not call them by that name. They are nice old ladies (not +so _very_ nice, either), who come in every morning, after we have +been to prayers, and sweep the rooms, and make the beds, and do +all that sort of work. However, they don't much like their title, +I find; for I called one, the other day, _Mrs. Goodie_, thinking +it was her real name, and she was as sulky as she could +be.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + + Yet these half-emptied bottles shall I take, + And, having purged them of this wicked stuff, + Make a small present unto _Goody_ Bush. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 257. + +Reader! wert ever beset by a dun? ducked by the _Goody_ from thine +own window, when "creeping like snail unwillingly" to morning +prayers?--_Ibid._, Vol. IV. p. 274. + + The crowd delighted + Saw them, like _Goodies_, clothed in gowns of satin, + Of silk or cotton.--_Childe Harvard_, p. 26, 1848. + + On the wall hangs a Horse-shoe I found in the street; + 'T is the shoe that to-day sets in motion my feet; + Though its charms are all vanished this many a year, + And not even my _Goody_ regards it with fear. + _The Horse-Shoe, a Poem, by J.B. Felton_, 1849, p. 4. + +A very clever elegy on the death of Goody Morse, who + "For forty years or more + ... contrived the while + No little dust to raise" +in the rooms of the students of Harvard College, is to be found in +Harvardiana, Vol. I. p. 233. It was written by Mr. (afterwards +Rev.) Benjamin Davis Winslow. In the poem which he read before his +class in the University Chapel at Cambridge, July 14, 1835, he +referred to her in these lines: + + "'New brooms sweep clean': 't was thine, dear _Goody_ Morse, + To prove the musty proverb hath no force, + Since fifty years to vanished centuries crept, + While thy old broom our cloisters duly swept. + All changed but thee! beneath thine aged eye + Whole generations came and flitted by, + Yet saw thee still in office;--e'en reform + Spared thee the pelting of its angry storm. + Rest to thy bones in yonder church-yard laid, + Where thy last bed the village sexton made!"--p. 19. + + +GORM. From _gormandize_. At Hamilton College, to eat voraciously. + + +GOT. In Princeton College, when a student or any one else has been +cheated or taken in, it is customary to say, he was _got_. + + +GOVERNMENT. In American colleges, the general government is +usually vested in a corporation or a board of trustees, whose +powers, rights, and duties are established by the respective +charters of the colleges over which they are placed. The immediate +government of the undergraduates is in the hands of the president, +professors, and tutors, who are styled _the Government_, or _the +College Government_, and more frequently _the Faculty_, or _the +College Faculty_.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, pp. 7, 8. +_Laws of Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 5. + +For many years he was the most conspicuous figure among those who +constituted what was formerly called "the +_Government_."--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. vii. + + [Greek: Kudiste], mighty President!!! + [Greek: Kalomen nun] the _Government_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 27. + + Did I not jaw the _Government_, + For cheating more than ten per cent?--_Ibid._, p. 32. + + They shall receive due punishment + From Harvard College _Government_.--_Ibid._, p. 44. + +The annexed production, printed from a MS. in the author's +handwriting, and in the possession of the editor of this work, is +now, it is believed, for the first time presented to the public. +The time is 1787; the scene, Harvard College. The poem was +"written by John Q. Adams, son of the President, when an +undergraduate." + + "A DESCRIPTION OF A GOVERNMENT MEETING. + + "The Government of College met, + And _Willard_[31] rul'd the stern debate. + The witty _Jennison_[32] declar'd + As how, he'd been completely scar'd; + Last night, quoth he, as I came home, + I heard a noise in _Prescott's_[33] room. + I went and listen'd at the door, + As I had often done before; + I found the Juniors in a high rant, + They call'd the President a tyrant; + And said as how I was a fool, + A long ear'd ass, a sottish mule, + Without the smallest grain of spunk; + So I concluded they were drunk. + At length I knock'd, and Prescott came: + I told him 't was a burning shame, + That he should give his classmates wine; + And he should pay a heavy fine. + Meanwhile the rest grew so outragious, + Altho' I boast of being couragious, + I could not help being in a fright, + For one of them put out the light. + I thought 't was best to come away, + And wait for vengeance 'till this day; + And he's a fool at any rate + Who'll fight, when he can RUSTICATE. + When they [had] found that I was gone, + They ran through College up and down; + And I could hear them very plain + Take the Lord's holy name in vain. + To Wier's[34] chamber they then repair'd, + And there the wine they freely shar'd; + They drank and sung till they were tir'd. + And then they peacefully retir'd. + When this Homeric speech was said, + With drolling tongue and hanging head, + The learned Doctor took his seat, + Thinking he'd done a noble feat. + Quoth Joe,[35] the crime is great I own, + Send for the Juniors one by one. + By this almighty wig I swear, + Which with such majesty I wear, + Which in its orbit vast contains + My dignity, my power and brains, + That Wier and Prescott both shall see, + That College boys must not be free. + He spake, and gave the awful nod + Like Homer's Didonean God, + The College from its centre shook, + And every pipe and wine-glass broke. + + "_Williams_,[36] with countenance humane, + While scarce from laughter could refrain, + Thought that such youthful scenes of mirth + To punishment could not give birth; + Nor could he easily divine + What was the harm of drinking wine. + + "But _Pearson_,[37] with an awful frown, + Full of his article and noun, + Spake thus: by all the parts of speech + Which I so elegantly teach, + By mercy I will never stain + The character which I sustain. + Pray tell me why the laws were made, + If they're not to be obey'd; + Besides, _that Wier_ I can't endure, + For he's a wicked rake, I'm sure. + But whether I am right or not, + I'll not recede a single jot. + + "_James_[38] saw 'twould be in vain t' oppose, + And therefore to be silent chose. + + "_Burr_,[39] who had little wit or pride, + Preferr'd to take the strongest side. + And Willard soon receiv'd commission + To give a publick admonition. + With pedant strut to prayers he came, + Call'd out the criminals by name; + Obedient to his dire command, + Prescott and Wier before him stand. + The rulers merciful and kind, + With equal grief and wonder find, + That you do drink, and play, and sing, + And make with noise the College ring. + I therefore warn you to beware + Of drinking more than you can bear. + Wine an incentive is to riot, + Disturbance of the publick quiet. + Full well your Tutors know the truth, + For sad experience taught their youth. + Take then this friendly exhortation; + The next offence is RUSTICATION." + + +GOWN. A long, loose upper garment or robe, worn by professional +men, as divines, lawyers, students, &c., who are called _men of +the gown_, or _gownmen_. It is made of any kind of cloth, worn +over ordinary clothes, and hangs down to the ankles, or nearly so. +--_Encyc._ + +From a letter written in the year 1766, by Mr. Holyoke, then +President of Harvard College, it would appear that gowns were +first worn by the members of that institution about the year 1760. +The gown, although worn by the students in the English +universities, is now seldom worn in American colleges except on +Commencement, Exhibition, or other days of a similar public +character. + +The students are permitted to wear black _gowns_, in which they +may appear on all public occasions.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +37. + +Every candidate for a first degree shall wear a black dress and +the usual black _gown_.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 20. + +The performers all wore black _gowns_ with sleeves large enough to +hold me in, and shouted and swung their arms, till they looked +like so many Methodist ministers just ordained.--_Harvardiana_, +Vol. III. p. 111. + + Saw them ... clothed in _gowns_ of satin, + Or silk or cotton, black as souls benighted.-- + All, save the _gowns_, was startling, splendid, tragic, + But gowns on men have lost their wonted magic. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 26. + + The door swings open--and--he comes! behold him + Wrapt in his mantling _gown_, that round him flows + Waving, as Caesar's toga did enfold him.--_Ibid._, p. 36. + +On Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Saints' days, the students wear +surplices instead of their _gowns_, and very innocent and +exemplary they look in them.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + +2. One who wears a gown. + +And here, I think, I may properly introduce a very singular +gallant, a sort of mongrel between town and _gown_,--I mean a +bibliopola, or (as the vulgar have it) a bookseller.--_The +Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. II. p. 226. + + +GOWNMAN, GOWNSMAN. One whose professional habit is a gown, as a +divine or lawyer, and particularly a member of an English +university.--_Webster_. + + The _gownman_ learned.--_Pope_. + + Oft has some fair inquirer bid me say, + What tasks, what sports beguile the _gownsman's_ day. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + +For if townsmen by our influence are so enlightened, what must we +_gownsmen_ be ourselves?--_The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. +56. + +Nor must it be supposed that the _gownsmen_ are thin, study-worn, +consumptive-looking individuals.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 5. + +See CAP. + + +GRACE. In English universities, an act, vote, or decree of the +government of the institution.--_Webster_. + +"All _Graces_ (as the legislative measures proposed by the Senate +are termed) have to be submitted first to the Caput, each member +of which has an absolute veto on the grace. If it passes the +Caput, it is then publicly recited in both houses, [the regent and +non-regent,] and at a subsequent meeting voted on, first in the +Non-Regent House, and then in the other. If it passes both, it +becomes valid."--_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +See CAPUT SENATUS. + + +GRADUATE. To honor with a degree or diploma, in a college or +university; to confer a degree on; as, to _graduate_ a master of +arts.--_Wotton_. + + _Graduated_ a doctor, and dubb'd a knight.--_Carew_. + +Pickering, in his Vocabulary, says of the word _graduate_: +"Johnson has it as a verb active only. But an English friend +observes, that 'the active sense of this word is rare in England.' +I have met with one instance in an English publication where it is +used in a dialogue, in the following manner: 'You, methinks, _are +graduated_.' See a review in the British Critic, Vol. XXXIV. p. +538." + +In Mr. Todd's edition of Johnson's Dictionary, this word is given +as a verb intransitive also: "To take an academical degree; to +become a graduate; as he _graduated_ at Oxford." + +In America, the use of the phrase _he was graduated_, instead of +_he graduated_, which has been of late so common, "is merely," +says Mr. Bartlett in his Dictionary of Americanisms, "a return to +former practice, the verb being originally active transitive." + +He _was graduated_ with the esteem of the government, and the +regard of his contemporaries--_Works of R.T. Paine_, p. xxix. The +latter, who _was graduated_ thirteen years after.--_Peirce's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, p. 219. + +In this perplexity the President had resolved "to yield to the +torrent, and _graduate_ Hartshorn."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 398. (The quotation was written in 1737.) + +In May, 1749, three gentlemen who had sons about _to be +graduated_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 92. + +Mr. Peirce was born in September, 1778; and, after _being +graduated_ at Harvard College, with the highest honors of his +class.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 390, and Chap. XXXVII. _passim_. + +He _was graduated_ in 1789 with distinguished honors, at the age +of nineteen.--_Mr. Young's Discourse on the Life of President +Kirkland_. + +His class when _graduated_, in 1785, consisted of thirty-two +persons.--_Dr. Palfrey's Discourse on the Life and Character of +Dr. Ware_. + +2. _Intransitively_. To receive a degree from a college or +university. + +He _graduated_ at Leyden in 1691.--_London Monthly Mag._, Oct. +1808, p. 224. + +Wherever Magnol _graduated_.--_Rees's Cyclopaedia_, Art. MAGNOL. + + +GRADUATE. One who has received a degree in a college or +university, or from some professional incorporated +society.--_Webster_. + + +GRADUATE IN A SCHOOL. A degree given, in the University of +Virginia, to those who have been through a course of study less +than is required for the degree of B.A. + + +GRADUATION. The act of conferring or receiving academical degrees. +--_Charter of Dartmouth College_. + +After his _graduation_ at Yale College, in 1744, he continued his +studies at Harvard University, where he took his second degree in +1747.--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia Coll._, p. 122. + +Bachelors were called Senior, Middle, or Junior Bachelors +according to the year since _graduation_, and before taking the +degree of Master.--_Woolsey's Hist. Disc._, p. 122. + + +GRAND COMPOUNDER. At the English Universities, one who pays double +fees for his degree. + +"Candidates for all degrees, who possess certain property," says +the Oxford University Calendar, "must go out, as it is termed, +_Grand Compounders_. The property required for this purpose may +arise from two distinct sources; either from some ecclesiastical +benefice or benefices, or else from some other revenue, civil or +ecclesiastical. The ratio of computation in the first case is +expressly limited by statute to the value of the benefice or +benefices, as _rated in the King's books_, without regard to the +actual estimation at the present period; and the amount of that +value must not be _less than forty pounds_. In the second +instance, which includes all other cases, comprising +ecclesiastical as well as civil income, (academical income alone +excepted,) property to the extent of _three hundred pounds_ a year +is required; nor is any difference made between property in land +and property in money, so that a _legal_ revenue to this extent of +any description, not arising from a benefice or benefices, and not +being strictly academical, renders the qualification +complete."--Ed. 1832, p. 92. + +At Oxford "a '_grand compounder_' is one who has income to the +amount of $1,500, and is made to pay $150 for his degree, while +the ordinary fee is $42." _Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 247. + + +GRAND TRIBUNAL. The Grand Tribunal is an institution peculiar to +Trinity College, Hartford. A correspondent describes it as +follows. "The Grand Tribunal is a mock court composed of the +Senior and Junior Classes, and has for its special object the +regulation and discipline of Sophomores. The first officer of the +Tribunal is the 'Grand High Chancellor,' who presides at all +business meetings. The Tribunal has its judges, advocates, +sheriff, and his aids. According to the laws of the Tribunal, no +Sophomore can be tried who has three votes in his favor. This +regulation makes a trial a difficult matter; there is rarely more +than one trial a year, and sometimes two years elapse without +there being a session of the court. When a selection of an +offending and unlucky Soph has been made, he is arrested some time +during the day of the evening on which his trial takes place. The +court provides him with one advocate, while he has the privilege +of choosing another. These trials are often the scenes of +considerable wit and eloquence. One of the most famous of them was +held in 1853. When the Tribunal is in session, it is customary for +the Faculty of the College to act as its police, by preserving +order amongst the Sophs, who generally assemble at the door, to +disturb, if possible, the proceedings of the Court." + + +GRANTA. The name by which the University of Cambridge, Eng., was +formerly known. At present it is sometimes designated by this +title in poetry, and in addresses written in other tongues than +the vernacular. + + Warm with fond hope, and Learning's sacred flame, + To _Granta's_ bowers the youthful Poet came. + + _Lines in Memory of H.K. White, by Prof. William Smyth_, in + _Cam. Guide_. + + +GRATULATORY. Expressing gratulation; congratulatory. + +At Harvard College, while Wadsworth was President, in the early +part of the last century, it was customary to close the exercises +of Commencement day with a _gratulatory oration_, pronounced by +one of the candidates for a degree. This has now given place to +what is generally called the _valedictory oration_. + + +GRAVEL DAY. The following account of this day is given in a work +entitled Sketches of Williams College. "On the second Monday of +the first term in the year, if the weather be at all favorable, it +has been customary from time immemorial to hold a college meeting, +and petition the President for '_Gravel day_.' We did so this +morning. The day was granted, and, recitations being dispensed +with, the students turned out _en masse_ to re-gravel the college +walks. The gravel which we obtain here is of such a nature that it +packs down very closely, and renders the walks as hard and smooth +as a pavement. The Faculty grant this day for the purpose of +fostering in the students the habit of physical labor and +exercise, so essential to vigorous mental exertion."--1847, pp. +78, 79. + +The improved method of observing this day is noted in the annexed +extract. "Nearly every college has its own peculiar customs, which +have been transmitted from far antiquity; but Williams has perhaps +less than any other. Among ours are '_gravel day_,' 'chip day,' +and 'mountain day,' occurring one in each of the three terms. The +first usually comes in the early part of the Fall term. In old +times, when the students were few, and rather fonder of _work_ +than at the present, they turned out with spades, hoes, and other +implements, and spread gravel over the walks, to the College +grounds; but in later days, they have preferred to tax themselves +to a small amount and delegate the work to others, while they +spend the day in visiting the Cascade, the Natural Bridge, or +others of the numerous places of interest near us."--_Boston Daily +Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +GREAT GO. In the English universities the final and most important +examination is called the _great go_, in contradistinction to the +_little go_, an examination about the middle of the course. + +In my way back I stepped into the _Great Go_ schools.--_The +Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 287. + +Read through the whole five volumes folio, Latin, previous to +going up for his _Great Go_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 381. + + +GREEN. Inexperienced, unsophisticated, verdant. Among collegians +this term is the favorite appellation for Freshmen. + +When a man is called _verdant_ or _green_, it means that he is +unsophisticated and raw. For instance, when a man rushes to chapel +in the morning at the ringing of the first bell, it is called +_green_. At least, we were, for it. This greenness, we would +remark, is not, like the verdure in the vision of the poet, +necessarily perennial.--_Williams Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. +I. p. 463. + + +GRIND. An exaction; an oppressive action. Students speak of a very +long lesson which they are required to learn, or of any thing +which it is very unpleasant or difficult to perform, as a _grind_. +This meaning is derived from the verb _to grind_, in the sense of +to harass, to afflict; as, to _grind_ the faces of the poor +(Isaiah iii. 15). + + I must say 't is a _grind_, though + --(perchance I spoke too loud). + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 12. + + +GRINDING. Hard study; diligent application. + +The successful candidate enjoys especial and excessive _grinding_ +during the four years of his college course. _Burlesque Catalogue, +Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 28. + + +GROATS. At the English universities, "nine _groats_" says Grose, +in his Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, "are deposited in the +hands of an academic officer by every person standing for a +degree, which, if the depositor obtains with honor, are returned +to him." + +_To save his groats_; to come off handsomely.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +GROUP. A crowd or throng; a number collected without any regular +form or arrangement. At Harvard College, students are not allowed +to assemble in _groups_, as is seen by the following extract from +the laws. Three persons together are considered as a _group_. + +Collecting in _groups_ round the doors of the College buildings, +or in the yard, shall be considered a violation of decorum.--_Laws +Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, Suppl., p. 4. + + +GROUPING. Collecting together. + +It will surely be incomprehensible to most students how so large a +number as six could be suffered with impunity to horde themselves +together within the limits of the college yard. In those days the +very learned laws about _grouping_ were not in existence. A +collection of two was not then considered a sure prognostic of +rebellion, and spied out vigilantly by tutoric eyes. A _group_ of +three was not reckoned a gross outrage of the college peace, and +punished severely by the subtraction of some dozens from the +numerical rank of the unfortunate youth engaged in so high a +misdemeanor. A congregation of four was not esteemed an open, +avowed contempt of the laws of decency and propriety, prophesying +utter combustion, desolation, and destruction to all buildings and +trees in the neighborhood; and lastly, a multitude of five, though +watched with a little jealousy, was not called an intolerable, +unparalleled violation of everything approaching the name of +order, absolute, downright shamelessness, worthy capital +mark-punishment, alias the loss of 87-3/4 digits!--_Harvardiana_, +Vol. III. p. 314. + +The above passage and the following are both evidently of a +satirical nature. + + And often _grouping_ on the chains, he hums his own sweet verse, + Till Tutor ----, coming up, commands him to disperse! + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849, p. 14. + + +GRUB. A hard student. Used at Williams College, and synonymous +with DIG at other colleges. A correspondent says, writing from +Williams: "Our real delvers, midnight students, are familiarly +called _Grubs_. This is a very expressive name." + +A man must not be ashamed to be called a _grub_ in college, if he +would shine in the world.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 76. + +Some there are who, though never known to read or study, are ever +ready to debate,--not "_grubs_" or "reading men," only "wordy +men."--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 246. + + +GRUB. To study hard; to be what is denominated a _grub_, or hard +student. "The primary sense," says Dr. Webster, "is probably to +rub, to rake, scrape, or scratch, as wild animals dig by +scratching." + +I can _grub out_ a lesson in Latin or mathematics as well as the +best of them.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 223. + + +GUARDING. "The custom of _guarding_ Freshmen," says a +correspondent from Dartmouth College, "is comparatively a late +one. Persons masked would go into another's room at night, and +oblige him to do anything they commanded him, as to get under his +bed, sit with his feet in a pail of water," &c. + + +GULF. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., one who obtains the +degree of B.A., but has not his name inserted in the Calendar, is +said to be in the _gulf_. + +He now begins to ... be anxious about ... that classical +acquaintance who is in danger of the _gulf_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 95. + +Some ten or fifteen men just on the line, not bad enough to be +plucked or good enough to be placed, are put into the "_gulf_," as +it is popularly called (the Examiners' phrase is "Degrees +allowed"), and have their degrees given them, but are not printed +in the Calendar.--_Ibid._, p. 205. + + +GULFING. In the University of Cambridge, England, "those +candidates for B.A. who, but for sickness or some other sufficient +cause, might have obtained an honor, have their degree given them +without examination, and thus avoid having their names inserted in +the lists. This is called _Gulfing_." A degree taken in this +manner is called "an AEgrotat Degree."--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. pp. +60, 105. + +I discovered that my name was nowhere to be found,--that I was +_Gulfed_.--_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 97. + + +GUM. A trick; a deception. In use at Dartmouth College. + +_Gum_ is another word they have here. It means something like +chaw. To say, "It's all a _gum_," or "a regular chaw," is the same +thing.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +GUM. At the University of Vermont, to cheat in recitation by using +_ponies_, _interliners_, &c.; e.g. "he _gummed_ in geometry." + +2. To cheat; to deceive. Not confined to college. + +He was speaking of the "moon hoax" which "_gummed_" so many +learned philosophers.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. 189. + + +GUMMATION. A trick; raillery. + +Our reception to college ground was by no means the most +hospitable, considering our unacquaintance with the manners of the +place, for, as poor "Fresh," we soon found ourselves subject to +all manner of sly tricks and "_gummations_" from our predecessors, +the Sophs.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 13. + + +GYP. A cant term for a servant at Cambridge, England, at _scout_ +is used at Oxford. Said to be a sportive application of [Greek: +gyps], a vulture.--_Smart_. + +The word _Gyp_ very properly characterizes them.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 56. + + And many a yawning _gyp_ comes slipshod in, + To wake his master ere the bells begin. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + +The Freshman, when once safe through his examination, is first +inducted into his rooms by a _gyp_, usually recommended to him by +his tutor. The gyp (from [Greek: gyps], vulture, evidently a +nickname at first, but now the only name applied to this class of +persons) is a college servant, who attends upon a number of +students, sometimes as many as twenty, calls them in the morning, +brushes their clothes, carries for them parcels and the queerly +twisted notes they are continually writing to one another, waits +at their parties, and so on. Cleaning their boots is not in his +branch of the profession; there is a regular brigade of college +shoeblacks.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +14. + +It is sometimes spelled _Jip_, though probably by mistake. + +My _Jip_ brought one in this morning; faith! and told me I was +focussed.--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. 1085. + + + +_H_. + + +HALF-LESSON. In some American colleges on certain occasions the +students are required to learn only one half of the amount of an +ordinary lesson. + +They promote it [the value of distinctions conferred by the +students on one another] by formally acknowledging the existence +of the larger debating societies in such acts as giving +"_half-lessons_" for the morning after the Wednesday night +debates.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 386. + + +HALF-YEAR. In the German universities, a collegiate term is called +a _half-year_. + +The annual courses of instruction are divided into summer and +winter _half-years_.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. Ed., +pp. 34, 35. + + +HALL. A college or large edifice belonging to a collegiate +institution.--_Webster_. + +2. A collegiate body in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. +In the former institution a hall differs from a college, in that +halls are not incorporated; consequently, whatever estate or other +property they possess is held in trust by the University. In the +latter, colleges and halls are synonymous.--_Cam. and Oxf. +Calendars_. + +"In Cambridge," says the author of the Collegian's Guide, "the +halls stand on the same footing as the colleges, but at Oxford +they did not, in my time, hold by any means so high a place in +general estimation. Certainly those halls which admit the outcasts +of other colleges, and of those alone I am now speaking, used to +be precisely what one would expect to find them; indeed, I had +rather that a son of mine should forego a university education +altogether, than that he should have so sorry a counterfeit of +academic advantages as one of these halls affords."--p. 172. + +"All the Colleges at Cambridge," says Bristed, "have equal +privileges and rights, with the solitary exception of King's, and +though some of them are called _Halls_, the difference is merely +one of name. But the Halls at Oxford, of which there are five, are +not incorporated bodies, and have no vote in University matters, +indeed are but a sort of boarding-houses at which students may +remain until it is time for them to take a degree. I dined at one +of those establishments; it was very like an officers' mess. The +men had their own wine, and did not wear their gowns, and the only +Don belonging to the Hall was not present at table. There was a +tradition of a chapel belonging to the concern, but no one present +knew where it was. This Hall seemed to be a small Botany Bay of +both Universities, its members made up of all sorts of incapables +and incorrigibles."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. +140, 141. + +3. At Cambridge and Oxford, the public eating-room. + +I went into the public "_hall_" [so is called in Oxford the public +eating-room].--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 231. + +Dinner is, in all colleges, a public meal, taken in the refectory +or "_hall_" of the society.--_Ibid._, p. 273. + +4. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., dinner, the name of the +place where the meal is taken being given to the meal itself. + +_Hall_ lasts about three quarters of an hour.--_Bristed's Five +Year in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 20. + +After _Hall_ is emphatically lounging-time, it being the wise +practice of Englishmen to attempt no hard exercise, physical or +mental, immediately after a hearty meal.--_Ibid._, p. 21. + +It is not safe to read after _Hall_ (i.e. after dinner).--_Ibid._, +p. 331. + + +HANG-OUT. An entertainment. + +I remember the date from the Fourth of July occurring just +afterwards, which I celebrated by a "_hang-out_."--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 80. + +He had kept me six hours at table, on the occasion of a dinner +which he gave ... as an appendix to and a return for some of my +"_hangings-out_."--_Ibid._, p. 198. + + +HANG OUT. To treat, to live, to have or possess. Among English +Cantabs, a verb of all-work.--_Bristed_. + +There were but few pensioners who "_hung out_" servants of their +own.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 90. + +I had become ... a man who knew and "_hung out_ to" clever and +pleasant people, and introduced agreeable lions to one +another.--_Ibid._, p. 158. + +I had gained such a reputation for dinner-giving, that men going +to "_hang out_" sometimes asked me to compose bills of fare for +them.--_Ibid._, p. 195. + + +HARRY SOPHS, or HENRY SOPHISTERS; in reality Harisophs, a +corruption of Erisophs ([Greek: erisophos], _valde eruditus_). At +Cambridge, England, students who have kept all the terms required +for a law act, and hence are ranked as Bachelors of Law by +courtesy.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +See, also, Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 818. + + +HARVARD WASHINGTON CORPS. From a memorandum on a fly leaf of an +old Triennial Catalogue, it would appear that a military company +was first established among the students of Harvard College about +the year 1769, and that its first captain was Mr. William Wetmore, +a graduate of the Class of 1770. The motto which it then assumed, +and continued to bear through every period of its existence, was, +"Tam Marti quam Mercurio." It was called at that time the Marti +Mercurian Band. The prescribed uniform was a blue coat, the skirts +turned with white, nankeen breeches, white stockings, top-boots, +and a cocked hat. This association continued for nearly twenty +years from the time of its organization, but the chivalrous spirit +which had called it into existence seems at the end of that time +to have faded away. The last captain, it is believed, was Mr. +Solomon Vose, a graduate of the class of 1787. + +Under the auspices of Governor Gerry, in December of the year +1811, it was revived, and through his influence received a new +loan of arms from the State, taking at the same time the name of +the Harvard Washington Corps. In 1812, Mr. George Thacher was +appointed its commander. The members of the company wore a blue +coat, white vest, white pantaloons, white gaiters, a common black +hat, and around the waist a white belt, which was always kept very +neat, and to which were attached a bayonet and cartridge-box. The +officers wore the same dress, with the exceptions of a sash +instead of the belt, and a chapeau in place of the hat. Soon after +this reorganization, in the fall of 1812, a banner, with the arms +of the College on one side and the arms of the State on the other, +was presented by the beautiful Miss Mellen, daughter of Judge +Mellen of Cambridge, in the name of the ladies of that place. The +presentation took place before the door of her father's house. +Appropriate addresses were made, both by the fair donor and the +captain of the company. Mr. Frisbie, a Professor in the College, +who was at that time engaged to Miss Mellen, whom he afterwards +married, recited on the occasion the following verses impromptu, +which were received with great _eclat_. + + "The standard's victory's leading star, + 'T is danger to forsake it; + How altered are the scenes of war, + They're vanquished now who take it." + +A writer in the Harvardiana, 1836, referring to this banner, says: +"The gilded banner now moulders away in inglorious quiet, in the +dusty retirement of a Senior Sophister's study. What a desecration +for that 'flag by angel hands to valor given'!"[40] Within the +last two years it has wholly disappeared from its accustomed +resting-place. Though departed, its memory will be ever dear to +those who saw it in its better days, and under its shadow enjoyed +many of the proudest moments of college life. + +At its second organization, the company was one of the finest and +best drilled in the State. The members were from the Senior and +Junior Classes. The armory was in the fifth story of Hollis Hall. +The regular time for exercise was after the evening commons. The +drum would often beat before the meal was finished, and the +students could then be seen rushing forth with the half-eaten +biscuit, and at the same time buckling on their armor for the +accustomed drill. They usually paraded on exhibition-days, when +the large concourse of people afforded an excellent opportunity +for showing off their skill in military tactics and manoeuvring. +On the arrival of the news of the peace of 1815, it appears, from +an interleaved almanac, that "the H.W. Corps paraded and fired a +salute; Mr. Porter treated the company." Again, on the 12th of +May, same year, "H.W. Corps paraded in Charlestown, saluted Com. +Bainbridge, and returned by the way of Boston." The captain for +that year, Mr. W.H. Moulton, dying, on the 6th of July, at five +o'clock, P.M., "the class," says the same authority, "attended the +funeral of Br. Moulton in Boston. The H.W. Corps attended in +uniform, without arms, the ceremony of entombing their late +Captain." + +In the year 1825, it received a third loan of arms, and was again +reorganized, admitting the members of all the classes to its +ranks. From this period until the year 1834, very great interest +was manifested in it; but a rebellion having broken out at that +time among the students, and the guns of the company having been +considerably damaged by being thrown from the windows of the +armory, which was then in University Hall, the company was +disbanded, and the arms were returned to the State. + +The feelings with which it was regarded by the students generally +cannot be better shown than by quoting from some of the +publications in which reference is made to it. "Many are the grave +discussions and entry caucuses," says a writer in the Harvard +Register, published in 1828, "to determine what favored few are to +be graced with the sash and epaulets, and march as leaders in the +martial band. Whilst these important canvassings are going on, it +behooves even the humblest and meekest to beware how he buttons +his coat, or stiffens himself to a perpendicular, lest he be more +than suspected of aspiring to some military capacity. But the +_Harvard Washington Corps_ must not be passed over without further +notice. Who can tell what eagerness fills its ranks on an +exhibition-day? with what spirit and bounding step the glorious +phalanx wheels into the College yard? with what exultation they +mark their banner, as it comes floating on the breeze from +Holworthy? And ah! who cannot tell how this spirit expires, this +exultation goes out, when the clerk calls again and again for the +assessments."--p. 378. + +A college poet has thus immortalized this distinguished band:-- + + "But see where yonder light-armed ranks advance!-- + Their colors gleaming in the noonday glance, + Their steps symphonious with the drum's deep notes, + While high the buoyant, breeze-borne banner floats! + O, let not allied hosts yon band deride! + 'T is _Harvard Corps_, our bulwark and our pride! + Mark, how like one great whole, instinct with life, + They seem to woo the dangers of the strife! + Who would not brave the heat, the dust, the rain, + To march the leader of that valiant train?" + _Harvard Register_, p. 235. + +Another has sung its requiem in the following strain:-- + + "That martial band, 'neath waving stripes and stars + Inscribed alike to Mercury and Mars, + Those gallant warriors in their dread array, + Who shook these halls,--O where, alas! are they? + Gone! gone! and never to our ears shall come + The sounds of fife and spirit-stirring drum; + That war-worn banner slumbers in the dust, + Those bristling arms are dim with gathering rust; + That crested helm, that glittering sword, that plume, + Are laid to rest in reckless faction's tomb." + _Winslow's Class Poem_, 1835. + + +HAT FELLOW-COMMONER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +popular name given to a baronet, the eldest son of a baronet, or +the younger son of a nobleman. A _Hat Fellow-Commoner_ wears the +gown of a Fellow-Commoner, with a hat instead of the velvet cap +with metallic tassel which a Fellow-Commoner wears, and is +admitted to the degree of M.A. after two years' residence. + + +HAULED UP. In many colleges, one brought up before the Faculty is +said to be _hauled up_. + + +HAZE. To trouble; to harass; to disturb. This word is used at +Harvard College, to express the treatment which Freshmen sometimes +receive from the higher classes, and especially from the +Sophomores. It is used among sailors with the meanings _to urge_, +_to drive_, _to harass_, especially with labor. In his Dictionary +of Americanisms, Mr. Bartlett says, "To haze round, is to go +rioting about." + +Be ready, in fine, to cut, to drink, to smoke, to swear, to +_haze_, to dead, to spree,--in one word, to be a +Sophomore.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848, p. 11. + + To him no orchard is unknown,--no grape-vine unappraised,-- + No farmer's hen-roost yet unrobbed,--no Freshman yet _unhazed_! + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849, p. 9. + + 'T is the Sophomores rushing the Freshmen to _haze_. + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 22. + + Never again + Leave unbolted your door when to rest you retire, + And, _unhazed_ and unmartyred, you proudly may scorn + Those foes to all Freshmen who 'gainst thee conspire. + _Ibid._, p. 23. + +Freshmen have got quietly settled down to work, Sophs have given +up their _hazing_.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 285. + +We are glad to be able to record, that the absurd and barbarous +custom of _hazing_, which has long prevailed in College, is, to a +great degree, discontinued.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 413. + +The various means which are made use of in _hazing_ the Freshmen +are enumerated in part below. In the first passage, a Sophomore +speaks in soliloquy. + + I am a man, + Have human feelings, though mistaken Fresh + Affirmed I was a savage or a brute, + When I did dash cold water in their necks, + Discharged green squashes through their window-panes, + And stript their beds of soft, luxurious sheets, + Placing instead harsh briers and rough sticks, + So that their sluggish bodies might not sleep, + Unroused by morning bell; or when perforce, + From leaden syringe, engine of fierce might, + I drave black ink upon their ruffle shirts, + Or drenched with showers of melancholy hue, + The new-fledged dickey peering o'er the stock, + Fit emblem of a young ambitious mind! + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 254. + +A Freshman writes thus on the subject:-- + +The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +Fresh, as they call us. They would come to our rooms with masks +on, and frighten us dreadfully; and sometimes squirt water through +our keyholes, or throw a whole pailful on to one of us from the +upper windows.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + + +HEAD OF THE HOUSE. The generic name for the highest officer of a +college in the English Universities. + +The Master of the College, or "_Head of the House_," is a D.D. who +has been a Fellow.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 16. + +The _heads of houses_ [are] styled, according to the usage of the +college, President, Master, Principal, Provost, Warden, or Rector. +--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xiii. + +Written often simply _Head_. + +The "_Head_," as he is called generically, of an Oxford college, +is a greater man than the uninitiated suppose.--_De Quincey's Life +and Manners_, p. 244. + +The new _Head_ was a gentleman of most commanding personal +appearance.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +87. + + +HEADSHIP. The office and place of head or president of a college. + +Most of the college _Headships_ are not at the disposal of the +Crown.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, note, p. +89, and _errata_. + +The _Headships_ of the colleges are, with the exception of +Worcester, filled by one chosen by the Fellows from among +themselves, or one who has been a Fellow.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. +1847, p. xiv. + + +HEADS OUT. At Princeton College, the cry when anything occurs in +the _Campus_. Used, also, to give the alarm when a professor or +tutor is about to interrupt a spree. + +See CAMPUS. + + +HEBDOMADAL BOARD. At Oxford, the local governing authority of the +University, composed of the Heads of colleges and the two +Proctors, and expressing itself through the Vice-Chancellor. An +institution of Charles I.'s time, it has possessed, since the year +1631, "the sole initiative power in the legislation of the +University, and the chief share in its administration." Its +meetings are held weekly, whence the name.--_Oxford Guide. +Literary World_, Vol. XII., p. 223. + + +HIGH-GO. A merry frolic, usually with drinking. + + Songs of Scholars in revelling roundelays, + Belched out with hickups at bacchanal Go, + Bellowed, till heaven's high concave rebound the lays, + Are all for college carousals too low. + Of dullness quite tired, with merriment fired, + And fully inspired with amity's glow, + With hate-drowning wine, boys, and punch all divine, boys, + The Juniors combine, boys, in friendly HIGH-GO. + _Glossology, by William Biglow_, inserted in _Buckingham's + Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. 281-284. + +He it was who broached the idea of a _high-go_, as being requisite +to give us a rank among the classes in college. _D.A. White's +Address before Soc. of the Alumni of Harv. Univ._, Aug. 27, 1844, +p. 35. + +This word is now seldom used; the words _High_ and _Go_ are, +however, often used separately, with the same meaning; as the +compound. The phrase _to get high_, i.e. to become intoxicated, +is allied with the above expression. + + Or men "_get high_" by drinking abstract toddies? + _Childe Harvard_, p. 71. + + +HIGH STEWARD. In the English universities, an officer who has +special power to hear and determine capital causes, according to +the laws of the land and the privileges of the university, +whenever a scholar is the party offending. He also holds the +university _court-leet_, according to the established charter and +custom.--_Oxf. and Cam. Cals._ + +At Cambridge, in addition to his other duties, the High Steward is +the officer who represents the University in the House of Lords. + + +HIGH TABLE. At Oxford, the table at which the Fellows and some +other privileged persons are entitled to dine. + +Wine is not generally allowed in the public hall, except to the +"_high table_."--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 278. + +I dine at the "_high table_" with the reverend deans, and hobnob +with professors.--_Household Words_, Am. ed., Vol. XI. p 521. + + +HIGH-TI. At Williams College, a term by which is designated a +showy recitation. Equivalent to the word _squirt_ at Harvard +College. + + +HILLS. At Cambridge, Eng., Gogmagog Hills are commonly called _the +Hills_. + + Or to the _Hills_ on horseback strays, + (Unasked his tutor,) or his chaise + To famed Newmarket guides. + _Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 35. + + +HISS. To condemn by hissing. + +This is a favorite method, especially among students, of +expressing their disapprobation of any person or measure. + + I'll tell you what; your crime is this, + That, Touchy, you did scrape, and _hiss_. + _Rebelliad_, p. 45. + + Who will bully, scrape, and _hiss_! + Who, I say, will do all this! + Let him follow me,--_Ibid._, p. 53. + + +HOAXING. At Princeton College, inducing new-comers to join the +secret societies is called _hoaxing_. + + +HOBBY. A translation. Hobbies are used by some students in +translating Latin, Greek, and other languages, who from this +reason are said to ride, in contradistinction to others who learn +their lessons by study, who are said to _dig_ or _grub_. + +See PONY. + + +HOBSON'S CHOICE. Thomas Hobson, during the first third of the +seventeenth century, was the University carrier between Cambridge +and London. He died January 1st, 1631. "He rendered himself famous +by furnishing the students with horses; and, making it an +unalterable rule that every horse should have an equal portion of +rest as well as labor, he would never let one out of its turn; +hence the celebrated saying, 'Hobson's Choice: _this_, or none.'" +Milton has perpetuated his fame in two whimsical epitaphs, which +may be found among his miscellaneous poems. + + +HOE IN. At Hamilton College, to strive vigorously; a metaphorical +meaning, taken from labor with the hoe. + + +HOIST. It was formerly customary at Harvard College, when the +Freshmen were used as servants, to report them to their Tutor if +they refused to go when sent on an errand; this complaint was +called a _hoisting_, and the delinquent was said to be _hoisted_. + +The refusal to perform a reasonable service required by a member +of the class above him, subjected the Freshmen to a complaint to +be brought before his Tutor, technically called _hoisting_ him to +his Tutor. The threat was commonly sufficient to exact the +service.--_Willard's Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. +p. 259. + + +HOLD INS. At Bowdoin College, "near the commencement of each +year," says a correspondent, "the Sophs are wont, on some +particular evening, to attempt to '_hold in_' the Freshmen when +coming out of prayers, generally producing quite a skirmish." + + +HOLLIS. Mr. Thomas Hollis of Lincoln's Inn, to whom, with many +others of the same name, Harvard College is so much indebted, +among other presents to its library, gave "sixty-four volumes of +valuable books, curiously bound." To these reference is made in +the following extract from the Gentleman's Magazine for September, +1781. "Mr. Hollis employed Mr. Fingo to cut a number of +emblematical devices, such as the caduceus of Mercury, the wand of +AEsculapius, the owl, the cap of liberty, &c.; and these devices +were to adorn the backs and sometimes the sides of books. When +patriotism animated a work, instead of unmeaning ornaments on the +binding, he adorned it with caps of liberty. When wisdom filled +the page, the owl's majestic gravity bespoke its contents. The +caduceus pointed out the works of eloquence, and the wand of +AEsculapius was a signal of good medicine. The different emblems +were used on the same book, when possessed of different merits, +and to express his disapprobation of the whole or parts of any +work, the figure or figures were reversed. Thus each cover +exhibited a critique on the book, and was a proof that they were +not kept for show, as he must read before he could judge. Read +this, ye admirers of gilded books, and imitate." + + +HONORARIUM, HONORARY. A term applied, in Europe, to the recompense +offered to professors in universities, and to medical or other +professional gentlemen for their services. It is nearly equivalent +to _fee_, with the additional idea of being given _honoris causa_, +as a token of respect.--_Brande. Webster_. + +There are regular receivers, quaestors, appointed for the reception +of the _honorarium_, or charge for the attendance of +lectures.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 30. + + +HONORIS CAUSA. Latin; _as an honor_. Any honorary degree given by +a college. + +Degrees in the faculties of Divinity and Law are conferred, at +present, either in course, _honoris causa_, or on admission _ad +eundem_.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 10. + + +HONORS. In American colleges, the principal honors are +appointments as speakers at Exhibitions and Commencements. These +are given for excellence in scholarship. The appointments for +Exhibitions are different in different colleges. Those of +Commencement do not vary so much. The following is a list of the +appointments at Harvard College, in the order in which they are +usually assigned: Valedictory Oration, called also _the_ English +Oration, Salutatory in Latin, English Orations, Dissertations, +Disquisitions, and Essays. The salutatorian is not always the +second scholar in the class, but must be the best, or, in case +this distinction is enjoyed by the valedictorian, the second-best +Latin scholar. Latin or Greek poems or orations or English poems +sometimes form a part of the exercises, and may be assigned, as +are the other appointments, to persons in the first part of the +class. At Yale College the order is as follows: Valedictory +Oration, Salutatory in Latin, Philosophical Orations, Orations, +Dissertations, Disputations, and Colloquies. A person who receives +the appointment of a Colloquy can either write or speak in a +colloquy, or write a poem. Any other appointee can also write a +poem. Other colleges usually adopt one or the other of these +arrangements, or combine the two. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., those who at the final +examination in the Senate-House are classed as Wranglers, Senior +Optimes, or Junior Optimes, are said to go out in _honors_. + +I very early in the Sophomore year gave up all thoughts of +obtaining high _honors_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 6. + + +HOOD. An ornamented fold that hangs down the back of a graduate, +to mark his degree.--_Johnson_. + + My head with ample square-cap crown, + And deck with _hood_ my shoulders. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. 349. + + +HORN-BLOWING. At Princeton College, the students often provide +themselves at night with horns, bugles, &c., climb the trees in +the Campus, and set up a blowing which is continued as long as +prudence and safety allow. + + +HORSE-SHEDDING. At the University of Vermont, among secret and +literary societies, this term is used to express the idea conveyed +by the word _electioneering_. + + +HOUSE. A college. The word was formerly used with this +signification in Harvard and Yale Colleges. + +If any scholar shall transgress any of the laws of God, or the +_House_, he shall be liable, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. I. p. 517. + +If detriment come by any out of the society, then those officers +[the butler and cook] themselves shall be responsible to the +_House_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 583. + +A member of the college was also called a _Member of the House_. + +The steward is to see that one third part be reserved of all the +payments to him by the _members of the House_ quarterly +made.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 582. + +A college officer was called an _Officer of the House_. + +The steward shall be bound to give an account of the necessary +disbursements which have been issued out to the steward himself, +butler, cook, or any other _officer of the House_.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 582. + +Neither shall the butler or cook suffer any scholar or scholars +whatever, except the Fellows, Masters of Art, Fellow-Commoners or +_officers of the House_, to come into the butteries, &c.--_Ibid._, +Vol. I. p. 584. + +Before the year 1708, the term _Fellows of the House_ was applied, +at Harvard College, both to the members of the Corporation, and to +the instructors who did not belong to the Corporation. The +equivocal meaning of this title was noticed by President Leverett, +for, in his duplicate record of the proceedings of the Corporation +and the Overseers, he designated certain persons to whom he refers +as "Fellows of the House, i.e. of the Corporation." Soon after +this, an attempt was made to distinguish between these two classes +of Fellows, and in 1711 the distinction was settled, when one +Whiting, "who had been for several years known as Tutor and +'Fellow of the House,' but had never in consequence been deemed or +pretended to be a member of the Corporation, was admitted to a +seat in that board."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. pp. +278, 279. See SCHOLAR OF THE HOUSE. + +2. An assembly for transacting business. + +See CONGREGATION, CONVOCATION. + + +HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. At Union College, the members of the +Junior Class compose what is called the _House of +Representatives_, a body organized after the manner of the +national House, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the +forms and manner of legislation. The following account has been +furnished by a member of that College. + +"At the end of the third term, Sophomore year, when the members of +that class are looking forward to the honors awaiting them, comes +off the initiation to the House. The Friday of the tenth week is +the day usually selected for the occasion. On the afternoon of +that day the Sophomores assemble in the Junior recitation-room, +and, after organizing themselves by the appointment of a chairman, +are waited upon by a committee of the House of Representatives of +the Junior Class, who announce that they are ready to proceed with +the initiation, and occasionally dilate upon the importance and +responsibility of the future position of the Sophomores. + +"The invitation thus given is accepted, and the class, headed by +the committee, proceeds to the Representatives' Hall. On their +arrival, the members of the House retire, and the incoming +members, under the direction of the committee, arrange themselves +around the platform of the Speaker, all in the room at the same +time rising in their seats. The Speaker of the House now addresses +the Sophomores, announcing to them their election to the high +position of Representatives, and exhorting them to discharge well +all their duties to their constituents and their common country. +He closes, by stating it to be their first business to elect the +officers of the House. + +"The election of Speaker, Vice-Speaker, Clerk, and Treasurer by +ballot then follows, two tellers being appointed by the Chair. The +Speaker is elected for one year, and must be one of the Faculty; +the other officers hold only during the ensuing term. The Speaker, +however, is never expected to be present at the meetings of the +House, with the exception of that at the beginning of each term +session, so that the whole duty of presiding falls on the +Vice-Speaker. This is the only meeting of the _new_ House during +that term. + +"On the second Friday afternoon of the fall term, the Speaker +usually delivers an inaugural address, and soon after leaves the +chair to the Vice-Speaker, who then announces the representation +from the different States, and also the list of committees. The +members are apportioned by him according to population, each State +having at least one, and some two or three, as the number of the +Junior Class may allow. The committees are constituted in the +manner common to the National House, the number of each, however, +being less. Business then follows, as described in Jefferson's +Manual; petitions, remonstrances, resolutions, reports, debates, +and all the 'toggery' of legislation, come on in regular, or +rather irregular succession. The exercises, as may be well +conceived, furnish an excellent opportunity for improvement in +parliamentary tactics and political oratory." + +The House of Representatives was founded by Professor John Austin +Tates. It is not constituted by every Junior Class, and may be +regarded as intermittent in its character. + +See SENATE. + + +HUMANIST. One who pursues the study of the _humanities (literae +humaniores)_, or polite literature; a term used in various +European universities, especially the Scotch.--_Brandt_. + + +HUMANITY, _pl._ HUMANITIES. In the plural signifying grammar, +rhetoric, the Latin and Greek languages, and poetry; for teaching +which there are professors in the English and Scotch universities. +--_Encyc._ + + +HUMMEL. At the University of Vermont, a foot, especially a large +one. + + +HYPHENUTE. At Princeton College, the aristocratic or would-be +aristocratic in dress, manners, &c., are called _Hyphenutes_. Used +both as a noun and adjective. Same as [Greek: Oi Aristoi] q.v. + + + +_I_. + + +ILLUMINATE. To interline with a translation. Students _illuminate_ +a book when they write between the printed lines a translation of +the text. _Illuminated_ books are preferred by good judges to +ponies or hobbies, as the text and translation in them are brought +nearer to one another. The idea of calling books thus prepared +_illuminated_, is taken partly from the meaning of the word +_illuminate_, to adorn with ornamental letters, substituting, +however, in this case, useful for ornamental, and partly from one +of its other meanings, to throw light on, as on obscure subjects. + + +ILLUSTRATION. That which elucidates a subject. A word used with a +peculiar application by undergraduates in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. + +I went back,... and did a few more bits of _illustration_, such as +noting down the relative resources of Athens and Sparta when the +Peloponnesian war broke out, and the sources of the Athenian +revenue.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 51. + +IMPOSITION. In the English universities, a supernumerary exercise +enjoined on students as a punishment. + +Minor offences are punished by rustication, and those of a more +trivial nature by fines, or by literary tasks, here termed +_Impositions_.--_Oxford Guide_, p. 149. + +Literary tasks called _impositions_, or frequent compulsive +attendances on tedious and unimproving exercises in a college +hall.--_T. Warton, Minor Poems of Milton_, p. 432. + +_Impositions_ are of various lengths. For missing chapel, about +one hundred lines to copy; for missing a lecture, the lecture to +translate. This is the measure for an occasional offence.... For +coming in late at night repeatedly, or for any offence nearly +deserving rustication, I have known a whole book of Thucydides +given to translate, or the Ethics of Aristotle to analyze, when +the offender has been a good scholar, while others, who could only +do mechanical work, have had a book of Euclid to write out. + +Long _impositions_ are very rarely _barberized_. When college +tutors intend to be severe, which is very seldom, they are not to +be trifled with. + +At Cambridge, _impositions_ are not always in writing, but +sometimes two or three hundred lines to repeat by heart. This is +ruin to the barber.--_Collegian's Guide_, pp. 159, 160. + +In an abbreviated form, _impos._ + +He is obliged to stomach the _impos._, and retire.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._, p. 125. + +He satisfies the Proctor and the Dean by saying a part of each +_impos._--_Ibid._, p. 128. + +See BARBER. + + +INCEPT. To take the degree of Master of Arts. + +They may nevertheless take the degree of M.A. at the usual period, +by putting their names on the _College boards_ a few days previous +to _incepting_.--_Cambridge Calendar_. + +The M.A. _incepts_ in about three years and two months from the +time of taking his first degree.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 285. + + +INCEPTOR. One who has proceeded to the degree of M.A., but who, +not enjoying all the privileges of an M.A. until the Commencement, +is in the mean time termed an Inceptor. + +Used in the English universities, and formerly at Harvard College. + +And, in case any of the Sophisters, Questionists, or _Inceptors_ +fail in the premises required at their hands ... they shall be +deferred to the following year.--_Laws of 1650, in Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +The Admissio _Inceptorum_ was as follows: "Admitto te ad secundum +gradum in artibus pro more Academiarum in Anglia: tibique trado +hunc librum una cum potestate publice profitendi, ubicunque ad hoc +munus publice evocatus fueris."--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 580. + + +INDIAN SOCIETY. At the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a society +of smokers was established, in the year 1837, by an Indian named +Zachary Colbert, and called the Indian Society. The members and +those who have been invited to join the society, to the number of +sixty or eighty, are accustomed to meet in a small room, ten feet +by eighteen; all are obliged to smoke, and he who first desists is +required to pay for the cigars smoked at that meeting. + + +INDIGO. At Dartmouth College, a member of the party called the +Blues. The same as a BLUE, which see. + +The Howes, years ago, used to room in Dartmouth Hall, though none +room there now, and so they made up some verses. Here is one:-- + + "Hurrah for Dartmouth Hall! + Success to every student + That rooms in Dartmouth Hall, + Unless he be an _Indigo_, + Then, no success at all." + _The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + + +INITIATION. Secret societies exist in almost all the colleges in +the United States, which require those who are admitted to pass +through certain ceremonies called the initiation. This fact is +often made use of to deceive Freshmen, upon their entrance into +college, who are sometimes initiated into societies which have no +existence, and again into societies where initiation is not +necessary for membership. + +A correspondent from Dartmouth College writes as follows: "I +believe several of the colleges have various exercises of +_initiating_ Freshmen. Ours is done by the 'United Fraternity,' +one of our library societies (they are neither of them secret), +which gives out word that the _initiation_ is a fearful ceremony. +It is simply every kind of operation that can be contrived to +terrify, and annoy, and make fun of Freshmen, who do not find out +for some time that it is not the necessary and serious ceremony of +making them members of the society." + +In the University of Virginia, students on entering are sometimes +initiated into the ways of college life by very novel and unique +ceremonies, an account of which has been furnished by a graduate +of that institution. "The first thing, by way of admitting the +novitiate to all the mysteries of college life, is to require of +him in an official communication, under apparent signature of one +of the professors, a written list, tested under oath, of the +entire number of his shirts and other necessary articles in his +wardrobe. The list he is requested to commit to memory, and be +prepared for an examination on it, before the Faculty, at some +specified hour. This the new-comer usually passes with due +satisfaction, and no little trepidation, in the presence of an +august assemblage of his student professors. He is now remanded to +his room to take his bed, and to rise about midnight bell for +breakfast. The 'Callithumpians' (in this Institution a regularly +organized company), 'Squallinaders,' or 'Masquers,' perform their +part during the livelong night with instruments 'harsh thunder +grating,' to insure to the poor youth a sleepless night, and give +him full time to con over and curse in his heart the miseries of a +college existence. Our fellow-comrade is now up, dressed, and +washed, perhaps two hours in advance of the first light of dawn, +and, under the guidance of a _posse comitatus_ of older students, +is kindly conducted to his morning meal. A long alley, technically +'Green Alley,' terminating with a brick wall, informing all, 'Thus +far shalt thou go, and no farther,' is pointed out to him, with +directions 'to follow his nose and keep straight ahead.' Of course +the unsophisticated finds himself completely nonplused, and gropes +his way back, amidst the loud vociferations of 'Go it, green un!' +With due apologies for the treatment he has received, and violent +denunciations against the former _posse_ for their unheard-of +insolence towards the gentleman, he is now placed under different +guides, who volunteer their services 'to see him through.' Suffice +it to be said, that he is again egregiously 'taken in,' being +deposited in the Rotunda or Lecture-room, and told to ring for +whatever he wants, either coffee or hot biscuit, but particularly +enjoined not to leave without special permission from one of the +Faculty. The length of his sojourn in this place, where he is +finally left, is of course in proportion to his state of +verdancy." + + +INSPECTOR OF THE COLLEGE. At Yale College, a person appointed to +ascertain, inspect, and estimate all damages done to the College +buildings and appurtenances, whenever required by the President. +All repairs, additions, and alterations are made under his +inspection, and he is also authorized to determine whether the +College chambers are fit for the reception of the students. +Formerly the inspectorship in Harvard College was held by one of +the members of the College government. His duty was to examine the +state of the College public buildings, and also at stated times to +examine the exterior and interior of the buildings occupied by the +students, and to cause such repairs to be made as were in his +opinion proper. The same duties are now performed by the +_Superintendent of Public Buildings_.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, +p. 22. _Laws Harv. Coll._, 1814, p. 58, and 1848, p 29. + +The duties of the _Inspector of the College Buildings_, at +Middlebury, are similar to those required of the inspector at +Yale.--_Laws Md. Coll._, 1839, pp. 15, 16. + +IN STATU PUPILLARI. Latin; literally, _in a state of pupilage_. In +the English universities, one who is subject to collegiate laws, +discipline, and officers is said to be _in statu pupillari_. + + And the short space that here we tarry, + At least "_in statu pupillari_," + Forbids our growing hopes to germ, + Alas! beyond the appointed term. + _Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 109. + + +INTERLINEAR. A printed book, with a written translation between +the lines. The same as an _illuminated_ book; for an account of +which, see under ILLUMINATE. + + Then devotes himself to study, with a steady, earnest zeal, + And scorns an _Interlinear_, or a Pony's meek appeal. + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850, p. 20. + + +INTERLINER. Same as INTERLINEAR. + +In the "Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," a Professor at Harvard +College, Professor Felton observes: "He was a mortal enemy to +translations, '_interliners_,' and all such subsidiary helps in +learning lessons; he classed them all under the opprobrious name +of 'facilities,' and never scrupled to seize them as contraband +goods. When he withdrew from College, he had a large and valuable +collection of this species of literature. In one of the notes to +his Three Lectures he says: 'I have on hand a goodly number of +these confiscated wares, full of manuscript innotations, which I +seized in the way of duty, and would now restore to the owners on +demand, without their proving property or paying charges.'"--p. +lxxvii. + +Ponies, _Interliners_, Ticks, Screws, and Deads (these are all +college verbalities) were all put under contribution.--_A Tour +through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 25. + + +INTONITANS BOLUS. Greek, [Greek: bolos], a lump. Latin, _bolus_, a +bit, a morsel. English, _bolus_, a mass of anything made into a +large pill. It may be translated _a thundering pill_. At Harvard +College, the _Intonitans Bolus_ was a great cane or club which was +given nominally to the strongest fellow in the graduating class; +"but really," says a correspondent, "to the greatest bully," and +thus was transmitted, as an entailed estate, to the Samsons of +College. If any one felt that he had been wronged in not receiving +this emblem of valor, he was permitted to take it from its +possessor if he could. In later years the club presented a very +curious appearance; being almost entirely covered with the names +of those who had held it, carved on its surface in letters of all +imaginable shapes and descriptions. At one period, it was in the +possession of Richard Jeffrey Cleveland, a member of the class of +1827, and was by him transmitted to Jonathan Saunderson of the +class of 1828. It has disappeared within the last fifteen or +twenty years, and its hiding-place, even if it is in existence, is +not known. + +See BULLY CLUB. + + +INVALID'S TABLE. At Yale College, in former times, a table at +which those who were not in health could obtain more nutritious +food than was supplied at the common board. A graduate at that +institution has referred to the subject in the annexed extract. +"It was extremely difficult to obtain permission to board out, and +indeed impossible except in extreme cases: the beginning of such +permits would have been like the letting out of water. To take +away all pretext for it, an '_invalid's table_' was provided, +where, if one chose to avail himself of it, having a doctor's +certificate that his health required it, he might have a somewhat +different diet."--_Scenes and Characters in College, New Haven_, +1847, pp. 117, 118. + + + +_J_. + + +JACK-KNIFE. At Harvard College it has long been the custom for the +ugliest member of the Senior Class to receive from his classmates +a _Jack-knife_, as a reward or consolation for the plainness of +his features. In former times, it was transmitted from class to +class, its possessor in the graduating class presenting it to the +one who was deemed the ugliest in the class next below. + +Mr. William Biglow, a member of the class of 1794, the recipient +for that year of the Jack-knife,--in an article under the head of +"Omnium Gatherum," published in the Federal Orrery, April 27, +1795, entitled, "A Will: Being the last words of CHARLES +CHATTERBOX, Esq., late worthy and much lamented member of the +Laughing Club of Harvard University, who departed college life, +June 21, 1794, in the twenty-first year of his age,"--presents +this _transmittendum_ to his successor, with the following +words:-- + + "_Item_. C---- P----s[41] has my knife, + During his natural college life; + That knife, which ugliness inherits, + And due to his superior merits, + And when from Harvard he shall steer, + I order him to leave it here, + That't may from class to class descend, + Till time and ugliness shall end." + +Mr. Prentiss, in the autumn of 1795, soon after graduating, +commenced the publication of the Rural Repository, at Leominster, +Mass. In one of the earliest numbers of this paper, following the +example of Mr. Biglow, he published his will, which Mr. Paine, the +editor of the Federal Orrery, immediately transferred to his +columns with this introductory note:--"Having, in the second +number of 'Omnium Gatherum' presented to our readers the last will +and testament of Charles Chatterbox, Esq., of witty memory, +wherein the said Charles, now deceased, did lawfully bequeath to +Ch----s Pr----s the celebrated 'Ugly Knife,' to be by him +transmitted, at his college demise, to the next succeeding +candidate; -------- and whereas the said Ch----s Pr----s, on the +21st of June last, departed his aforesaid college life, thereby +leaving to the inheritance of his successor the valuable legacy +which his illustrious friend had bequeathed, as an entailed +estate, to the poets of the university,--we have thought proper to +insert a full, true, and attested copy of the will of the last +deceased heir, in order that the world may be furnished with a +correct genealogy of this renowned _Jack-knife_, whose pedigree +will become as illustrious in after time as the family of the +'ROLLES,' and which will be celebrated by future wits as the most +formidable _weapon_ of modern genius." + +That part of the will only is here inserted which refers +particularly to the Knife. It is as follows:-- + + "I--I say I, now make this will; + Let those whom I assign fulfil. + I give, grant, render, and convey + My goods and chattels thus away; + That _honor of a college life, + That celebrated_ UGLY KNIFE, + Which predecessor SAWNEY[42] orders, + Descending to time's utmost borders, + To _noblest bard_ of _homeliest phiz_, + To have and hold and use, as his, + I now present C----s P----y S----r,[43] + To keep with his poetic lumber, + To scrape his quid, and make a split, + To point his pen for sharpening wit; + And order that he ne'er abuse + Said ugly knife, in dirtier use, + And let said CHARLES, that best of writers, + In prose satiric skilled to bite us, + And equally in verse delight us, + Take special care to keep it clean + From unpoetic hands,--I ween. + And when those walls, the muses' seat, + Said S----r is obliged to quit, + Let some one of APOLLO'S firing, + To such heroic joys aspiring, + Who long has borne a poet's name, + With said Knife cut his way to fame." + See _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. 281, 270. + +Tradition asserts that the original Jack-knife was terminated at +one end of the handle by a large blade, and at the other by a +projecting piece of iron, to which a chain of the same metal was +attached, and that it was customary to carry it in the pocket +fastened by this chain to some part of the person. When this was +lost, and the custom of transmitting the Knife went out of +fashion, the class, guided by no rule but that of their own fancy, +were accustomed to present any thing in the shape of a knife, +whether oyster or case, it made no difference. In one instance a +wooden one was given, and was immediately burned by the person who +received it. At present the Jack-knife is voted to the ugliest +member of the Senior Class, at the meeting for the election of +officers for Class Day, and the sum appropriated for its purchase +varies in different years from fifty cents to twenty dollars. The +custom of presenting the Jack-knife is one of the most amusing of +those which have come down to us from the past, and if any +conclusion may be drawn from the interest which is now manifested +in its observance, it is safe to infer, in the words of the poet, +that it will continue + "Till time and ugliness shall end." + +In the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a Jack-knife is given to +the greatest liar, as a reward of merit. + +See WILL. + + +JAPANNED. A cant term in use at the University of Cambridge, Eng., +explained in the following passage. "Many ... step ... into the +Church, without any pretence of other change than in the attire of +their outward man,--the being '_japanned_,' as assuming the black +dress and white cravat is called in University slang."--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 344. + + +JESUIT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Jesus +College. + + +JOBATION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a sharp reprimand +from the Dean for some offence, not eminently heinous. + +Thus dismissed the august presence, he recounts this _jobation_ to +his friends, and enters into a discourse on masters, deans, +tutors, and proctors.--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 124. + + +JOBE. To reprove; to reprimand. "In the University of Cambridge, +[Eng.,] the young scholars are wont to call chiding, +_jobing_."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + +I heard a lively young man assert, that, in consequence of an +intimation from the tutor relative to his irregularities, his +father came from the country to _jobe_ him.--_Gent. Mag._, Dec. +1794. + + +JOE. A name given at several American colleges to a privy. It is +said that when Joseph Penney was President of Hamilton College, a +request from the students that the privies might be cleansed was +met by him with a denial. In consequence of this refusal, the +offices were purified by fire on the night of November 5th. The +derivation of the word, allowing the truth of this story, is +apparent. + +The following account of _Joe-Burning_ is by a correspondent from +Hamilton College:--"On the night of the 5th of November, every +year, the Sophomore Class burn 'Joe.' A large pile is made of +rails, logs, and light wood, in the form of a triangle. The space +within is filled level to the top, with all manner of +combustibles. A 'Joe' is then sought for by the class, carried +from its foundations on a rude bier, and placed on this pile. The +interior is filled with wood and straw, surrounding a barrel of +tar placed in the middle, over all of which gallons of turpentine +are thrown, and then set fire to. From the top of the lofty hill +on which the College buildings are situated, this fire can be seen +for twenty miles around. The Sophomores are all disguised in the +most odd and grotesque dresses. A ring is formed around the +burning 'Joe,' and a chant is sung. Horses of the neighbors are +obtained and ridden indiscriminately, without saddle or bridle. +The burning continues usually until daylight." + + Ponamus Convivium + _Josephi_ in locum + Et id uremus. + _Convivii Exsequiae, Hamilton Coll._, 1850. + + +JOHNIAN. A member of St. John's College in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. + +The _Johnians_ are always known by the name of pigs; they put up a +new organ the other day, which was immediately christened "Baconi +Novum Organum."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV., p 236. + + +JUN. Abbreviated for Junior. + +The target for all the venomed darts of rowdy Sophs, magnificent +_Juns_, and lazy Senes.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + +JUNE. An abbreviation of Junior. + + I once to Yale a Fresh did come, + But now a jolly _June_, + Returning to my distant home, + I bear the wooden spoon. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 36. + + But now, when no longer a Fresh or a Soph, + Each blade is a gentleman _June_. + _Ibid._, p. 39. + + +JUNE TRAINING. The following interesting and entertaining account +of one of the distinguishing customs of the University of Vermont, +is from the pen of one of her graduates, to whom the editor of +this work is under many obligations for the valuable assistance he +has rendered in effecting the completeness of this Collection. + +"In the old time when militia trainings were in fashion, the +authorities of Burlington decided that, whereas the students of +the University of Vermont claimed and were allowed the right of +suffrage, they were to be considered citizens, and consequently +subject to military duty. The students having refused to appear on +parade, were threatened with prosecution; and at last they +determined to make their appearance. This they did on a certain +'training day,' (the year I do not recollect,) to the full +satisfaction of the authorities, who did not expect _such_ a +parade, and had no desire to see it repeated. But the students +being unwilling to expose themselves to 'the rigor of the law,' +paraded annually; and when at last the statute was repealed and +militia musters abolished, they continued the practice for the +sake of old association. Thus it passed into a custom, and the +first Wednesday of June is as eagerly anticipated by the citizens +of Burlington and the youth of the surrounding country for its +'training,' as is the first Wednesday of August for its annual +Commencement. The Faculty always smile propitiously, and in the +afternoon the performance commences. The army, or more +euphoniously the 'UNIVERSITY INVINCIBLES,' take up 'their line of +march' from the College campus, and proceed through all the +principal streets to the great square, where, in the presence of +an immense audience, a speech is delivered by the +Commander-in-chief, and a sermon by the Chaplain, the roll is +called, and the annual health report is read by the surgeon. These +productions are noted for their patriotism and fervid eloquence +rather than high literary merit. Formerly the music to which they +marched consisted solely of the good old-fashioned drum and fife; +but of late years the Invincibles have added to these a brass +band, composed of as many obsolete instruments as can be procured, +in the hands of inexperienced performers. None who have ever +handled a musical instrument before are allowed to become members +of the band, lest the music should be too sweet and regular to +comport with the general order of the parade. The uniform (or +rather the _multiform_) of the company varies from year to year, +owing to the regulation that each soldier shall consult his own +taste,--provided that no two are to have the same taste in their +equipments. The artillery consists of divers joints of rusty +stove-pipe, in each of which is inserted a toy cannon of about one +quarter of an inch calibre, mounted on an old dray, and drawn by +as many horse-apologies as can be conveniently attached to it. +When these guns are discharged, the effect--as might be +expected--is terrific. The banners, built of cotton sheeting and +mounted on a rake-handle, although they do not always exhibit +great artistic genius, often display vast originality of design. +For instance, one contained on the face a diagram (done in ink +with the wrong end of a quill) of the _pons asinorum_, with the +rather belligerent inscription, 'REMEMBER NAPOLEON AT LODI.' On +the reverse was the head of an extremely doubtful-looking +individual viewing 'his natural face in a glass.' +Inscription,--'O wad some pow'r the giftie gie us To see oursel's +as others see us.' + +"The surgeon's equipment is an ox-cart containing jars of drugs +(most of them marked 'N.E.R.' and 'O.B.J.'), boxes of homoeopathic +pills (about the size of a child's head), immense saws and knives, +skeletons of animals, &c.; over which preside the surgeon and his +assistant in appropriate dresses, with tin spectacles. This +surgeon is generally the chief feature of the parade, and his +reports are astonishing additions to the surgical lore of our +country. He is the wit of the College,--the one who above all +others is celebrated for the loudest laugh, the deepest bumper, +the best joke, and the poorest song. How well he sustains his +reputation may be known by listening to his annual reading, or by +reference to the reports of 'Trotwood,' 'Gubbins,' or 'Deppity +Sawbones,' who at different times have immortalized themselves by +their contributions to science. The cavalcade is preceded by the +'pioneers,' who clear the way for the advancing troops; which is +generally effected by the panic among the boys, occasioned by the +savage aspect of the pioneers,--their faces being hideously +painted, and their dress consisting of gleanings from every +costume, Christian, Pagan, and Turkish, known among men. As the +body passes through the different streets, the martial men receive +sundry testimonials of regard and approval in the shape of boquets +and wreaths from the fair 'Peruvians,' who of course bestow them +on those who, in their opinion, have best succeeded in the object +of the day,--uncouth appearance. After the ceremonies, the +students quietly congregate in some room in college to _count_ +these favors and to ascertain who is to be considered the hero of +the day, as having rendered himself pre-eminently ridiculous. This +honor generally falls to the lot of the surgeon. As the sun sinks +behind the Adirondacs over the lake, the parade ends; the many +lookers-on having nothing to see but the bright visions of the +next year's training, retire to their homes; while the now weary +students, gathered in knots in the windows of the upper stories, +lazily and comfortably puff their black pipes, and watch the +lessening forms of the retreating countrymen." + +Further to elucidate the peculiarities of the June Training, the +annexed account of the custom, as it was observed on the first +Wednesday in June of the current year, is here inserted, taken +from the "Daily Free Press," published at Burlington, June 8th, +1855. + +"The annual parade of the principal military body in Vermont is an +event of importance. The first Wednesday in June, the day assigned +to it, is becoming the great day of the year in Burlington. +Already it rivals, if it does not exceed, Commencement day in +glory and honor. The people crowd in from the adjoining towns, the +steamboats bring numbers from across the lake, and the inhabitants +of the town turn out in full force. The yearly recurrence of such +scenes shows the fondness of the people for a hearty laugh, and +the general acceptableness of the entertainment provided. + +"The day of the parade this year was a very favorable +one,--without dust, and neither too hot nor too cold for comfort +The performances properly--or rather _im_properly--commenced in +the small hours of the night previous by the discharge of a cannon +in front of the college buildings, which, as the cannon was +stupidly or wantonly pointed _towards_ the college buildings, blew +in several hundred panes of glass. We have not heard that anybody +laughed at this piece of heavy wit. + +"At four o'clock in the afternoon, the Invincibles took up their +line of march, with scream of fife and roll of drum, down Pearl +Street to the Square, where the flying artillery discharged a +grand national salute of one gun; thence to the Exchange, where a +halt was made and a refreshment of water partaken of by the +company, and then to the Square in front of the American, where +they were duly paraded, reviewed, exhorted, and reported upon, in +presence of two or three thousand people. + +"The scene presented was worth seeing. The windows of the American +and Wheeler's Block had all been taken out, and were filled with +bright female faces; the roofs of the same buildings were lined +with spectators, and the top of the portico of the American was a +condensed mass of loveliness and bright colors. The Town Hall +windows, steps, doors, &c. were also filled. Every good look-out +anywhere near the spot was occupied, and a dense mass of +by-standers and lookers-on in carriages crowded the southern part +of the Square. + +"Of the cortege itself, the pencil of a Hogarth only could give an +adequate idea. The valorous Colonel Brick was of course the centre +of all eyes. He was fitly supported by his two aids. The three +were in elegant uniforms, were handsomely mounted, rode well and +with gallant bearing, and presented a particularly attractive +appearance. + +"Behind them appeared a scarlet robe, surmounted by a white wig of +Brobdinagian dimensions and spectacles to match, which it is +supposed contained in the interior the physical system of the +Reverendissimus Boanerges Diogenes Lanternarius, Chaplain, the +whole mounted upon the vertebrae of a solemn-looking donkey. + +"The representative of the Church Militant was properly backed up +by the Flying Artillery. Their banner announced that they were +'for the reduction of Sebastopol,' and it is safe to say that they +will certainly take that fortress, if they get a chance. If the +Russians hold out against those four ghostly steeds, tandem, with +their bandy-legged and kettle-stomached riders,--that gun, so +strikingly like a joint of old stove-pipe in its exterior, but +which upon occasion could vomit forth your real smoke and sound +and smell of unmistakable brimstone,--and those slashed and +blood-stained artillerymen,--they will do more than anybody did on +Wednesday. + +"The T.L.N. Horn-et Band, with Sackbut, Psaltery, Dulcimer, and +Shawm, Tanglang, Locofodeon, and Hugag, marched next. They +reserved their efforts for special occasions, when they woke the +echoes with strains of altogether unearthly music, composed for +them expressly by Saufylur, the eminent self-taught New Zealand +composer. + +"Barnum's Baby-Show, on four wheels, in charge of the great +showman himself, aided by that experienced nurse, Mrs. Gamp, in +somewhat dilapidated attire, followed. The babies, from a span +long to an indefinite length, of all shapes and sizes, black, +white, and snuff-colored, twins, triplets, quartettes, and +quincunxes, in calico and sackcloth, and in a state of nature, +filled the vehicle, and were hung about it by the leg or neck or +middle. A half-starved quadruped of osseous and slightly equine +appearance drew the concern, and the shrieking axles drowned the +cries of the innocents. + +"Mr. Joseph Hiss and Mrs. Patterson of Massachusetts were not +absent. Joseph's rubicund complexion, brassy and distinctly +Know-Nothing look, and nasal organ well developed by his +experience on the olfactory committee, were just what might have +been expected. The 'make up' of Mrs. P., a bright brunette, was +capital, and she looked the woman, if not the lady, to perfection. +The two appeared in a handsome livery buggy, paid for, we suppose, +by the State of Massachusetts. + +"A wagon-load of two or three tattered and desperate looking +individuals, labelled 'Recruits for the Crimea,' with a generous +supply of old iron and brick-bats as material of war, was dragged +along by the frame and most of the skin of what was once a horse. + +"Towards the rear, but by no means least in consequence or in the +amount of attention attracted, was the army hospital, drawn by two +staid and well-fed oxen. In front appeared the snowy locks and +'fair round belly, with good _cotton_ lined' of the worthy Dr. +Esculapius Liverwort Tarand Cantchuget-urlegawa Opodeldoc, while +by his side his assistant sawbones brayed in a huge iron mortar, +with a weighty pestle, much noise, and indefatigable zeal, the +drugs and dye-stuffs. Thigh-bones, shoulder-blades, vertebrae, and +even skulls, hanging round the establishment, testified to the +numerous and successful amputations performed by the skilful +surgeon. + +"Noticeable among the cavalry were Don Quixote de la U.V.M., +Knight of the patent-leather gaiters, terrible in his bright +rectangular cuirass of tin (once a tea-chest), and his glittering +harpoon; his doughty squire, Sancho Panza; and a dashing young +lady, whose tasteful riding-dress of black cambric, wealth of +embroidered skirts and undersleeves, and bold riding, took not a +little attention. + +"Of the rank and file on foot it is useless to attempt a +description. Beards of awful size, moustaches of every shade and +length under a foot, phizzes of all colors and contortions, +four-story hats with sky-scraping feathers, costumes +ring-streaked, speckled, monstrous, and incredible, made up the +motley crew. There was a Northern emigrant just returned from +Kansas, with garments torn and water-soaked, and but half cleaned +of the adhesive tar and feathers, watched closely by a burly +Missourian, with any quantity of hair and fire-arms and +bowie-knives. There were Rev. Antoinette Brown, and Neal Dow; +there was a darky whose banner proclaimed his faith in Stowe and +Seward and Parker, an aboriginal from the prairies, an ancient +minstrel with a modern fiddle, and a modern minstrel with an +ancient hurdy- gurdy. All these and more. Each man was a study in +himself, and to all, Falstaff's description of his recruits would +apply:-- + +"'My whole charge consists of corporals, lieutenants, gentlemen of +companies, slaves as ragged as Lazarus in the painted cloth, where +the glutton's dogs licked his sores; the cankers of a calm world +and a long peace; ten times more dishonorable ragged than an +old-faced ancient: and such have I, that you would think I had a +hundred and fifty tattered prodigals lately come from +swine-keeping, from eating draff and husks. A mad fellow met me on +the way and told me I had unloaded all the gibbets and pressed the +dead bodies. No eye hath seen such scarecrows.' + +"The proceedings on the review were exciting. After the calling of +the roll, the idol of his regiment, Col. Martin Van Buren Brick, +discharged an eloquent and touching speech. + +"From the report of Dr. Opodeldoc, which was thirty-six feet in +length, we can of course give but a few extracts. He commenced by +informing the Invincibles that his cures the year past had been +more astounding than ever, and that his fame would continue to +grow brighter and brighter, until eclipsed by the advent of some +younger Dr. Esculapius Liverwort Tar Cant-ye-get-your-leg-away +Opodeldoc, who in after years would shoot up like a meteor and +reproduce his father's greatness; and went on as follows:-- + +"'The first academic that appeared after the last report was the +_desideratum graduatere_, or graduating fever. Twenty-seven were +taken down. Symptoms, morality in the head,--dignity in the walk, +--hints about graduating,--remarkable tendency to +swell,--literary movement of the superior and inferior maxillary +bones, &c., &c. Strictures on bleeding were first applied; then +treating homoeopathically _similis similibus_, applied roots +extracted, roots Latin and Greek, infinitesimal extracts of +calculus, mathematical formulas, psychological inductions, &c., +&c. No avail. Finally applied huge sheep-skin plasters under the +axilla, with a composition of printers' ink, paste, paper, +ribbons, and writing-ink besmeared thereon, and all were +despatched in one short day. + +"'Sophomore Exhibition furnished many cases. One man hit by a +Soph-bug, drove eye down into stomach, carrying with it brains and +all inside of the head. In order to draw them back to their proper +place, your Surgeon caused a leaf from Barnum's Autobiography to +be placed on patient's head, thinking that to contain more true, +genuine _suction_ than anything yet discovered. + + * * * * * + +"'Nebraska _cancers_ have appeared in our ranks, especially in +Missouri division. Surgeon recommends 385 eighty-pounders be +loaded to the muzzle, first with blank cartridges,--to wit, Frank +Pierce and Stephen A. Douglas, Free-Soil sermons, Fern Leaves, Hot +Corn, together with all the fancy literature of the day,--and +cause the same to be fired upon the disputed territory; this would +cause all the breakings out to be removed, and drive off +everybody.' + +"The close of the report was as follows. It affected many even to +tears. + +"'May you all remember your Surgeon, and may your thoracic duck +ever continue to sail peacefully down the common carrotted +arteries, under the keystone of the arch of the aorta, and not +rush madly into the abominable cavity and eclipse the semi-lunar +dandelions, nor, still worse, play the dickens with the +pneumogastric nerve and auxiliary artery, reverse the doododen, +upset the flamingo, irritate the _high-old-glossus_, and be for +ever lost in the receptaculum chyli. No, no, but, &c. Yours +feelingly, + +'Dr. E.L.T.C.O., M.D.' + +"Dr. O., we notice, has added a new branch, that of dentistry, to +his former accomplishments. By his new system, his customers are +not obliged to undergo the pain of the operations in person, but, +by merely sending their heads to him, can have everything done +with a great decrease of trouble. From a calf's head thus sent in, +the Doctor, after cutting the gums with a hay-cutter, and filing +between the teeth with a wood-saw, skilfully extracted with a pair +of blacksmith tongs a very great number of molars and incisors. + +"Miss Lucy Amazonia Crura Longa Lignea, thirteen feet high, and +Mr. Rattleshanks Don Skyphax, a swain a foot taller, advanced from +the ranks, and were made one by the chaplain. The bride promised +to own the groom, but _protested_ formally against his custody of +her person, property, and progeny. The groom pledged himself to +mend the unmentionables of his spouse, or to resign his own when +required to rock the cradle, and spank the babies. He placed no +ring upon her finger, but instead transferred his whiskers to her +face, when the chaplain pronounced them 'wife and man,' and the +happy pair stalked off, their heads on a level with the +second-story windows. + +"Music from the Keeseville Band who were present followed; the +flying artillery fired another salute; the fife and drums struck +up; and the Invincibles took their winding way to the University, +where they were disbanded in good season." + + +JUNIOR. One in the third year of his collegiate course in an +American college, formerly called JUNIOR SOPHISTER. + +See SOPHISTER. + +2. One in the first year of his course at a theological seminary. +--_Webster_. + + +JUNIOR. Noting the third year of the collegiate course in American +colleges, or the first year in the theological +seminaries.--_Webster_. + + +JUNIOR APPOINTMENTS. At Yale College, there appears yearly, in the +papers conducted by the students, a burlesque imitation of the +regular appointments of the Junior exhibition. These mock +appointments are generally of a satirical nature, referring to +peculiarities of habits, character, or manners. The following, +taken from some of the Yale newspapers, may be considered as +specimens of the subjects usually assigned. Philosophical Oration, +given to one distinguished for a certain peculiarity, subject, +"The Advantage of a Great Breadth of Base." Latin Oration, to a +vain person, subject, "Amor Sui." Dissertations: to a meddling +person, subject, "The Busybody"; to a poor punster, subject, +"Diseased Razors"; to a poor scholar, subject, "Flunk on,--flunk +ever." Colloquy, to a joker whose wit was not estimated, subject, +"Unappreciated Facetiousness." When a play upon names is +attempted, the subject "Perfect Looseness" is assigned to Mr. +Slack; Mr. Barnes discourses upon "_Stability_ of character, or +pull down and build greater"; Mr. Todd treats upon "The Student's +Manual," and incentives to action are presented, based on the line + "Lives of great men all remind us," +by students who rejoice in the Christian names, George Washington, +Patrick Henry, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, Charles James +Fox, and Henry Clay. + +See MOCK PART. + + +JUNIOR BACHELOR. One who is in his first year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. + +No _Junior Bachelor_ shall continue in the College after the +commencement in the Summer vacation.--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1798, +p. 19. + + +JUNIOR FELLOW. At Oxford, one who stands upon the foundation of +the college to which he belongs, and is an aspirant for academic +emoluments.--_De Quincey_. + +2. At Trinity College, Hartford, a Junior Fellow is one chosen by +the House of Convocation to be a member of the examining committee +for three years. Junior Fellows must have attained the M.A. +degree, and can only be voted for by Masters in Arts. Six Junior +Fellows are elected every three years. + + +JUNIOR FRESHMAN. The name of the first of the four classes into +which undergraduates are divided at Trinity College, Dublin. + + +JUNIOR OPTIME. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., those who +occupy the third rank in honors, at the close of the final +examination in the Senate-House, are called _Junior Optimes_. + +The third class, or that of _Junior Optimes_, is usually about at +numerous as the first [that of the Wranglers], but its limits are +more extensive, varying from twenty-five to sixty. A majority of +the Classical men are in it; the rest of its contents are those +who have broken down before the examination from ill-health or +laziness, and choose the Junior Optime as an easier pass degree +under their circumstances than the Poll, and those who break down +in the examination; among these last may be sometimes found an +expectant Wrangler.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d p. 228. + +The word is frequently abbreviated. + +Two years ago he got up enough of his low subjects to go on among +the _Junior Ops._--_Ibid._, p. 53. + +There are only two mathematical papers, and these consist almost +entirely of high questions; what a _Junior Op._ or low Senior Op. +can do in them amounts to nothing.--_Ibid._, p. 286. + + +JUNIOR SOPHISTER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student +in the second year of his residence is called Junior Soph or +Sophister. + +2. In some American colleges, a member of the Junior Class, i.e. +of the third year, was formerly designated a Junior Sophister. + +See SOPHISTER. + + + +_K_. + + +KEEP. To lodge, live, dwell, or inhabit. To _keep_ in such a +place, is to have rooms there. This word, though formerly used +extensively, is now confined to colleges and universities. + +Inquire of anybody you meet in the court of a college at Cambridge +your way to Mr. A----'s room, you will be told that he _keeps_ on +such a staircase, up so many pair of stairs, door to the right or +left.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, Vol. II. p. 178. + +He said I ought to have asked for his rooms, or inquired where he +_kept_.--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 118. + +Dr. Johnson, in his Dictionary, cites this very apposite passage +from Shakespeare: "Knock at the study where they say he keeps." +Mr. Pickering, in his Vocabulary, says of the word: "This is noted +as an Americanism in the Monthly Anthology, Vol. V. p. 428. It is +less used now than formerly." + +_To keep an act_, in the English universities, "to perform an +exercise in the public schools preparatory to the proceeding in +degrees." The phrase was formerly in use in Harvard College. In an +account in the Mass. Hist. Coll., Vol. I. p. 245, entitled New +England's First Fruits, is the following in reference to that +institution: "The students of the first classis that have beene +these foure yeeres trained up in University learning, and are +approved for their manners, as they have _kept their publick Acts_ +in former yeeres, ourselves being present at them; so have they +lately _kept two solemn Acts_ for their Commencement." + +_To keep chapel_, in colleges, to attend Divine services, which +are there performed daily. + +"As you have failed to _make up your number_ of chapels the last +two weeks," such are the very words of the Dean, "you will, if you +please, _keep every chapel_ till the end of the term."--_Household +Words_, Vol. II. p. 161. + +_To keep a term_, in universities, is to reside during a +term.--_Webster_. + + +KEYS. Caius, the name of one of the colleges in the University of +Cambridge, Eng., is familiarly pronounced _Keys_. + + +KINGSMAN. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of King's +College. + +He came out the winner, with the _Kingsman_ and one of our three +close at his heels.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 127. + + +KITCHEN-HATCH. A half-door between the kitchen and the hall in +colleges and old mansions. At Harvard College, the students in +former times received at the _kitchen-hatch_ their food for the +evening meal, which they were allowed to eat in the yard or at +their rooms. At the same place the waiters also took the food +which they carried to the tables. + +The waiters when the bell rings at meal-time shall take the +victuals at the _kitchen-hatch_, and carry the Same to the several +tables for which they are designed.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +41. + +See BUTTERY-HATCH. + + +KNOCK IN. A phrase used at Oxford, and thus explained in the +Collegian's Guide: "_Knocking in_ late, or coming into college +after eleven or twelve o'clock, is punished frequently with being +'confined to gates,' or being forbidden to '_knock in_' or come in +after nine o'clock for a week or more, sometimes all the +term."--p. 161. + + +KNOCKS. From KNUCKLES. At some of the Southern colleges, a game at +marbles called _Knucks_ is a common diversion among the students. + + +[Greek: Kudos]. Greek; literally, _glory, fame_. Used among +students, with the meaning _credit, reputation_. + +I was actuated not merely by a desire after the promotion of my +own [Greek: kudos], but by an honest wish to represent my country +well.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 27, +28. + + + +_L_. + + +LANDSMANNSCHAFT. German. The name of an association of students in +German universities. + + +LAP-EAR. At Washington College, Penn., students of a religious +character are called _lap-ears_ or _donkeys_. The opposite class +are known by the common name of _bloods_. + + +LATIN SPOKEN AT COLLEGES. At our older American colleges, students +were formerly required to be able to speak and write Latin before +admission, and to continue the use of it after they had become +members. In his History of Harvard University, Quincy remarks on +this subject:-- + +"At a period when Latin was the common instrument of communication +among the learned, and the official language of statesmen, great +attention was naturally paid to this branch of education. +Accordingly, 'to speak true Latin, both in prose and verse,' was +made an essential requisite for admission. Among the 'Laws and +Liberties' of the College we also find the following: 'The +scholars _shall never use their mother tongue_, except that, in +public exercises of oratory or such like, they be called to make +them in English.' This law appears upon the records of the College +in the Latin as well as in the English language. The terms in the +former are indeed less restrictive and more practical: 'Scholares +vernacula lingua, _intra Collegii limites_, nullo pretextu +utentur.' There is reason to believe that those educated at the +College, and destined for the learned professions, acquired an +adequate acquaintance with the Latin, and those destined to become +divines, with the Greek and Hebrew. In other respects, although +the sphere of instruction was limited, it was sufficient for the +age and country, and amply supplied all their purposes and wants." +--Vol. I. pp. 193, 194. + +By the laws of 1734, the undergraduates were required to "declaim +publicly in the hall, in one of the three learned languages; and +in no other without leave or direction from the President." The +observance of this rule seems to have been first laid aside, when, +"at an Overseers' meeting at the College, April 27th, 1756, John +Vassall, Jonathan Allen, Tristram Gilman, Thomas Toppan, Edward +Walker, Samuel Barrett, presented themselves before the Board, and +pronounced, in the respective characters assigned them, a dialogue +in _the English tongue_, translated from Castalio, and then +withdrew,"--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 240. + +The first English Oration was spoken by Mr. Jedediah Huntington in +the year 1763, and the first English Poem by Mr. John Davis in +1781. + +In reference to this subject, as connected with Yale College, +President Wholsey remarks, in his Historical Discourse:-- + +"With regard to practice in the learned languages, particularly +the Latin, it is prescribed that 'no scholar shall use the English +tongue in the College with his fellow-scholars, unless he be +called to a public exercise proper to be attended in the English +tongue, but scholars in their chambers, and when they are +together, shall talk Latin.'"--p. 59. + +"The fluent use of Latin was acquired by the great body of the +students; nay, certain phrases were caught up by the very cooks in +the kitchen. Yet it cannot be said that elegant Latin was either +spoken or written. There was not, it would appear, much practice +in writing this language, except on the part of those who were +candidates for Berkeleian prizes. And the extant specimens of +Latin discourses written by the officers of the College in the +past century are not eminently Ciceronian in their style. The +speaking of Latin, which was kept up as the College dialect in +rendering excuses for absences, in syllogistic disputes, and in +much of the intercourse between the officers and students, became +nearly extinct about the time of Dr. Dwight's accession. And at +the same period syllogistic disputes as distinguished from +forensic seem to have entirely ceased."--p. 62. + +The following story is from the Sketches of Yale College. "In +former times, the students were accustomed to assemble together to +render excuses for absence in Latin. One of the Presidents was in +the habit of answering to almost every excuse presented, 'Ratio +non sufficit' (The reason is not sufficient). On one occasion, a +young man who had died a short time previous was called upon for +an excuse. Some one answered, 'Mortuus est' (He is dead). 'Ratio +non sufficit,' repeated the grave President, to the infinite +merriment of his auditors."--p. 182. + +The story is current of one of the old Presidents of Harvard +College, that, wishing to have a dog that had strayed in at +evening prayers driven out of the Chapel, he exclaimed, half in +Latin and half in English, "Exclude canem, et shut the door." It +is also related that a Freshman who had been shut up in the +buttery by some Sophomores, and had on that account been absent +from a recitation, when called upon with a number of others to +render an excuse, not knowing how to express his ideas in Latin, +replied in as learned a manner as possible, hoping that his answer +would pass as Latin, "Shut m' up in t' Buttery." + +A very pleasant story, entitled "The Tutor's Ghost," in which are +narrated the misfortunes which befell a tutor in the olden time, +on account of his inability to remember the Latin for the word +"beans," while engaged in conversation, may be found in the "Yale +Literary Magazine," Vol. XX. pp. 190-195. + +See NON PARAVI and NON VALUI. + + +LAUREATE. To honor with a degree in the university, and a present +of a wreath of laurel.--_Warton_. + + +LAUREATION. The act of conferring a degree in the university, +together with a wreath of laurel; an honor bestowed on those who +excelled in writing verse. This was an ancient practice at Oxford, +from which, probably, originated the denomination of _poet +laureate_.--_Warton_. + +The laurel crown, according to Brande, "was customarily given at +the universities in the Middle Ages to such persons as took +degrees in grammar and rhetoric, of which poetry formed a branch; +whence, according to some authors, the term Baccalaureatus has +been derived. The academical custom of bestowing the laurel, and +the court custom, were distinct, until the former was abolished. +The last instance in which the laurel was bestowed in the +universities, was in the reign of Henry the Eighth." + + +LAWS. In early times, the laws in the oldest colleges in the +United States were as often in Latin as in English. They were +usually in manuscript, and the students were required to make +copies for themselves on entering college. The Rev. Henry Dunster, +who was the first President of Harvard College, formed the first +code of laws for the College. They were styled, "The Laws, +Liberties, and Orders of Harvard College, confirmed by the +Overseers and President of the College in the years 1642, 1643, +1644, 1645, and 1646, and published to the scholars for the +perpetual preservation of their welfare and government." Referring +to him, Quincy says: "Under his administration, the first code of +laws was formed; rules of admission, and the principles on which +degrees should be granted, were established; and scholastic forms, +similar to those customary in the English universities, were +adopted; many of which continue, with little variation, to be used +at the present time."--_Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 15. + +In 1732, the laws were revised, and it was voted that they should +all be in Latin, and that each student should have a copy, which +he was to write out for himself and subscribe. In 1790, they were +again revised and printed in English, since which time many +editions have been issued. + +Of the laws of Yale College, President Woolsey gives the following +account, in his Historical Discourse before the Graduates of that +institution, Aug. 14, 1850:-- + +"In the very first year of the legal existence of the College, we +find the Trustees ordaining, that, 'until they should provide +further, the Rector or Tutors should make use of the orders and +institutions of Harvard College, for the instructing and ruling of +the collegiate school, so far as they should judge them suitable, +and wherein the Trustees had not at that meeting made provision.' +The regulations then made by the Trustees went no further than to +provide for the religious education of the College, and to give to +the College officers the power of imposing extraordinary school +exercises or degradation in the class. The earliest known laws of +the College belong to the years 1720 and 1726, and are in +manuscript; which is explained by the custom that every Freshman, +on his admission, was required to write off a copy of them for +himself, to which the admittatur of the officers was subscribed. +In the year 1745 a new revision of the laws was completed, which +exists in manuscript; but the first printed code was in Latin, and +issued from the press of T. Green at New London, in 1748. Various +editions, with sundry changes in them, appeared between that time +and the year 1774, when the first edition in English saw the +light. + +"It is said of this edition, that it was printed by particular +order of the Legislature. That honorable body, being importuned to +extend aid to the College, not long after the time when President +Clap's measures had excited no inconsiderable ill-will, demanded +to see the laws; and accordingly a bundle of the Latin laws--the +only ones in existence--were sent over to the State-House. Not +admiring legislation in a dead language, and being desirous to pry +into the mysteries which it sealed up from some of the members, +they ordered the code to be translated. From that time the +numberless editions of the laws have all been in the English +tongue."--pp. 45, 46. + +The College of William and Mary, which was founded in 1693, +imitated in its laws and customs the English universities, but +especially the University of Oxford. The other colleges which were +founded before the Revolution, viz. New Jersey College, Columbia +College, Pennsylvania University, Brown University, Dartmouth, and +Rutgers College, "generally imitated Harvard in the order of +classes, the course of studies, the use of text-books, and the +manner of instruction."--_Am. Quart. Reg._, Vol. XV. 1843, p. 426. + +The colleges which were founded after the Revolution compiled +their laws, in a great measure, from those of the above-named +colleges. + + +LEATHER MEDAL. At Harvard College, the _leather Medal_ was +formerly bestowed upon the _laziest_ fellow in College. He was to +be last at recitation, last at commons, seldom at morning prayers, +and always asleep in church. + + +LECTURE. A discourse _read_, as the derivation of the word +implies, by a professor to his pupils; more generally, it is +applied to every species of instruction communicated _viva voce_. +--_Brande_. + +In American colleges, lectures form a part of the collegiate +instruction, especially during the last two years, in the latter +part of which, in some colleges, they divide the time nearly +equally with recitations. + +2. A rehearsal of a lesson.--_Eng. Univ._ + +Of this word, De Quincey says: "But what is the meaning of a +lecture in Oxford and elsewhere? Elsewhere, it means a solemn +dissertation, read, or sometimes histrionically declaimed, by the +professor. In Oxford, it means an exercise performed orally by the +students, occasionally assisted by the tutor, and subject, in its +whole course, to his corrections, and what may be called his +_scholia_, or collateral suggestions and improvements."--_Life and +Manners_, p. 253. + + +LECTURER. At the University of Cambridge, England, the _lecturers_ +assist in tuition, and especially attend to the exercises of the +students in Greek and Latin composition, themes, declamations, +verses, &c.--_Cam. Guide_. + + +LEM. At Williams College, a privy. + +Night had thrown its mantle over earth. Sol had gone to lay his +weary head in the lap of Thetis, as friend Hudibras has it; The +horned moon, and the sweet pale stars, were looking serenely! upon +the darkened earth, when the denizens of this little village were +disturbed by the cry of fire. The engines would have been rattling +through the streets with considerable alacrity, if the fathers of +the town had not neglected to provide them; but the energetic +citizens were soon on hand. There was much difficulty in finding +where the fire was, and heads and feet were turned in various +directions, till at length some wight of superior optical powers +discovered a faint, ruddy light in the rear of West College. It +was an ancient building,--a time-honored structure,--an edifice +erected by our forefathers, and by them christened LEMUEL, which +in the vernacular tongue is called _Lem_ "for short." The +dimensions of the edifice were about 120 by 62 inches. The loss is +almost irreparable, estimated at not less than 2,000 pounds, +avoirdupois. May it rise like a Phoenix from its ashes!--_Williams +Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. I. p. 464, 465. + + +LETTER HOME. A writer in the American Literary Magazine thus +explains and remarks upon the custom of punishing students by +sending a letter to their parents:--"In some institutions, there +is what is called the '_letter home_,'--which, however, in justice +to professors and tutors in general, we ought to say, is a +punishment inflicted upon parents for sending their sons to +college, rather than upon delinquent students. A certain number of +absences from matins or vespers, or from recitations, entitles the +culprit to a heartrending epistle, addressed, not to himself, but +to his anxious father or guardian at home. The document is always +conceived in a spirit of severity, in order to make it likely to +take effect. It is meant to be impressive, less by the heinousness +of the offence upon which it is predicated, than by the pregnant +terms in which it is couched. It often creates a misery and +anxiety far away from the place wherein it is indited, not because +it is understood, but because it is misunderstood and exaggerated +by the recipient. While the student considers it a farcical +proceeding, it is a leaf of tragedy to fathers and mothers. Then +the thing is explained. The offence is sifted. The father finds +out that less than a dozen morning naps are all that is necessary +to bring about this stupendous correspondence. The moral effect of +the act of discipline is neutralized, and the parent is perhaps +too glad, at finding his anxiety all but groundless, to denounce +the puerile, infant-school system, which he has been made to +comprehend by so painful a process."--Vol. IV. p. 402. + +Avaunt, ye terrific dreams of "failures," "conditions," "_letters +home_," and "admonitions."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 407. + +The birch twig sprouts into--_letters home_ and +dismissions.--_Ibid._, Vol. XIII. p. 869. + +But if they, capricious through long indulgence, did not choose to +get up, what then? Why, absent marks and _letters home_.--_Yale +Banger_, Oct. 22, 1847. + +He thinks it very hard that the faculty write "_letters +home_."--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + + And threats of "_Letters home_, young man," + Now cause us no alarm. + _Presentation Day Song_, June 14, 1854. + + +LIBERTY TREE. At Harvard College, a tree which formerly stood +between Massachusetts and Harvard Halls received, about the year +1760, the name of the Liberty Tree, on an occasion which is +mentioned in Hutchinson's posthumous volume of the History of +Massachusetts Bay. "The spirit of liberty," says he, "spread where +it was not intended. The Undergraduates of Harvard College had +been long used to make excuses for absence from prayers and +college exercises; pretending detention at their chambers by their +parents, or friends, who come to visit them. The tutors came into +an agreement not to admit such excuses, unless the scholar came to +the tutor, before prayers or college exercises, and obtained leave +to be absent. This gave such offence, that the scholars met in a +body, under and about a great tree, to which they gave the name of +the _tree of liberty_! There they came into several resolves in +favor of liberty; one of them, that the rule or order of the +tutors was _unconstitutional_. The windows of some of the tutors +were broken soon after, by persons unknown. Several of the +scholars were suspected, and examined. One of them falsely +reported that he had been confined without victuals or drink, in +order to compel him to a confession; and another declared, that he +had seen him under this confinement. This caused an attack upon +the tutors, and brickbats were thrown into the room, where they +had met together in the evening, through the windows. Three or +four of the rioters were discovered and expelled. The three junior +classes went to the President, and desired to give up their +chambers, and to leave the college. The fourth class, which was to +remain but about three months, and then to be admitted to their +degrees, applied to the President for a recommendation to the +college in Connecticut, that they might be admitted there. The +Overseers of the College met on the occasion, and, by a vigorous +exertion of the powers with which they were intrusted, +strengthened the hands of the President and tutors, by confirming +the expulsions, and declaring their resolution to support the +subordinate government of the College; and the scholars were +brought to a sense and acknowledgment of their fault, and a stop +was put to the revolt."--Vol. III. p. 187. + +Some years after, this tree was either blown or cut down, and the +name was transferred to another. A few of the old inhabitants of +Cambridge remember the stump of the former Liberty Tree, but all +traces of it seem to have been removed before the year 1800. The +present Liberty Tree stands between Holden Chapel and Harvard +Hall, to the west of Hollis. As early as the year 1815 there were +gatherings under its branches on Class Day, and it is probable +that this was the case even at an earlier date. At present it is +customary for the members of the Senior Class, at the close of the +exercises incident to Class Day, (the day on which the members of +that class finish their collegiate studies, and retire to make +preparations for the ensuing Commencement,) after cheering the +buildings, to encircle this tree, and, with hands joined, to sing +their favorite ballad, "Auld Lang Syne." They then run and dance +around it, and afterwards cheer their own class, the other +classes, and many of the College professors. At parting, each +takes a sprig or a flower from the beautiful wreath which is hung +around the tree, and this is sacredly preserved as a last memento +of the scenes and enjoyments of college life. + +In the poem delivered before the Class of 1849, on their Class +Day, occur the following beautiful stanzas in memory of departed +classmates, in which reference is made to some of the customs +mentioned above:-- + + "They are listening now to our parting prayers; + And the farewell song that we pour + Their distant voices will echo + From the far-off spirit shore; + + "And the wreath that we break with our scattered band, + As it twines round the aged elm,-- + Its fragments we'll keep with a sacred hand, + But the fragrance shall rise to them. + + "So to-day we will dance right merrily, + An unbroken band, round the old elm-tree; + And they shall not ask for a greener shrine + Than the hearts of the class of '49." + +Its grateful shade has in later times been used for purposes +similar to those which Hutchinson records, as the accompanying +lines will show, written in commemoration of the Rebellion of +1819. + + "Wreaths to the chiefs who our rights have defended; + Hallowed and blessed be the Liberty Tree: + Where Lenox[44] his pies 'neath its shelter hath vended, + We Sophs have assembled, and sworn to be free." + _The Rebelliad_, p. 54. + +The poet imagines the spirits of the different trees in the +College yard assembled under the Liberty Tree to utter their +sorrows. + + "It was not many centuries since, + When, gathered on the moonlit green, + Beneath the Tree of Liberty, + A ring of weeping sprites was seen." + _Meeting of the Dryads,[45] Holmes's Poems_, p. 102. + +It is sometimes called "the Farewell Tree," for obvious reasons. + + "Just fifty years ago, good friends, + a young and gallant band + Were dancing round the Farewell Tree, + --each hand in comrade's hand." + _Song, at Semi-centennial Anniversary of the Class of 1798_. + +See CLASS DAY. + + +LICEAT MIGRARE. Latin; literally, _let it be permitted him to +remove_. + +At Oxford, a form of modified dismissal from College. This +punishment "is usually the consequence of mental inefficiency +rather than moral obliquity, and does not hinder the student so +dismissed from entering at another college or at +Cambridge."--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 224. + +Same as LICET MIGRARI. + + +LICET MIGRARI. Latin; literally, _it is permitted him to be +removed_. In the University of Cambridge, England, a permission to +leave one's college. This differs from the Bene Discessit, for +although you may leave with consent, it by no means follows in +this case that you have the approbation of the Master and Fellows +so to do.--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + + +LIKE A BRICK OR A BEAN, LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE, LIKE BRICKS. Among +the students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., intensive +phrases, to express the most energetic way of doing anything. +"These phrases," observes Bristed, "are sometimes in very odd +contexts. You hear men talk of a balloon going up _like bricks_, +and rain coming down _like a house on fire_."--_Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 24. + +Still it was not in human nature for a classical man, living among +classical men, and knowing that there were a dozen and more close +to him reading away "_like bricks_," to be long entirely separated +from his Greek and Latin books.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 218. + +"_Like bricks_," is the commonest of their expressions, or used to +be. There was an old landlady at Huntingdon who said she always +charged Cambridge men twice as much as any one else. Then, "How do +you know them?" asked somebody. "O sir, they always tell us to get +the beer _like bricks_."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. +p. 231. + + +LITERAE HUMANIORES. Latin; freely, _the humanities; classical +literature_. At Oxford "the _Literae Humaniores_ now include Latin +and Greek Translation and Composition, Ancient History and +Rhetoric, Political and Moral Philosophy, and Logic."--_Lit. +World_, Vol. XII. p. 245. + +See HUMANITY. + + +LITERARY CONTESTS. At Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania, "there +is," says a correspondent, "an unusual interest taken in the two +literary societies, and once a year a challenge is passed between +them, to meet in an open literary contest upon an appointed +evening, usually that preceding the close of the second session. +The _contestors_ are a Debater, an Orator, an Essayist, and a +Declaimer, elected from each society by the majority, some time +previous to their public appearance. An umpire and two associate +judges, selected either by the societies or by the _contestors_ +themselves, preside over the performances, and award the honors to +those whom they deem most worthy of them. The greatest excitement +prevails upon this occasion, and an honor thus conferred is +preferable to any given in the institution." + +At Washington College, in Pennsylvania, the contest performances +are conducted upon the same principle as at Jefferson. + + +LITTLE-GO. In the English universities, a cant name for a public +examination about the middle of the course, which, being less +strict and less important in its consequences than the final one, +has received this appellation.--_Lyell_. + +Whether a regular attendance on the lecture of the college would +secure me a qualification against my first public examination; +which is here called _the Little-go_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +283. + +Also called at Oxford _Smalls_, or _Small-go_. + +You must be prepared with your list of books, your testamur for +Responsions (by Undergraduates called "_Little-go_" or +"_Smalls_"), and also your certificate of +matriculation.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 241. + +See RESPONSION. + + +LL.B. An abbreviation for _Legum Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of Laws. +In American colleges, this degree is conferred on students who +fulfil the conditions of the statutes of the law school to which +they belong. The law schools in the different colleges are +regulated on this point by different rules, but in many the degree +of LL.B. is given to a B.A. who has been a member of a law school +for a year and a half. + +See B.C.L. + + +LL.D. An abbreviation for _Legum Doctor_, Doctor of Laws. + +In American colleges, an honorary degree, conferred _pro meritis_ +on those who are distinguished as lawyers, statesmen, &c. + +See D.C.L. + + +L.M. An abbreviation for the words _Licentiate in Medicine_. At +the University of Cambridge, Eng., an L.M. must be an M.A. or M.B. +of two years' standing. No exercise, but examination by the +Professor and another Doctor in the Faculty. + + +LOAF. At Princeton College, to borrow anything, whether returning +it or not; usually in the latter sense. + + +LODGE. At the University of Cambridge, England, the technical name +given to the house occupied by the master of a +college.--_Bristed_. + +When Undergraduates were invited to the _conversaziones_ at the +_Lodge_, they were expected never to sit down in the Master's +presence.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 90. + + +LONG. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the long vacation, or, +as it is more familiarly called, "The Long," commences according +to statute in July, at the close of the Easter term, but +practically early in June, and ends October 20th, at the beginning +of the Michaelmas term. + +For a month or six weeks in the "_Long_," they rambled off to see +the sights of Paris.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 37. + +In the vacations, particularly the _Long_, there is every facility +for reading.--_Ibid._, p. 78. + +So attractive is the Vacation-College-life that the great trouble +of the Dons is to keep the men from staying up during the _Long_. +--_Ibid._, p. 79. + +Some were going on reading parties, some taking a holiday before +settling down to their work in the "_Long_."--_Ibid._, p. 104. + +See VACATION. + + +LONG-EAR. At Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, a student of a sober +or religious character is denominated a _long-ear_. The opposite +is _short-ear_. + + +LOTTERY. The method of obtaining money by lottery has at different +times been adopted in several of our American colleges. In 1747, a +new building being wanted at Yale College, the "Liberty of a +Lottery" was obtained from the General Assembly, "by which," says +Clap, "Five Hundred Pounds Sterling was raised, clear of all +Charge and Deductions."--_Hist. of Yale Coll._, p. 55. + +This sum defrayed one third of the expense of building what was +then called Connecticut Hall, and is known now by the name of "the +South Middle College." + +In 1772, Harvard College being in an embarrassed condition, the +Legislature granted it the benefit of a lottery; in 1794 this +grant was renewed, and for the purpose of enabling the College to +erect an additional building. The proceeds of the lottery amounted +to $18,400, which, with $5,300 from the general funds of the +College, were applied to the erection of Stoughton Hall, which was +completed in 1805. In 1806 the Legislature again authorized a +lottery, which enabled the Corporation in 1813 to erect a new +building, called Holworthy Hall, at an expense of about $24,500, +the lottery having produced about $29,000.--_Quincy's Hist. of +Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 162, 273, 292. + + +LOUNGE. A treat, a comfort. A word introduced into the vocabulary +of the English Cantabs, from Eton.--_Bristed_. + + +LOW. The term applied to the questions, subjects, papers, &c., +pertaining to a LOW MAN. + +The "_low_" questions were chiefly confined to the first day's +papers.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 205. + +The "_low_ subjects," as got up to pass men among the Junior +Optimes, comprise, etc.--_Ibid._, p. 205. + +The _low_ papers were longer.--_Ibid._, p. 206. + + +LOWER HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +LOW MAN. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the name given to a +Junior Optime as compared with a Senior Optime or with a Wrangler. + +I was fortunate enough to find a place in the team of a capital +tutor,... who had but six pupils, all going out this time, and +five of them "_low men_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 204. + + + +_M_. + + +M.A. An abbreviation of _Magister Artium_, Master of Arts. The +second degree given by universities and colleges. Sometimes +written A.M., which, is in accordance with the proper Latin +arrangement. + +In the English universities, every B.A. of three years' standing +may proceed to this degree on payment of certain fees. In America, +this degree is conferred, without examination, on Bachelors of +three years' standing. At Harvard, this degree was formerly +conferred only upon examination, as will be seen by the following +extract. "Every schollar that giveth up in writing a System, or +Synopsis, or summe of Logick, naturall and morall Philosophy, +Arithmetick, Geometry and Astronomy: And is ready to defend his +Theses or positions: Withall skilled in the originalls as +above-said; And of godly life and conversation; And so approved by +the Overseers and Master of the Colledge, at any publique Act, is +fit to be dignified with his 2d degree."--_New England's First +Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 246. + +Until the year 1792, it was customary for those who applied for +the degree of M.A. to defend what were called _Master's +questions_; after this time an oration was substituted in place of +these, which continued until 1844, when for the first time there +were no Master's exercises. The degree is now given to any +graduate of three or more years' standing, on the payment of a +certain sum of money. + +The degree is also presented by special vote to individuals wholly +unconnected with any college, but who are distinguished for their +literary attainments. In this case, where the honor is given, no +fee is required. + + +MAKE UP. To recite a lesson which was not recited with the class +at the regular recitation. It is properly used as a transitive +verb, but in conversation is very often used intransitively. The +following passage explains the meaning of the phrase more fully. + +A student may be permitted, on petition to the Faculty, to _make +up_ a recitation or other exercise from which he was absent and +has been excused, provided his application to this effect be made +within the term in-which the absence occurred.--_Laws of Univ. at +Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 16. + +... sleeping,--a luxury, however, which is sadly diminished by the +anticipated necessity of _making up_ back lessons.--_Harv. Reg._, +p. 202. + + +MAN. An undergraduate in a university or college. + +At Cambridge and eke at Oxford, every stripling is accounted a +_Man_ from the moment of his putting on the gown and cap.--_Gradus +ad Cantab._, p. 75. + +Sweet are the slumbers, indeed, of a Freshman, who, just escaped +the trammels of "home, sweet home," and the pedagogue's tyrannical +birch, for the first time in his life, with the academical gown, +assumes the _toga virilis_, and feels himself a _Man_.--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 30. + +In College all are "_men_" from the hirsute Senior to the tender +Freshman who carries off a pound of candy and paper of raisins +from the maternal domicile weekly.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 264. + + +MANCIPLE. Latin, _manceps_; _manu capio_, to take with the hand. + +In the English universities, the person who purchases the +provisions; the college victualler. The office is now obsolete. + + Our _Manciple_ I lately met, + Of visage wise and prudent. + _The Student_, Oxf. and Cam., Vol. I. p. 115. + + +MANDAMUS. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a special mandate +under the great seal, which enables a candidate to proceed to his +degree before the regular period.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +MANNERS. The outward observances of respect which were formerly +required of the students by college officers seem very strange to +us of the present time, and we cannot but notice the omissions +which have been made in college laws during the present century in +reference to this subject. Among the laws of Harvard College, +passed in 1734, is one declaring, that "all scholars shall show +due respect and honor in speech and behavior, as to their natural +parents, so to magistrates, elders, the President and Fellows of +the Corporation, and to all others concerned in the instruction or +government of the College, and to all superiors, keeping due +silence in their presence, and not disorderly gainsaying them; but +showing all laudable expressions of honor and reverence that are +in use; such as uncovering the head, rising up in their presence, +and the like. And particularly undergraduates shall be uncovered +in the College yard when any of the Overseers, the President or +Fellows of the Corporation, or any other concerned in the +government or instruction of the College, are therein, and +Bachelors of Arts shall be uncovered when the President is there." +This law was still further enforced by some of the regulations +contained in a list of "The Ancient Customs of Harvard College." +Those which refer particularly to this point are the following:-- + +"No Freshman shall wear his hat in the College yard, unless it +rains, hails, or snows, provided he be on foot, and have not both +hands full. + +"No Undergraduate shall wear his hat in the College yard, when any +of the Governors of the College are there; and no Bachelor shall +wear his hat when the President is there. + +"No Freshman shall speak to a Senior with his hat on; or have it +on in a Senior's chamber, or in his own, if a Senior be there. + +"All the Undergraduates shall treat those in the government of the +College with respect and deference; particularly, they shall not +be seated without leave in their presence; they shall be uncovered +when they speak to them, or are spoken to by them." + +Such were the laws of the last century, and their observance was +enforced with the greatest strictness. After the Revolution, the +spirit of the people had become more republican, and about the +year 1796, "considering the spirit of the times and the extreme +difficulty the executive must encounter in attempting to enforce +the law prohibiting students from wearing hats in the College +yard," a vote passed repealing it.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, +Vol. II. p. 278. + +On this subject, Professor Sidney Willard, with reference to the +time of the presidency of Joseph Willard at Harvard College, +during the latter part of the last century, remarks: "Outward +tokens of respect required to be paid to the immediate government, +and particularly to the President, were attended with formalities +that seemed to be somewhat excessive; such, for instance, as made +it an offence for a student to wear his hat in the College yard, +or enclosure, when the President was within it. This, indeed, in +the fulness of the letter, gradually died out, and was compromised +by the observance only when the student was so near, or in such a +position, that he was likely to be recognized. Still, when the +students assembled for morning and evening prayer, which was +performed with great constancy by the President, they were careful +to avoid a close proximity to the outer steps of the Chapel, until +the President had reached and passed within the threshold. This +was a point of decorum which it was pleasing to witness, and I +never saw it violated."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, 1855, +Vol. I. p. 132. + +"In connection with the subject of discipline," says President +Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse before the Graduates of Yale +College, "we may aptly introduce that of the respect required by +the officers of the College, and of the subordination which +younger classes were to observe towards older. The germ, and +perhaps the details, of this system of college manners, are to be +referred back to the English universities. Thus the Oxford laws +require that juniors shall show all due and befitting reverence to +seniors, that is, Undergraduates to Bachelors, they to Masters, +Masters to Doctors, as well in private as in public, by giving +them the better place when they are together, by withdrawing out +of their way when they meet, by uncovering the head at the proper +distance, and by reverently saluting and addressing them." + +After citing the law of Harvard College passed in 1734, which is +given above, he remarks as follows. "Our laws of 1745 contain the +same identical provisions. These regulations were not a dead +letter, nor do they seem to have been more irksome than many other +college restraints. They presupposed originally that the college +rank of the individual towards whom respect is to be shown could +be discovered at a distance by peculiarities of dress; the gown +and the wig of the President could be seen far beyond the point +where features and gait would cease to mark the person."--pp. 52, +53. + +As an illustration of the severity with which the laws on this +subject were enforced, it may not be inappropriate to insert the +annexed account from the Sketches of Yale College:--"The servile +requisition of making obeisance to the officers of College within +a prescribed distance was common, not only to Yale, but to all +kindred institutions throughout the United States. Some young men +were found whose high spirit would not brook the degrading law +imposed upon them without some opposition, which, however, was +always ineffectual. The following anecdote, related by Hon. +Ezekiel Bacon, in his Recollections of Fifty Years Since, although +the scene of its occurrence was in another college, yet is thought +proper to be inserted here, as a fair sample of the +insubordination caused in every institution by an enactment so +absurd and degrading. In order to escape from the requirements of +striking his colors and doffing his chapeau when within the +prescribed striking distance from the venerable President or the +dignified tutors, young Ellsworth, who afterwards rose to the +honorable rank of Chief Justice of the United States, and to many +other elevated stations in this country, and who was then a +student there, cut off entirely the brim portion of his hat, +leaving of it nothing but the crown, which he wore in the form of +a skull-cap on his head, putting it under his arm when he +approached their reverences. Being reproved for his perversity, +and told that this was not a hat within the meaning and intent of +the law, which he was required to do his obeisance with by +removing it from his head, he then made bold to wear his skull-cap +into the Chapel and recitation-room, in presence of the authority. +Being also then again reproved for wearing his hat in those +forbidden and sacred places, he replied that he had once supposed +that it was in truth a veritable hat, but having been informed by +his superiors that it was _no hat_ at all, he had ventured to come +into their presence as he supposed with his head uncovered by that +proscribed garment. But the dilemma was, as in his former +position, decided against him; and no other alternative remained +to him but to resume his full-brimmed beaver, and to comply +literally with the enactments of the collegiate pandect."--pp. +179, 180. + + +MAN WHO IS JUST GOING OUT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., +the popular name of a student who is in the last term of his +collegiate course. + + +MARK. The figure given to denote the quality of a recitation. In +most colleges, the merit of each performance is expressed by some +number of a series, in which a certain fixed number indicates the +highest value. + +In Harvard College the highest mark is eight. Four is considered +as the average, and a student not receiving this average in all +the studies of a term is not allowed to remain as a member of +college. At Yale the marks range from zero to four. Two is the +average, and a student not receiving this is obliged to leave +college, not to return until he can pass an examination in all the +branches which his class has pursued. + +In Harvard College, where the system of marks is most strictly +followed, the merit of each individual is ascertained by adding +together the term aggregates of each instructor, these "term +aggregates being the sum of all the marks given during the term, +for the current work of each month, and for omitted lessons made +up by permission, and of the marks given for examination by the +instructor and the examining committee at the close of the term." +From the aggregate of these numbers deductions are made for +delinquencies unexcused, and the result is the rank of the +student, according to which his appointment (if he receives one) +is given.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848. + + That's the way to stand in college, + High in "_marks_" and want of knowledge! + _Childe Harvard_, p. 154. + +If he does not understand his lesson, he swallows it whole, +without understanding it; his object being, not the lesson, but +the "_mark_," which he is frequently at the President's office to +inquire about.--_A Letter to a Young Man who has Just entered +College_, 1849, p. 21. + +I have spoken slightingly, too, of certain parts of college +machinery, and particularly of the system of "_marks_." I do +confess that I hold them in small reverence, reckoning them as +rather belonging to a college in embryo than to one fully grown. I +suppose it is "dangerous" advice; but I would be so intent upon my +studies as not to inquire or think about my "_marks_."--_Ibid._ p. +36. + +Then he makes mistakes in examinations also, and "loses _marks_." +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 388. + + +MARKER. In the University of Cambridge, England, three or four +persons called _markers_ are employed to walk up and down chapel +during a considerable part of the service, with lists of the names +of the members in their hands; they an required to run a pin +through the names of those present. + +As to the method adopted by the markers, Bristed says: "The +students, as they enter, are _marked_ with pins on long +alphabetical lists, by two college servants, who are so +experienced and clever at their business that they never have to +ask the name of a new-comer more than once."--_Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 15. + + His name pricked off upon the _marker's_ roll, + No twinge of conscience racks his easy soul. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +MARSHAL. In the University of Oxford, an officer who is usually in +attendance on one of the proctors.--_Collegian's Guide_. + + +MARSHAL'S TREAT. An account of the manner in which this +observance, peculiar to Williams College, is annually kept, is +given in the annexed passage from the columns of a newspaper. + +"Another custom here is the Marshal's Treat. The two gentlemen who +are elected to act as Marshals during Commencement week are +expected to _treat_ the class, and this year it was done in fine +style. The Seniors assembled at about seven o'clock in their +recitation-room, and, with Marshals Whiting and Taft at their +head, marched down to a grove, rather more than half a mile from +the Chapel, where tables had been set, and various luxuries +provided for the occasion. The Philharmonia Musical Society +discoursed sweet strains during the entertainment, and speeches, +songs, and toasts were kept up till a late hour in the evening, +when after giving cheers for the three lower classes, and three +times three for '54, they marched back to the President's. A song +written for the occasion was there performed, to which he replied +in a few words, speaking of his attachment to the class, and his +regret at the parting which must soon take place. The class then +returned to East College, and after joining hands and singing Auld +Lang Syne, separated."--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, +1854. + + +MASQUERADE. It was formerly the custom at Harvard College for the +Tutors, on leaving their office, to invite their friends to a +masquerade ball, which was held at some time during the vacation, +usually in the rooms which they occupied in the College buildings. +One of the most splendid entertainments of this kind was given by +Mr. Kirkland, afterwards President of the College, in the year +1794. The same custom also prevailed to a certain extent among the +students, and these balls were not wholly discontinued until the +year 1811. After this period, members of societies would often +appear in masquerade dresses in the streets, and would sometimes +in this garb enter houses, with the occupants of which they were +not acquainted, thereby causing much sport, and not unfrequently +much mischief. + + +MASTER. The head of a college. This word is used in the English +Universities, and was formerly in use in this country, in this +sense. + +The _Master_ of the College, or "Head of the House," is a D.D., +who has been a Fellow. He is the supreme ruler within the college +Trails, and moves about like an Undergraduate's deity, keeping at +an awful distance from the students, and not letting himself be +seen too frequently even at chapel. Besides his fat salary and +house, he enjoys many perquisites and privileges, not the least of +which is that of committing matrimony.--_Bristed's Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 16. + +Every schollar, that on proofe is found able to read the originals +of the Old and New Testament into the Latine tongue, &c. and at +any publick act hath the approbation of the Overseers and _Master_ +of the Colledge, is fit to be dignified with his first +degree.--_New England's First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, +Vol. I. pp. 245, 246. + +2. A title of dignity in colleges and universities; as, _Master_ +of Arts.--_Webster_. + +They, likewise, which peruse the questiones published by the +_Masters_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. pp. 131, 132. + + +MASTER OF THE KITCHEN. In Harvard College, a person who formerly +made all the contracts, and performed all the duties necessary for +the providing of commons, under the direction of the Steward. He +was required to be "discreet and capable."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, +1814, p. 42. + + +MASTER'S QUESTION. A proposition advanced by a candidate for the +degree of Master of Arts. + +In the older American colleges it seems to have been the +established custom, at a very early period, for those who +proceeded Masters, to maintain in public _questions_ or +propositions on scientific or moral topics. Dr. Cotton Mather, in +his _Magnalia_, p. 132, referring to Harvard College, speaks of +"the _questiones_ published by the Masters," and remarks that they +"now and then presume to fly as high as divinity." These questions +were in Latin, and the discussions upon them were carried on in +the same language. The earliest list of Masters' questions extant +was published at Harvard College in the year 1655. It was +entitled, "Quaestiones in Philosophia Discutiendae ... in comitiis +per Inceptores in artib[us]." In 1669 the title was changed to +"Quaestiones pro Modulo Discutiendae ... per Inceptores." The last +Masters' questions were presented at the Commencement in 1789. The +next year Masters' exercises were substituted, which usually +consisted of an English Oration, a Poem, and a Valedictory Latin +Oration, delivered by three out of the number of candidates for +the second degree. A few years after, the Poem was omitted. The +last Masters' exercises were performed in the year 1843. At Yale +College, from 1787 onwards, there were no Masters' valedictories, +nor syllogistic disputes in Latin, and in 1793 there were no +Master's exercises at all. + + +MATHEMATICAL SLATE. At Harvard College, the best mathematician +received in former times a large slate, which, on leaving college, +he gave to the best mathematician in the next class, and thus +transmitted it from class to class. The slate disappeared a few +years since, and the custom is no longer observed. + + +MATRICULA. A roll or register, from _matrix_. In _colleges_ +the register or record which contains the names of the students, +times of entering into college, remarks on their character, +&c. + +The remarks made in the _Matricula_ of the College respecting +those who entered the Freshman Class together with him are, of +one, that he "in his third year went to Philadelphia +College."--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia College_, p. 42. + +Similar brief remarks are found throughout the _Matricula_ of +King's College.--_Ibid._, p. 42. + +We find in its _Matricula_ the names of William Walton, +&c.--_Ibid._, p. 64. + + +MATRICULATE. Latin, _Matricula_, a roll or register, from +_matrix_. To enter or admit to membership in a body or society, +particularly in a college or university, by enrolling the name in +a register.--_Wotton_. + +In July, 1778, he was examined at that university, and +_matriculated_.--_Works of R.T. Paine, Biography_, p. xviii. + +In 1787, he _matriculated_ at St. John's College, +Cambridge.--_Household Words_, Vol. I. p. 210. + + +MATRICULATE. One enrolled in a register, and thus admitted to +membership in a society.--_Arbuthnot_. + +The number of _Matriculates_ has in every instance been greater +than that stated in the table.--_Cat. Univ. of North Carolina_, +1848-49. + + +MATRICULATION. The act of registering a name and admitting to +membership.--_Ayliffe_. + +In American colleges, students who are found qualified on +examination to enter usually join the class to which they are +admitted, on probation, and are matriculated as members of the +college in full standing, either at the close of their first or +second term. The time of probation seldom exceeds one year; and if +at the end of this time, or of a shorter, as the case may be, the +conduct of a student has not been such as is deemed satisfactory +by the Faculty, his connection with the college ceases. As a +punishment, the _matriculation certificate_ of a student is +sometimes taken from him, and during the time in which he is +unmatriculated, he is under especial probation, and disobedience +to college laws is then punished with more severity than at other +times.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 12. _Laws Yale +Coll._, 1837, p. 9. + +MAUDLIN. The name by which Magdalen College, Cambridge, Eng., is +always known and spoken of by Englishmen. + +The "_Maudlin Men_" were at one time so famous for tea-drinking, +that the Cam, which licks the very walls of the college, is said +to have been absolutely rendered unnavigable with +tea-leaves.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 202. + +MAX. Abbreviated for _maximum_, greatest. At Union College, he who +receives the highest possible number of marks, which is one +hundred, in each study, for a term, is said to _take Max_ (or +maximum); to be a _Max scholar_. On the Merit Roll all the _Maxs_ +are clustered at the top. + +A writer remarks jocosely of this word. It is "that indication of +perfect scholarship to which none but Freshmen aspire, and which +is never attained except by accident."--_Sophomore Independent_, +Union College, Nov. 1854. + +Probably not less than one third of all who enter each new class +confidently expect to "mark _max_," during their whole course, and +to have the Valedictory at Commencement.--_Ibid._ + +See MERIT ROLL. + + +MAY. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the college Easter term +examination is familiarly spoken of as _the May_. + +The "_May_" is one of the features which distinguishes Cambridge +from Oxford; at the latter there are no public College +examinations.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 64. + +As the "_May_" approached, I began to feel nervous.--_Ibid._, p. +70. + + +MAY TRAINING. A correspondent from Bowdoin College where the +farcical custom of May Training is observed writes as follows in +reference to its origin: "In 1836, a law passed the Legislature +requiring students to perform military duty, and they were +summoned to appear at muster equipped as the law directs, to be +inspected and drilled with the common militia. Great excitement +prevailed in consequence, but they finally concluded to _train_. +At the appointed time and place, they made their appearance armed +_cap-a-pie_ for grotesque deeds, some on foot, some on horse, with +banners and music appropriate, and altogether presenting as +ludicrous a spectacle as could easily be conceived of. They +paraded pretty much 'on their own hook,' threw the whole field +into disorder by their evolutions, and were finally ordered off +the ground by the commanding officer. They were never called upon +again, but the day is still commemorated." + + +M.B. An abbreviation for _Medicinae Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of +Physic. At Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must +have had his name five years on the boards of some college, have +resided three years, and attended medical lectures and hospital +practice during the other two; also have attended the lectures of +the Professors of Anatomy, Chemistry, and Botany, and the Downing +Professor of Medicine, and passed an examination to their +satisfaction. At Oxford, Eng., the degree is given to an M.A. of +one year's standing, who is also a regent of the same length of +time. The exercises are disputations upon two distinct days before +the Professors of the Faculty of Medicine. The degree was formerly +given in American colleges before that of M.D., but has of late +years been laid aside. + + +M.D. An abbreviation for _Medicines Doctor_, Doctor of Physic. At +Cambridge, Eng., the candidate for this degree must be a Bachelor +of Physic of five years' standing, must have attended hospital +practice for three years, and passed an examination satisfactory +to the Medical Professors of the University, + +At Oxford, an M.D. must be an M.B. of three years' standing. The +exercises are three distinct lectures, to be read on three +different days. In American colleges the degree is usually given +to those who have pursued their studies in a medical school for +three years; but the regulations differ in different institutions. + + +MED, MEDIC. A name sometimes given to a student in medicine. + + ---- who sent + The _Medic_ to our aid. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 23. + + "The Council are among ye, Yale!" + Some roaring _Medic_ cries. + _Ibid._, p. 24. + + The slain, the _Medics_ stowed away. + _Ibid._, p. 24. + + Seniors, Juniors, Freshmen blue, + And _Medics_ sing the anthem too. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + + Take ... + Sixteen interesting "_Meds_," + With dirty hands and towzeled heads. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 16. + + +MEDALIST. In universities, colleges, &c., one who has gained a +medal as the reward of merit.--_Ed. Rev. Gradus ad Cantab._ + +These _Medalists_ then are the best scholars among the men who +have taken a certain mathematical standing; but as out of the +University these niceties of discrimination are apt to be dropped +they usually pass at home for absolutely the first and second +scholars of the year, and sometimes they are so.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 62. + + +MEDICAL FACULTY. Usually abbreviated Med. Fac. The Medical Faculty +Society was established one evening after commons, in the year +1818, by four students of Harvard College, James F. Deering, +Charles Butterfield, David P. Hall, and Joseph Palmer, members of +the class of 1820. Like many other societies, it originated in +sport, and, as in after history shows, was carried on in the same +spirit. The young men above named happening to be assembled in +Hollis Hall, No. 13, a proposition was started that Deering should +deliver a mock lecture, which having been done, to the great +amusement of the rest, he in his turn proposed that they should at +some future time initiate members by solemn rites, in order that +others might enjoy their edifying exercises. From this small +beginning sprang the renowned Med. Fac. Society. Deering, a +"fellow of infinite jest," was chosen its first President; he was +much esteemed for his talents, but died early, the victim of +melancholy madness. + +The following entertaining account of the early history of this +Society has been kindly furnished, in a letter to the editor, by a +distinguished gentleman who was its President in the year 1820, +and a graduate of the class of 1822. + +"With regard to the Medical Faculty," he writes, "I suppose that +you are aware that its object was mere fun. That object was +pursued with great diligence during the earlier period of its +history, and probably through its whole existence. I do not +remember that it ever had a constitution, or any stated meetings, +except the annual one for the choice of officers. Frequent +meetings, however, were called by the President to carry out the +object of the institution. They were held always in some student's +room in the afternoon. The room was made as dark as possible, and +brilliantly lighted. The Faculty sat round a long table, in some +singular and antique costume, almost all in large wigs, and +breeches with knee-buckles. This practice was adopted to make a +strong impression on students who were invited in for examination. +Members were always examined for admission. The strangest +questions were asked by the venerable board, and often strange +answers elicited,--no matter how remote from the purpose, provided +there was wit or drollery. Sometimes a singularly slow person +would be invited, on purpose to puzzle and tease him with +questions that he could make nothing of; and he would stand in +helpless imbecility, without being able to cover his retreat with +even the faintest suspicion of a joke. He would then be gravely +admonished of the necessity of diligent study, reminded of the +anxiety of his parents on his account, and his duty to them, and +at length a month or two would be allowed him to prepare himself +for another examination, or he would be set aside altogether. But +if he appeared again for another trial, he was sure to fare no +better. He would be set aside at last. I remember an instance in +which a member was expelled for a reason purely fictitious,--droll +enough to be worth telling, if I could remember it,--and the +secretary directed 'to write to his father, and break the matter +gently to him, that it might not bring down the gray hairs of the +old man with sorrow to the grave.' + +"I have a pleasant recollection of the mock gravity, the broad +humor, and often exquisite wit of those meetings, but it is +impossible to give you any adequate idea of them. Burlesque +lectures on all conceivable and inconceivable subjects were +frequently read or improvised by members _ad libitum_. I remember +something of a remarkable one from Dr. Alden, upon part of a +skeleton of a superannuated horse, which he made to do duty for +the remains of a great German Professor with an unspeakable name. + +"Degrees were conferred upon all the members,--M.D. or D.M.[46] +according to their rank, which is explained in the Catalogue. +Honorary degrees were liberally conferred upon conspicuous persons +at home and abroad. It is said that one gentleman, at the South, I +believe, considered himself insulted by the honor, and complained +of it to the College government, who forthwith broke up the +Society. But this was long after my time, and I cannot answer for +the truth of the tradition. Diplomas were given to the M.D.'s and +D.M.'s in ludicrous Latin, with a great seal appended by a green +ribbon. I have one, somewhere. My name is rendered _Filius +Steti_." + +A graduate of the class of 1828 writes: "I well remember that my +invitation to attend the meeting of the Med. Fac. Soc. was written +in barbarous Latin, commencing 'Domine Crux,' and I think I passed +so good an examination that I was made _Professor longis +extremitatibus_, or Professor with long shanks. It was a society +for purposes of mere fun and burlesque, meeting secretly, and +always foiling the government in their attempts to break it up." + +The members of the Society were accustomed to array themselves in +masquerade dresses, and in the evening would enter the houses of +the inhabitants of Cambridge, unbidden, though not always +unwelcome guests. This practice, however, and that of conferring +degrees on public characters, brought the Society, as is above +stated, into great disrepute with the College Faculty, by whom it +was abolished in the year 1834. + +The Catalogue of the Society was a burlesque on the Triennial of +the College. The first was printed in the year 1821, the others +followed in the years 1824, 1827, 1830, and 1833. The title on the +cover of the Catalogue of 1833, the last issued, similar to the +titles borne by the others, was, "Catalogus Senatus Facultatis, et +eorum qui munera et officia gesserunt, quique alicujus gradus +laurea donati sunt in Facultate Medicinae in Universitate +Harvardiana constituta, Cantabrigiae in Republica Massachusettensi. +Cantabrigiae: Sumptibus Societatis. MDCCCXXXIII. Sanguinis +circulationis post patefactionem Anno CCV." + +The Prefaces to the Catalogues were written in Latin, the +character of which might well be denominated _piggish_. In the +following translations by an esteemed friend, the beauty and force +of the originals are well preserved. + +_Preface to the Catalogue of 1824_. + +"To many, the first edition of the Medical Faculty Catalogue was a +wonderful and extraordinary thing. Those who boasted that they +could comprehend it, found themselves at length terribly and +widely in error. Those who did not deny their inability to get the +idea of it, were astonished and struck with amazement. To certain +individuals, it seemed to possess somewhat of wit and humor, and +these laughed immoderately; to others, the thing seemed so absurd +and foolish, that they preserved a grave and serious countenance. + +"Now, a new edition is necessary, in which it is proposed to state +briefly in order the rise and progress of the Medical Faculty. It +is an undoubted matter of history, that the Medical Faculty is the +most ancient of all societies in the whole world. In fact, its +archives contain documents and annals of the Society, written on +birch-bark, which are so ancient that they cannot be read at all; +and, moreover, other writings belong to the Society, legible it is +true, but, by ill-luck, in the words of an unknown and long-buried +language, and therefore unintelligible. Nearly all the documents +of the Society have been reduced to ashes at some time amid the +rolling years since the creation of man. On this account the +Medical Faculty cannot pride itself on an uninterrupted series of +records. But many oral traditions in regard to it have reached us +from our ancestors, from which it may be inferred that this +society formerly flourished under the name of the 'Society of +Wits' (Societas Jocosorum); and you might often gain an idea of it +from many shrewd remarks that have found their way to various +parts of the world. + +"The Society, after various changes, has at length been brought to +its present form, and its present name has been given it. It is, +by the way, worthy of note, that this name is of peculiar +signification, the word 'medical' having the same force as +'sanative' (sanans), as far as relates to the mind, and not to the +body, as in the vulgar signification. To be brief, the meaning of +'medical' is 'diverting' (divertens), that is, _turning_ the mind +from misery, evil, and grief. Under this interpretation, the +Medical Faculty signifies neither more nor less than the 'Faculty +of Recreation.' The thing proposed by the Society is, to _divert_ +its immediate and honorary members from unbecoming and foolish +thoughts, and is twofold, namely, relating both to manners and to +letters. Professors in the departments appropriated to letters +read lectures; and the alumni, as the case requires, are sometimes +publicly examined and questioned. The Library at present contains +a single book, but this _one_ is called for more and more every +day. A collection of medical apparatus belongs to the Society, +beyond doubt the most grand and extensive in the whole world, +intended to sharpen the _faculties_ of all the members. + +"Honorary degrees have been conferred on illustrious and +remarkable men of all countries. + +"A certain part of the members go into all academies and literary +'gymnasia,' to act as nuclei, around which branches of this +Society may be enabled to form." + +_Preface to the Catalogue of 1830_. + +"As the members of the Medical Faculty have increased, as many +members have been distinguished by honorary degrees, and as the +former Catalogues have all been sold, the Senate orders a new +Catalogue to be printed. + +"It seemed good to the editors of the former Catalogue briefly to +state the nature and to defend the antiquity of this Faculty. +Nevertheless, some have refused their assent to the statements, +and demand some reasons for what is asserted. We therefore, once +for all, declare that, of all societies, this is the most ancient, +the most extensive, the most learned, and the most divine. We +establish its antiquity by two arguments: firstly, because +everywhere in the world there are found many monuments of our +ancestors; secondly, because all other societies derive their +origin from this. It appears from our annals, that different +curators have laid their bones beneath the Pyramids, Naples, Rome, +and Paris. These, as described by a faithful secretary, are found +at this day. + +"The obelisks of Egypt contain in hieroglyphic characters many +secrets of our Faculty. The Chinese Wall, and the Colossus at +Rhodes, were erected by our ancestors in sport. We could cite many +other examples, were it necessary. + +"All societies to whom belong either wonderful art, or nothing +except secrecy, have been founded on our pattern. It appears that +the Society of Free-Masons was founded by eleven disciples of the +Med. Fac. expelled A.D. 1425. But these ignorant fellows were +never able to raise their brotherhood to our standard of +perfection: in this respect alone they agree with us, in admitting +only the _masculine_ gender ('masc. gen.').[47] + +"Therefore we have always been Antimason. No one who has ever +gained admittance to our assembly has the slightest doubt that we +have extended our power to the farthest regions of the earth, for +we have embassies from every part of the world, and Satan himself +has learned many particulars from our Senate in regard to the +administration of affairs and the means of torture. + +"We pride ourselves in being the most learned society on earth, +for men versed in all literature and erudition, when hurried into +our presence for examination, quail and stand in silent amazement. +'Placid Death' alone is coeval with this Society, and resembles +it, for in its own Catalogue it equalizes rich and poor, great and +small, white and black, old and young. + +"Since these things are so, and you, kind reader, have been +instructed on these points, I will not longer detain you from the +book and the picture.[48] Farewell." + +_Preface to the Catalogue of_ 1833. + +"It was much less than three years since the third edition of this +Catalogue saw the light, when the most learned Med. Fac. began to +be reminded that the time had arrived for preparing to polish up +and publish a new one. Accordingly, special curators were selected +to bring this work to perfection. These curators would not neglect +the opportunity of saying a few words on matters of great moment. + +"We have carefully revised the whole text, and, as far as we +could, we have taken pains to remove typographical errors. The +duty is not light. But the number of medical men in the world has +increased, and it is becoming that the whole world should know the +true authors of its greatest blessing. Therefore we have inserted +their names and titles in their proper places. + +"Among other changes, we would not forget the creation of a new +office. Many healing remedies, foreign, rare, and wonderful, have +been brought for the use of the Faculty from Egypt and Arabia +Felix. It was proper that some worthy, capable man, of quick +discernment, should have charge of these most precious remedies. +Accordingly, the Faculty has chosen a curator to be called the +'Apothecarius.' Many quacks and cheats have desired to hold the +new office; but the present occupant has thrown all others into +the shade. The names, surnames, and titles of this excellent man +will be found in the following pages.[49] + +"We have done well, not only towards others, but also towards +ourselves. Our library contains quite a number of books; among +others, ten thousand obtained through the munificence and +liberality of great societies in the almost unknown regions of +Kamtschatka and the North Pole, and especially also through the +munificence of the Emperor of all the Russias. It has become so +immense, that, at the request of the Librarian, the Faculty have +prohibited any further donations. + +"In the next session of the General Court of Massachusetts, the +Senate of the Faculty (assisted by the President of Harvard +University) will petition for forty thousand sesterces, for the +purpose of erecting a large building to contain the immense +accumulation of books. From the well-known liberality of the +Legislature, no doubts are felt of obtaining it. + +"To say more would make a long story. And this, kind reader, is +what we have to communicate to you at the outset. The fruit will +show with how much fidelity we have performed the task imposed +upon us by the most illustrious men. Farewell." + +As a specimen of the character of the honorary degrees conferred +by the Society, the following are taken from the list given in the +Catalogues. They embrace, as will be seen, the names of +distinguished personages only, from the King and President to Day +and Martin, Sam Patch, and the world-renowned Sea-Serpent. + +"Henricus Christophe, Rex Haytiae quondam, M.D. Med. Fac. +honorarius."[50] + +"Gulielmus Cobbett, qui ad Angliam ossa Thomae Paine ferebat, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[51] + +"Johannes-Cleaves Symmes, qui in terrae ilia penetravissit, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[52] + +"ALEXANDER I. Russ. Imp. Illust. et Sanct. Foed. et Mass. Pac. +Soc. Socius, qui per Legat. American. claro Med. Fac., +'_curiositatem raram et archaicam_,' regie transmisit, 1825, M.D. +Med. Fac. honorarius."[53] + +"ANDREAS JACKSON, Major-General in bello ultimo Americano, et +_Nov. Orleans Heros_ fortissimus; et _ergo_ nunc Praesidis +Rerumpub. Foed, muneris _candidatus_ et 'Old Hickory,' M.D. et +M.U.D. 1827, Med. Fac. honorarius, et 1829 Praeses Rerumpub. +Foed., et LL.D. 1833." + +"Gulielmus Emmons, praenominatus Pickleius, qui orator +eloquentissimus nostrae aetatis; poma, nuces, _panem-zingiberis_, +suas orationes, '_Egg-popque_' vendit, D.M. Med. Fac. +honorarius."[54] + +"Day et Martin, Angli, qui per quinquaginta annos toto Christiano +Orbi et praecipue _Univ. Harv._ optimum _Real Japan Atramentum_ ab +'XCVII. Alta Holbornia' subministrarunt, M.D. et M.U.D. Med. Fac. +honorarius." + +"Samuel Patch, socius multum deploratus, qui multa experimenta, de +gravitate et 'faciles descensus' suo corpore fecit; qui gradum, +M.D. _per saltum_ consecutus est. Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Cheng et Heng, Siamesi juvenes, invicem _a mans_ et intime +attacti, Med. Fac. que honorarii." + +"Gulielmus Grimke, et quadraginta sodales qui 'omnes in uno' Conic +Sections sine Tabulis aspernati sunt, et contra Facultatem, Col. +Yal. rebellaverunt, posteaque expulsi et 'obumbrati' sunt et Med. +Fac. honorarii." + +"MARTIN VAN BUREN, _Armig._, Civitatis Scriba Reipub. Foed. apud +Aul. Brit. Legat. Extraord. sibi constitutus. Reip. Nov. Ebor. +Gub. 'Don Whiskerandos'; 'Little Dutchman'; atque 'Great +Rejected.' Nunc (1832), Rerumpub. Foed. Vice-Praeses et 'Kitchen +Cabinet' Moderator, M.D. et Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Magnus Serpens Maris, suppositus, aut porpoises aut +horse-mackerel, grex; 'very like a whale' (Shak.); M.D. et +peculiariter M.U.D. Med. Fac. honorarius." + +"Timotheus Tibbets et Gulielmus J. Snelling 'par nobile sed +hostile fratrum'; 'victor et victus,' unus buster et rake, alter +lupinarum cockpitsque purgator, et nuper Edit. Nov. Ang. Galax. +Med. Fac. honorarii."[55] + +"Capt. Basil Hall, Tabitha Trollope, atque _Isaacus Fiddler_ +Reverendus; semi-pay centurio, famelica transfuga, et semicoctus +grammaticaster, qui scriptitant solum ut prandere possint. Tres in +uno Mend. Munch. Prof. M.D., M.U.D. et Med. Fac. Honorarium." + +A college poet thus laments the fall of this respected society:-- + + "Gone, too, for aye, that merry masquerade, + Which danced so gayly in the evening shade, + And Learning weeps, and Science hangs her head, + To mourn--vain toil!--their cherished offspring dead. + What though she sped her honors wide and far, + Hailing as son Muscovia's haughty Czar, + Who in his palace humbly knelt to greet, + And laid his costly presents at her feet?[56] + Relentless fate her sudden fall decreed, + Dooming each votary's tender heart to bleed, + And yet, as if in mercy to atone, + That fate hushed sighs, and silenced many a _groan_." + _Winslow's Class Poem_, 1835. + + +MERIT ROLL. At Union College, "the _Merit Rolls_ of the several +classes," says a correspondent, "are sheets of paper put up in the +College post-office, at the opening of each term, containing a +list of all students present in the different classes during the +previous term, with a statement of the conduct, attendance, and +scholarship of each member of the class. The names are numbered +according to the standing of the student, all the best scholars +being clustered at the head, and the poorer following in a +melancholy train. To be at the head, or 'to head the roll,' is an +object of ambition, while 'to foot the roll' is anything but +desirable." + + +MIDDLE BACHELOR. One who is in his second year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. + +A Senior Sophister has authority to take a Freshman from a +Sophomore, a _Middle Bachelor_ from a Junior Sophister.--_Quincy's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 540. + + +MIGRATE. In the English universities, to remove from one college +to another. + +One of the unsuccessful candidates _migrated_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 100. + + +MIGRATION. In the English universities, a removal from one college +to another. + +"_A migration_," remarks Bristed, "is generally tantamount to a +confession of inferiority, and an acknowledgment that the migrator +is not likely to become a Fellow in his own College, and therefore +takes refuge in another, where a more moderate Degree will insure +him a Fellowship. A great deal of this _migration_ goes on from +John's to the Small Colleges."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 100. + + +MIGRATOR. In the English universities, one who removes from one +college to another. + + +MILD. A student epithet of depreciation, answering nearly to the +phrases, "no great shakes," and "small potatoes."--_Bristed_. + +Some of us were very heavy men to all appearance, and our first +attempts _mild_ enough.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 169. + + +MINGO. Latin. At Harvard College, this word was formerly used to +designate a chamber-pot. + + To him that occupies my study, + I give for use of making toddy, + A bottle full of _white-face Stingo_, + Another, handy, called a _mingo_. + _Will of Charles Prentiss_, in _Rural Repository_, 1795. + +Many years ago, some of the students of Harvard College wishing to +make a present to their Tutor, Mr. Flynt, called on him, informed +him of their intention, and requested him to select a gift which +would be acceptable to him. He replied that he was a single man, +that he already had a well-filled library, and in reality wanted +nothing. The students, not all satisfied with this answer, +determined to present him with a silver chamber-pot. One was +accordingly made, of the appropriate dimensions, and inscribed +with these words: + "Mingere cum bombis + Res est saluberrima lumbis." + +On the morning of Commencement Day, this was borne in procession, +in a morocco case, and presented to the Tutor. Tradition does not +say with what feelings he received it, but it remained for many +years at a room in Quincy, where he was accustomed to spend his +Saturdays and Sundays, and finally disappeared, about the +beginning of the Revolutionary War. It is supposed to have been +carried to England. + + +MINOR. A privy. From the Latin _minor_, smaller; the word _house_ +being understood. Other derivations are given, but this seems to +be the most classical. This word is peculiar to Harvard College. + + +MISS. An omission of a recitation, or any college exercise. An +instructor is said _to give a miss_, when he omits a recitation. + +A quaint Professor of Harvard College, being once asked by his +class to omit the recitation for that day, is said to have replied +in the words of Scripture: "Ye ask and receive not, for ye ask +a-_miss_." + +In the "Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," Professor Felton has +referred to this story, and has appended to it the contradiction +of the worthy Doctor. "Amusing anecdotes, some true and many +apocryphal, were handed down in College from class to class, and, +so far from being yet forgotten, they are rather on the increase. +One of these mythical stories was, that on a certain occasion one +of the classes applied to the Doctor for what used to be called, +in College jargon, a _miss_, i.e. an omission of recitation. The +Doctor replied, as the legend run, 'Ye ask, and ye receive not, +because ye ask a-_miss_.' Many years later, this was told to him. +'It is not true,' he exclaimed, energetically. 'In the first +place, I have not wit enough; in the next place, I have too much +wit, for I mortally hate a pun. Besides, _I never allude +irreverently to the Scriptures_.'"--p. lxxvii. + + Or are there some who scrape and hiss + Because you never give a _miss_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 62. + + ---- is good to all his subjects, + _Misses_ gives he every hour.--_MS. Poem_. + + +MISS. To be absent from a recitation or any college exercise. Said +of a student. See CUT. + + Who will recitations _miss_!--_Rebelliad_, p. 53. + + At every corner let us hiss 'em; + And as for recitations,--_miss_ 'em.--_Ibid._, p. 58. + + Who never _misses_ declamation, + Nor cuts a stupid recitation. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 283. + +_Missing_ chambers will be visited with consequences more to be +dreaded than the penalties of _missing_ lecture.--_Collegian's +Guide_, p. 304. + + +MITTEN. At the Collegiate Institute of Indiana, a student who is +expelled is said _to get the mitten_. + + +MOCK-PART. At Harvard College, it is customary, when the parts for +the first exhibition in the Junior year have been read, as +described under PART, for the part-reader to announce what are +called the _mock-parts_. These mock-parts which are burlesques on +the regular appointments, are also satires on the habits, +character, or manners of those to whom they are assigned. They are +never given to any but members of the Junior Class. It was +formerly customary for the Sophomore Class to read them in the +last term of that year when the parts were given out for the +Sophomore exhibition but as there is now no exhibition for that +class, they are read only in the Junior year. The following may do +as specimens of the subjects usually assigned:--The difference +between alluvial and original soils; a discussion between two +persons not noted for personal cleanliness. The last term of a +decreasing series; a subject for an insignificant but conceited +fellow. An essay on the Humbug, by a dabbler in natural history. A +conference on the three dimensions, length, breadth, and +thickness, between three persons, one very tall, another very +broad, and the third very fat. + + +MODERATE. In colleges and universities, to superintend the +exercises and disputations in philosophy, and the Commencements +when degrees are conferred. + +They had their weekly declamations on Friday, in the Colledge +Hall, besides publick disputations, which either the Praesident or +the Fellows _moderated_.--_Mather's Magnalia_, B. IV. p. 127. + +Mr. Mather _moderated_ at the Masters' +disputations.--_Hutchinson's Hist. of Mass._, Vol. I. p. 175, +note. + +Mr. Andrew _moderated_ at the Commencements.--_Clap's Hist. of +Yale Coll._, p. 15. + +President Holyoke was of a noble, commanding presence. He was +perfectly acquainted with academic matters, and _moderated_ at +Commencements with great dignity.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, +p. 26. + +Mr. Woodbridge _moderated_ at Commencement, 1723.--_Woolsey's +Hist. Disc._, p. 103. + + +MODERATOR. In the English universities, one who superintends the +exercises and disputations in philosophy, and the examination for +the degree of B.A.--_Cam. Cal._ + +The disputations at which the _Moderators_ presided in the English +universities "are now reduced," says Brande, "to little more than +matters of form." + +The word was formerly in use in American colleges. + +Five scholars performed public exercises; the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge +acted as _Moderator_.--_Clap's Hist. of Yale Coll._, p. 27. + +He [the President] was occasionally present at the weekly +declamations and public disputations, and then acted as +_Moderator_; an office which, in his absence, was filled by one of +the Tutors.--_Quincy's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 440. + + +MONITOR. In schools or universities, a pupil selected to look to +the scholars in the absence of the instructor, or to notice the +absence or faults of the scholars, or to instruct a division or +class.--_Webster_. + +In American colleges, the monitors are usually appointed by the +President, their duty being to keep bills of absence from, and +tardiness at, devotional and other exercises. See _Laws of Harv. +and Yale Colls._, &c. + + Let _monitors_ scratch as they please, + We'll lie in bed and take our ease. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +MOONLIGHT. At Williams College, the prize rhetorical exercise is +called by this name; the reason is not given. The students speak +of "making a rush for _moonlight_," i.e. of attempting to gain the +prize for elocution. + +In the evening comes _Moonlight_ Exhibition, when three men from +each of the three lower classes exhibit their oratorical powers, +and are followed by an oration before the Adelphic Union, by Ralph +Waldo Emerson.--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +MOONLIGHT RANGERS. At Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania, a title +applied to a band composed of the most noisy and turbulent +students, commanded by a captain and sub-officer, who, in the most +fantastic disguises, or in any dress to which the moonlight will +give most effect, appear on certain nights designated, prepared to +obey any command in the way of engaging in any sport of a pleasant +nature. They are all required to have instruments which will make +the loudest noise and create the greatest excitement. + + +MOSS-COVERED HEAD. In the German universities, students during the +sixth and last term, or _semester_, are called _Moss-covered +Heads_, or, in an abbreviated form, _Mossy Heads_. + + +MOUNTAIN DAY. The manner in which this day is observed at Williams +College is described in the accompanying extracts. + +"Greylock is to the student in his rambles, what Mecca is to the +Mahometan; and a pilgrimage to the summit is considered necessary, +at least once during the collegiate course. There is an ancient +and time-honored custom, which has existed from the establishment +of the College, of granting to the students, once a year, a +certain day of relaxation and amusement, known by the name of +'_Mountain Day_.' It usually occurs about the middle of June, when +the weather is most favorable for excursions to the mountains and +other places of interest in the vicinity. It is customary, on this +and other occasions during the summer, for parties to pass the +night upon the summit, both for the novelty of the thing, and also +to enjoy the unrivalled prospect at sunrise next +morning."--_Sketches of Will. Coll._, 1847, pp. 85-89. + +"It so happens that Greylock, in our immediate vicinity, is the +highest mountain in the Commonwealth, and gives a view from its +summit 'that for vastness and sublimity is equalled by nothing in +New England except the White Hills.' And it is an ancient +observance to go up from this valley once in the year to 'see the +world.' We were not of the number who availed themselves of this +_lex non scripta_, forasmuch as more than one visit in time past +hath somewhat worn off the novelty of the thing. But a goodly +number 'went aloft,' some in wagons, some on horseback, and some, +of a sturdier make, on foot. Some, not content with a mountain +_day_, carried their knapsacks and blankets to encamp till morning +on the summit and see the sun rise. Not in the open air, however, +for a magnificent timber observatory has been set up,--a +rough-hewn, sober, substantial 'light-house in the skies,' under +whose roof is a limited portion of infinite space shielded from +the winds."--_Williams Monthly Miscellany_, 1845, Vol. I. p. 555. + +"'_Mountain day_,' the date to which most of the imaginary _rows_ +have been assigned, comes at the beginning of the summer term, and +the various classes then ascend Greylock, the highest peak in the +State, from which may be had a very fine view. Frequently they +pass the night there, and beds are made of leaves in the old +tower, bonfires are built, and they get through it quite +comfortable."--_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854. + + +MOUTH. To recite in an affected manner, as if one knew the lesson, +when in reality he does not. + +Never shall you allow yourself to think of going into the +recitation-room, and there trust to "skinning," as it is called in +some colleges, or "phrasing," as in others, or "_mouthing_ it," as +in others.--_Todd's Student's Manual_, p. 115. + + +MRS. GOFF. Formerly a cant phrase for any woman. + + But cease the touching chords to sweep, + For _Mrs. Goff_ has deigned to weep. + _Rebelliad_, p. 21. + + +MUFF. A foolish fellow. + +Many affected to sneer at him, as a "_muff_" who would have been +exceedingly flattered by his personal acquaintance.--_Blackwood's +Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 147. + + +MULE. In Germany, a student during the vacation between the time +of his quitting the gymnasium and entering the university, is +known as a mule. + + +MUS.B. An abbreviation for _Musicae Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of +Music. In the English universities, a Bachelor of Music must enter +his name at some college, and compose and perform a solemn piece +of music, as an exercise before the University. + + +MUS.D. An abbreviation for _Musicae Doctor_, Doctor of Music. A +Mus.D. is generally a Mus.B., and his exercise is the same. + + +MUSES. A college or university is often designated the _Temple, +Retreat, Seat_, &c. _of the Muses_. + +Having passed this outer court of the _Temple of the Muses_, you +are ushered into the Sanctum Sanctorum itself.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. +I. p. 87. + +Inviting ... such distinguished visitors as happen then to be on a +tour to this attractive _retreat of the Muses_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I, +p. 156. + +My instructor ventured to offer me as a candidate for admission +into that renowned _seat of the Muses_, Harvard College.--_New +England Mag._, Vol. III. p. 237. + +A student at a college or university is sometimes called a _Son of +the Muses_. + +It might perhaps suit some inveterate idlers, smokers, and +drinkers, but no true _son of the Muses_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. +XV. p. 3. + +While it was his earnest desire that the beloved _sons of the +Muses_ might leave the institutions enriched with the erudition, +&c.--_Judge Kent's Address before [Greek: Phi Beta Kappa] of Yale +Coll._, p. 39, 1831. + + + +_N_. + + +NAVY CLUB. The Navy Club, or the Navy, as it was formerly called, +originated among the students of Harvard College about the year +1796, but did not reach its full perfection until several years +after. What the primary design of the association was is not +known, nor can the causes be ascertained which led to its +formation. At a later period its object seems to have been to +imitate, as far as possible, the customs and discipline peculiar +to the flag-ship of a navy, and to afford some consolation to +those who received no appointments at Commencement, as such were +always chosen its officers. The _Lord High Admiral_ was appointed +by the admiral of the preceding class, but his election was not +known to any of the members of his class until within six weeks of +Commencement, when the parts for that occasion were assigned. It +was generally understood that this officer was to be one of the +poorest in point of scholarship, yet the jolliest of all the +"Jolly Blades." At the time designated, he broke the seal of a +package which had been given him by his predecessor in office, the +contents of which were known only to himself; but these were +supposed to be the insignia of his office, and the instructions +pertaining to the admiralty. He then appointed his assistant +officers, a vice-admiral, rear-admiral, captain, sailing-master, +boatswain, &c. To the boatswain a whistle was given, transmitted, +like the admiral's package, from class to class. + +The Flag-ship for the year 1815 was a large marquee, called "The +Good Ship Harvard," which was moored in the woods, near the place +where the residence of the Hon. John G. Palfrey now stands. The +floor was arranged like the deck of a man-of-war, being divided +into the main and quarter decks. The latter was occupied by the +admiral, and no one was allowed to be there with him without +special order or permission. In his sway he was very despotic, and +on board ship might often have been seen reclining on his couch, +attended by two of his subordinates (classmates), who made his +slumbers pleasant by guarding his sacred person from the visits of +any stray mosquito, and kept him cool by the vibrations of a fan. +The marquee stood for several weeks, during which time meetings +were frequently held in it. At the command of the admiral, the +boatswain would sound his whistle in front of Holworthy Hall, the +building where the Seniors then, as now, resided, and the student +sailors, issuing forth, would form in procession, and march to the +place of meeting, there to await further orders. If the members of +the Navy remained on board ship over night, those who had received +appointments at Commencement, then called the "Marines," were +obliged to keep guard while the members slept or caroused. + +The operations of the Navy were usually closed with an excursion +down the harbor. A vessel well stocked with certain kinds of +provisions afforded, with some assistance from the stores of old +Ocean, the requisites for a grand clam-bake or a mammoth chowder. +The spot usually selected for this entertainment was the shores of +Cape Cod. On the third day the party usually returned from their +voyage, and their entry into Cambridge was generally accompanied +with no little noise and disorder. The Admiral then appointed +privately his successor, and the Navy was disbanded for the year. + +The exercises of the association varied from year to year. Many of +the old customs gradually went out of fashion, until finally but +little of the original Navy remained. The officers were, as usual, +appointed yearly, but the power of appointing them was transferred +to the class, and a public parade was substituted for the forms +and ceremonies once peculiar to the society. The excursion down +the harbor was omitted for the first time the present year,[57] +and the last procession made its appearance in the year 1846. + +At present the Navy Club is organized after the parts for the last +Senior Exhibition have been assigned. It is composed of three +classes of persons; namely, the true NAVY, which consists of those +who have _never_ had parts; the MARINES, those who have had a +_major_ or _second_ part in the Senior year, but no _minor_ or +_first_ part in the Junior; and the HORSE-MARINES, those who have +had a _minor_ or _first_ part in the Junior year, but have +subsequently fallen off, so as not to get a _major_ or _second_ +part in the Senior. Of the Navy officers, the Lord High Admiral is +usually he who has been sent from College the greatest number of +times; the Vice-Admiral is the poorest scholar in the class; the +Rear-Admiral the laziest fellow in the class; the Commodore, one +addicted to boating; the Captain, a jolly blade; the Lieutenant +and Midshipman, fellows of the same description; the Chaplain, the +most profane; the Surgeon, a dabbler in surgery, or in medicine, +or anything else; the Ensign, the tallest member of the class; the +Boatswain, one most inclined to obscenity; the Drum Major, the +most aristocratic, and his assistants, fellows of the same +character. These constitute the Band. Such are the general rules +of choice, but they are not always followed. The remainder of the +class who have had no parts and are not officers of the Navy Club +are members, under the name of Privates. On the morning when the +parts for Commencement are assigned, the members who receive +appointments resign the stations which they have held in the Navy +Club. This resignation takes place immediately after the parts +have been read to the class. The door-way of the middle entry of +Holworthy Hall is the place usually chosen for this affecting +scene. The performance is carried on in the mock-oratorical style, +a person concealed under a white sheet being placed behind the +speaker to make the gestures for him. The names of those members +who, having received Commencement appointments, have refused to +resign their trusts in the Navy Club, are then read by the Lord +High Admiral, and by his authority they are expelled from the +society. This closes the exercises of the Club. + +The following entertaining account of the last procession, in +1846, has been furnished by a graduate of that year:-- + +"The class had nearly all assembled, and the procession, which +extended through the rooms of the Natural History Society, began +to move. The principal officers, as also the whole band, were +dressed in full uniform. The Rear-Admiral brought up the rear, as +was fitting. He was borne in a sort of triumphal car, composed of +something like a couch, elevated upon wheels, and drawn by a white +horse. On this his excellency, dressed in uniform, and enveloped +in his cloak, reclined at full length. One of the Marines played +the part of driver. Behind the car walked a colored man, with a +most fantastic head-dress, whose duty it was to carry his Honor +the Rear-Admiral's pipe. Immediately before the car walked the +other two Marines, with guns on their shoulders. The 'Digs'[58] +came immediately before the Marines, preceded by the tallest of +their number, carrying a white satin banner, bearing on it, in +gold letters, the word 'HARVARD,' with a _spade_ of gold paper +fastened beneath. The Digs were all dressed in black, with Oxford +caps on their heads, and small iron spades over their shoulders. +They walked two and two, except in one instance, namely, that of +the first three scholars, who walked together, the last of their +brethren, immediately preceding the Marines. The second and third +scholars did not carry spades, but pointed shovels, much larger +and heavier; while the first scholar, who walked between the other +two, carried an enormously great square shovel,--such as is often +seen hung out at hardware-stores for a sign,--with 'SPADES AND +SHOVELS,' or some such thing, painted on one side, and 'ALL SIZES' +on the other. This shovel was about two feet square. The idea of +carrying real, _bona fide_ spades and shovels originated wholly in +our class. It has always been the custom before to wear a spade, +cut out of white paper, on the lapel of the coat. The Navy +Privates were dressed in blue shirts, monkey-jackets, &c., and +presented a very sailor-like appearance. Two of them carried small +kedges over their shoulders. The Ensign bore an old and tattered +flag, the same which was originally presented by Miss Mellen of +Cambridge to the Harvard Washington Corps. The Chaplain was +dressed in a black gown, with an old-fashioned curly white wig on +his head, which, with a powdered face, gave him a very +sanctimonious look. He carried a large French Bible, which by much +use had lost its covers. The Surgeon rode a beast which might well +have been taken for the Rosinante of the world-renowned Don +Quixote. This worthy AEsculapius had an infinite number of +brown-paper bags attached to his person. He was enveloped in an +old plaid cloak, with a huge sign for _pills_ fastened upon his +shoulders, and carried before him a skull on a staff. His nag was +very spirited, so much so as to leap over the chains, posts, &c., +and put to flight the crowd assembled to see the fun. The +procession, after having cheered all the College buildings, and +the houses of the Professors, separated about seven o'clock, P.M." + + At first like a badger the Freshman dug, + Fed on Latin and Greek, in his room kept snug; + And he fondly hoped that on _Navy Club_ day + The highest spade he might bear away. + _MS. Poem_, F.E. Felton, Harv. Coll. + + +NECK. To _run one's neck_, at Williams College, to trust to luck +for the success of any undertaking. + + +NESCIO. Latin; literally, _I do not know_. At the University of +Cambridge, England, _to sport a nescio_, to shake the head, a +signal that one does not understand or is ignorant of the subject. +"After the Senate-House examination for degrees," says Grose, in +his Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, "the students +proceed to the schools, to be questioned by the proctor. According +to custom immemorial, the answers _must_ be _Nescio_. The +following is a translated specimen:-- + +"_Ques._ What is your, name? _Ans._ I do not know. + +"_Ques._ What is the name of this University? _Ans._ I do not +know. + +"_Ques._ Who was your father? _Ans._ I do not know. + +"The last is probably the only true answer of the three!" + + +NEWLING. In the German universities, a Freshman; one in his first +half-year. + + +NEWY. At Princeton College, a fresh arrival. + + +NIGHTGOWN. A dressing-gown; a _deshabille_. + +No student shall appear within the limits of the College, or town +of Cambridge, in any other dress than in the uniform belonging to +his respective class, unless he shall have on a _nightgown_, or +such an outside garment as may be necessary over a coat.--_Laws +Harv. Coll._, 1790. + + +NOBLEMAN. In the English universities, among the Undergraduates, +the nobleman enjoys privileges and exemptions not accorded to +others. At Oxford he wears a black-silk gown with full sleeves +"couped" at the elbows, and a velvet cap with gold tassel, except +on full-dress occasions, when his habit is of violet-figured +damask silk, richly bedight with gold lace. At Cambridge he wears +the plain black-silk gown and the hat of an M.A., except on feast +days and state occasions, when he appears in a gown still more +gorgeous than that of a Fellow-Commoner.--_Oxford Guide. Bristed_. + + +NO END OF. Bristed records this phrase as an intensive peculiar to +the English Cantabs. Its import is obvious "They have _no end of_ +tin; i.e. a great deal of money. He is _no end of_ a fool; i.e. +the greatest fool possible."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 24. + +The use of this expression, with a similar signification, is +common in some portions of the United States. + + +NON ENS. Latin; literally _not being_. At the University of +Cambridge, Eng., one who has not been matriculated, though he has +resided some time at the University; consequently is not +considered as having any being. A Freshman in embryo.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +NON PARAVI. Latin; literally, _I have not prepared_. When Latin +was spoken in the American colleges, this excuse was commonly +given by scholars not prepared for recitation. + + With sleepy eyes and countenance heavy, + With much excuse of _non paravi_. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, 1794, p. 8. + +The same excuse is now frequently given in English. + +The same individuals were also observed to be "_not prepared_" for +the morning's recitation.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. II. p. 261. + +I hear you whispering, with white lips, "_Not prepared_, +sir."--_Burial of Euclid_, 1850, p. 9. + + +NON PLACET. Latin; literally, _It is not pleasing_. In the +University of Cambridge, Eng., the term in which a _negative_ vote +is given in the Senate-House. + +To _non-placet_, with the meaning of the verb _to reject_, is +sometimes used in familiar language. + +A classical examiner, having marked two candidates belonging to +his own College much higher than the other three examiners did, +was suspected of partiality to them, and _non-placeted_ (rejected) +next year when he came up for approval.--_Bristed's Five Years in +an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 231. + + +NON-READING MAN. See READING MAN. + +The result of the May decides whether he will go out in honors or +not,--that is, whether he will be a reading or a _non-reading +man_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 85. + + +NON-REGENT. In the English universities, a term applied to those +Masters of Arts whose regency has ceased.--_Webster_. + +See REGENT. SENATE. + + +NON-TERM. "When any member of the Senate," says the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, "dies within the University during term, on +application to the Vice-Chancellor, the University bell rings an +hour; from which period _Non-Term_, as to public lectures and +disputations, commences for three days." + + +NON VALUI. Latin; literally, _I was sick_. At Harvard College, +when the students were obliged to speak Latin, it was usual for +them to give the excuse _non valui_ for almost every absence or +omission. The President called upon delinquents for their excuses +in the chapel, after morning prayers, and these words were often +pronounced so broadly as to sound like _non volui_, I did not wish +[to go]. The quibble was not perceived for a long time, and was +heartily enjoyed, as may be well supposed, by those who made use +of it. + + +[Greek: Nous]. Greek; _sense_. A word adopted by, and in use +among, students. + +He is a lad of more [Greek: nous], and keeps better +company.--_Pref. to Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Getting the better of them in anything which required the smallest +exertion of [Greek: nous], was like being first in a donkey-race. +--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 30. + + +NUMBER FIFTY, NUMBER FORTY-NINE. At Trinity College, Hartford, the +privies are known by these names. Jarvis Hall contains forty-eight +rooms, and the numbers forty-nine and fifty follow in numerical +continuation, but with a different application. + + +NUMBER TEN. At the Wesleyan University, the names "No. 10, and, as +a sort of derivative, No. 1001, are applied to the privy." The +former title is used also at the University of Vermont, and at +Dartmouth College. + + +NUTS. A correspondent from Williams College says, "We speak of a +person whom we despise as being a _nuts_." This word is used in +the Yorkshire dialect with the meaning of a "silly fellow." Mr. +Halliwell, in his Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, +remarks: "It is not applied to an idiot, but to one who has been +doing a foolish action." + + + +_O_. + + +OAK. In the English universities, the outer door of a student's +room. + +No man has a right to attack the rooms of one with whom he is not +in the habit of intimacy. From ignorance of this axiom I had near +got a horse-whipping, and was kicked down stairs for going to a +wrong _oak_, whose tenant was not in the habit of taking jokes of +this kind.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 287. + +A pecker, I must explain, is a heavy pointed hammer for splitting +large coals; an instrument often put into requisition to force +open an _oak_ (an outer door), when the key of the spring latch +happens to be left inside, and the scout has gone away.--_The +Collegian's Guide_, p. 119. + +Every set of rooms is provided with an _oak_ or outer door, with a +spring lock, of which the master has one latch-key, and the +servant another.--_Ibid._, p. 141. + +"To _sport oak_, or a door," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "is, +in the modern phrase, to exclude duns, or other unpleasant +intruders." It generally signifies, however, nothing more than +locking or fastening one's door for safety or convenience. + +I always "_sported my oak_" whenever I went out; and if ever I +found any article removed from its usual place, I inquired for it; +and thus showed I knew where everything was last +placed.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 141. + +If you persist, and say you cannot join them, you must _sport your +oak_, and shut yourself into your room, and all intruders +out.--_Ibid._, p. 340. + +Used also in some American colleges. + +And little did they dream who knocked hard and often at his _oak_ +in vain, &c.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. X. p. 47. + + +OATHS. At Yale College, those who were engaged in the government +were formerly required to take the oaths of allegiance and +abjuration appointed by the Parliament of England. In his +Discourse before the Graduates of Yale College, President Woolsey +gives the following account of this obligation:-- + +"The charter of 1745 imposed another test in the form of a +political oath upon all governing officers in the College. They +were required before they undertook the execution of their trusts, +or within three months after, 'publicly in the College hall [to] +take the oaths, and subscribe the declaration, appointed by an act +of Parliament made in the first year of George the First, +entitled, An Act for the further security of his Majesty's person +and government, and the succession of the Crown in the heirs of +the late Princess Sophia, being Protestants, and for extinguishing +the hopes of the pretended Prince of Wales, and his open and +secret abettors.' We cannot find the motive for prescribing this +oath of allegiance and abjuration in the Protestant zeal which was +enkindled by the second Pretender's movements in England,--for, +although belonging to this same year 1745, these movements were +subsequent to the charter,--but rather in the desire of removing +suspicion of disloyalty, and conforming the practice in the +College to that required by the law in the English universities. +This oath was taken until it became an unlawful one, when the +State assumed complete sovereignty at the Revolution. For some +years afterwards, the officers took the oath of fidelity to the +State of Connecticut, and I believe that the last instance of this +occurred at the very end of the eighteenth century."--p. 40. + +In the Diary of President Stiles, under the date of July 8, 1778, +is the annexed entry, in which is given the formula of the oath +required by the State:-- + +"The oath of fidelity administered to me by the Hon. Col. Hamlin, +one of the Council of the State of Connecticut, at my +inauguration. + +"'You, Ezra Stiles, do swear by the name of the ever-living God, +that you will be true and faithful to the State of Connecticut, as +a free and independent State, and in all things do your duty as a +good and faithful subject of the said State, in supporting the +rights, liberties, and privileges of the same. So help you God.' + +"This oath, substituted instead of that of allegiance to the King +by the Assembly of Connecticut, May, 1777, to be taken by all in +this State; and so it comes into use in Yale College."--_Woolsey's +Hist. Discourse_, Appendix, p. 117. + + +[Greek: Hoi Aristoi.] Greek; literally, _the bravest_. At +Princeton College, the aristocrats, or would-be aristocrats, are +so called. + + +[Greek: Hoi Polloi.] Greek; literally, _the many_. + +See POLLOI. + + +OLD BURSCH. A name given in the German universities to a student +during his fourth term. Students of this term are also designated +_Old Ones_. + +As they came forward, they were obliged to pass under a pair of +naked swords, held crosswise by two _Old Ones_.--_Longfellow's +Hyperion_, p. 110. + + +OLD HOUSE. A name given in the German universities to a student +during his fifth term. + + +OPPONENCY. The opening of an academical disputation; the +proposition of objections to a tenet; an exercise for a +degree.--_Todd_. + +Mr. Webster remarks, "I believe not used in America." + +In the old times, the university discharged this duty [teaching] +by means of the public readings or lectures,... and by the keeping +of acts and _opponencies_--being certain _viva voce_ disputations +--by the students.--_The English Universities and their Reforms_, +in _Blackwood's Magazine_, Feb. 1849. + + +OPPONENT. In universities and colleges, where disputations are +carried on, the opponent is, in technical application, the person +who begins the dispute by raising objections to some tenet or +doctrine. + + +OPTIME. The title of those who stand in the second and third ranks +of honors, immediately after the Wranglers, in the University of +Cambridge, Eng. They are called respectively _Senior_ and _Junior +Optimes_. + +See JUNIOR OPTIME, POLLOI, and SENIOR OPTIME. + + +OPTIONAL. At some American colleges, the student is obliged to +pursue during a part of the course such studies as are prescribed. +During another portion of the course, he is allowed to select from +certain branches those which he desires to follow. The latter are +called _optional_ studies. In familiar conversation and writing, +the word _optional_ is used alone. + + For _optional_ will come our way, + And lectures furnish time to play, + 'Neath elm-tree shade to smoke all day. + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, Yale Coll., 1855. + + +ORIGINAL COMPOSITION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +essay or theme written by a student in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, is +termed _original_ composition. + +Composition there is of course, but more Latin than Greek, and +some _original Composition_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 137. + +_Original Composition_--that is, Composition in the true sense of +the word--in the dead languages is not much practised.--_Ibid._, +p. 185. + + +OVERSEER. The general government of the colleges in the United +States is vested in some instances in a Corporation, in others in +a Board of Trustees or Overseers, or, as in the case of Harvard +College, in the two combined. The duties of the Overseers are, +generally, to pass such orders and statutes as seem to them +necessary for the prosperity of the college whose affairs they +oversee, to dispose of its funds in such a manner as will be most +advantageous, to appoint committees to visit it and examine the +students connected with it, to ratify the appointment of +instructors, and to hear such reports of the proceedings of the +college government as require their concurrence. + + +OXFORD. The cap worn by the members of the University of Oxford, +England, is called an _Oxford_ or _Oxford cap_. The same is worn +at some American colleges on Exhibition and Commencement Days. In +shape, it is square and flat, covered with black cloth; from the +centre depends a tassel of black cord. It is further described in +the following passage. + + My back equipped, it was not fair + My head should 'scape, and so, as square + As chessboard, + A _cap_ I bought, my skull to screen, + Of cloth without, and all within + Of pasteboard. + _Terrae-Filius_, Vol. II. p. 225. + + Thunders of clapping!--As he bows, on high + "Praeses" his "_Oxford_" doffs, and bows reply. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 36. + +It is sometimes called a _trencher cap_, from its shape. + +See CAP. + + +OXFORD-MIXED. Cloth such as is worn at the University of Oxford, +England. The students in Harvard College were formerly required to +wear this kind of cloth as their uniform. The color is given in +the following passage: "By black-mixed (called also +_Oxford-mixed_) is understood, black with a mixture of not more +than one twentieth, nor less than one twenty-fifth, part of +white."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1826, p. 25. + +He generally dresses in _Oxford-mixed_ pantaloons, and a brown +surtout.--_Collegian_, p. 240. + +It has disappeared along with Commons, the servility of Freshmen +and brutality of Sophomores, the _Oxford-mixed_ uniform and +buttons of the same color.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 263. + + +OXONIAN. A student or graduate of the University of Oxford, +England. + + + +_P_. + + +PANDOWDY BAND. A correspondent writing from Bowdoin College says: +"We use the word _pandowdy_, and we have a custom of +_pandowdying_. The Pandowdy Band, as it is called, has no regular +place nor time of meeting. The number of performers varies from +half a dozen and less to fifty or more. The instruments used are +commonly horns, drums, tin-kettles, tongs, shovels, triangles, +pumpkin-vines, &c. The object of the band is serenading Professors +who have rendered themselves obnoxious to students; and sometimes +others,--frequently tutors are entertained by 'heavenly music' +under their windows, at dead of night. This is regarded on all +hands as an unequivocal expression of the feelings of the +students. + +"The band corresponds to the _Calliathump_ of Yale. Its name is a +burlesque on the _Pandean Band_ which formerly existed in this +college." + +See HORN-BLOWING. + + +PAPE. Abbreviated from PAPER, q.v. + + Old Hamlen, the printer, he got out the _papes_. + _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854. + + But Soph'more "_papes_," and Soph'more scrapes, + Have long since passed away.--_Ibid._ + + +PAPER. In the English Universities, a sheet containing certain +questions, to which answers are to be given, is called _a paper_. + +_To beat a paper_, is to get more than full marks for it. In +explanation of this "apparent Hibernicism," Bristed remarks: "The +ordinary text-books are taken as the standard of excellence, and a +very good man will sometimes express the operations more neatly +and cleverly than they are worded in these books, in which case he +is entitled to extra marks for style."--_Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 238. + +2. This name is applied at Yale College to the printed scheme +which is used at the Biennial Examinations. Also, at Harvard +College, to the printed sheet by means of which the examination +for entrance is conducted. + + +PARCHMENT. A diploma, from the substance on which it is usually +printed, is in familiar language sometimes called a _parchment_. + +There are some, who, relying not upon the "_parchment_ and seal" +as a passport to favor, bear that with them which shall challenge +notice and admiration.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 365. + + The passer-by, unskilled in ancient lore, + Whose hands the ribboned _parchment_ never bore. + _Class Poem at Harv. Coll._, 1835, p. 7. + +See SHEEPSKIN. + + +PARIETAL. From Latin _paries_, a wall; properly, _a +partition-wall_, from the root of _part_ or _pare_. Pertaining to +a wall.--_Webster_. + +At Harvard College the officers resident within the College walls +constitute a permanent standing committee, called the Parietal +Committee. They have particular cognizance of all tardinesses at +prayers and Sabbath services, and of all offences against good +order and decorum. They are allowed to deduct from the rank of a +student, not exceeding one hundred for one offence. In case any +offence seems to them to require a higher punishment than +deduction, it is reported to the Faculty.--_Laws_, 1850, App. + + Had I forgotten, alas! the stern _parietal_ monitions? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + +The chairman of the Parietal Committee is often called the +_Parietal Tutor_. + +I see them shaking their fists in the face of the _parietal +tutor_.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1849. + +The members of the committee are called, in common parlance, +_Parietals_. + +Four rash and inconsiderate proctors, two tutors, and five +_parietals_, each with a mug and pail in his hand, in their great +haste to arrive at the scene of conflagration, ran over the Devil, +and knocked him down stairs.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 124. + + And at the loud laugh of thy gurgling throat, + The _parietals_ would forget themselves. + _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 399 et passim. + + Did not thy starting eyeballs think to see + Some goblin _parietal_ grin at thee? + _Ibid._, Vol. IV. p. 197. + +The deductions made by the Parietal Committee are also called +_Parietals_. + + How now, ye secret, dark, and tuneless chanters, + What is 't ye do? Beware the _parietals_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 44. + +Reckon on the fingers of your mind the reprimands, deductions, +_parietals_, and privates in store for you.--_Orat. H.L. of I.O. +of O.F._, 1848. + +The accent of this word is on the antepenult; by _poetic license_, +in four of the passages above quoted, it is placed on the penult. + + +PART. A literary appointment assigned to a student to be kept at +an Exhibition or Commencement. In Harvard College as soon as the +parts for an Exhibition or Commencement are assigned, the subjects +and the names of the performers are given to some member of one of +the higher classes, who proceeds to read them to the students from +a window of one of the buildings, after proposing the usual "three +cheers" for each of the classes, designating them by the years in +which they are to graduate. As the name of each person who has a +part assigned him is read, the students respond with cheers. This +over, the classes are again cheered, the reader of the parts is +applauded, and the crowd disperses except when the mock parts are +read, or the officers of the Navy Club resign their trusts. + +Referring to the proceedings consequent upon the announcement of +appointments, Professor Sidney Willard, in his late work, entitled +"Memories of Youth and Manhood," says of Harvard College: "The +distribution of parts to be performed at public exhibitions by the +students was, particularly for the Commencement exhibition, more +than fifty years ago, as it still is, one of the most exciting +events of College life among those immediately interested, in +which parents and near friends also deeply sympathized with them. +These parts were communicated to the individuals appointed to +perform them by the President, who gave to them, severally, a +paper with the name of the person and of the part assigned, and +the subject to be written upon. But they were not then, as in +recent times, after being thus communicated by the President, +proclaimed by a voluntary herald of stentorian lungs, mounted on +the steps of one of the College halls, to the assembled crowd of +students. Curiosity, however, was all alive. Each one's part was +soon ascertained; the comparative merits of those who obtained the +prizes were discussed in groups; prompt judgments were pronounced, +that A had received a higher prize than he could rightfully claim, +and that B was cruelly wronged; that some were unjustly passed +over, and others raised above them through partiality. But at +whatever length their discussion might have been prolonged, they +would have found it difficult in solemn conclave to adjust the +distribution to their own satisfaction, while severally they +deemed themselves competent to measure the degree in the scale of +merit to which each was entitled."--Vol. I. pp. 328, 329. + +I took but little pains with these exercises myself, lest I should +appear to be anxious for "_parts_."--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, +1804, Vol. I. p. 154. + +Often, too, the qualifications for a _part_ ... are discussed in +the fireside circles so peculiar to college.--_Harv. Reg._, p. +378. + +The refusal of a student to perform the _part_ assigned him will +be regarded as a high offence.--_Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, +p. 19. + +Young men within the College walls are incited to good conduct and +diligence, by the system of awarding _parts_, as they are called, +at the exhibitions which take place each year, and at the annual +Commencement.--_Eliot's Sketch of Hist. Harv. Coll._, pp. 114, +115. + +It is very common to speak of _getting parts_. + + Here + Are acres of orations, and so forth, + The glorious nonsense that enchants young hearts + With all the humdrumology of "_getting parts_." + _Our Chronicle of '26_, Boston, 1827, p. 28. + +See under MOCK-PART and NAVY CLUB. + + +PASS. At Oxford, permission to receive the degree of B.A. after +passing the necessary examinations. + +The good news of the _pass_ will be a set-off against the few +small debts.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 254. + + +PASS EXAMINATION. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +examination which is required for the B.A. degree. Of these +examinations there are three during a student's undergraduateship. + +Even the examinations which are disparagingly known as "_pass_" +ones, the Previous, the Poll, and (since the new regulations) the +Junior Optime, require more than half marks on their +papers.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 319. + + +PASSMAN. At Oxford, one who merely passes his examination, and +obtains testimonials for a degree, but is not able to obtain any +honors or distinctions. Opposed to CLASSMAN, q.v. + +"Have the _passmen_ done their paper work yet?" asked Whitbread. +"However, the schools, I dare say, will not be open to the +classmen till Monday."--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 309. + + +PATRON. At some of the Colleges in the United States, the patron +is appointed to take charge of the funds, and to regulate the +expenses, of students who reside at a distance. Formerly, students +who came within this provision were obliged to conform to the laws +in reference to the patron; it is now left optional. + + +P.D. An abbreviation of _Philosophiae Doctor_, Doctor of +Philosophy. "In the German universities," says Brande, "the title +'Doctor Philosophiae' has long been substituted for Baccalaureus +Artium or Literarium." + + +PEACH. To inform against; to communicate facts by way of +accusation. + +It being rather advisable to enter college before twelve, or to +stay out all night, bribing the bed-maker next morning not to +_peach_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 190. + + When, by a little spying, I can reach + The height of my ambition, I must _peach_. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +PEMBROKER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of +Pembroke College. + +The _Pembroker_ was booked to lead the Tripos.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 158. + + +PENE. Latin, _almost, nearly_. A candidate for admission to the +Freshman Class is called a _Pene_, that is, _almost_ a Freshman. + + +PENNILESS BENCH. Archdeacon Nares, in his Glossary, says of this +phrase: "A cant term for a state of poverty. There was a public +seat so called in Oxford; but I fancy it was rather named from the +common saying, than that derived from it." + + Bid him bear up, he shall not + Sit long on _penniless bench_. + _Mass. City Mad._, IV. 1. + +That everie stool he sate on was _pennilesse bench_, that his +robes were rags.--_Euphues and his Engl._, D. 3. + + +PENSIONER. French, _pensionnaire_, one who pays for his board. In +the University of Cambridge, Eng., and in that of Dublin, a +student of the second rank, who is not dependent on the foundation +for support, but pays for his board and other charges. Equivalent +to COMMONER at Oxford, or OPPIDANT of Eton school.--_Brande. Gent. +Mag._, 1795. + + +PERUVIAN. At the University of Vermont, a name by which the +students designate a lady; e.g., "There are two hundred +_Peruvians_ at the Seminary"; or, "The _Peruvians_ are in the +observatory." As illustrative of the use of this word, a +correspondent observes: "If John Smith has a particular regard for +any one of the Burlington ladies, and Tom Brown happens to meet +the said lady in his town peregrinations, when he returns to +College, if he meets John Smith, he (Tom) says to John, 'In yonder +village I espied a _Peruvian_'; by which John understands that Tom +has had the very great pleasure of meeting John's Dulcinea." + + +PETTY COMPOUNDER. At Oxford, one who pays more than ordinary fees +for his degree. + +"A _Petty Compounder_," says the Oxford University Calendar, "must +possess ecclesiastical income of the annual value of five +shillings, or property of any other description amounting in all +to the sum of five pounds, per annum."--Ed. 1832, p. 92. + + +PHEEZE, or FEEZE. At the University of Vermont, to pledge. If a +student is pledged to join any secret society, he is said to be +_pheezed_ or _feezed_. + + +PHI BETA KAPPA. The fraternity of the [Greek: Phi Beta Kappa] "was +imported," says Allyn in his Ritual, "into this country from +France, in the year 1776; and, as it is said, by Thomas Jefferson, +late President of the United States." It was originally chartered +as a society in William and Mary College, in Virginia, and was +organized at Yale College, Nov. 13th, 1780. By virtue of a charter +formally executed by the president, officers, and members of the +original society, it was established soon after at Harvard +College, through the influence of Mr. Elisha Parmele, a graduate +of the year 1778. The first meeting in Cambridge was held Sept. +5th, 1781. The original Alpha of Virginia is now extinct. + +"Its objects," says Mr. Quincy, in his History of Harvard +University, "were the 'promotion of literature and friendly +intercourse among scholars'; and its name and motto indicate, that +'philosophy, including therein religion as well as ethics, is +worthy of cultivation as the guide of life.' This society took an +early and a deep root in the University; its exercises became +public, and admittance into it an object of ambition; but the +'discrimination' which its selection of members made among +students, became an early subject of question and discontent. In +October, 1789, a committee of the Overseers, of which John Hancock +was chairman, reported to that board, 'that there is an +institution in the University, with the nature of which the +government is not acquainted, which tends to make a discrimination +among the students'; and submitted to the board 'the propriety of +inquiring into its nature and designs.' The subject occasioned +considerable debate, and a petition, of the nature of a complaint +against the society, by a number of the members of the Senior +Class, having been presented, its consideration was postponed, and +it was committed; but it does not appear from the records, that +any further notice was taken of the petition. The influence of the +society was upon the whole deemed salutary, since literary merit +was assumed as the principle on which its members were selected; +and, so far, its influence harmonized with the honorable motives +to exertion which have ever been held out to the students by the +laws and usages of the College. In process of time, its catalogue +included almost every member of the Immediate Government, and +fairness in the selection of members has been in a great degree +secured by the practice it has adopted, of ascertaining those in +every class who stand the highest, in point of conduct and +scholarship, according to the estimates of the Faculty of the +College, and of generally regarding those estimates. Having +gradually increased in numbers, popularity, and importance, the +day after Commencement was adopted for its annual celebration. +These occasions have uniformly attracted a highly intelligent and +cultivated audience, having been marked by a display of learning +and eloquence, and having enriched the literature of the country +with some of its brightest gems."--Vol. II. p. 398. + +The immediate members of the society at Cambridge were formerly +accustomed to hold semi-monthly meetings, the exercises of which +were such as are usual in literary associations. At present, +meetings are seldom held except for the purpose of electing +members. Affiliated societies have been established at Dartmouth, +Union, and Bowdoin Colleges, at Brown and the Wesleyan +Universities, at the Western Reserve College, at the University of +Vermont, and at Amherst College, and they number among their +members many of the most distinguished men in our country. The +letters which constitute the name of the society are the initials +of its motto, [Greek: Philosophia, Biou Kubernaetaes], Philosophy, +the Guide of Life. + +A further account of this society may be found in Allyn's Ritual +of Freemasonry, ed. 1831, pp. 296-302. + + +PHILISTINE. In Germany this name, or what corresponds to it in +that country, _Philister_, is given by the students to tradesmen +and others not belonging to the university. + + Und hat der Bursch kein Geld im Beutel, + So pumpt er die Philister an. + + And has the Bursch his cash expended? + To sponge the _Philistine's_ his plan. + _The Crambambuli Song_. + +Mr. Halliwell, in his Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, +says of this word, "a cant term applied to bailiffs, sheriffs' +officers, and drunkards." The idea of narrowmindedness, a +contracted mode of thinking, and meanness, is usually connected +with it, and in some colleges in the United States the name has +been given to those whose characters correspond with this +description. + +See SNOB. + + +PHRASING. Reciting by, or giving the words or phraseology of the +book, without understanding their meaning. + +Never should you allow yourself to think of going into the +recitation-room, and there trust to "skinning it," as it is called +in some colleges, or "_phrasing_," as in others.--_Todd's Students +Manual_, p. 115. + + +PIECE. "Be it known, at Cambridge the various Commons and other +places open for the gymnastic games, and the like public +amusements, are usually denominated _Pieces_."--_Alma Mater_, +London, 1827, Vol. II. p. 49. + + +PIETAS ET GRATULATIO. On the death of George the Second, and +accession of George the Third, Mr. Bernard, Governor of +Massachusetts, suggested to Harvard College "the expediency of +expressing sympathy and congratulation on these events, in +conformity with the practice of the English universities." +Accordingly, on Saturday, March 14, 1761, there was placed in the +Chapel of Harvard College the following "Proposal for a +Celebration of the Death of the late King, and the Accession of +his present Majesty, by members of Harvard College." + +"Six guineas are given for a prize of a guinea each to the Author +of the best composition of the following several kinds:--1. A +Latin Oration. 2. A Latin Poem, in hexameters. 3. A Latin Elegy, +in hexameters and pentameters. 4 A Latin Ode. 5. An English Poem, +in long verse. 6. An English Ode. + +"Other Compositions, besides those that obtain the prizes, that +are most deserving, will be taken particular notice of. + +"The candidates are to be, all, Gentlemen who are now members of +said College, or have taken a degree within seven years. + +"Any Candidate may deliver two or more compositions of different +kinds, but not more than one of the same kind. + +"That Gentlemen may be more encouraged to try their talents upon +this occasion, it is proposed that the names of the Candidates +shall be kept secret, except those who shall be adjudged to +deserve the prizes, or to have particular notice taken of their +Compositions, and even these shall be kept secret if desired. + +"For this purpose, each Candidate is desired to send his +Composition to the President, on or before the first day of July +next, subscribed at the bottom with, a feigned name or motto, and, +in a distinct paper, to write his own name and seal it up, writing +the feigned name or motto on the outside. None of the sealed +papers containing the real names will be opened, except those that +are adjudged to obtain the prizes or to deserve particular notice; +the rest will be burned sealed." + +This proposal resulted in a work entitled, "Pietas et Gratulatio +Collegii Cantabrigiensis apud Novanglos." In January, 1762, the +Corporation passed a vote, "that the collections in prose and +verse in several languages composed by some of the members of the +College, on the motion of his Excellency our Governor, Francis +Bernard, Esq., on occasion of the death of his late Majesty, and +the accession of his present Majesty, be printed; and that his +Excellency be desired to send, if he shall judge it proper, a copy +of the same to Great Britain, to be presented to his Majesty, in +the name of the Corporation." + +Quincy thus speaks of the collection:--"Governor Bernard not only +suggested the work, but contributed to it. Five of the thirty-one +compositions, of which it consists, were from his pen. The Address +to the King is stated to have been written by him, or by +Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson. Its style and turn of thought +indicate the politician rather than the student, and savor of the +senate-chamber more than of the academy. The classical and poetic +merits of the work bear a fair comparison with those of European +universities on similar occasions, allowance being made for the +difference in the state of science and literature in the +respective countries; and it is the most creditable specimen +extant of the art of printing, at that period, in the Colonies. +The work is respectfully noticed by the 'Critical' and 'Monthly' +Reviews, and an Ode of the President is pronounced by both to be +written in a style truly Horatian. In the address prefixed, the +hope is expressed, that, as 'English colleges have had kings for +their nursing fathers, and queens for their nursing mothers, this +of North America might experience the royal munificence, and look +up to the throne for favor and patronage.' In May, 1763, letters +were received from Jasper Mauduit, agent of the Province, +mentioning 'the presentation to his Majesty of the book of verses +from the College,' but the records give no indication of the +manner in which it was received. The thoughts of George the Third +were occupied, not with patronizing learning in the Colonies, but +with deriving revenue from them, and Harvard College was indebted +to him for no act of acknowledgment or munificence."--_Quincy's +Hist. of Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. pp. 103-105. + +The Charleston Courier, in an article entitled "Literary +Sparring," says of this production:--"When, as late as 1761, +Harvard University sent forth, in Greek, Latin, and English, its +congratulations on the accession of George the Third to the +throne, it was called, in England, a curiosity."--_Buckingham's +Miscellanies from the Public Journals_, Vol. I. p. 103. + +Mr. Kendall, an English traveller, who visited Cambridge in the +year 1807-8, notices this work as follows:--"In the year 1761, on +the death of George the Second and the accession of his present +Majesty, Harvard College, or, as on this occasion it styles +itself, Cambridge College, produced a volume of tributary verses, +in English, Latin, and Greek, entitled, Pietas et Gratulatio +Collegii Cantabrigiensis apud Novanglos; and this collection, the +first received, and, as it has since appeared, the last to be +received, from this seminary, by an English king, was cordially +welcomed by the critical journals of the time."--_Kendall's +Travels_, Vol. III. p. 12. + +For further remarks, consult the Monthly Review, Vol. XXIX. p. 22; +Critical Review, Vol. X. p. 284; and the Monthly Anthology, Vol. +VI. pp. 422-427; Vol. VII. p. 67. + + +PILL. In English Cantab parlance, twaddle, platitude.--_Bristed_. + + +PIMP. To do little, mean actions for the purpose of gaining favor +with a superior, as, in college, with an instructor. The verb with +this meaning is derived from the adjective _pimping_, which +signifies _little, petty_. + + Did I not promise those who fished + And _pimped_ most, any part they wished. + _The Rebelliad_, p. 33. + + +PISCATORIAN. From the Latin _piscator_, a fisherman. One who seeks +or gains favor with a teacher by being officious toward him. + +This word was much used at Harvard College in the year 1822, and +for a few years after; it is now very seldom heard. + +See under FISH. + + +PIT. In the University of Cambridge, the place in St. Mary's +Church reserved for the accommodation of Masters of Arts and +Fellow-Commoners is jocularly styled the _pit_.--_Grad. ad +Cantab._ + + +PLACE. In the older American colleges, the situation of a student +in the class of which he was a member was formerly decided, in a +measure, by the rank and circumstances of his family; this was +called _placing_. The Hon. Paine Wingate, who graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1759, says, in one of his letters to Mr. +Peirce:-- + +"You inquire of me whether any regard was paid to a student on +account of the rank of his parent, otherwise than his being +arranged or _placed_ in the order of his class? + +"The right of precedence on every occasion is an object of +importance in the state of society. And there is scarce anything +which more sensibly affects the feelings of ambition than the rank +which a man is allowed to hold. This excitement was generally +called up whenever a class in college was _placed_. The parents +were not wholly free from influence; but the scholars were often +enraged beyond bounds for their disappointment in their _place_, +and it was some time before a class could be settled down to an +acquiescence in their allotment. The highest and the lowest in the +class was often ascertained more easily (though not without some +difficulty) than the intermediate members of the class, where +there was room for uncertainty whose claim was best, and where +partiality, no doubt, was sometimes indulged. But I must add, +that, although the honor of a _place_ in the class was chiefly +ideal, yet there were some substantial advantages. The higher part +of the class had generally the most influential friends, and they +commonly had the best chambers in College assigned to them. They +had also a right to help themselves first at table in Commons, and +I believe generally, wherever there was occasional precedence +allowed, it was very freely yielded to the higher of the class by +those who were below. + +"The Freshman Class was, in my day at college, usually _placed_ +(as it was termed) within six or nine months after their +admission. The official notice of this was given by having their +names written in a large German text, in a handsome style, and +placed in a conspicuous part of the College _Buttery_, where the +names of the four classes of undergraduates were kept suspended +until they left College. If a scholar was expelled, his name was +taken from its place; or if he was degraded (which was considered +the next highest punishment to expulsion), it was moved +accordingly. As soon as the Freshmen were apprised of their +places, each one took his station according to the new arrangement +at recitation, and at Commons, and in the Chapel, and on all other +occasions. And this arrangement was never afterward altered, +either in College or in the Catalogue, however the rank of their +parents might be varied. Considering how much dissatisfaction was +often excited by placing the classes (and I believe all other +colleges had laid aside the practice), I think that it was a +judicious expedient in Harvard to conform to the custom of putting +the names in _alphabetical_ order, and they have accordingly so +remained since the year 1772."--_Peirce's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, +pp. 308-811. + +In his "Annals of Yale College," Ebenezer Baldwin observes on the +subject: "Doctor Dwight, soon after his election to the Presidency +[1795], effected various important alterations in the collegiate +laws. The statutes of the institution had been chiefly adopted +from those of European universities, where the footsteps of +monarchical regulation were discerned even in the walks of +science. So difficult was it to divest the minds of wise men of +the influence of venerable follies, that the printed catalogues of +students, until the year 1768, were arranged according to +respectability of parentage."--p. 147. + +See DEGRADATION. + + +PLACET. Latin; literally, _it is pleasing_. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., the term in which an _affirmative_ vote is given +in the Senate-House. + + +PLUCK. In the English universities, a refusal of testimonials for +a degree. + +The origin of this word is thus stated in the Collegian's Guide: +"At the time of conferring a degree, just as the name of each man +to be presented to the Vice-Chancellor is read out, a proctor +walks once up and down, to give any person who can object to the +degree an opportunity of signifying his dissent, which is done by +plucking or pulling the proctor's gown. Hence another and more +common mode of stopping a degree, by refusing the testamur, or +certificate of proficiency, is also called plucking."--p. 203. + +On the same word, the author in another place remarks as follows: +"As long back as my memory will carry me, down to the present day, +there has been scarcely a monosyllable in our language which +seemed to convey so stinging a reproach, or to let a man down in +the general estimation half as much, as this one word PLUCK."--p. +288. + + +PLUCKED. A cant term at the English universities, applied to those +who, for want of scholarship, are refused their testimonials for a +degree.--_Oxford Guide_. + +Who had at length scrambled through the pales and discipline of +the Senate-House without being _plucked_, and miraculously +obtained the title of A.B.--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + +O what a misery is it to be _plucked_! Not long since, an +undergraduate was driven mad by it, and committed suicide.--The +term itself is contemptible: it is associated with the meanest, +the most stupid and spiritless animals of creation. When we hear +of a man being _plucked_, we think he is necessarily a +goose.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 288. + + Poor Lentulus, twice _plucked_, some happy day + Just shuffles through, and dubs himself B.A. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +POKER. At Oxford, Eng., a cant name for a _bedel_. + +If the visitor see an unusual "state" walking about, in shape of +an individual preceded by a quantity of _pokers_, or, which is the +same thing, men, that is bedels, carrying maces, jocularly called +_pokers_, he may be sure that that individual is the +Vice-Chancellor. _Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xii. + + +POLE. At Princeton and Union Colleges, to study hard, e.g. to +_pole_ out the lesson. To _pole_ on a composition, to take pains +with it. + + +POLER. One who studies hard; a close student. As a boat is +impelled with _poles_, so is the student by _poling_, and it is +perhaps from this analogy that the word _poler_ is applied to a +diligent student. + + +POLING. Close application to study; diligent attention to the +specified pursuits of college. + +A writer defines poling, "wasting the midnight oil in company with +a wine-bottle, box of cigars, a 'deck of eucre,' and three kindred +spirits," thus leaving its real meaning to be deduced from its +opposite.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov., 1854. + + +POLL. Abbreviated from POLLOI. + +Several declared that they would go out in "the _Poll_" (among the +[Greek: polloi], those not candidates for honors).--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 62. + +At Cambridge, those candidates for a degree who do not aspire to +honors are said to go out in the _poll_; this being the +abbreviated term to denote those who were classically designated +[Greek: hoi polloi].--_The English Universities and their +Reforms_, in _Blackwood's Magazine_, Feb. 1849. + + +POLLOI. [Greek: Hoi Polloi], the many. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., those who take their degree without any honor. +After residing something more than three years at this University, +at the conclusion of the tenth term comes off the final +examination in the Senate-House. He who passes this examination in +the best manner is called Senior Wrangler. "Then follow about +twenty, all called Wranglers, arranged in the order of merit. Two +other ranks of honors are there,--Senior Optimes and Junior +Optimes, each containing about twenty. The last Junior Optime is +termed the Wooden Spoon. Then comes the list of the large +majority, called the _Hoy Polloi_, the first of whom is named the +_Captain of the Poll_, and the twelve last, the Apostles."--_Alma +Mater_, Vol. I. p. 3. + +2. Used by students to denote the rabble. + + On Learning's sea, his hopes of safety buoy, + He sinks for ever lost among the [Greek: hoi polloi]. + _The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 21. + + +PONS ASINORUM. Vide ASSES' BRIDGE. + + +PONY. A translation. So called, it may be, from the fleetness and +ease with which a skilful rider is enabled to pass over places +which to a common plodder present many obstacles. + +One writer jocosely defines this literary nag as "the animal that +ambulates so delightfully through all the pleasant paths of +knowledge, from whose back the student may look down on the weary +pedestrian, and 'thank his stars' that 'he who runs may +read.'"--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854 + +And stick to the law, Tom, without a _Pony_.--_Harv. Reg._, p. +194. + + And when leaving, leave behind us + _Ponies_ for a lower class; + _Ponies_, which perhaps another, + Toiling up the College hill, + A forlorn, a "younger brother," + "Riding," may rise higher still. + _Poem before the Y.H. Soc._, 1849, p. 12. + +Their lexicons, _ponies_, and text-books were strewed round their +lamps on the table.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. +30. + +In the way of "_pony_," or translation, to the Greek of Father +Griesbach, the New Testament was wonderfully convenient.--_New +England Magazine_, Vol. III. p. 208. + +The notes are just what notes should be; they are not a _pony_, +but a guide.--_Southern Lit. Mess._ + +Instead of plodding on foot along the dusty, well-worn McAdam of +learning, why will you take nigh cuts on _ponies_?--_Yale Lit. +Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 281. + +The "board" requests that all who present themselves will bring +along the _ponies_ they have used since their first entrance into +College.--_The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + The tutors with _ponies_ their lessons were learning. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1850. + +We do think, that, with such a team of "_ponies_" and load of +commentators, his instruction might evince more accuracy.--_Yale +Tomahawk_, Feb. 1851. + + In knowledge's road ye are but asses, + While we on _ponies_ ride before. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 7. + + +PONY. To use a translation. + +We learn that they do not _pony_ their lessons.--_Yale Tomahawk_, +May, 1852. + + If you _pony_, he will see, + And before the Faculty + You will surely summoned be. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 23. + + +POPPING. At William and Mary College, getting the advantage over +another in argument is called _popping_ him. + + +POPULARITY. In the college _use_, favor of one's classmates, or of +the members of all the classes, generally. Nowhere is this term +employed so often, and with so much significance, as among +collegians. The first wish of the Freshman is to be popular, and +the desire does not leave him during all his college life. For +remarks on this subject, see the Literary Miscellany, Vol. II. p. +56; Amherst Indicator, Vol. II. p. 123, _et passim_. + + +PORTIONIST. One who has a certain academical allowance or portion. +--_Webster_. + +See POSTMASTER. + + +POSTED. Rejected in a college examination. Term used at the +University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + +Fifty marks will prevent one from being "_posted_" but there are +always two or three too stupid as well as idle to save their +"_Post_." These drones are _posted_ separately, as "not worthy to +be classed," and privately slanged afterwards by the Master and +Seniors. Should a man be _posted_ twice in succession, he is +generally recommended to try the air of some Small College, or +devote his energies to some other walk of life.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 74. + + +POSTMASTER. In Merton College, Oxford, the scholars who are +supported on the foundation are called Postmasters, or Portionists +(_Portionistae_).--_Oxf. Guide_. + +The _postmasters_ anciently performed the duties of choristers, +and their payment for this duty was six shillings and fourpence +per annum.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 36. + + +POW-WOW. At Yale College on the evening of Presentation Day, the +Seniors being excused from further attendance at prayers, the +classes who remain change their seats in the chapel. It was +formerly customary for the Freshmen, on taking the Sophomore +seats, to signalize the event by appearing at chapel in grotesque +dresses. The impropriety of such conduct has abolished this +custom, but on the recurrence of the day, a uniformity is +sometimes observable in the paper collars or white neck-cloths of +the in-coming Sophomores, as they file in at vespers. During the +evening, the Freshmen are accustomed to assemble on the steps of +the State-House, and celebrate the occasion by speeches, a +torch-light procession, and the accompaniment of a band of music. + +The students are forbidden to occupy the State-House steps on the +evening of Presentation Day, since the Faculty design hereafter to +have a _Pow-wow_ there, as on the last.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, +Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 35. + + +PRAESES. The Latin for President. + + "_Praeses_" his "Oxford" doffs, and bows reply. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 36. + + Did not the _Praeses_ himself most kindly and oft reprimand me? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + + --the good old _Praeses_ cries, + While the tears stand in his eyes, + "You have passed and are classed + With the boys of 'Twenty-Nine.'" + _Knick. Mag._, Vol. XLV. p. 195. + + +PRAYERS. In colleges and universities, the religious exercises +performed in the chapel at morning and evening, at which all the +students are required to attend. + +These exercises in some institutions were formerly much more +extended than at present, and must on some occasions have been +very onerous. Mr. Quincy, in his History of Harvard University, +writing in relation to the customs which were prevalent in the +College at the beginning of the last century, says on this +subject: "Previous to the accession of Leverett to the Presidency, +the practice of obliging the undergraduates to read portions of +the Scripture from Latin or English into Greek, at morning and +evening service, had been discontinued. But in January and May, +1708, this 'ancient and laudable practice was revived' by the +Corporation. At morning prayers all the undergraduates were +ordered, beginning with the youngest, to read a verse out of the +Old Testament from the Hebrew into Greek, except the Freshmen, who +were permitted to use their English Bibles in this exercise; and +at evening service, to read from the New Testament out of the +English or Latin translation into Greek, whenever the President +performed this service in the Hall." In less than twenty years +after the revival of these exercises, they were again +discontinued. The following was then established as the order of +morning and evening worship: "The morning service began with a +short prayer; then a chapter of the Old Testament was read, which +the President expounded, and concluded with prayer. The evening +service was the same, except that the chapter read was from the +New Testament, and on Saturday a psalm was sung in the Hall. On +Sunday, exposition was omitted; a psalm was sung morning and +evening; and one of the scholars, in course, was called upon to +repeat, in the evening, the sermons preached on that day."--Vol. +I. pp. 439, 440. + +The custom of singing at prayers on Sunday evening continued for +many years. In a manuscript journal kept during the year 1793, +notices to the following effect frequently occur. "Feb. 24th, +Sunday. The singing club performed Man's Victory, at evening +prayers." "Sund. April 14th, P.M. At prayers the club performed +Brandon." "May 19th, Sabbath, P.M. At prayers the club performed +Holden's Descend ye nine, etc." Soon after this, prayers were +discontinued on Sunday evenings. + +The President was required to officiate at prayers, but when +unable to attend, the office devolved on one of the Tutors, "they +taking their turns by course weekly." Whenever they performed this +duty "for any considerable time," they were "suitably rewarded for +their service." In one instance, in 1794, all the officers being +absent, Mr., afterwards Prof. McKean, then an undergraduate, +performed the duties of chaplain. In the journal above referred +to, under date of Feb. 22, 1793, is this note: "At prayers, I +declaimed in Latin"; which would seem to show, that this season +was sometimes made the occasion for exercises of a literary as +well as religious character. + +In a late work by Professor Sidney Willard, he says of his father, +who was President of Harvard College: "In the early period of his +Presidency, Mr. Willard not unfrequently delivered a sermon at +evening prayers on Sunday. In the year 1794, I remember he +preached once or twice on that evening, but in the next year and +onward he discontinued the service. His predecessor used to +expound passages of Scripture as a part of the religious service. +These expositions are frequently spoken of in the diary of Mr. +Caleb Gannett when he was a Tutor. On Saturday evening and Sunday +morning and evening, generally the College choir sang a hymn or an +anthem. When these Sunday services were observed in the Chapel, +the Faculty and students worshipped on Lord's day, at the stated +hours of meeting, in the Congregational or the Episcopal Church." +--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. pp. 137, 138. + +At Yale College, one of the earliest laws ordains that "all +undergraduates shall publicly repeat sermons in the hall in their +course, and also bachelors; and be constantly examined on Sabbaths +[at] evening prayer."--_Pres. Woolsey's Discourse_, p. 59. + +Prayers at this institution were at one period regulated by the +following rule. "The President, or in his Absence, one of the +Tutors in their Turn, shall constantly pray in the Chapel every +Morning and Evening, and read a Chapter, or some suitable Portion +of Scripture, unless a Sermon, or some Theological Discourse shall +then be delivered. And every Member of College is obliged to +attend, upon the Penalty of one Penny for every Instance of +Absence, without a sufficient Reason, and a half Penny for being +tardy, i.e. when any one shall come in after the President, or go +out before him."--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 5. + +A writer in the American Literary Magazine, in noticing some of +the evils connected with the American college system, describes +very truthfully, in the following question, a scene not at all +novel in student life. "But when the young man is compelled to +rise at an unusually early hour to attend public prayers, under +all kinds of disagreeable circumstances; when he rushes into the +chapel breathless, with wet feet, half dressed, and with the +prospect of a recitation immediately to succeed the devotions,--is +it not natural that he should be listless, or drowsy, or excited +about his recitation, during the whole sacred exercise?"--Vol. IV. +p. 517. + +This season formerly afforded an excellent opportunity, for those +who were so disposed, to play off practical jokes on the person +officiating. On one occasion, at one of our colleges, a goose was +tied to the desk by some of the students, intended as emblematic +of the person who was accustomed to occupy that place. But the +laugh was artfully turned upon them by the minister, who, seeing +the bird with his head directed to the audience, remarked, that he +perceived the young gentlemen were for once provided with a parson +admirably suited to their capacities, and with these words left +them to swallow his well-timed sarcasm. On another occasion, a ram +was placed in the pulpit, with his head turned to the door by +which the minister usually entered. On opening the door, the +animal, diving between the legs of the fat shepherd, bolted down +the pulpit stairs, carrying on his back the sacred load, and with +it rushed out of the chapel, leaving the assemblage to indulge in +the reflections excited by the expressive looks of the astonished +beast, and of his more astonished rider. + +The Bible was often kept covered, when not in use, with a cloth. +It was formerly a very common trick to place under this cloth a +pewter plate obtained from the commons hall, which the minister, +on uncovering, would, if he were a shrewd man, quietly slide under +the desk, and proceed as usual with the exercises. + +At Harvard College, about the year 1785, two Indian images were +missing from their accustomed place on the top of the gate-posts +which stood in front of the dwelling of a gentleman of Cambridge. +At the same time the Bible was taken from the Chapel, and another, +which was purchased to supply its place, soon followed it, no one +knew where. One day, as a tutor was passing by the room of a +student, hearing within an uncommonly loud noise, he entered, as +was his right and office. There stood the occupant,[59] holding in +his hands one of the Chapel Bibles, while before him on the table +were placed the images, to which he appeared to be reading, but in +reality was vociferating all kinds of senseless gibberish. "What +is the meaning of this noise?" inquired the tutor in great anger. +"Propagating the _Gospel_ among the _Indians_, Sir," replied the +student calmly. + +While Professor Ashur Ware was a tutor in Harvard College, he in +his turn, when the President was absent, officiated at prayers. +Inclined to be longer in his devotions than was thought necessary +by the students, they were often on such occasions seized with +violent fits of sneezing, which generally made themselves audible +in the word "A-a-shur," "A-a-shur." + +The following lines, written by William C. Bradley when an +undergraduate at Harvard College, cannot fail to be appreciated by +those who have been cognizant of similar scenes and sentiments in +their own experience of student life. + + "Hark! the morning Bell is pealing + Faintly on the drowsy ear, + Far abroad the tidings dealing, + Now the hour of prayer is near. + To the pious Sons of Harvard, + Starting from the land of Nod, + Loudly comes the rousing summons, + Let us run and worship God. + + "'T is the hour for deep contrition, + 'T is the hour for peaceful thought, + 'T is the hour to win the blessing + In the early stillness sought; + Kneeling in the quiet chamber, + On the deck, or on the sod, + In the still and early morning, + 'T is the hour to worship God. + + "But don't _you_ stop to pray in secret, + No time for _you_ to worship there, + The hour approaches, 'Tempus fugit,' + Tear your shirt or miss a prayer. + Don't stop to wash, don't stop to button, + Go the ways your fathers trod; + Leg it, put it, rush it, streak it, + _Run_ and worship God. + + "On the staircase, stamping, tramping, + Bounding, sounding, down you go; + Jumping, bumping, crashing, smashing, + Jarring, bruising, heel and toe. + See your comrades far before you + Through the open door-way jam, + Heaven and earth! the bell is stopping! + Now it dies in silence--d**n!" + + +PRELECTION. Latin, _praelectio_. A lecture or discourse read in +public or to a select company. + +Further explained by Dr. Popkin: "In the introductory schools, I +think, _Prelections_ were given by the teachers to the learners. +According to the meaning of the word, the Preceptor went before, +as I suppose, and explained and probably interpreted the lesson or +lection; and the scholar was required to receive it in memory, or +in notes, and in due time to render it in recitation."--_Memorial +of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. 19. + + +PRELECTOR. Latin, _praelector_. One who reads an author to others +and adds explanations; a reader; a lecturer. + +Their so famous a _prelectour_ doth teach.--_Sheldon, Mir. of +Anti-Christ_, p. 38. + +If his reproof be private, or with the cathedrated authority of a +_praelector_ or public reader.--_Whitlock, Mann. of the English_, +p. 385. + +2. Same as FATHER, which see. + + +PREPOSITOR. Latin. A scholar appointed by the master to overlook +the rest. + +And when requested for the salt-cellar, I handed it with as much +trepidation as a _praeposter_ gives the Doctor a list, when he is +conscious of a mistake in the excuses.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. +281. + + +PRESENTATION DAY. At Yale College, Presentation Day is the time +when the Senior Class, having finished the prescribed course of +study, and passed a satisfactory examination, are _presented_ by +the examiners to the President, as properly qualified to be +admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. A distinguished +professor of the institution where this day is observed has kindly +furnished the following interesting historical account of this +observance. + +"This presentation," he writes, "is a ceremony of long standing. +It has certainly existed for more than a century. It is very early +alluded to, not as a _novelty_, but as an established custom. +There is now less formality on such occasions, but the substantial +parts of the exercises are retained. The examination is now begun +on Saturday and finished on Tuesday, and the day after, Wednesday, +six weeks before the public Commencement, is the day of +Presentation. There have sometimes been literary exercises on that +day by one or more of the candidates, and sometimes they have been +omitted. I have in my possession a Latin Oration, what, I suppose, +was called a _Cliosophic Oration_, pronounced by William Samuel +Johnson in 1744, at the presentation of his class. Sometimes a +member of the class exhibited an English Oration, which was +responded to by some one of the College Faculty, generally by one +who had been the principal instructor of the class presented. A +case of this kind occurred in 1776, when Mr., afterwards President +Dwight, responded to the class orator in an address, which, being +delivered the same July in which Independence was declared, drew, +from its patriotic allusions, as well as for other reasons, +unusual attention. It was published,--a rare thing at that period. +Another response was delivered in 1796, by J. Stebbins, Tutor, +which was likewise published. There has been no exhibition of the +kind since. For a few years past, there have been an oration and a +poem exhibited by members of the graduating class, at the time of +presentation. The appointments for these exercises are made by the +class. + +"So much of an exhibition as there was at the presentation in 1778 +has not been usual. More was then done, probably, from the fact, +that for several years, during the Revolutionary war, there was no +public Commencement. Perhaps it should be added, that, so far back +as my information extends, after the literary exercises of +Presentation Day, there has always been a dinner, or collation, at +which the College Faculty, graduates, invited guests, and the +Senior Class have been present." + +A graduate of the present year[60] writes more particularly in +relation to the observances of the day at the present time. "In +the morning the Senior Class are met in one of the lecture-rooms +by the chairman of the Faculty and the senior Tutor. The latter +reads the names of those who have passed a satisfactory +examination, and are to be recommended for degrees. The Class then +adjourn to the College Chapel, where the President and some of the +Professors are waiting to receive them. The senior Tutor reads the +names as before, after which Professor Kingsley recommends the +Class to the President and Faculty for the degree of B.A., in a +Latin discourse. The President then responds in the same tongue, +and addresses a few words of counsel to the Class. + +"These exercises are followed by the Poem and Oration, delivered +by members of the Class chosen for these offices by the Class. +Then comes the dinner, given in one of the lecture-rooms. After +this the Class meet in the College yard, and spend the afternoon +in smoking (the old clay pipe is used, but no cigars) and singing. +Thus ends the active life of our college days." + +"Presentation Day," says the writer of the preface to the "Songs +of Yale," "is the sixth Wednesday of the Summer Term, when the +graduating Class, after having passed their second 'Biennial,' are +presented to the President as qualified for the first degree, or +the B.A. After this 'presentation,' a farewell oration and poem +are pronounced by members of the Class, previously elected by +their classmates for the purpose. After a public dinner, they seat +themselves under the elms before the College, and smoke and sing +for the last time together. Each has his pipe, and 'they who +never' smoked 'before' now smoke, or seem to. The exercises are +closed with a procession about the buildings, bidding each +farewell." 1853, p. 4. + +This last smoke is referred to in the following lines:-- + + "Green elms are waving o'er us, + Green grass beneath our feet, + The ring is round, and on the ground + We sit a class complete." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + "It is a very jolly thing, + Our sitting down in this great ring, + To smoke our pipes and loudly sing."--_Ibid._ + +Pleasant reference is had to some of the more modern features of +Presentation Day, in the annexed extract from the "Yale Literary +Magazine":-- + +"There is one spot where the elms stretch their long arms, not 'in +quest of thought,' but as though they would afford their friendly +shade to make pleasant the last scene of the academic life. Seated +in a circle in this place, which has been so often trampled by the +'stag-dance' of preceding classes, and made hallowed by +associations which will cling around such places, are the present +graduates. They have met together for the last time as a body, for +they will not all be present at the closing ceremony of +Commencement, nor all answer to the muster in the future Class +reunions. It is hard to tell whether such a ceremony should be sad +or joyous, for, despite the boisterous merriment and exuberance +which arises from the prospect of freedom, there is something +tender in the thought of meeting for the last time, to break +strong ties, and lose individuality as a Class for ever. + +"In the centre of the circle are the Class band, with horns, +flutes, and violins, braying, piping, or saw-filing, at the option +of the owners,--toot,--toot,--bum,--bang,--boo-o-o,--in a most +melodious discord. Songs are distributed, pipes filled, and the +smoke cloud rises, trembles as the chorus of a hundred voices +rings out in a merry cadence, and then, breaking, soars off,--a +fit emblem of the separation of those at whose parting it received +its birth. + +"'Braxton on the history of the Class!' + +"'The Class history!--Braxton!--Braxton!' + +"'In a moment, gentlemen,'--and our hero mounts upon a cask, and +proceeds to give in burlesque a description of Class exploits and +the wonderful success of its _early_ graduates. Speeches follow, +and the joke, and song, till the lengthening shadows bring a +warning, and a preparation for the final ceremony. The ring is +spread out, the last pipes smoked in College laid down, and the +'stag-dance,' with its rush, and their destruction ended. Again +the ring forms, and each classmate moves around it to grasp each +hand for the last time, and exchange a parting blessing. + +"The band strike up, and the long procession march around the +College, plant their ivy, and return to cheer the +buildings."--Vol. XX. p. 228. + +The following song was written by Francis Miles Finch of the class +of 1849, for the Presentation Day of that year. + + "Gather ye smiles from the ocean isles, + Warm hearts from river and fountain, + A playful chime from the palm-tree clime, + From the land of rock and mountain: + And roll the song in waves along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And grand and hale are the elms of Yale, + Like fathers, bending o'er us. + + "Summon our band from the prairie land, + From the granite hills, dark frowning, + From the lakelet blue, and the black bayou, + From the snows our pine peaks crowning; + And pour the song in joy along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And grand and hale are the towers of Yale, + Like giants, watching o'er us. + + "Count not the tears of the long-gone years, + With their moments of pain and sorrow, + But laugh in the light of their memories bright, + And treasure them all for the morrow; + Then roll the song in waves along, + While the hours are bright before us, + And high and hale are the spires of Yale, + Like guardians, towering o'er us. + + "Dream of the days when the rainbow rays + Of Hope on our hearts fell lightly, + And each fair hour some cheerful flower + In our pathway blossomed brightly; + And pour the song in joy along, + Ere the moments fly before us, + While portly and hale the sires of Yale + Are kindly gazing o'er us. + + "Linger again in memory's glen, + 'Mid the tendrilled vines of feeling, + Till a voice or a sigh floats softly by, + Once more to the glad heart stealing; + And roll the song on waves along, + For the hours are bright before us, + And in cottage and vale are the brides of Yale, + Like angels, watching o'er us. + + "Clasp ye the hand 'neath the arches grand + That with garlands span our greeting, + With a silent prayer that an hour as fair + May smile on each after meeting; + And long may the song, the joyous song, + Roll on in the hours before us, + And grand and hale may the elms of Yale, + For many a year, bend o'er us." + +In the Appendix to President Woolsey's Historical Discourse +delivered before the Graduates of Yale College, is the following +account of Presentation Day, in 1778. + +"The Professor of Divinity, two ministers of the town, and another +minister, having accompanied me to the Library about 1, P.M., the +middle Tutor waited upon me there, and informed me that the +examination was finished, and they were ready for the +presentation. I gave leave, being seated in the Library between +the above ministers. Hereupon the examiners, preceded by the +Professor of Mathematics, entered the Library, and introduced +thirty candidates, a beautiful sight! The Diploma Examinatorium, +with the return and minutes inscribed upon it, was delivered to +the President, who gave it to the Vice-Bedellus, directing him to +read it. He read it and returned it to the President, to be +deposited among the College archives _in perpetuam rei memoriam_. +The senior Tutor thereupon made a very eloquent Latin speech, and +presented the candidates for the honors of the College. This +presentation the President in a Latin speech accepted, and +addressed the gentlemen examiners and the candidates, and gave the +latter liberty to return home till Commencement. Then dismissed. + +"At about 3, P.M., the afternoon exercises were appointed to +begin. At 3-1/2, the bell tolled, and the assembly convened in the +chapel, ladies and gentlemen. The President introduced the +exercises in a Latin speech, and then delivered the Diploma +Examinatorium to the Vice-Bedellus, who, standing on the pulpit +stairs, read it publicly. Then succeeded,-- + + Cliosophic Oration in Latin, by Sir Meigs. + Poetical Composition in English, by Sir Barlow. + Dialogue, English, by Sir Miller, Sir Chaplin, Sir Ely. + Cliosophic Oration, English, by Sir Webster. + Disputation, English, by Sir Wolcott, Sir Swift, Sir Smith. + Valedictory Oration, English, by Sir Tracy. + An Anthem. Exercises two hours."--p. 121. + + +PRESIDENT. In the United States, the chief officer of a college or +university. His duties are, to preside at the meetings of the +Faculty, at Exhibitions and Commencements, to sign the diplomas or +letters of degree, to carry on the official correspondence, to +address counsel and instruction to the students, and to exercise a +general superintendence in the affairs of the college over which +he presides. + +At Harvard College it was formerly the duty of the President "to +inspect the manners of the students, and unto his morning and +evening prayers to join some exposition of the chapters which they +read from Hebrew into Greek, from the Old Testament, in the +morning, and out of English into Greek, from the New Testament, in +the evening." At the same College, in the early part of the last +century, Mr. Wadsworth, the President, states, "that he expounded +the Scriptures, once eleven, and sometimes eight or nine times in +the course of a week."--_Harv. Reg._, p. 249, and _Quincy's Hist. +Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 440. + +Similar duties were formerly required of the President at other +American colleges. In some, at the present day, he performs the +duties of a professor in connection with those of his own office, +and presides at the daily religious exercises in the Chapel. + +The title of President is given to the chief officer in some of +the colleges of the English universities. + + +PRESIDENT'S CHAIR. At Harvard College, there is in the Library an +antique chair, venerable by age and association, which is used +only on Commencement Day, when it is occupied by the President +while engaged in delivering the diplomas for degrees. "Vague +report," says Quincy, "represents it to have been brought to the +College during the presidency of Holyoke, as the gift of the Rev. +Ebenezer Turell of Medford (the author of the Life of Dr. Colman). +Turell was connected by marriage with the Mathers, by some of whom +it is said to have been brought from England." Holyoke was +President from 1737 to 1769. The round knobs on the chair were +turned by President Holyoke, and attached to it by his own hands. +In the picture of this honored gentleman, belonging to the +College, he is painted in the old chair, which seems peculiarly +adapted by its strength to support the weight which fills it. + +Before the erection of Gore Hall, the present library building, +the books of the College were kept in Harvard Hall. In the same +building, also, was the Philosophy Chamber, where the chair +usually stood for the inspection of the curious. Over this domain, +from the year 1793 to 1800, presided Mr. Samuel Shapleigh, the +Librarian. He was a dapper little bachelor, very active and +remarkably attentive to the ladies who visited the Library, +especially the younger portion of them. When ushered into the room +where stood the old chair, he would watch them with eager eyes, +and, as soon as one, prompted by a desire of being able to say, "I +have sat in the President's Chair," took this seat, rubbing his +hands together, he would exclaim, in great glee, "A forfeit! a +forfeit!" and demand from the fair occupant a kiss, a fee which, +whether refused or not, he very seldom failed to obtain.[61] + +This custom, which seems now-a-days to be going out of fashion, is +mentioned by Mr. William Biglow, in a poem before the Phi Beta +Kappa Society, recited in their dining-hall, August 29, 1811. +Speaking of Commencement Day and its observances, he says:-- + + "Now young gallants allure their favorite fair + To take a seat in Presidential chair; + Then seize the long-accustomed fee, the bliss + Of the half ravished, half free-granted kiss." + +The editor of Mr. Peirce's History of Harvard University publishes +the following curious extracts from Horace Walpole's Private +Correspondence, giving a description of some antique chairs found +in England, exactly of the same construction with the College +chair; a circumstance which corroborates the supposition that this +also was brought from England. + +HORACE WALPOLE TO GEORGE MONTAGU, ESQ. + +"_Strawberry Hill, August_ 20, 1761. + +"Dickey Bateman has picked up a whole cloister full of old chairs +in Herefordshire. He bought them one by one, here and there in +farm-houses, for three and sixpence and a crown apiece. They are +of wood, the seats triangular, the backs, arms, and legs loaded +with turnery. A thousand to one but there are plenty up and down +Cheshire, too. If Mr. and Mrs. Wetenhall, as they ride or drive +out, would now and then pick up such a chair, it would oblige me +greatly. Take notice, no two need be of the same +pattern."--_Private Correspondence of Horace Walpole, Earl of +Orford_, Vol. II. p. 279. + +HORACE WALPOLE TO THE REV. MR. COLE. + +"_Strawberry Hill, March_ 9, 1765. + +"When you go into Cheshire, and upon your ramble, may I trouble +you with a commission? but about which you must promise me not to +go a step out of your way. Mr. Bateman has got a cloister at old +Windsor furnished with ancient wooden chairs, most of them +triangular, but all of various patterns, and carved and turned in +the most uncouth and whimsical forms. He picked them up one by +one, for two, three, five, or six shillings apiece, from different +farm-houses in Herefordshire. I have long envied and coveted them. +There may be such in poor cottages in so neighboring a county as +Cheshire. I should not grudge any expense for purchase or +carriage, and should be glad even of a couple such for my cloister +here. When you are copying inscriptions in a churchyard in any +Village, think of me, and step into the first cottage you see, but +don't take further trouble than that."--_Ibid._, Vol. III. pp. 23, +24, from _Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 312. + +An engraving of the chair is to be found in President Quincy's +History of Harvard University, Vol. I. p. 288. + + +PREVARICATOR. A sort of an occasional orator; an academical phrase +in the University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Johnson_. + +He should not need have pursued me through the various shapes of a +divine, a doctor, a head of a college, a professor, a +_prevaricator_, a mathematician.--_Bp. Wren, Monarchy Asserted_, +Pref. + +It would have made you smile to hear the _prevaricator_, in his +jocular way, give him his title and character to face.--_A. +Philips, Life of Abp. Williams_, p. 34. + +See TERRAE-FILIUS. + + +PREVIOUS EXAMINATION. In the English universities, the University +examination in the second year. + +Called also the LITTLE-GO. + +The only practical connection that the Undergraduate usually has +with the University, in its corporate capacity, consists in his +_previous examination_, _alias_ the "Little-Go," and his final +examination for a degree, with or without honors.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 10. + + +PREX. A cant term for President. + +After examination, I went to the old _Prex_, and was admitted. +_Prex_, by the way, is the same as President.--_The Dartmouth_, +Vol. IV. p. 117. + +But take a peep with us, dear reader, into that _sanctum +sanctorum_, that skull and bones of college mysteries, the +_Prex's_ room.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + +Good old _Prex_ used to get the students together and advise them +on keeping their faces clean, and blacking their boots, +&c.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. III. p. 228. + + +PRINCE'S STUFF. In the English universities, the fabric of which +the gowns of the undergraduates are usually made. + +[Their] every-day habit differs nothing as far as the gown is +concerned, it being _prince's stuff_, or other convenient +material.--_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xv. + +See COSTUME. + + +PRINCIPAL. At Oxford, the president of a college or hall is +sometimes styled the Principal.--_Oxf. Cal._ + + +PRIVAT DOCENT. In German universities, a _private teacher_. "The +so-called _Privat Docenten_," remarks Howitt, "are gentlemen who +devote themselves to an academical career, who have taken the +degree of Doctor, and through a public disputation have acquired +the right to deliver lectures on subjects connected with their +particular department of science. They receive no salary, but +depend upon the remuneration derived from their +classes."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 29. + + +PRIVATE. At Harvard College, one of the milder punishments is what +is called _private admonition_, by which a deduction of thirty-two +marks is made from the rank of the offender. So called in +contradistinction to _public admonition_, when a deduction is +made, and with it a letter is sent to the parent. Often +abbreviated into _private_. + +"Reckon on the fingers of your mind the reprimands, deductions, +parietals, and _privates_ in store for you."--_Oration before H.L. +of I.O. of O.F._, 1848. + + What are parietals, parts, _privates_ now, + To the still calmness of that placid brow? + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + +PRIVATISSIMUM, _pl._ PRIVATISSIMI. Literally, _most private_. In +the German universities, an especially private lecture. + +To these _Privatissimi_, as they are called, or especially private +lectures, being once agreed upon, no other auditors can be +admitted.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 35. + + Then my _Privatissimum_--(I've been thinking on it + For a long time--and in fact begun it)-- + Will cost me 20 Rix-dollars more, + Please send with the ducats I mentioned before. + _The Jobsiad_, in _Lit. World_, Vol. IX. p. 281. + + The use of a _Privatissimum_ I can't conjecture, + When one is already ten hours at lecture. + _Ibid._, Vol. IX. p. 448. + + +PRIZEMAN. In universities and colleges, one who takes a prize. + + The Wrangler's glory in his well-earned fame, + The _prizeman's_ triumph, and the plucked man's shame. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, _May_, 1849. + + +PROBATION. In colleges and universities, the examination of a +student as to his qualifications for a degree. + +2. The time which a student passes in college from the period of +entering until he is matriculated and received as a member in full +standing. In American colleges, this is usually six months, but +can be prolonged at discretion.--_Coll. Laws_. + + +PROCEED. To take a degree. Mr. Halliwell, in his Dictionary of +Archaic and Provincial Words, says, "This term is still used at +the English universities." It is sometimes used in American +colleges. + +In 1605 he _proceeded_ Master of Arts, and became celebrated as a +wit and a poet.--_Poems of Bishop Corbet_, p. ix. + +They that expect to _proceed_ Bachelors that year, to be examined +of their sufficiency,... and such that expect to _proceed_ Masters +of Arts, to exhibit their synopsis of acts. + +They, that are approved sufficient for their degrees, shall +_proceed_.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + +The Overseers ... recommended to the Corporation "to take +effectual measures to prevent those who _proceeded_ Bachelors of +Arts, from having entertainments of any kind."--_Ibid._, Vol. II. +p. 93. + +When he _proceeded_ Bachelor of Arts, he was esteemed one of the +most perfect scholars that had ever received the honors of this +seminary.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 14. + +Masters may _proceed_ Bachelors in either of the Faculties, at the +end of seven years, &c.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. 10. + +Of the surviving graduates, the oldest _proceeded_ Bachelor of +Arts the very Commencement at which Dr. Stiles was elected to the +Presidency.--_Woolsey's Discourse, Yale Coll._, Aug. 14, 1850, p. +38. + + +PROCTOR. Contracted from the Latin _procurator_, from _procuro_; +_pro_ and _curo_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., two proctors are annually +elected, who are peace-officers. It is their especial duty to +attend to the discipline and behavior of all persons _in statu +pupillari_, to search houses of ill-fame, and to take into custody +women of loose and abandoned character, and even those _de malo +suspectcae_. Their other duties are not so menial in their +character, and are different in different universities.--_Cam. +Cal._ + +At Oxford, "the proctors act as university magistrates; they are +appointed from each college in rotation, and remain in office two +years. They nominate four pro-proctors to assist them. Their chief +duty, in which they are known to undergraduates, is to preserve +order, and keep the town free from improper characters. When they +go out in the evening, they are usually attended by two servants, +called by the gownsmen bull-dogs.... The marshal, a chief officer, +is usually in attendance on one of the proctors.... It is also the +proctor's duty to take care that the cap and gown are worn in the +University."--_The Collegian's Guide_, Oxford, pp. 176, 177. + +At Oxford, the proctors "jointly have, as has the Vice-Chancellor +singly, the power of interposing their _veto_ or _non placet_, +upon all questions in congregation and convocation, which puts a +stop at once to all further proceedings in the matter. These are +the 'censores morum' of the University, and their business is to +see that the undergraduate members, when no longer under the ken +of the head or tutors of their own college, behave seemly when +mixing with the townsmen and restrict themselves, as far as may +be, to lawful or constitutional and harmless amusements. Their +powers extend over a circumference of three miles round the walls +of the city. The proctors are easily recognized by their full +dress gown of velvet sleeves, and bands-encircled neck."--_Oxford +Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. xiii. + +At Oxford, "the two proctors were formerly nearly equal in +importance to the Vice-Chancellor. Their powers, though +diminished, are still considerable, as they administer the police +of the University, appoint the Examiners, and have a joint veto on +all measures brought before Convocation."--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. +p. 223. + +The class of officers called Proctors was instituted at Harvard +College in the year 1805, their duty being "to reside constantly +and preserve order within the walls," to preserve order among the +students, to see that the laws of the College are enforced, "and +to exercise the same inspection and authority in their particular +district, and throughout College, which it is the duty of a +parietal Tutor to exercise therein."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. II. p. 292. + +I believe this is the only college in the United States where this +class of academical police officers is established. + + +PROF, PROFF. Abbreviated for _Professor_. + +The _Proff_ thought he knew too much to stay here, and so he went +his way, and I saw him no more.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 116. + + For _Proffs_ and Tutors too, + Who steer our big canoe, + Prepare their lays. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 144. + + +PROFESSOR. One that publicly teaches any science or branch of +learning; particularly, an officer in a university, college, or +other seminary, whose business is to read lectures or instruct +students in a particular branch of learning; as a _professor_ of +theology or mathematics.--_Webster_. + + +PROFESSORIATE. The office or employment of a professor. + +It is desirable to restore the _professoriate_.--_Lit. World_, +Vol. XII. p. 246. + + +PROFESSOR OF DUST AND ASHES. A title sometimes jocosely given by +students to the person who has the care of their rooms. + +Was interrupted a moment just now, by the entrance of Mr. C------, +the gentleman who makes the beds, sweeps, takes up the ashes, and +supports the dignity of the title, "_Professor of Dust and +Ashes_."--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 77. + +The South College _Prof. of Dust and Ashes_ has a huge bill +against the Society.--_Yale Tomahawk_, Feb. 1851. + + +PROFICIENT. The degree of Proficient is conferred in the +University of Virginia, in a certificate of proficiency, on those +who have studied only in certain branches taught in some of the +schools connected with that institution. + + +PRO MERITIS. Latin; literally, _for his merits_. A phrase +customarily used in American collegiate diplomas. + + Then, every crime atoned with ease, + _Pro meritis_, received degrees. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +PRO-PROCTOR. In the English universities, an officer appointed to +assist the proctors in that part of their duty only which relates +to the discipline and behavior of those persons who are _in statu +pupillari_.--_Cam. and Oxf. Cals._ + +More familiarly, these officers are called _pro's_. + +They [the proctors] are assisted in their duties by four +pro-proctors, each principal being allowed to nominate his two +"_pro's_."--_Oxford Guide_, 1847, p. xiii. + +The _pro's_ have also a strip of velvet on each side of the +gown-front, and wear bands.--_Ibid._, p. xiii. + + +PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR. In the English universities a deputy +appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, who exercises his power in case +of his illness or necessary absence. + + +PROVOST. The President of a college. + +Dr. Jay, on his arrival in England, found there Dr. Smith, +_Provost_ of the College in Philadelphia, soliciting aid for that +institution.--_Hist. Sketch of Columbia Coll._, p. 36. + +At Columbia College, in 1811, an officer was appointed, styled +_Provost_, who, in absence of the President, was to supply his +place, and who, "besides exercising the like general +superintendence with the President," was to conduct the classical +studies of the Senior Class. The office of Provost continued until +1816, when the Trustees determined that its powers and duties +should devolve upon the President.--_Ibid._, p. 81. + +At Oxford, the chief officer of some of the colleges bears this +title. At Cambridge, it is appropriated solely to the President of +King's College. "On the choice of a Provost," says the author of a +History of the University of Cambridge, 1753, "the Fellows are all +shut into the ante-chapel, and out of which they are not permitted +to stir on any account, nor none permitted to enter, till they +have all agreed on their man; which agreement sometimes takes up +several days; and, if I remember right, they were three days and +nights confined in choosing the present Provost, and had their +beds, close-stools, &c. with them, and their commons, &c. given +them in at the windows."--_Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 85. + + +PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE. In Yale College, a committee to whom the +discretionary concerns of the College are intrusted. They order +such repairs of the College buildings as are necessary, audit the +accounts of the Treasurer and Steward, make the annual report of +the state of the College, superintend the investment of the +College funds, institute suits for the recovery and preservation +of the College property, and perform various other duties which +are enumerated in the laws of Yale College. + +At Middlebury College, similar powers are given to a body bearing +the same name.--_Laws Mid. Coll._, 1839, pp. 4, 5. + + +PUBLIC. At Harvard College, the punishment next higher in order to +a _private admonition_ is called a _public admonition_, and +consists in a deduction of sixty-four marks from the rank of the +offender, accompanied by a letter to the parent or guardian. It is +often called _a public_. + +See ADMONITION, and PRIVATE. + + +PUBLIC DAY. In the University of Virginia, the day on which "the +certificates and diplomas are awarded to the successful +candidates, the results of the examinations are announced, and +addresses are delivered by one or more of the Bachelors and +Masters of Arts, and by the Orator appointed by the Society of the +Alumni."--_Cat. of Univ. of Virginia_. + +This occurs on the closing day of the session, the 29th of June. + +PUBLIC ORATOR. In the English universities, an officer who is the +voice of the university on all public occasions, who writes, +reads, and records all letters of a public nature, and presents, +with an appropriate address, those on whom honorary degrees are +conferred. At Cambridge, this it esteemed one of the most +honorable offices in the gift of the university.--_Cam. and Oxf. +Cals._ + + +PUMP. Among German students, to obtain or take on credit; to +sponge. + + Und hat der Bursch kein Geld im Beutel, + So _pumpt_ er die Philister an. + _Crambambuli Song_. + + +PUNY. A young, inexperienced person; a novice. + +Freshmen at Oxford were called _punies of the first +year_.--_Halliwell's Dict. Arch. and Prov. Words_. + + +PUT THROUGH. A phrase very general in its application. When a +student treats, introduces, or assists another, or masters a hard +lesson, he is said to _put_ him or it _through_. In a discourse by +the Rev. Dr. Orville Dewey, on the Law of Progress, referring to +these words, he said "he had heard a teacher use the +characteristic expression that his pupils should be '_put +through_' such and such studies. This, he said, is a modern +practice. We put children through philosophy,--put them through +history,--put them through Euclid. He had no faith in this plan, +and wished to see the school teachers set themselves against this +forcing process." + +2. To examine thoroughly and with despatch. + + First Thatcher, then Hadley, then Larned and Prex, + Each _put_ our class _through_ in succession. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + + +_Q_. + + +Q. See CUE. + + +QUAD. An abbreviation of QUADRANGLE, q.v. + +How silently did all come down the staircases into the chapel +_quad_, that evening!--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 88. + +His mother had been in Oxford only the week before, and had been +seen crossing the _quad_ in tears.--_Ibid._, p. 144. + + +QUADRANGLE. At Oxford and Cambridge, Eng., the rectangular courts +in which the colleges are constructed. + + Soon as the clouds divide, and dawning day + Tints the _quadrangle_ with its earliest ray. + _The College_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, May, 1849. + + +QUARTER-DAY. The day when quarterly payments are made. The day +that completes three months. + +At Harvard and Yale Colleges, quarter-day, when the officers and +instructors receive their quarterly salaries, was formerly +observed as a holiday. One of the evils which prevailed among the +students of the former institution, about the middle of the last +century, was the "riotous disorders frequently committed on the +_quarter-days_ and evenings," on one of which, in 1764, "the +windows of all the Tutors and divers other windows were broken," +so that, in consequence, a vote was passed that "the observation +of _quarter-days_, in distinction from other days, be wholly laid +aside, and that the undergraduates be obliged to observe the +studying hours, and to perform the college exercises, on +quarter-day, and the day following, as at other times."--_Peirce's +Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 216. + + +QUESTIONIST. In the English universities, a name given to those +who are in the last term of their college course, and are soon to +be examined for honors or degrees.--_Webster_. + +In the "Orders agreed upon by the Overseers, at a meeting in +Harvard College, May 6th, 1650," this word is used in the +following sentence: "And, in case any of the Sophisters, +_Questionists_, or Inceptors fail in the premises required at +their hands,... they shall be deferred to the following year"; but +it does not seem to have gained any prevalence in the College, and +is used, it is believed, only in this passage. + + +QUILLWHEEL. At the Wesleyan University, "when a student," says a +correspondent, "'knocks under,' or yields a point, he says he +_quillwheels_, that is, he acknowledges he is wrong." + + + +_R_. + + +RAG. This word is used at Union College, and is thus explained by +a correspondent: "To _rag_ and _ragging_, you will find of very +extensive application, they being employed primarily as expressive +of what is called by the vulgar thieving and stealing, but in a +more extended sense as meaning superiority. Thus, if one declaims +or composes much better than his classmates, he is said to _rag_ +all his competitors." + +The common phrase, "_to take the rag off_," i.e. to excel, seems +to be the form from which this word has been abbreviated. + + +RAKE. At Williams and at Bowdoin Colleges, used in the phrase "to +_rake_ an X," i.e. to recite perfectly, ten being the number of +marks given for the best recitation. + + +RAM. A practical joke. + + ---- in season to be just too late + A successful _ram_ to perpetrate. + _Sophomore Independent_, Union Coll., Nov. 1854. + + +RAM ON THE CLERGY. At Middlebury College, a synonyme of the slang +noun, "sell." + + +RANTERS. At Bethany College, in Virginia, there is "a band," says +a correspondent, "calling themselves '_Ranters_,' formed for the +purpose of perpetrating all kinds of rascality and +mischievousness, both on their fellow-students and the neighboring +people. The band is commanded by one selected from the party, +called the _Grand Ranter_, whose orders are to be obeyed under +penalty of expulsion of the person offending. Among the tricks +commonly indulged in are those of robbing hen and turkey roosts, +and feasting upon the fruits of their labor, of stealing from the +neighbors their horses, to enjoy the pleasure of a midnight ride, +and to facilitate their nocturnal perambulations. If detected, and +any complaint is made, or if the Faculty are informed of their +movements, they seek revenge by shaving the tails and manes of the +favorite horses belonging to the person informing, or by some +similar trick." + + +RAZOR. A writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines this word in +the following sentence: "Many of the members of this time-honored +institution, from whom we ought to expect better things, not only +do their own shaving, but actually _make their own razors_. But I +must explain for the benefit of the uninitiated. A pun, in the +elegant college dialect, is called a razor, while an attempt at a +pun is styled a _sick razor_. The _sick_ ones are by far the most +numerous; however, once in a while you meet with one in quite +respectable health."--Vol. XIII. p. 283. + +The meeting will be opened with _razors_ by the Society's jester. +--_Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + Behold how Duncia leads her chosen sons, + All armed with squibs, stale jokes, _dull razors_, puns. + _The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849. + + +READ. To be studious; to practise much reading; e.g. at Oxford, to +_read_ for a first class; at Cambridge, to _read_ for an honor. In +America it is common to speak of "reading law, medicine," &c. + + We seven stayed at Christmas up to _read_; + We seven took one tutor. + _Tennyson, Prologue to Princess_. + +In England the vacations are the very times when you _read_ most. +_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 78. + +This system takes for granted that the students have "_read_," as +it is termed, with a private practitioner of medicine.--_Cat. +Univ. of Virginia_, 1851, p. 25. + + +READER. In the University of Oxford, one who reads lectures on +scientific subjects.--_Lyell_. + +2. At the English universities, a hard student, nearly equivalent +to READING MAN. + +Most of the Cantabs are late _readers_, so that, supposing one of +them to begin at seven, he will not leave off before half past +eleven.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +READERSHIP. In the University of Oxford, the office of a reader or +lecturer on scientific subjects.--_Lyell_. + + +READING. In the academic sense, studying. + +One would hardly suspect them to be students at all, did not the +number of glasses hint that those who carried them had impaired +their sight by late _reading_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 5. + + +READING MAN. In the English universities, a _reading man_ is a +hard student, or one who is entirely devoted to his collegiate +studies.--_Webster_. + +The distinction between "_reading men_" and "_non-reading men_" +began to manifest itself.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 169. + +We might wonder, perhaps, if in England the "[Greek: oi polloi]" +should be "_reading men_," but with us we should wonder were they +not.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 15. + + +READING PARTY. In England, a number of students who in vacation +time, and at a distance from the university, pursue their studies +together under the direction of a coach, or private tutor. + +Of this method of studying, Bristed remarks: "It is not +_impossible_ to read on a reading-party; there is only a great +chance against your being able to do so. As a very general rule, a +man works best in his accustomed place of business, where he has +not only his ordinary appliances and helps, but his familiar +associations about him. The time lost in settling down and making +one's self comfortable and ready for work in a new place is not +inconsiderable, and is all clear loss. Moreover, the very idea of +a reading-party involves a combination of two things incompatible, +--amusement and relaxation beyond the proper and necessary +quantity of daily exercise, and hard work at books. + +"Reading-parties do not confine themselves to England or the +island of Great Britain. Sometimes they have been known to go as +far as Dresden. Sometimes a party is of considerable size; when a +crack Tutor goes on one, which is not often, he takes his whole +team with him, and not unfrequently a Classical and Mathematical +Bachelor join their pupils."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, pp. 199-201. + + +READ UP. Students often speak of _reading up_, i.e. preparing +themselves to write on a subject, by reading the works of authors +who have treated of it. + + +REBELLION TREE. At Harvard College, a large elm-tree, which stands +to the east of the south entry of Hollis Hall, has long been known +by this name. It is supposed to have been planted at the request +of Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris. His son, Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, the +present Librarian of the College, says that his father has often +told him, that when he held the office of Librarian, in the year +1792, a number of trees were set out in the College yard, and that +one was planted opposite his room, No. 7 Hollis Hall, under which +he buried a pewter plate, taken from the commons hall. On this +plate was inscribed his name, the day of the month, the year, &c. +From its situation and appearance, the Rebellion Tree would seem +to be the one thus described; but it did not receive its name +until the year 1807, when the famous rebellion occurred among the +students, and perhaps not until within a few years antecedent to +the year 1819. At that time, however, this name seems to have been +the one by which it was commonly known, from the reference which +is made to it in the Rebelliad, a poem written to commemorate the +deeds of the rebellion of that year. + + And roared as loud as he could yell, + "Come on, my lads, let us rebel!" + + * * * * * + + With one accord they all agree + To dance around _Rebellion Tree_. + _Rebelliad_, p. 46. + + But they, rebellious rascals! flee + For shelter to _Rebellion Tree_. + _Ibid._, p. 60. + + Stands a tree in front of Hollis, + Dear to Harvard over all; + But than ---- desert us, + Rather let _Rebellion_ fall. + _MS. Poem_. + +Other scenes are sometimes enacted under its branches, as the +following verses show:-- + + When the old year was drawing towards its close, + And in its place the gladsome new one rose, + Then members of each class, with spirits free, + Went forth to greet her round _Rebellion Tree_. + Round that old tree, sacred to students' rights, + And witness, too, of many wondrous sights, + In solemn circle all the students passed; + They danced with spirit, until, tired, at last + A pause they make, and some a song propose. + Then "Auld Lang Syne" from many voices rose. + Now, as the lamp of the old year dies out, + They greet the new one with exulting shout; + They groan for ----, and each class they cheer, + And thus they usher in the fair new year. + _Poem before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, p. 19, 1849. + + +RECENTES. Latin for the English FRESHMEN. Consult Clap's History +of Yale College, 1766, p. 124. + + +RECITATION. In American colleges and schools, the rehearsal of a +lesson by pupils before their instructor.--_Webster_. + + +RECITATION-ROOM. The room where lessons are rehearsed by pupils +before their instructor. + +In the older American colleges, the rooms of the Tutors were +formerly the recitation-rooms of the classes. At Harvard College, +the benches on which the students sat when reciting were, when not +in use, kept in piles, outside of the Tutors' rooms. When the hour +of recitation arrived, they would carry them into the room, and +again return them to their places when the exercise was finished. +One of the favorite amusements of the students was to burn these +benches; the spot selected for the bonfire being usually the green +in front of the old meeting-house, or the common. + + +RECITE. Transitively, to rehearse, as a lesson to an instructor. + +2. Intransitively, to rehearse a lesson. The class will _recite_ +at eleven o'clock.--_Webster_. + +This word is used in both forms in American seminaries. + + +RECORD OF MERIT. At Middlebury College "a class-book is kept by +each instructor, in which the character of each student's +recitation is noted by numbers, and all absences from college +exercises are minuted. Demerit for absences and other +irregularities is also marked in like manner, and made the basis +of discipline. At the close of each term, the average of these +marks is recorded, and, when desired, communicated to parents and +guardians." This book is called the _record of merit_.--_Cat. +Middlebury Coll._, 1850-51, p. 17. + + +RECTOR. The chief elective officer of some universities, as in +France and Scotland. The same title was formerly given to the +president of a college in New England, but it is not now in +use.--_Webster_. + +The title of _Rector_ was given to the chief officer of Yale +College at the time of its foundation, and was continued until the +year 1745, when, by "An Act for the more full and complete +establishment of Yale College in New Haven," it was changed, among +other alterations, to that of _President_.--_Clap's Annals of Yale +College_, p. 47. + +The chief officer of Harvard College at the time of its foundation +was styled _Master_ or _Professor_. Mr. Dunster was chosen the +first _President_, in 1640, and those who succeeded him bore this +title until the year 1686, when Mr. Joseph Dudley, having received +the commission of President of the Colony, changed for the sake of +distinction the title of _President of the College_ to that of +_Rector_. A few years after, the title of _President_ was resumed. +--_Peirce's Hist. of Harv. Univ._, p. 63. + + +REDEAT. Latin; literally, _he may return_. "It is the custom in +some colleges," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "on coming into +residence, to wait on the Dean, and sign your name in a book, kept +for that purpose, which is called signing your _Redeat_."--p. 92. + + +REFECTORY. At Oxford, Eng., the place where the members of each +college or hall dine. This word was originally applied to an +apartment in convents and monasteries, where a moderate repast was +taken.--_Brande_. + +In Oxford there are nineteen colleges and five halls, containing +dwelling-rooms for the students, and a distinct _refectory_ or +dining-hall, library, and chapel to each college and hall.--_Oxf. +Guide_, 1847, p. xvi. + +At Princeton College, this name is given to the hall where the +students eat together in common.--Abbreviated REFEC. + + +REGENT. In the English universities, the regents, or _regentes_, +are members of the university who have certain peculiar duties of +instruction or government. At Cambridge, all resident Masters of +Arts of less than four years' standing and all Doctors of less +than two, are Regents. At Oxford, the period of regency is +shorter. At both universities, those of a more advanced standing, +who keep their names on the college books, are called +_non-regents_. At Cambridge, the regents compose the upper house, +and the non-regents the lower house of the Senate, or governing +body. At Oxford, the regents compose the _Congregation_, which +confers degrees, and does the ordinary business of the University. +The regents and non-regents, collectively, compose the +_Convocation_, which is the governing body in the last +resort.--_Webster_. + +See SENATE. + +2. In the State of New York, the member of a corporate body which +is invested with the superintendence of all the colleges, +academies, and schools in the State. This board consists of +twenty-one members, who are called _the Regents of the University +of the State of New York_. They are appointed and removable by the +legislature. They have power to grant acts of incorporation for +colleges, to visit and inspect all colleges, academies, and +schools, and to make regulations for governing the +same.--_Statutes of New York_. + +3. At Harvard College, an officer chosen from the _Faculty_, whose +duties are under the immediate direction of the President. All +weekly lists of absences, monitor's bills, petitions to the +Faculty for excuse of absences from the regular exercises and for +making up lessons, all petitions for elective studies, the returns +of the scale of merit, and returns of delinquencies and deductions +by the tutors and proctors, are left with the Regent, or deposited +in his office. The Regent also informs those who petition for +excuses, and for elective studies, of the decision of the Faculty +in regard to their petitions. Formerly, the Regent assisted in +making out the quarter or term bills, of which he kept a record, +and when students were punished by fining, he was obliged to keep +an account of the fines, and the offences for which they were +imposed. Some of his duties were performed by a Freshman, who was +appointed by the Faculty.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1814, and +_Regulations_, 1850. + +The creation of the office of Regent at Harvard College is noticed +by Professor Sidney Willard. In the year 1800 "an officer was +appointed to occupy a room in one of the halls to supply the place +of a Tutor, for preserving order in the rooms in his entry, and to +perform the duties that had been discharged by the Butler, so far +as it regarded the keeping of certain records. He was allowed the +service of a Freshman, and the offices of Butler and of Butler's +Freshman were abolished. The title of this new officer was +Regent."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 107. + +See FRESHMAN, REGENT'S. + + +REGISTER. In Union College, an officer whose duties are similar to +those enumerated under REGISTRAR. He also acts, without charge, as +fiscal guardian for all students who deposit funds in his hands. + + +REGISTRAR, REGISTRARY. In the English universities, an officer who +has the keeping of all the public records.--_Encyc._ + +At Harvard College, the Corporation appoint one of the Faculty to +the office of _Registrar_. He keeps a record of the votes and +orders passed by the latter body, gives certified copies of the +same when requisite, and performs other like duties.--_Laws Univ. +at Cam., Mass._, 1848. + + +REGIUS PROFESSOR. A name given in the British universities to the +incumbents of those professorships which have been founded by +_royal_ bounty. + + +REGULATORS. At Hamilton College, "a Junior Class affair," writes a +correspondent, "consisting of fifteen or twenty members, whose +object is to regulate college laws and customs according to their +own way. They are known only by their deeds. Who the members are, +no one out of the band knows. Their time for action is in the +night." + + +RELEGATION. In German universities, the _relegation_ is the +punishment next in severity to the _consilium abeundi_. Howitt +explains the term in these words: "It has two degrees. First, the +simple relegation. This consists in expulsion [out of the district +of the court of justice within which the university is situated], +for a period of from two to three years; after which the offender +may indeed return, but can no more be received as an academical +burger. Secondly, the sharper relegation, which adds to the simple +relegation an announcement of the fact to the magistracy of the +place of abode of the offender; and, according to the discretion +of the court, a confinement in an ordinary prison, previous to the +banishment, is added; and also the sharper relegation can be +extended to more than four years, the ordinary term,--yes, even to +perpetual expulsion."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 33. + + +RELIG. At Princeton College, an abbreviated name for a professor +of religion. + + +RENOWN. German, _renommiren_, to hector, to bully. Among the +students in German universities, to _renown_ is, in English +popular phrase, "to cut a swell."--_Howitt_. + +The spare hours of the forenoon and afternoon are spent in +fencing, in _renowning_,--that is, in doing things-which make +people stare at them, and in providing duels for the +morrow.--_Russell's Tour in Germany_, Edinburgh ed., 1825, Vol. +II. pp. 156, 157. + +We cannot be deaf to the testimony of respectable eyewitnesses, +who, in proof of these defects, tell us ... of "_renowning_," or +wild irregularities, in which "the spare hours" of the day are +spent.--_D.A. White's Address before Soc. of the Alumni of Harv. +Univ._, Aug. 27, 1844, p. 24. + + +REPLICATOR. "The first discussions of the Society, called +Forensic, were in writing, and conducted by only two members, +styled the Respondent and the Opponent. Subsequently, a third was +added, called a _Replicator_, who reviewed the arguments of the +other two, and decided upon their comparative +merits."--_Semi-centennial Anniversary of the Philomathean +Society, Union Coll._, p. 9. + + +REPORT. A word much in use among the students of universities and +colleges, in the common sense of _to inform against_, but usually +spoken in reference to the Faculty. + + Thanks to the friendly proctor who spared to _report_ me. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 79. + + If I hear again + Of such fell outrage to the college laws, + Of such loud tumult after eight o'clock, + Thou'lt be _reported_ to the Faculty.--_Ibid._, p. 257. + + +RESIDENCE. At the English universities, to be "in residence" is to +occupy rooms as a member of a college, either in the college +itself, or in the town where the college is situated. + +Trinity ... usually numbers four hundred undergraduates in +_residence_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +11. + +At Oxford, an examination, not always a very easy one, must be +passed before the student can be admitted to +_residence_.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 232. + + +RESIDENT GRADUATE. In the United States, graduates who are +desirous of pursuing their studies in a place where a college is +situated, without joining any of its departments, can do so in the +capacity of _residents_ or _resident graduates_. They are allowed +to attend the public lectures given in the institution, and enjoy +the use of its library. Like other students, they give bonds for +the payment of college dues.--_Coll. Laws_. + + +RESPONDENT. In the schools, one who maintains a thesis in reply, +and whose province is to refute objections, or overthrow +arguments.--_Watts_. + +This word, with its companion, _affirmant_, was formerly used in +American colleges, and was applied to those who engaged in the +syllogistic discussions then incident to Commencement. + +But the main exercises were disputations upon questions, wherein +the _respondents_ first made their theses.--_Mather's Magnalia_, +B. IV. p. 128. + +The syllogistic disputes were held between an _affirmant_ and +_respondent_, who stood in the side galleries of the church +opposite to one another, and shot the weapons of their logic over +the heads of the audience.--_Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc., Yale +Coll._, p. 65. + +In the public exercises at Commencement, I was somewhat remarked +as a _respondent_.--_Life and Works of John Adams_, Vol. II. p. 3. + + +RESPONSION. In the University of Oxford, an examination about the +middle of the college course, also called the +_Little-go_.--_Lyell_. + +See LITTLE-GO. + + +RETRO. Latin; literally, _back_. Among the students of the +University of Cambridge, Eng., used to designate a _behind_-hand +account. "A cook's bill of extraordinaries not settled by the +Tutor."--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +REVIEW. A second or repeated examination of a lesson, or the +lesson itself thus re-examined. + + He cannot get the "advance," forgets "the _review_." + _Childe Harvard_, p. 13. + + +RIDER. The meaning of this word, used at Cambridge, Eng., is given +in the annexed sentence. "His ambition is generally limited to +doing '_riders_,' which are a sort of scholia, or easy deductions +from the book-work propositions, like a link between them and +problems; indeed, the rider being, as its name imports, attached +to a question, the question is not fully answered until the rider +is answered also."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 222. + + +ROLL A WHEEL. At the University of Vermont, in student parlance, +to devise a scheme or lay a plot for an election or a college +spree, is to _roll a wheel_. E.g. "John was always _rolling a big +wheel_," i.e. incessantly concocting some plot. + + +ROOM. To occupy an apartment; to lodge; _an academic use of the +word_.--_Webster_. + +Inquire of any student at our colleges where Mr. B. lodges, and +you will be told he _rooms_ in such a building, such a story, or +up so many flights of stairs, No. --, to the right or left. + +The Rowes, years ago, used to _room_ in Dartmouth Hall.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117. + +_Rooming_ in college, it is convenient that they should have the +more immediate oversight of the deportment of the +students.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 133. + +Seven years ago, I _roomed_ in this room where we are now.--_Yale +Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 114. + +When Christmas came again I came back to this room, but the man +who _roomed_ here was frightened and ran away.--_Ibid._, Vol. XII. +p. 114. + +Rent for these apartments is exacted from Sophomores, about sixty +_rooming_ out of college.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., +1852-53, p. 26. + + +ROOT. A word first used in the sense given below by Dr. Paley. "He +[Paley] held, indeed, all those little arts of underhand address, +by which patronage and preferment are so frequently pursued, in +supreme contempt. He was not of a nature to _root_; for that was +his own expressive term, afterwards much used in the University to +denote the sort of practice alluded to. He one day humorously +proposed, at some social meeting, that a certain contemporary +Fellow of his College [Christ's College, Cambridge, Eng.], at that +time distinguished for his elegant and engaging manners, and who +has since attained no small eminence in the Church of England, +should be appointed _Professor of Rooting_."--_Memoirs of Paley_. + +2. To study hard; to DIG, q.v. + +Ill-favored men, eager for his old boots and diseased raiment, +torment him while _rooting_ at his Greek.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 267. + + +ROT. Twaddle, platitude. In use among the students at the +University of Cambridge, Eng.--_Bristed_. + + +ROWES. The name of a party which formerly existed at Dartmouth +College. They are thus described in The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. +117: "The _Rowes_ are very liberal in their notions. The Rowes +don't pretend to say anything worse of a fellow than to call him a +_Blue_, and _vice versa_." + +See BLUES. + + +ROWING. The making of loud and noisy disturbance; acting like a +_rowdy_. + + Flushed with the juice of the grape, + all prime and ready for _rowing_. + When from the ground I raised + the fragments of ponderous brickbat. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + +The Fellow-Commoners generally being more disposed to _rowing_ +than reading.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d. p. +34. + + +ROWING-MAN. One who is more inclined to fast living than hard +study. Among English students used in contradistinction to +READING-MAN, q.v. + +When they go out to sup, as a reading-man does perhaps once a +term, and a _rowing-man_ twice a week, they eat very moderately, +though their potations are sometimes of the deepest.--_Bristed's +Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +ROWL, ROWEL. At Princeton, Union, and Hamilton Colleges, this word +is used to signify a good recitation. Used in the phrase, "to make +a _rowl_." From the second of these colleges, a correspondent +writes: "Also of the word _rowl_; if a public speaker presents a +telling appeal or passage, he would _make a perfect rowl_, in the +language of all students at least." + + +ROWL. To recite well. A correspondent from Princeton College +defines this word, "to perform any exercise well, recitation, +speech, or composition; to succeed in any branch or pursuit." + + +RUSH. At Yale College, a perfect recitation is denominated a +_rush_. + +I got my lesson perfectly, and what is more, made a perfect +_rush_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 134. + + Every _rush_ and fizzle made + Every body frigid laid. + _Ibid._, Vol. XX. p. 186. + +This mark [that of a hammer with a note, "hit the nail on the +head"] signifies that the student makes a capital hit; in other +words, a decided _rush_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + In dreams his many _rushes_ heard. + _Ibid._, Oct. 22, 1847. + +This word is much used among students with the common meaning; +thus, they speak of "a _rush_ into prayers," "a _rush_ into the +recitation-room," &c. A correspondent from Dartmouth College says: +"_Rushing_ the Freshmen is putting them out of the chapel." +Another from Williams writes: "Such a man is making a _rush_, and +to this we often add--for the Valedictory." + + The gay regatta where the Oneida led, + The glorious _rushes_, Seniors at the head. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849. + +One of the Trinity men ... was making a tremendous _rush_ for a +Fellowship.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +158. + + +RUSH. To recite well; to make a perfect recitation. + +It was purchased by the man,--who 'really did not look' at the +lesson on which he '_rushed_.'--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. +411. + +Then for the students mark flunks, even though the young men may +be _rushing_.--_Yale Banger_, Oct., 1848. + + So they pulled off their coats, and rolled up their sleeves, + And _rushed_ in Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs, Yale Coll._, June 14, 1854. + + +RUSTICATE. To send a student for a time from a college or +university, to reside in the country, by way of punishment for +some offence. + +See a more complete definition under RUSTICATION. + + And those whose crimes are very great, + Let us suspend or _rusticate_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 24. + + The "scope" of what I have to state + Is to suspend and _rusticate_.--_Ibid._, p. 28. + +The same meaning is thus paraphrastically conveyed:-- + + By my official power, I swear, + That you shall _smell the country air_.--_Rebelliad_, p. 45. + + +RUSTICATION. In universities and colleges, the punishment of a +student for some offence, by compelling him to leave the +institution, and reside for a time in the country, where he is +obliged to pursue with a private instructor the studies with which +his class are engaged during his term of separation, and in which +he is obliged to pass a satisfactory examination before he can be +reinstated in his class. + +It seems plain from his own verses to Diodati, that Milton had +incurred _rustication_,--a temporary dismission into the country, +with, perhaps, the loss of a term.--_Johnson_. + + Take then this friendly exhortation. + The next offence is _Rustication_. + _MS. Poem_, by John Q. Adams. + + +RUST-RINGING. At Hamilton College, "the Freshmen," writes a +correspondent, "are supposed to lose some of their verdancy at the +end of the last term of that year, and the 'ringing off their +rust' consists in ringing the chapel bell--commencing at midnight +--until the rope wears out. During the ringing, the upper classes +are diverted by the display of numerous fire-works, and enlivened +by most beautifully discordant sounds, called 'music,' made to +issue from tin kettle-drums, horse-fiddles, trumpets, horns, &c., +&c." + + + +_S_. + + +SACK. To expel. Used at Hamilton College. + + +SAIL. At Bowdoin College, a _sail_ is a perfect recitation. To +_sail_ is to recite perfectly. + + +SAINT. A name among students for one who pretends to particular +sanctity of manners. + +Or if he had been a hard-reading man from choice,--or a stupid +man,--or a "_saint_,"--no one would have troubled themselves about +him.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 148. + + +SALTING THE FRESHMEN. In reference to this custom, which belongs +to Dartmouth College, a correspondent from that institution +writes: "There is an annual trick of '_salting the Freshmen_,' +which is putting salt and water on their seats, so that their +clothes are injured when they sit down." The idea of preservation, +cleanliness, and health is no doubt intended to be conveyed by the +use of the wholesome articles salt and water. + + +SALUTATORIAN. The student of a college who pronounces the +salutatory oration at the annual Commencement.--_Webster_. + + +SALUTATORY. An epithet applied to the oration which introduces the +exercises of the Commencements in American colleges.--_Webster_. + +The oration is often called, simply, _The Salutatory_. + +And we ask our friends "out in the world," whenever they meet an +educated man of the class of '49, not to ask if he had the +Valedictory or _Salutatory_, but if he takes the +Indicator.--_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. II. p. 96. + + +SATIS. Latin; literally, _enough_. In the University of Cambridge, +Eng., the lowest honor in the schools. The manner in which this +word is used is explained in the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, as +follows: "_Satis disputasti_; which is at much as to say, in the +colloquial style, 'Bad enough.' _Satis et bene disputasti_, +'Pretty fair,--tolerable.' _Satis et optime disputasti_, 'Go thy +ways, thou flower and quintessence of Wranglers.' Such are the +compliments to be expected from the Moderator, after the _act is +kept_."--p. 95. + + +S.B. An abbreviation for _Scientiae Baccalaureus_, Bachelor in +Science. At Harvard College, this degree is conferred on those who +have pursued a prescribed course of study for at least one year in +the Scientific School, and at the end of that period passed a +satisfactory examination. The different degrees of excellence are +expressed in the diploma by the words, _cum laude_, _cum magna +laude_, _cum summa laude_. + + +SCARLET DAY. In the Church of England, certain festival days are +styled _scarlet days_. On these occasions, the doctors in the +three learned professions appear in their scarlet robes, and the +noblemen residing in the universities wear their full +dresses.--_Grad. ad Cantab._ + + +SCHEME. The printed papers which are given to the students at Yale +College at the Biennial Examination, and which contain the +questions that are to be answered, are denominated _schemes_. They +are also called, simply, _papers_. + + See the down-cast air, and the blank despair, + That sits on each Soph'more feature, + As his bleared eyes gleam o'er that horrid _scheme_! + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 22. + + Olmsted served an apprenticeship setting up types, + For the _schemes_ of Bien. Examination. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + + Here's health to the tutors who gave us good _schemes_, + Vive la compagnie! + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee_, 1855. + + +SCHOLAR. Any member of a college, academy, or school. + +2. An undergraduate in English universities, who belongs to the +foundation of a college, and receives support in part from its +revenues.--_Webster_. + + +SCHOLAR OF THE HOUSE. At Yale College, those are called _Scholars +of the House_ who, by superiority in scholarship, become entitled +to receive the income arising from certain foundations established +for the purpose of promoting learning and literature. In some +cases the recipient is required to remain at New Haven for a +specified time, and pursue a course of studies under the direction +of the Faculty of the College.--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. 86. +_Laws of Yale Coll._ + +2. "The _scholar of the house_," says President Woolsey, in his +Historical Discourse,--"_scholaris aedilitus_ of the Latin +laws,--before the institution of Berkeley's scholarships which had +the same title, was a kind of aedile appointed by the President and +Tutors to inspect the public buildings, and answered in a degree +to the Inspector known to our present laws and practice. He was +not to leave town until the Friday after Commencement, because in +that week more than usual damage was done to the buildings."--p. +43. + +The duties of this officer are enumerated in the annexed passage. +"The Scholar of the House, appointed by the President, shall +diligently observe and set down the glass broken in College +windows, and every other damage done in College, together with the +time when, and the person by whom, it was done; and every quarter +he shall make up a bill of such damages, charged against every +scholar according to the laws of College, and deliver the same to +the President or the Steward, and the Scholar of the House shall +tarry at College until Friday noon after the public Commencement, +and in that time shall be obliged to view any damage done in any +chamber upon the information of him to whom the chamber is +assigned."--_Laws of Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 22. + + +SCHOLARSHIP. Exhibition or maintenance for a scholar; foundation +for the support of a student--_Ainsworth_. + + +SCHOOL. THE SCHOOLS, _pl._; the seminaries for teaching logic, +metaphysics, and theology, which were formed in the Middle Ages, +and which were characterized by academical disputations and +subtilties of reasoning; or the learned men who were engaged in +discussing nice points in metaphysics or theology.--_Webster_. + +2. In some American colleges, the different departments for +teaching law, medicine, divinity, &c. are denominated _schools_. + +3. The name given at the University of Oxford to the place of +examination. The principal exercises consist of disputations in +philosophy, divinity, and law, and are always conducted in a sort +of barbarous Latin. + +I attended the _Schools_ several times, with the view of acquiring +the tact and self-possession so requisite in these public +contests.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 39. + +There were only two sets of men there, one who fagged +unremittingly for the _Schools_, and another devoted to frivolity +and dissipation.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 141. + + +S.C.L. At the English universities, one who is pursuing law +studies and has not yet received the degree of B.C.L. or D.C.L., +is designated S.C.L., _Student_ in or of _Civil Law_. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., persons in this rank who +have kept their acts wear a full-sleeved gown, and are entitled to +use a B.A. hood. + + +SCONCE. To mulct; to fine. Used at the University of Oxford. + +A young fellow of Baliol College, having, upon some discontent cut +his throat very dangerously, the Master of the College sent his +servitor to the buttery-book to _sconce_ (i.e. fine) him 5s.; and, +says the Doctor, tell him the next time he cuts his throat I'll +_sconce_ him ten.--_Terrae-Filius_, No. 39. + +Was _sconced_ in a quart of ale for quoting Latin, a passage from +Juvenal; murmured, and the fine was doubled.--_The Etonian_, Vol. +II. p. 391. + + +SCOUT. A cant term at Oxford for a college servant or +waiter.--_Oxford Guide_. + +My _scout_, indeed, is a very learned fellow, and has an excellent +knack at using hard words. One morning he told me the gentleman in +the next room _contagious_ to mine desired to speak to me. I once +overheard him give a fellow-servant very sober advice not to go +astray, but be true to his own wife; for _idolatry_ would surely +bring a man to _instruction_ at last.--_The Student_, Oxf. and +Cam., 1750, Vol. I. p. 55. + +An anteroom, or vestibule, which serves the purpose of a _scout's_ +pantry.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 280. + +_Scouts_ are usually pretty communicative of all they +know.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LX. p. 147. + +Sometimes used in American colleges. + +In order to quiet him, we had to send for his factotum or _scout_, +an old black fellow.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XI. p. 282. + + +SCRAPE. To insult by drawing the feet over the floor.--_Grose_. + + But in a manner quite uncivil, + They hissed and _scraped_ him like the devil. + _Rebelliad_, p. 37. + + "I do insist," + Quoth he, "that two, who _scraped_ and hissed, + Shall be condemned without a jury + To pass the winter months _in rure_."--_Ibid._, p. 41. + +They not unfrequently rose to open outrage or some personal +molestation, as casting missiles through his windows at night, or +"_scraping him_" by day.--_A Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, +p. 25. + + +SCRAPING. A drawing of, or the act of drawing, the feet over the +floor, as an insult to some one, or merely to cause disturbance; a +shuffling of the feet. + +New lustre was added to the dignity of their feelings by the +pathetic and impressive manner in which they expressed them, which +was by stamping and _scraping_ majestically with their feet, when +in the presence of the detested tutors.--_Don Quixotes at +College_, 1807. + +The morning and evening daily prayers were, on the next day +(Thursday), interrupted by _scraping_, whistling, groaning, and +other disgraceful noises.--_Circular, Harvard College_, 1834, p. +9. + +This word is used in the universities and colleges of both England +and America. + + +SCREW. In some American colleges, an excessive, unnecessarily +minute, and annoying examination of a student by an instructor is +called a _screw_. The instructor is often designated by the same +name. + + Haunted by day with fearful _screw_. + _Harvard Lyceum_, p. 102. + + _Screws_, duns, and other such like evils. + _Rebelliad_, p. 77. + +One must experience all the stammering and stuttering, the +unending doubtings and guessings, to understand fully the power of +a mathematical _screw_.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 378. + +The consequence was, a patient submission to the _screw_, and a +loss of college honors and patronage.--_A Tour through College_, +Boston, 1832, p. 26. + +I'll tell him a whopper next time, and astonish him so that he'll +forget his _screws_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XI. p. 336. + +What a darned _screw_ our tutor is.--_Ibid._ + +Apprehension of the severity of the examination, or what in after +times, by an academic figure of speech, was called screwing, or a +_screw_, was what excited the chief dread.--_Willard's Memories of +Youth and Manhood_, Vol. I. p. 256. + +Passing such an examination is often denominated _taking a screw_. + + And sad it is to _take a screw_. + _Harv. Reg._, p. 287. + +2. At Bowdoin College, an imperfect recitation is called a +_screw_. + + You never should look blue, sir, + If you chance to take a "_screw_," sir, + To us it's nothing new, sir, + To drive dull care away. + _The Bowdoin Creed_. + + We've felt the cruel, torturing _screw_, + And oft its driver's ire. + _Song, Sophomore Supper, Bowdoin Coll._, 1850. + + +SCREW. To press with an excessive and unnecessarily minute +examination. + + Who would let a tutor knave + _Screw _him like a Guinea slave! + _Rebelliad_, p. 53. + + Have I been _screwed_, yea, deaded morn and eve, + Some dozen moons of this collegiate life? + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 255. + + O, I do well remember when in college, + How we fought reason,--battles all in play,-- + Under a most portentous man of knowledge, + The captain-general in the bloodless fray; + He was a wise man, and a good man, too, + And robed himself in green whene'er he came to _screw_. + _Our Chronicle of '26_, Boston, 1827. + +In a note to the last quotation, the author says of the word +_screw_: "For the information of the inexperienced, we explain +this as a term quite rife in the universities, and, taken +substantively, signifying an intellectual nonplus." + + At last the day is ended, + The tutor _screws_ no more. + _Knick. Mag._, Vol. XLV. p. 195. + + +SCREWING UP. The meaning of this phrase, as understood by English +Cantabs, may be gathered from the following extract. "A +magnificent sofa will be lying close to a door ... bored through +from top to bottom from the _screwing up_ of some former unpopular +tenant; "_screwing up_" being the process of fastening on the +outside, with nails and screws, every door of the hapless wight's +apartments. This is done at night, and in the morning the +gentleman is leaning three-fourths out of his window, bawling for +rescue."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. Ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 239. + + +SCRIBBLING-PAPER. A kind of writing-paper, rather inferior in +quality, a trifle larger than foolscap, and used at the English +universities by mathematicians and in the lecture-room.--_Bristed. +Grad. ad Cantab._ + +Cards are commonly sold at Cambridge as +"_scribbling-paper_."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. +238. + +The summer apartment contained only a big standing-desk, the +eternal "_scribbling-paper_," and the half-dozen mathematical +works required.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 218. + + +SCROUGE. An exaction. A very long lesson, or any hard or +unpleasant task, is usually among students denominated a +_scrouge_. + + +SCROUGE. To exact; to extort; said of an instructor who imposes +difficult tasks on his pupils. + +It is used provincially in England, and in America in some of the +Northern and Southern States, with the meaning _to crowd, to +squeeze_.--_Bartlett's Dict. of Americanisms_. + + +SCRUB. At Columbia College, a servant. + +2. One who is disliked for his meanness, ill-breeding, or +vulgarity. Nearly equivalent to SPOON, q.v. + + +SCRUBBY. Possessing the qualities of a scrub. Partially synonymous +with the adjective SPOONY, q.v. + + +SCRUTATOR. In the University of Cambridge, England, an officer +whose duty it is to attend all _Congregations_, to read the +_graces_ to the lower house of the Senate, to gather the votes +secretly, or to take them openly in scrutiny, and publicly to +pronounce the assent or dissent of that house.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +SECOND-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the title +of _Second-Year Men_, or _Junior Sophs_ or _Sophisters_, is given +to students during the second year of their residence at the +University. + + +SECTION COURT. At Union College, the college buildings are divided +into sections, a section comprising about fifteen rooms. Within +each section is established a court, which is composed of a judge, +an advocate, and a secretary, who are chosen by the students +resident therein from their own number, and hold their offices +during one college term. Each section court claims the power to +summon for trial any inhabitant within the bounds of its +jurisdiction who may be charged with improper conduct. The accused +may either defend himself, or select some person to plead for him, +such residents of the section as choose to do so acting as jurors. +The prisoner, if found guilty, is sentenced at the discretion of +the court,--generally, to treat the company to some specified +drink or dainty. These courts often give occasion for a great deal +of fun, and sometimes call out real wit and eloquence. + +At one of our "_section courts_," which those who expected to +enter upon the study of the law used to hold, &c.--_The Parthenon, +Union Coll._, 1851, p. 19. + + +SECTION OFFICER. At Union College, each section of the college +buildings, containing about fifteen rooms, is under the +supervision of a professor or tutor, who is styled the _section +officer_. This officer is required to see that there be no +improper noise in the rooms or corridors, and to report the +absence of students from chapel and recitation, and from their +rooms during study hours. + + +SEED. In Yale College this word is used to designate what is +understood by the common cant terms, "a youth"; "case"; "bird"; +"b'hoy"; "one of 'em." + + While tutors, every sport defeating, + And under feet-worn stairs secreting, + And each dark lane and alley beating, + Hunt up the _seeds_ in vain retreating. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 1849. + + The wretch had dared to flunk a gory _seed_! + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + One tells his jokes, the other tells his beads, + One talks of saints, the other sings of _seeds_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + But we are "_seeds_," whose rowdy deeds + Make up the drunken tale. + _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + + First Greek he enters; and with reckless speed + He drags o'er stumps and roots each hapless _seed_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1849. + + Each one a bold _seed_, well fit for the deed, + But of course a little bit flurried. + _Ibid._, May, 1852. + + +SEEDY. At Yale College, rowdy, riotous, turbulent. + + And snowballs, falling thick and fast + As oaths from _seedy_ Senior crowd. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + + A _seedy_ Soph beneath a tree. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + +2. Among English Cantabs, not well, out of sorts, done up; the +sort of feeling that a reading man has after an examination, or a +rowing man after a dinner with the Beefsteak Club. Also, silly, +easy to perform.--_Bristed_. + +The owner of the apartment attired in a very old dressing-gown and +slippers, half buried in an arm-chair, and looking what some young +ladies call interesting, i.e. pale and _seedy_.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 151. + +You will seldom find anything very _seedy_ set for +Iambics.--_Ibid._, p. 182. + + +SELL. An unexpected reply; a deception or trick. + +In the Literary World, March 15, 1851, is the following +explanation of this word: "Mr. Phillips's first introduction to +Curran was made the occasion of a mystification, or practical +joke, in which Irish wits have excelled since the time of Dean +Swift, who was wont (_vide_ his letters to Stella) to call these +jocose tricks 'a _sell_,' from selling a bargain." The word +_bargain_, however, which Johnson, in his Dictionary, defines "an +unexpected reply tending to obscenity," was formerly used more +generally among the English wits. The noun _sell_ has of late been +revived in this country, and is used to a certain extent in New +York and Boston, and especially among the students at Cambridge. + + I sought some hope to borrow, by thinking it a "_sell_" + By fancying it a fiction, my anguish to dispel. + _Poem before the Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850, p. 8. + + +SELL. To give an unexpected answer; to deceive; to cheat. + +For the love you bear me, never tell how badly I was +_sold_.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 94. + +The use of this verb is much more common in the United States than +that of the noun of the same spelling, which is derived from it; +for instance, we frequently read in the newspapers that the Whigs +or Democrats have been _sold_, i.e. defeated in an election, or +cheated in some political affair. The phrase _to sell a bargain_, +which Bailey defines "to put a sham upon one," is now scarcely +ever heard. It was once a favorite expression with certain English +writers. + + Where _sold he bargains_, Whipstitch?--_Dryden_. + + No maid at court is less ashamed, + Howe'er for _selling bargains_ famed.--_Swift_. + +Dr. Sheridan, famous for punning, intending _to sell a bargain_, +said, he had made a very good pun.--_Swift, Bons Mots de Stella_. + + +SEMESTER. Latin, _semestris_, _sex_, six, and _mensis_, month. In +the German universities, a period or term of six months. The +course of instruction occupies six _semesters_. Class distinctions +depend upon the number of _semesters_, not of years. During the +first _semester_, the student is called _Fox_, in the second +_Burnt Fox_, and then, successively, _Young Bursch_, _Old Bursch_, +_Old House_, and _Moss-covered Head_. + + +SENATE. In the University of Cambridge, England, the legislative +body of the University. It is divided into two houses, called +REGENT and NON-REGENT. The former consists of the vice-chancellor, +proctors, taxors, moderators, and esquire-beadles, all masters of +arts of less than five years' standing, and all doctors of +divinity, civil law, and physic, of less than two, and is called +the UPPER HOUSE, or WHITE-HOOD HOUSE, from its members wearing +hoods lined with white silk. The latter is composed of masters of +arts of five years' standing, bachelors of divinity, and doctors +in the three faculties of two years' standing, and is known as the +LOWER HOUSE, or BLACK-HOOD HOUSE, its members wearing black silk +hoods. To have a vote in the Senate, the graduate must keep his +name on the books of some college (which involves a small annual +payment), or in the list of the _commorantes in villa_.--_Webster. +Cam. Cal. Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 283. + +2. At Union College, the members of the Senior Class form what is +called the Senate, a body organized after the manner of the Senate +of the United States, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with +the forms and practice of legislation. The members of the Junior +Class compose the House of Representatives. The following account, +showing in what manner the Senate is conducted, has been furnished +by a member of Union College. + +"On the last Friday of the third term, the House of +Representatives meet in their hall, and await their initiation to +the Upper House. There soon appears a committee of three, who +inform them by their chairman of the readiness of the Senate to +receive them, and perhaps enlarge upon the importance of the +coming trust, and the ability of the House to fill it. + +"When this has been done, the House, headed by the committee, +proceed to the Senate Chamber (Senior Chapel), and are arranged by +the committee around the President, the Senators (Seniors) +meanwhile having taken the second floor. The President of the +Senate then rises and delivers an appropriate address, informing +them of their new dignities and the grave responsibilities of +their station. At the conclusion of this they take their seats, +and proceed to the election of officers, viz. a President, a +Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President must be a +member of the Faculty, and is chosen for a term; the other +officers are selected from the House, and continue in office but +half a term. The first Vice-Presidency of the Senate is considered +one of the highest honors conferred by the class, and great is the +strife to obtain it. + +"The Senate meet again on the second Friday of the next term, when +they receive the inaugural message of the President. He then +divides them into seven districts, each district including the +students residing in a Section, or Hall of College, except the +seventh, which is filled by the students lodging in town. The +Senate is also divided into a number of standing committees, as +Law, Ethics, Political Economy. Business is referred to these +committees, and reported on by them in the usual manner. The time +of the Senate is principally occupied with the discussion of +resolutions, in committee of the whole; and these discussions take +the place of the usual Friday afternoon recitation. At +Commencement the Senate have an orator of their own election, who +must, however, have been a past or honorary member of their body. +They also have a committee on the 'Commencement Card.'" + +On the same subject, another correspondent writes as follows:-- + +"The Senate is composed of the Senior Class, and is intended as a +school of parliamentary usages. The officers are a President, +Vice-President, and Secretary, who are chosen once a term. At the +close of the second term, the Junior Class are admitted into the +Senate. They are introduced by a committee of Senators, and are +expected to remain standing and uncovered during the ceremony, the +President and Senators being seated and covered. After a short +address by the President, the old Senators leave the house, and +the Juniors proceed to elect their officers for the third term. +Dr. Thomas C. Reed who was the founder of the Senate, was always +elected President during his connection with the College, but +rarely took his place in the chamber except at the introduction of +the Juniors. The Vice-President for the third term, who takes a +part in the ceremonies of commencement, is considered to hold the +highest honor of the class, and his election is attended with more +excitement than any other in the College." + +See COMMENCEMENT CARD; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. + + +SENATE-HOUSE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the building +in which the public business of the University, such as +examinations, the passing of graces, and admission to degrees, is +carried on.--_Cam. Guide_. + + +SENATUS ACADEMICUS. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Senatus +Academicus_ consists of two houses, known as the CORPORATION and +the HOUSE OF CONVOCATION, q.v.--_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, p. +6. + +SENE. An abbreviation for Senior. + + Magnificent Juns, and lazy _Senes_. + _Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + A rare young blade is the gallant _Sene_. + _Ibid._, Nov. 1850. + + +SENIOR. One in the fourth year of his collegiate course at an +American college; originally called _Senior Sophister_. Also one +in the third year of his course at a theological +seminary.--_Webster_. + +See SOPHISTER. + + +SENIOR. Noting the fourth year of the collegiate course in +American colleges, or the third year in theological +seminaries.--_Webster_. + + +SENIOR BACHELOR. One who is in his third year after taking the +degree of Bachelor of Arts. It is further explained by President +Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse: "Bachelors were called +Senior, Middle, or Junior Bachelors, according to the year since +graduation and before taking the degree of Master."--p. 122. + + +SENIOR CLASSIC. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the student +who passes best in the voluntary examination in classics, which +follows the last required examination in the Senate-House. + +No one stands a chance for _Senior Classic_ alongside of +him.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 55. + +Two men who had been rivals all the way through school and through +college were racing for _Senior Classic_.--_Ibid._, p. 253. + + +SENIOR FELLOW. At Trinity College, Hartford, the Senior Fellow is +a person chosen to attend the college examinations during the +year. + + +SENIOR FRESHMAN. The name of the second of the four classes into +which undergraduates are divided at Trinity College, Dublin. + + +SENIORITY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the eight Senior +Fellows and the Master of a college compose what is called the +_Seniority_. Their decisions in all matters are generally +conclusive. + +My duty now obliges me, however reluctantly, to bring you before +the _Seniority_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 75. + + +SENIOR OPTIME. Those who occupy the second rank in honors at the +close of the final examination at the University of Cambridge, +Eng., are denominated _Senior Optimes_. + +The Second Class, or that of _Senior Optimes_, is larger in number +[than that of the Wranglers], usually exceeding forty, and +sometimes reaching above sixty. This class contains a number of +disappointments, many who expect to be Wranglers, and some who are +generally expected to be.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 228. + +The word is frequently abbreviated. + +The Pembroker ... had the pleasant prospect of getting up all his +mathematics for a place among the _Senior Ops._--_Ibid._, p. 158. + +He would get just questions enough to make him a low _Senior Op._ +--_Ibid._, p. 222. + + +SENIOR ORATION. "The custom of delivering _Senior Orations_," says +a correspondent, "is, I think, confined to Washington and +Jefferson Colleges in Pennsylvania. Each member of the Senior +Class, taking them in alphabetical order, is required to deliver +an oration before graduating, and on such nights as the Faculty +may decide. The public are invited to attend, and the speaking is +continued at appointed times, until each member of the Class has +spoken." + + +SENIOR SOPHISTER. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a student +in the third year of his residence is called a Senior Soph or +Sophister. + +2. In some American colleges, a member of the Senior Class, i.e. +of the fourth year, was formerly designated a Senior Sophister. + +See SOPHISTER. + + +SENIOR WRANGLER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the Senior +Wrangler is the student who passes the best examination in the +Senate-House, and by consequence holds the first place on the +Mathematical Tripos. + +The only road to classical honors and their accompanying +emoluments in the University, and virtually in all the Colleges, +except Trinity, is through mathematical honors, all candidates for +the Classical Tripos being obliged as a preliminary to obtain a +place in that mathematical list which is headed by the _Senior +Wrangler_ and tailed by the Wooden Spoon.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 34. + + +SEQUESTER. To cause to retire or withdraw into obscurity. In the +following passage it is used in the collegiate sense of _suspend_ +or _rusticate_. + +Though they were adulti, they were corrected in the College, and +_sequestered_, &c. for a time.--_Winthrop's Journal, by Savage_, +Vol. II. p. 88. + + +SERVITOR. In the University of Oxford, an undergraduate who is +partly supported by the college funds. _Servitors_ formerly waited +at table, but this is now dispensed with. The order similar to +that of the _servitor_ was at Cambridge styled the order of +_Sub-sizars_. This has been long extinct. The _sizar_ at Cambridge +is at present nearly equivalent to the Oxford _servitor_.--_Gent. +Mag._, 1787, p. 1146. _Brande_. + +"It ought to be known," observes De Quincey, "that the class of +'_servitors_,' once a large body in Oxford, have gradually become +practically extinct under the growing liberality of the age. They +carried in their academic dress a mark of their inferiority; they +waited at dinner on those of higher rank, and performed other +menial services, humiliating to themselves, and latterly felt as +no less humiliating to the general name and interests of +learning."--_Life and Manners_, p. 272. + +A reference to the cruel custom of "hunting the servitor" is to be +found in Sir John Hawkins's Life of Dr. Johnson, p. 12. + + +SESSION. At some of the Southern and Western colleges of the +United States, the time during which instruction is regularly +given to the students; a term. + +The _session_ commences on the 1st of October, and continues +without interruption until the 29th of June.--_Cat. of Univ. of +Virginia_, 1851, p. 15. + + +SEVENTY-EIGHTH PSALM. The recollections which cluster around this +Psalm, so well known to all the Alumni of Harvard, are of the most +pleasant nature. For more than a hundred years, it has been sung +at the dinner given on Commencement day at Cambridge, and for more +than a half-century to the tune of St. Martin's. Mr. Samuel +Shapleigh, who graduated at Harvard College in the year 1789, and +who was afterwards its Librarian, on the leaf of a hymn-book makes +a memorandum in reference to this Psalm, to the effect that it has +been sung at Cambridge on Commencement day "from _time +immemorial_." The late Rev. Dr. John Pierce, a graduate of the +class of 1793, referring to the same subject, remarks: "The +Seventy-eighth Psalm, it is supposed, has, _from the foundation of +the College_, been sung in the common version of the day." In a +poem, entitled Education, delivered at Cambridge before the Phi +Beta Kappa Society, by Mr. William Biglow, July 18th, 1799, +speaking of the conduct and manners of the students, the author +says:-- + + "Like pigs they eat, they drink an ocean dry, + They steal like France, like Jacobins they lie, + They raise the very Devil, when called to prayers, + 'To sons transmit the same, and they again to theirs'"; + +and, in explanation of the last line, adds this note: "Alluding to +the Psalm which is _always_ sung in Harvard Hall on Commencement +day." In his account of some of the exercises attendant upon the +Commencement at Harvard College in 1848, Professor Sidney Willard +observes: "At the Commencement dinner the sitting is not of long +duration; and we retired from table soon after the singing of the +Psalm, which, with some variation in the version, has been sung on +the same occasion from time immemorial."--_Memoirs of Youth and +Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 65. + +But that we cannot take these accounts as correct in their full +extent, appears from an entry in the MS. Diary of Chief Justice +Sewall relating to a Commencement in 1685, which he closes with +these words: "After Dinner ye 3d part of ye 103d Ps. was sung in +ye Hall." + +In the year 1793, at the dinner on Commencement Day, the Rev. +Joseph Willard, then President of the College, requested Mr. +afterwards Dr. John Pierce, to set the tune to the Psalm; with +which request having complied to the satisfaction of all present, +he from that period until the time of his death, in 1849, +performed this service, being absent only on one occasion. Those +who have attended Commencement dinners during the latter part of +this period cannot but associate with this hallowed Psalm the +venerable appearance and the benevolent countenance of this +excellent man. + +In presenting a list of the different versions in which this Psalm +has been sung, it must not be supposed that entire correctness has +been reached; the very scanty accounts which remain render this +almost impossible, but from these, which on a question of greater +importance might be considered hardly sufficient, it would appear +that the following are the versions in which the sons of Harvard +have been accustomed to sing the Psalm of the son of Jesse. + +1.--_The New England Version_. + +"In 1639 there was an agreement amo. ye Magistrates and Ministers +to set aside ye Psalms then printed at ye end of their Bibles, and +sing one more congenial to their ideas of religion." Rev. Mr. +Richard Mather of Dorchester, and Rev. Mr. Thomas Weld and Rev. +Mr. John Eliot of Roxbury, were selected to make a metrical +translation, to whom the Rev. Thomas Shepard of Cambridge gives +the following metrical caution:-- + + "Ye Roxbury poets, keep clear of ye crime + Of missing to give us very good rhyme, + And you of Dorchester, your verses lengthen, + But with the texts own words you will y'm strengthen." + +The version of this ministerial trio was printed in the year 1640, +at Cambridge, and has the honor of being the first production of +the North American press that rises to the dignity of _a book_. It +was entitled, "The Psalms newly turned into Metre." A second +edition was printed in 1647. "It was more to be commended, +however," says Mr. Peirce, in his History of Harvard University, +"for its fidelity to the text, than for the elegance of its +versification, which, having been executed by persons of different +tastes and talents, was not only very uncouth, but deficient in +uniformity. President Dunster, who was an excellent Oriental +scholar, and possessed the other requisite qualifications for the +task, was employed to revise and polish it; and in two or three +years, with the assistance of Mr. Richard Lyon, a young gentleman +who was sent from England by Sir Henry Mildmay to attend his son, +then a student in Harvard College, he produced a work, which, +under the appellation of the 'Bay Psalm-Book,' was, for a long +time, the received version in the New England congregations, was +also used in many societies in England and Scotland, and passed +through a great number of editions, both at home and abroad."--p. +14. + +The Seventy-eighth Psalm is thus rendered in the first edition:-- + + Give listning eare unto my law, + Yee people that are mine, + Unto the sayings of my mouth + Doe yee your eare incline. + + My mouth I'le ope in parables, + I'le speak hid things of old: + Which we have heard, and knowne: and which + Our fathers have us told. + + Them from their children wee'l not hide, + To th' after age shewing + The Lords prayses; his strength, and works + Of his wondrous doing. + + In Jacob he a witnesse set, + And put in Israell + A law, which he our fathers charg'd + They should their children tell: + + That th' age to come, and children which + Are to be borne might know; + That they might rise up and the same + Unto their children show. + + That they upon the mighty God + Their confidence might set: + And Gods works and his commandment + Might keep and not forget, + + And might not like their fathers be, + A stiffe, stout race; a race + That set not right their hearts: nor firme + With God their spirit was. + +The Bay Psalm-Book underwent many changes in the various editions +through which it passed, nor was this psalm left untouched, as +will be seen by referring to the twenty-sixth edition, published +in 1744, and to the edition of 1758, revised and corrected, with +additions, by Mr. Thomas Prince. + +2.--_Watts's Version_. + +The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Isaac Watts were first published in +this country by Dr. Franklin, in the year 1741. His version is as +follows:-- + + Let children hear the mighty deeds + Which God performed of old; + Which in our younger years we saw, + And which our fathers told. + + He bids us make his glories known, + His works of power and grace, + And we'll convey his wonders down + Through every rising race. + + Our lips shall tell them to our sons, + And they again to theirs, + That generations yet unborn + May teach them to their heirs. + + Thus shall they learn in God alone + Their hope securely stands, + That they may ne'er forget his works, + But practise his commands; + +3.--_Brady and Tate's Version_. + +In the year 1803, the Seventy-eighth Psalm was first printed on a +small sheet and placed under every plate, which practice has since +been always adopted. The version of that year was from Brady and +Tate's collection, first published in London in 1698, and in this +country about the year 1739. It was sung to the tune of St. +Martin's in 1805, as appears from a memorandum in ink on the back +of one of the sheets for that year, which reads, "Sung in the +hall, Commencement Day, tune St. Martin's, 1805." From the +statements of graduates of the last century, it seems that this +had been the customary tune for some time previous to this year, +and it is still retained as a precious legacy of the past. St. +Martin's was composed by William Tans'ur in the year 1735. The +following is the version of Brady and Tate:-- + + Hear, O my people; to my law + Devout attention lend; + Let the instruction of my mouth + Deep in your hearts descend. + + My tongue, by inspiration taught, + Shall parables unfold, + Dark oracles, but understood, + And owned for truths of old; + + Which we from sacred registers + Of ancient times have known, + And our forefathers' pious care + To us has handed down. + + We will not hide them from our sons; + Our offspring shall be taught + The praises of the Lord, whose strength + Has works of wonders wrought. + + For Jacob he this law ordained, + This league with Israel made; + With charge, to be from age to age, + From race to race, conveyed, + + That generations yet to come + Should to their unborn heirs + Religiously transmit the same, + And they again to theirs. + + To teach them that in God alone + Their hope securely stands; + That they should ne'er his works forget, + But keep his just commands. + +4.--_From Belknap's Collection_. + +This collection was first published by the Rev. Dr. Jeremy +Belknap, at Boston, in 1795. The version of the Seventy-eighth +Psalm is partly from that of Brady and Tate, and partly from Dr. +Watts's, with a few slight variations. It succeeded the version of +Brady and Tate about the year 1820, and is the one which is now +used. The first three stanzas were written by Brady and Tate; the +last three by Dr. Watts. It has of late been customary to omit the +last stanza in singing and in printing. + + Give ear, ye children;[62] to my law + Devout attention lend; + Let the instructions[63] of my mouth + Deep in your hearts descend. + + My tongue, by inspiration taught, + Shall parables unfold; + Dark oracles, but understood, + And owned for truths of old; + + Which we from sacred registers + Of ancient times have known, + And our forefathers' pious care + To us has handed down. + + Let children learn[64] the mighty deeds + Which God performed of old; + Which, in our younger years we saw, + And which our fathers told. + + Our lips shall tell them to our sons, + And they again to theirs; + That generations yet unborn + May teach them to their heirs. + + Thus shall they learn in God alone + Their hope securely stands; + That they may ne'er forget his works, + But practise his commands. + +It has been supposed by some that the version of the +Seventy-eighth Psalm by Sternhold and Hopkins, whose spiritual +songs were usually printed, as appears above, "at ye end of their +Bibles," was the first which was sung at Commencement dinners; but +this does not seem at all probable, since the first Commencement +at Cambridge did not take place until 1642, at which time the "Bay +Psalm-Book," written by three of the most popular ministers of the +day, had already been published two years. + + +SHADY. Among students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +epithet of depreciation, equivalent to MILD and SLOW.--_Bristed_. + +Some ... are rather _shady_ in Greek and Latin.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 147. + +My performances on the Latin verse paper were very +_shady_.--_Ibid._, p. 191. + + +SHARK. In student language, an absence from a recitation, a +lecture, or from prayers, prompted by recklessness rather than by +necessity, is called a _shark_. He who is absent under these +circumstances is also known as a shark. + + The Monitors' task is now quite done, + They 've pencilled all their marks, + "Othello's occupation's gone,"-- + No more look out for _sharks_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 45. + + +SHEEPSKIN. The parchment diploma received by students on taking +their degree at college. "In the back settlements are many +clergymen who have not had the advantages of a liberal education, +and who consequently have no diplomas. Some of these look upon +their more favored brethren with a little envy. A clergyman is +said to have a _sheepskin_, or to be a _sheepskin_, when educated +at college."--_Bartlett's Dict. of Americanisms_. + +This apostle of ourn never rubbed his back agin a college, nor +toted about no _sheepskins_,--no, never!... How you'd a perished +in your sins, if the first preachers had stayed till they got +_sheepskins_.--_Carlton's New Purchase_. + +I can say as well as the best on them _sheepskins_, if you don't +get religion and be saved, you'll be lost, teetotally and for +ever.--(_Sermon of an Itinerant Preacher at a Camp +Meeting_.)--_Ibid._ + +As for John Prescot, he not only lost the valedictory, but barely +escaped with his "_sheepskin_."--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. X. p. 74. + +That handsome Senior ... receives his _sheepskin_ from the +dispensing hand of our worthy Prex.--_Ibid._, Vol. XIX. p. 355. + + When first I saw a "_Sheepskin_," + In Prex's hand I spied it. + _Yale Coll. Song_. + + We came to college fresh and green,-- + We go back home with a huge _sheepskin_. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 43. + + +SHIN. To tease or hector a person by kicking his shins. In some +colleges this is one of the means which the Sophomores adopt to +torment the Freshmen, especially when playing at football, or +other similar games. + +We have been _shinned_, smoked, ducked, and accelerated by the +encouraging shouts of our generous friends.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. +10, 1846. + + +SHINE. At Harvard College this word was formerly used to designate +a good recitation. Used in the phrase, "_to make a shine_." + + +SHINNY. At Princeton College, the game of _Shinny_, known also by +the names of _Hawky_ and _Hurly_, is as great a favorite with the +students as is football at other colleges. "The players," says a +correspondent, "are each furnished with a stick four or five feet +in length and one and a half or two inches in diameter, curved at +one end, the object of which is to give the ball a surer blow. The +ball is about three inches in diameter, bound with thick leather. +The players are divided into two parties, arranged along from one +goal to the other. The ball is then '_bucked_' by two players, one +from each side, which is done by one of these two taking the ball +and asking his opponent which he will have, 'high or low'; if he +says 'high,' the ball is thrown up midway between them; if he says +'low,' the ball is thrown on the ground. The game is opened by a +scuffle between these two for the ball. The other players then +join in, one party knocking towards North College, which is one +'home' (as it is termed), and the other towards the fence bounding +the south side of the _Campus_, the other home. Whichever party +first gets the ball home wins the game. A grand contest takes +place annually between the Juniors and Sophomores, in this game." + + +SHIP. Among collegians, one expelled from college is said to be +_shipped_. + + For I, you know, am but a college minion, + But still, you'll all be _shipped_, in my opinion, + When brought before Conventus Facultatis. + _Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + +He may be overhauled, warned, admonished, dismissed, _shipped_, +rusticated, sent off, suspended.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, _Yale +Coll._, 1852-53, p. 25. + + +SHIPWRECK. Among students, a total failure. + +His university course has been a _shipwreck_, and he will probably +end by going out unnoticed among the [Greek: +_polloi_].--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +56. + + +SHORT-EAR. At Jefferson College, Penn., a soubriquet for a +roistering, noisy fellow; a rowdy. Opposed to _long-ear_. + + +SHORT TERM. At Oxford, Eng., the extreme duration of residence in +any college is under thirty weeks. "It is possible to keep '_short +terms_,' as the phrase is, by residence of thirteen weeks, or +ninety-one days."--_De Quincey's Life and Manners_, p. 274. + + +SIDE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the set of pupils +belonging to any one particular tutor is called his _side_. + +A longer discourse he will perhaps have to listen to with the rest +of his _side_.--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 281. + +A large college has usually two tutors,--Trinity has three,--and +the students are equally divided among them,--_on their sides_ the +phrase is.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +11. + + +SILVER CUP. At Trinity College, Hartford, this is a testimonial +voted by each graduating class to the first legitimate boy whose +father is a member of the class. + +At Yale College, a theory of this kind prevails, but it has never +yet been carried into practice. + + I tell you what, my classmates, + My mind it is made up, + I'm coming back three years from this, + To take that _silver cup_. + I'll bring along the "requisite," + A little white-haired lad, + With "bib" and fixings all complete, + And I shall be his "dad." + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854. + +See CLASS CUP. + + +SIM. Abbreviated from _Simeonite_. A nickname given by the rowing +men at the University of Cambridge, Eng., to evangelicals, and to +all religious men, or even quiet men generally. + +While passing for a terribly hard reading man, and a "_Sim_" of +the straitest kind with the "empty bottles,"... I was fast lapsing +into a state of literary sensualism.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 39, 40. + + +SIR. It was formerly the fashion in the older American colleges to +call a Bachelor of Arts, Sir; this was sometimes done at the time +when the Seniors were accepted for that degree. + +Voted, Sept. 5th, 1763, "that _Sir_ Sewall, B.A., be the +Instructor in the Hebrew and other learned languages for three +years."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 234. + +December, 1790. Some time in this month, _Sir_ Adams resigned the +berth of Butler, and _Sir_ Samuel Shapleigh was chosen in his +stead.--_MS. Journal, Harv. Coll._ + +Then succeeded Cliosophic Oration in Latin, by _Sir_ Meigs. +Poetical Composition in English, by _Sir_ Barlow.--_Woolsey's +Hist. Disc._, p. 121. + +The author resided in Cambridge after he graduated. In common with +all who had received the degree of Bachelor of Arts and not that +of Master of Arts, he was called "_Sir_," and known as "_Sir_ +Seccomb." + +Some of the "_Sirs_" as well as undergraduates were arraigned +before the college government.--_Father Abbey's Will_, Cambridge, +Mass., 1854, p. 7. + + +SITTING OF THE SOLSTICES. It was customary, in the early days of +Harvard College, for the graduates of the year to attend in the +recitation-room on Mondays and Tuesdays, for three weeks, during +the month of June, subject to the examination of all who chose to +visit them. This was called the _Sitting of the Solstices_, +because it happened in midsummer, or at the time of the summer +solstice. The time was also known as the _Weeks of Visitation_. + + +SIZAR, SISAR, SIZER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a +student of the third rank, or that next below that of a pensioner, +who eats at the public table after the fellows, free of expense. +It was formerly customary for _every fellow-commoner_ to have his +_sizar_, to whom he allowed a certain portion of commons, or +victuals and drink, weekly, but no money; and for this the sizar +was obliged to do him certain services daily. + +A lower order of students were called _sub-sizars_. In reference +to this class, we take the following from the Gentleman's +Magazine, 1787, p. 1146. "At King's College, they were styled +_hounds_. The situation of a sub-sizar being looked upon in so +degrading a light probably occasioned the extinction of the order. +But as the sub-sizars had certain assistances in return for their +humiliating services, and as the poverty of parents stood in need +of such assistances for their sons, some of the sizars undertook +the same offices for the same advantages. The master's sizar, +therefore, waited upon him for the sake of his commons, etc., as +the sub-sizar had done; and the other sizars did the same office +to the fellows for the advantage of the remains of their commons. +Thus the term sub-sizar became forgotten, and the sizar was +supposed to be the same as the _servitor_. But if a sizar did not +choose to accept of these assistances upon such degrading terms, +he dined in his own room, and was called a _proper sizar_. He wore +the same gown as the others, and his tutorage, etc. was no higher; +but there was nothing servile in his situation."--"Now, indeed, +all (or almost all) the colleges in Cambridge have allowed the +sizars every advantage of the remains of the fellows' commons, +etc., though they have very liberally exempted them from every +servile office." + +Another writer in the same periodical, 1795, p. 21, says: The +sizar "is very much like the _scholars_ at Westminster, Eton, &c., +who are on the _foundation_; and is, in a manner, the +_half-boarder_ in private academies. The name was derived from the +menial services in which he was occasionally engaged; being in +former days compelled to transport the plates, dishes, _sizes_, +and platters, to and from the tables of his superiors." + +A writer in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, at the close of the +article SIZAR, says of this class: "But though their education is +thus obtained at a less expense, they are not now considered as a +menial order; for sizars, pensioner-scholars, and even sometimes +fellow-commoners, mix together with the utmost cordiality." + +"Sizars," says Bristed, "answer to the beneficiaries of American +colleges. They receive pecuniary assistance from the college, and +dine gratis after the fellows on the remains of their table. These +'remains' are very liberally construed, the sizar always having +fresh vegetables, and frequently fresh tarts and puddings."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 14. + + +SIZE. Food and drink from the buttery, aside from the regular +dinner at commons. + +"A _size_" says Minsheu, "is a portion of bread or drinke, it is a +farthing which schollers in Cambridge have at the buttery; it is +noted with the letter S. as in Oxford with the letter Q. for halfe +a farthing; and whereas they say in Oxford, to battle in the +Buttery Booke, i.e. to set downe on their names what they take in +bread, drinke, butter, cheese, &c.; so, in Cambridge, they say, to +_size_, i.e. to set downe their quantum, i.e. how much they take +on their name in the Buttery Booke." + +In the Poems of the Rev. Dr. Dodd, a _size_ of bread is described +as "half a half-penny 'roll.'" Grose, also, in the Provincial +Glossary, says "it signifies the half part of a halfpenny loaf, +and comes from _scindo_, I cut." + +In the Encyclopaedia Britannica is the following explanation of +this term. "A _size_ of anything is the smallest quantity of that +thing which can be thus bought" [i.e. by students in addition to +their commons in the hall]; "two _sizes_, or a part of beef, being +nearly equal to what a young person will eat of that dish to his +dinner, and a _size_ of ale or beer being equal to half an English +pint." It would seem, then, that formerly a _size_ was a small +plateful of any eatable; the word now means anything had by +students at dinner over and above the usual commons. + +Of its derivation Webster remarks, "Either contracted from +_assize_, or from the Latin _scissus_. I take it to be from the +former, and from the sense of setting, as we apply the word to the +_assize_ of bread." + +This word was introduced into the older American colleges from +Cambridge, England, and was used for many years, as was also the +word _sizing_, with the same meaning. In 1750, the Corporation of +Harvard College voted, "that the quantity of commons be as hath +been usual, viz. two _sizes_ of bread in the morning; one pound of +meat at dinner, with sufficient sauce [vegetables], and a +half-pint of beer; and at night that a part pie be of the same +quantity as usual, and also half a pint of beer; and that the +supper messes be but of four parts, though the dinner messes be of +six."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Coll._, Vol. II. p. 97. + +The students of that day, if we may judge from the accounts which +we have of their poor commons, would have used far different +words, in addressing the Faculty, from King Lear, who, speaking to +his daughter Regan, says:-- + + "'T is not in thee + To grudge my pleasures,... + ... to scant my _sizes_." + + +SIZE. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., to _size_ is to order +any sort of victuals from the kitchens which the students may want +in their rooms, or in addition to their commons in the hall, and +for which they pay the cooks or butchers at the end of each +quarter; a word corresponding to BATTEL at Oxford.--_Encyc. Brit._ + +In the Gentleman's Magazine, 1795, p. 21, a writer says: "At +dinner, to _size_ is to order for yourself any little luxury that +may chance to tempt you in addition to the general fare, for which +you are expected to pay the cook at the end of the term." + +This word was formerly used in the older American colleges with +the meaning given above, as will be seen by the following extracts +from the laws of Harvard and Yale. + +"When they come into town after commons, they may be allowed to +_size_ a meal at the kitchen."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. +39. + +"At the close of each quarter, the Butler shall make up his bill +against each student, in which every article _sized_ or taken up +by him at the Buttery shall be particularly charged."--_Laws Yale +Coll._, 1811, p. 31. + +"As a college term," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "it is of +very considerable antiquity. In the comedy called 'The Return from +Parnassus,' 1606, one of the character says, 'You that are one of +the Devil's Fellow-Commoners; one that _sizeth_ the Devil's +butteries,' &c. Again, in the same: 'Fidlers, I use to _size_ my +music, or go on the score for it.'" + +_For_ is often used after the verb _size_, without changing the +meaning of the expression. + +The tables of the Undergraduates, arranged according to their +respective years, are supplied with abundance of plain joints, and +vegetables, and beer and ale _ad libitum_, besides which, soup, +pastry, and cheese can be "_sized for_," that is, brought in +portions to individuals at an extra charge.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 19. + +_To size upon another_. To order extra food, and without +permission charge it to another's account. + +If any one shall _size upon another_, he shall be fined a +Shilling, and pay the Damage; and every Freshman sent [for +victuals] must declare that he who sends him is the only Person to +be charged.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 10. + + +SIZING. Extra food or drink ordered from the buttery; the act of +ordering extra food or drink from the buttery. + +Dr. Holyoke, who graduated at Harvard College in 1746, says: "The +breakfast was two _sizings_ of bread and a cue of beer." Judge +Wingate, who graduated a little later, says: "We were allowed at +dinner a cue of beer, which was a half-pint, and a _sizing_ of +bread, which I cannot describe to you. It was quite sufficient for +one dinner."--_Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 219. + +From more definite accounts it would seem that a sizing of biscuit +was one biscuit, and a sizing of cracker, two crackers. A certain +amount of food was allowed to each mess, and if any person wanted +more than the allowance, it was the custom to tell the waiter to +bring a sizing of whatever was wished, provided it was obtained +from the commons kitchen; for this payment was made at the close +of the term. A sizing of cheese was nearly an ounce, and a sizing +of cider varied from a half-pint to a pint and a half. + +The Steward shall, at the close of every quarter, immediately fill +up the columns of commons and _sizings_, and shall deliver the +bill, &c.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 58. + +The Butler shall frequently inspect his book of +_sizings_.--_Ibid._, p. 62. + +Whereas young scholars, to the dishonor of God, hinderance of +their studies, and damage of their friends' estate, +inconsiderately and intemperately are ready to abuse their liberty +of _sizing_ besides their commons; therefore the Steward shall in +no case permit any students whatever, under the degree of Masters +of Arts, or Fellows, to expend or be provided for themselves or +any townsmen any extraordinary commons, unless by the allowance of +the President, &c., or in case of sickness.--Orders written 28th +March, 1650.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 583. + +This term, together with the verb and noun _size_, which had been +in use at Harvard and Yale Colleges since their foundation, has of +late been little heard, and with the extinction of commons has, +with the others, fallen wholly, and probably for ever, into +disuse. + +The use of this word and its collaterals is still retained in the +University of Cambridge, Eng. + +Along the wall you see two tables, which, though less carefully +provided than the Fellows', are still served with tolerable +decency, and go through a regular second course instead of the +"_sizings_."--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +20. + + +SIZING PARTY. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., where this +term is used, a "_sizing party_" says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, +"differs from a supper in this; viz. at a sizing party every one +of the guests contributes his _part_, i.e. orders what he pleases, +at his own expense, to his friend's rooms,--'a _part_ of fowl' or +duck; a roasted pigeon; 'a _part_ of apple pie.' A sober beaker of +brandy, or rum, or hollands and water, concludes the +entertainment. In our days, a bowl of bishop, or milk punch, with +a chant, generally winds up the carousal." + + +SKIN. At Yale College, to obtain a knowledge of a lesson by +hearing it read by another; also, to borrow another's ideas and +present them as one's own; to plagiarize; to become possessed of +information in an examination or a recitation by unfair or secret +means. "In our examinations," says a correspondent, "many of the +fellows cover the palms of their hands with dates, and when called +upon for a given date, they read it off directly from their hands. +Such persons _skin_." + +The tutor employs the crescent when it is evident that the lesson +has been _skinned_, according to the college vocabulary, in which +case he usually puts a minus sign after it, with the mark which he +in all probability would have used had not the lesson been +_skinned_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1846. + +Never _skin_ a lesson which it requires any ability to +learn.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 81. + +He has passively admitted what he has _skinned_ from other +grammarians.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1846. + +Perhaps the youth who so barefacedly _skinned_ the song referred +to, fondly fancied, &c.--_The Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849. + +He uttered that remarkable prophecy which Horace has so boldly +_skinned_ and called his own.--_Burial of Euclid_, Nov. 1850. + +A Pewter medal is awarded in the Senior Class, for the most +remarkable example of _skinned_ Composition.--_Burlesque +Catalogue, Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 29. + +Classical men were continually tempted to "_skin_" (copy) the +solutions of these examples.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 381. + +_To skin ahead_; at Hamilton College, to read a lesson over in the +class immediately before reciting. + + +SKIN. A lesson learned by hearing it read by another; borrowed +ideas; anything plagiarized. + + 'T was plenty of _skin_ with a good deal of Bohn.[65] + _Songs, Biennial Jubilee, Yale Coll._, 1855. + + +SKINNING. Learning, or the act of learning, a lesson by hearing it +read by another; plagiarizing. + +Alas for our beloved orations! acquired by _skinning_, looking on, +and ponies.--_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848. + +Barefaced copying from books and reviews in their compositions is +familiar to our students, as much so as "_skinning_" their +mathematical examples.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 394. + + +SKUNK. At Princeton College, to fail to pay a debt; used actively; +e.g. to _skunk_ a tailor, i.e. not to pay him. + + +SLANG. To scold, chide, rebuke. The use of this word as a verb is +in a measure peculiar to students. + +These drones are posted separately as "not worthy to be classed," +and privately _slanged_ afterwards by the Master and +Seniors.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 74. + +"I am afraid of going to T------," you may hear it said; "he don't +_slang_ his men enough."--_Ibid._, p. 148. + +His vanity is sure to be speedily checked, and first of all by his +private tutor, who "_slangs_" him for a mistake here or an +inelegancy there.--_Ibid._, p. 388. + + +SLANGING. Abusing, chiding, blaming. + +As he was not backward in _slanging_,--one of the requisites of a +good coach,--he would give it to my unfortunate composition right +and left.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +166. + + +SLEEPING OVER. A phrase equivalent to being absent from prayers. + +You may see some who have just arisen from their beds, where they +have enjoyed the luxury of "_sleeping over_."--_Harv. Reg._, p. +202. + + +SLOW. An epithet of depreciation, especially among students. + +Its equivalent slang is to be found in the phrases, "no great +shakes," and "small potatoes."--_Bristed_. + +One very well disposed and very tipsy man who was great upon +boats, but very _slow_ at books, endeavored to pacify +me.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 82. + + The Juniors vainly attempted to show + That Sophs and Seniors were somewhat _slow_ + In talent and ability. + _Sophomore Independent, Union College_, Nov. 1854. + + +SLOW-COACH. A dull, stupid fellow. + + +SLUM. A word once in use at Yale College, of which a graduate of +the year 1821 has given the annexed explanation. "That noted dish +to which our predecessors, of I know not what date, gave the name +of _slum_, which was our ordinary breakfast, consisting of the +remains of yesterday's boiled salt-beef and potatoes, hashed up, +and indurated in a frying-pan, was of itself enough to have +produced any amount of dyspepsia. There are stomachs, it may be, +which can put up with any sort of food, and any mode of cookery; +but they are not those of students. I remember an anecdote which +President Day gave us (as an instance of hasty generalization), +which would not be inappropriate here: 'A young physician, +commencing practice, determined to keep an account of each case he +had to do with, stating the mode of treatment and the result. His +first patient was a blacksmith, sick of a fever. After the crisis +of the disease had passed, the man expressed a hankering for pork +and cabbage. The doctor humored him in this, and it seemed to do +him good; which was duly noted in the record. Next a tailor sent +for him, whom he found suffering from the same malady. To him he +_prescribed_ pork and cabbage; and the patient died. Whereupon, he +wrote it down as a general law in such cases, that pork and +cabbage will cure a blacksmith, but will kill a tailor.' Now, +though the son of Vulcan found the pork and cabbage harmless, I am +sure that _slum_ would have been a match for him."--_Scenes and +Characters at College_, New Haven, 1847, p. 117. + + +SLUMP. German _schlump_; Danish and Swedish _slump_, a hap or +chance, an accident; that is, a fall. + +At Harvard College, a poor recitation. + + +SLUMP. At Harvard College, to recite badly; to make a poor +recitation. + + In fact, he'd rather dead than dig; + he'd rather _slump_ than squirt. + _Poem before the Y.H. of Harv. Coll._, 1849. + + _Slumping_ is his usual custom, + Deading is his road to fame.--_MS. Poem_. + + At recitations, unprepared, he _slumps_, + Then cuts a week, and feigns he has the mumps. + _MS. Poem_, by F.E. Felton. + +The usual signification of this word is given by Webster, as +follows: "To fall or sink suddenly into water or mud, when walking +on a hard surface, as on ice or frozen ground, not strong enough +to bear the person." To which he adds: "This legitimate word is in +common and respectable use in New England, and its signification +is so appropriate, that no other word will supply its place." + +From this meaning, the transfer is, by analogy, very easy and +natural, and the application very correct, to a poor recitation. + + +SMALL-COLLEGE. The name by which an inferior college in the +English universities is known. + +A "_Small-College_" man was Senior Wrangler.--_Bristed's Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 61. + + +SMALL-COLLEGER. A member of a Small-College. + +The two Latin prizes and the English poem [were carried off] by a +_Small-Colleger_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. +2d, p. 113. + +The idea of a _Small-Colleger_ beating all Trinity was deemed +preposterous.--_Ibid._, p. 127. + + +SMALLS, or SMALL-GO. At the University of Oxford, an examination +in the second year. See LITTLE-GO; PREVIOUS EXAMINATION. + +At the _Smalls_, as the previous Examination is here called, each +examiner sends in his Greek and Latin book.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 139. + +It follows that the _Smalls_ is a more formidable examination than +the Little-Go.--_Ibid._, p. 139. + + +SMASH. At the Wesleyan University, a total failure in reciting is +called a _smash_. + + +SMILE. A small quantity of any spirituous liquor, or enough to +give one a pleasant feeling. + + Hast ta'en a "_smile_" at Brigham's. + _Poem before the Iadma_, 1850, p. 7. + + +SMOKE. In some colleges, one of the means made use of by the +Sophomores to trouble the Freshmen is to blow smoke into their +rooms until they are compelled to leave, or, in other words, until +they are _smoked out_. When assafoetida is mingled with the +tobacco, the sensation which ensues, as the foul effluvium is +gently wafted through the keyhole, is anything but pleasing to the +olfactory nerves. + + Or when, in conclave met, the unpitying wights + _Smoke_ the young trembler into "College rights": + O spare my tender youth! he, suppliant, cries, + In vain, in vain; redoubled clouds arise, + While the big tears adown his visage roll, + Caused by the smoke, and sorrow of his soul. + _College Life, by J.C. Richmond_, p. 4. + +They would lock me in if I left my key outside, _smoke me out_, +duck me, &c.--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 74. + +I would not have you sacrifice all these advantages for the sake +_of smoking_ future Freshmen.--_Burial of Euclid_, 1850, p. 10. + +A correspondent from the University of Vermont gives the following +account of a practical joke, which we do not suppose is very often +played in all its parts. "They 'train' Freshmen in various ways; +the most _classic_ is to take a pumpkin, cut a piece from the top, +clean it, put in two pounds of 'fine cut,' put it on the +Freshman's table, and then, all standing round with long +pipe-stems, blow into it the fire placed in the _tobac_, and so +fill the room with smoke, then put the Freshman to bed, with the +pumpkin for a nightcap." + + +SMOUGE. At Hamilton College, to obtain without leave. + + +SMUT. Vulgar, obscene conversation. Language which obtains + + "Where Bacchus ruleth all that's done, + And Venus all that's said." + + +SMUTTY. Possessing the qualities of obscene conversation. Applied +also to the person who uses such conversation. + + +SNOB. In the English universities, a townsman, as opposed to a +student; or a blackguard, as opposed to a gentleman; a loafer +generally.--_Bristed_. + + They charged the _Snobs_ against their will, + And shouted clear and lustily. + _Gradus ad Cantab_, p. 69. + +Used in the same sense at some American colleges. + +2. A mean or vulgar person; particularly, one who apes gentility. +--_Halliwell_. + +Used both in England and the United States, "and recently," says +Webster, "introduced into books as a term of derision." + + +SNOBBESS. In the English universities, a female _snob_. + +Effeminacies like these, induced, no doubt, by the flattering +admiration of the fair _snobbesses_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. +116. + + +SNOBBISH. Belonging to or resembling a _snob_. + + +SNOBBY. Low; vulgar; resembling or pertaining to a _snob_. + + +SNUB. To reprimand; check; rebuke. Used among students, more +frequently than by any other class of persons. + + +SOPH. In the University of Cambridge, England, an abbreviation of +SOPHISTER.--_Webster_. + +On this word, Crabb, in his _Technological Dictionary_, says: "A +certain distinction or title which undergraduates in the +University at Oxford assume, previous to their examination for a +degree. It took its rise in the exercises which students formerly +had to go through, but which are now out of use." + + Three College _Sophs_, and three pert Templars came, + The same their talents, and their tastes the same. + _Pope's Dunciad_, B. II. v. 389, 390. + +2. In the American colleges, an abbreviation of Sophomore. + + _Sophs_ wha ha' in Commons fed! + _Sophs_ wha ha' in Commons bled! + _Sophs_ wha ne'er from Commons fled! + Puddings, steaks, or wines! + _Rebelliad_, p. 52. + +The _Sophs_ did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the +Fresh, as they call us.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76. + +The _Sophs_ were victorious at every point.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. +10, 1846. + +My Chum, a _Soph_, says he committed himself too soon.--_The +Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 118. + + +SOPHIC. A contraction of sophomoric. + + So then the _Sophic_ army + Came on in warlike glee. + _The Battle of the Ball_, 1853. + + +SOPHIMORE. The old manner of spelling what is now known as +SOPHOMORE. + +The President may give Leave for the _Sophimores_ to take out some +particular Books.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1774, p. 23. + +His favorite researches, however, are discernible in his +observations on a comet, which appeared in the beginning of his +_Sophimore_ year.--_Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 13. + +I aver thou hast never been a corporal in the militia, or a +_sophimore_ at college.--_The Algerine Captive_, Walpole, 1797, +Vol. I. p. 68. + + +SOPHISH GOWN. Among certain gownsmen, a gown that bears the marks +of much service; "a thing of shreds and patches."--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + + +SOPHIST. A name given to the undergraduates at Cambridge, England. +--_Crabb's Tech. Dict._ + + +SOPHISTER. Greek, [Greek: sophistaes]. In the University of +Cambridge, Eng., the title of students who are advanced beyond the +first year of their residence. The entire course at the University +consists of three years and one term, during which the students +have the titles of First-Year Men, or Freshmen; Second-Year Men, +or Junior Sophs or Sophisters; Third-Year Men, or Senior Sophs or +Sophisters; and, in the last term, Questionists, with reference to +the approaching examination. In the older American colleges, the +Junior and Senior Classes were originally called Junior Sophisters +and Senior Sophisters. The term is also used at Oxford and Dublin. +--_Webster_. + +And in case any of the _Sophisters_ fail in the premises required +at their hands, &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 518. + + +SOPHOMORE. One belonging to the second of the four classes in an +American college. + +Professor Goodrich, in his unabridged edition of Dr. Webster's +Dictionary, gives the following interesting account of this word. +"This word has generally been considered as an 'American +barbarism,' but was probably introduced into our country, at a +very early period, from the University of Cambridge, Eng. Among +the cant terms at that University, as given in the Gradus ad +Cantabrigiam, we find _Soph-Mor_ as 'the next distinctive +appellation to Freshman.' It is added, that 'a writer in the +Gentlemen's Magazine thinks _mor_ an abbreviation of the Greek +[Greek: moria], introduced at a time when the _Encomium Moriae_, +the Praise of Folly, by Erasmus, was so generally used.' The +ordinary derivation of the word, from [Greek: sofos] and [Greek: +moros] would seem, therefore, to be incorrect. The younger Sophs +at Cambridge appear, formerly, to have received the adjunct _mor_ +([Greek: moros]) to their names, either as one which they courted +for the reason mentioned above, or as one given them in sport, for +the supposed exhibition of inflated feeling in entering on their +new honors. The term, thus applied, seems to have passed, at a +very early period, from Cambridge in England to Cambridge in +America, as 'the next distinctive appellation to Freshman,' and +thus to have been attached to the second of the four classes in +our American colleges; while it has now almost ceased to be known, +even as a cant word, at the parent institution in England whence +it came. This derivation of the word is rendered more probable by +the fact, that the early spelling was, to a great extent at least, +Soph_i_more, as appears from the manuscripts of President Stiles +of Yale College, and the records of Harvard College down to the +period of the American Revolution. This would be perfectly natural +if _Soph_ or _Sophister_ was considered as the basis of the word, +but can hardly be explained if the ordinary derivation had then +been regarded as the true one." + +Some further remarks on this word may be found in the Gentleman's +Magazine, above referred to, 1795, Vol. LXV. p. 818. + + +SOPHOMORE COMMENCEMENT. At Princeton College, it has long been the +custom for the Sophomore Class, near the time of the Commencement +at the close of the Senior year, to hold a Commencement in +imitation of it, at which burlesque and other exercises, +appropriate to the occasion, are performed. The speakers chosen +are a Salutatorian, a Poet, an Historian, who reads an account of +the doings of the Class up to that period, a Valedictorian, &c., +&c. A band of music is always in attendance. After the addresses, +the Class partake of a supper, which is usually prolonged to a +very late hour. In imitation of the Sophomore Commencement, +_Burlesque Bills_, as they are called, are prepared and published +by the Juniors, in which, in a long and formal programme, such +subjects and speeches are attributed to the members of the +Sophomore Class as are calculated to expose their weak points. + + +SOPHOMORIC, SOPHOMORICAL. Pertaining to or like a Sophomore. + + Better to face the prowling panther's path, + Than meet the storm of _Sophomoric_ wrath. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. IV. p. 22. + +We trust he will add by his example no significancy to that pithy +word, "_Sophomoric_."--_Sketches of Williams Coll._, p. 63. + +Another meaning, derived, it would appear, from the +characteristics of the Sophomore, yet not very creditable to him, +is _bombastic, inflated in style or manner_.--_J.C. Calhoun_. + +Students are looked upon as being necessarily _Sophomorical_ in +literary matters.--_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 84. + +The Professor told me it was rather _Sophomorical_.--_Sketches of +Williams Coll._, p. 74. + + +SOPHRONISCUS. At Yale College, this name is given to Arnold's +Greek Prose Composition, from the fact of its repeated occurrence +in that work. + + _Sophroniscum_ relinquemus; + Et Euclidem comburemus, + Ejus vi soluti. + _Pow-wow of Class of '58, Yale Coll._ + +See BALBUS. + + +SPIRT. Among the students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., an +extraordinary effort of mind or body for a short time. A boat's +crew _make a spirt_, when they pull fifty yards with all the +strength they have left. A reading-man _makes_ _a spirt_ when he +crams twelve hours daily the week before examination.--_Bristed_. + +As my ... health was decidedly improving, I now attempted a +"_spirt_," or what was one for me.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 223. + +My amateur Mathematical coach, who was now making his last _spirt_ +for a Fellowship, used to accompany me.--_Ibid._, p. 288. + +He reads nine hours a day on a "_spirt_" the fortnight before +examination.--_Ibid._, p. 327. + + +SPIRTING. Making an extraordinary effort of mind or body for a +short time.--_Bristed_. + +Ants, bees, boat-crews _spirting_ at the Willows,... are but faint +types of their activity.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 224. + + +SPLURGE. In many colleges, when one is either dashy, or dressed +more than ordinarily, he is said to _cut a splurge_. A showy +recitation is often called by the same name. In his Dictionary of +Americanisms, Mr. Bartlett defines it, "a great effort, a +demonstration," which is the signification in which this word is +generally used. + + +SPLURGY. Showy; of greater surface than depth. Applied to a lesson +which is well rehearsed but little appreciated. Also to literary +efforts of a certain nature, to character, persons, &c. + +They even pronounce his speeches _splurgy_.--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, +1852. + + +SPOON. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the last of each +class of the honors is humorously denominated _The Spoon_. Thus, +the last Wrangler is called the Golden Spoon; the last Senior +Optime, the Silver Spoon; and the last Junior Optime, the Wooden +Spoon. The Wooden Spoon, however, is _par excellence_, "The +Spoon."--_Gradus ad Cantab._ + +See WOODEN SPOON. + + +SPOON, SPOONY, SPOONEY. A man who has been drinking till he +becomes disgusting by his very ridiculous behavior, is said to be +_spoony_ drunk; and hence it is usual to call a very prating, +shallow fellow a rank _spoon_.--_Grose_. + +Mr. Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, says:--"We use +the word only in the latter sense. The Hon. Mr. Preston, in his +remarks on the Mexican war, thus quotes from Tom Crib's +remonstrance against the meanness of a transaction, similar to our +cries for more vigorous blows on Mexico when she is prostrate: + +"'Look down upon Ben,--see him, _dunghill_ all o'er, + Insult the fallen foe that can harm him no more. + Out, cowardly _spooney_! Again and again, + By the fist of my father, I blush for thee, Ben.' + +"Ay, you will see all the _spooneys_ that ran, like so many +_dunghill_ champions, from 54 40, stand by the President for the +vigorous prosecution of the war upon the body of a prostrate foe." +--_N.Y. Tribune_, 1847. + +Now that year it so happened that the spoon was no +_spooney_.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 218. + +Not a few of this party were deluded into a belief, that all +studious and quiet men were slow, all men of proper self-respect +exclusives, and all men of courtesy and good-breeding _spoonies_. +--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 118. + +Suppose that rustication was the fate of a few others of our +acquaintance, whom you cannot call slow, or _spoonies_ either, +would it be deemed no disgrace by them?--_Ibid._, p. 196. + + When _spoonys_ on two knees, implore the aid of sorcery, + To suit their wicked purposes they quickly put the laws awry. + _Rejected Addresses_, Am. ed., p. 154. + +They belong to the class of elderly "_spoons_," with some few +exceptions, and are nettled that the world should not go at their +rate of progression.--_Boston Daily Times_, May 8, 1851. + + +SPOONY, SPOONEY. Like a _spoon_; possessing the qualities of a +silly or stupid fellow. + +I shall escape from this beautiful critter, for I'm gettin' +_spooney_, and shall talk silly presently.--_Sam Slick_. + +Both the adjective and the noun _spooney_ are in constant and +frequent use at some of the American colleges, and are generally +applied to one who is disliked either for his bad qualities or for +his ill-breeding, usually accompanied with the idea of weakness. + +He sprees, is caught, rusticates, returns next year, mingles with +feminines, and is consequently degraded into the _spooney_ Junior. +_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 208. + +A "bowl" was the happy conveyance. Perhaps this was chosen because +the voyagers were _spooney_.--_Yale Banger_, Nov. 1849. + + +SPOOPS, SPOOPSY. At Harvard College, a weak, silly fellow, or one +who is disliked on account of his foolish actions, is called a +_spoops_, or _spoopsy_. The meaning is nearly the same as that of +_spoony_. + + +SPOOPSY. Foolish; silly. Applied either to a person or thing. + +Seniors always try to be dignified. The term "_spoopsey_" in its +widest signification applies admirably to them.--_Yale Tomahawk_, +May, 1852. + + +SPORT. To exhibit or bring out in public; as, to _sport_ a new +equipage.--_Grose_. + +This word was in great vogue in England in the year 1783 and 1784; +but is now sacred to men of _fashion_, both in England and +America. + +With regard to the word _sport_, they [the Cantabrigians] +_sported_ knowing, and they _sported_ ignorant,--they _sported_ an +AEgrotat, and they _sported_ a new coat,--they _sported_ an Exeat, +they _sported_ a Dormiat, &c.--_Gent. Mag._, 1794, p. 1085. + + I'm going to serve my country, + And _sport_ a pretty wife. + _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854, Yale Coll. + +To _sport oak_, or a door, is to fasten a door for safety or +convenience. + +If you call on a man and his door is _sported_, signifying that he +is out or busy, it is customary to pop your card through the +little slit made for that purpose.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 336. + +Some few constantly turn the keys of their churlish doors, and +others, from time to time, "_sport oak_."--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 268. + + +SPORTING-DOOR. At the English universities, the name given to the +outer door of a student's room, which can be _sported_ or fastened +to prevent intrusion. + +Their impregnable _sporting-doors_, that defy alike the hostile +dun and the too friendly "fast man."--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 3. + + +SPREAD. A feast of a more humble description than a GAUDY. Used at +Cambridge, England. + +This puts him in high spirits again, and he gives a large +_spread_, and gets drunk on the strength of it.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._, p. 129. + +He sits down with all of them, about forty or fifty, to a most +glorious _spread_, ordered from the college cook, to be served up +in the most swell style possible.--_Ibid._, p. 129. + + +SPROUT. Any _branch_ of education is in student phrase a _sprout_. +This peculiar use of the word is said to have originated at Yale. + + +SPRUNG. The positive, of which _tight_ is the comparative, and +_drunk_ the superlative. + + "One swallow makes not spring," the poet sung, + But many swallows make the fast man _sprung_. + _MS. Poem_, by F.E. Felton. + +See TIGHT. + + +SPY. In some of the American colleges, it is a prevailing opinion +among the students, that certain members of the different classes +are encouraged by the Faculty to report what they have seen or +ascertained in the conduct of their classmates, contrary to the +laws of the college. Many are stigmatized as _spies_ very +unjustly, and seldom with any sufficient reason. + + +SQUIRT. At Harvard College, a showy recitation is denominated a +_squirt_; the ease and quickness with which the words flow from +the mouth being analogous to the ease and quickness which attend +the sudden ejection of a stream of water from a pipe. Such a +recitation being generally perfect, the word _squirt_ is very +often used to convey that idea. Perhaps there is not, in the whole +vocabulary of college cant terms, one more expressive than this, +or that so easily conveys its meaning merely by its sound. It is +mostly used colloquially. + +2. A foppish young fellow; a whipper-snapper.--_Bartlett_. + +If they won't keep company with _squirts_ and dandies, who's going +to make a monkey of himself?--_Maj. Jones's Courtship_, p. 160. + + +SQUIRT. To make a showy recitation. + + He'd rather slump than _squirt_. + _Poem before Y.H._, p. 9. + +Webster has this word with the meaning, "to throw out words, to +let fly," and marks it as out of use. + + +SQUIRTINESS. The quality of being showy. + + +SQUIRTISH. Showy; dandified. + +It's my opinion that these slicked up _squirtish_ kind a fellars +ain't particular hard baked, and they always goes in for +aristocracy notions.--_Robb, Squatter Life_, p. 73. + + +SQUIRTY. Showy; fond of display; gaudy. + +Applied to an oration which is full of bombast and grandiloquence; +to a foppish fellow; to an apartment gayly adorned, &c. + + And should they "scrape" in prayers, because they are long + And rather "_squirty_" at times. + _Childe Harvard_, p. 58. + + +STAMMBOOK. German. A remembrance-book; an album. Among the German +students stammbooks were kept formerly, as commonly as +autograph-books now are among American students. + +But do procure me the favor of thy Rapunzel writing something in +my _Stammbook_.--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. +242. + + +STANDING. Academical age, or rank. + +Of what _standing_ are you? I am a Senior Soph.--_Gradus ad +Cantab._ + + Her mother told me all about your love, + And asked me of your prospects and your _standing_. + _Collegian_, 1830, p. 267. + +_To stand for an honor_; i.e. to offer one's self as a candidate +for an honor. + + +STAR. In triennial catalogues a star designates those who have +died. This sign was first used with this signification by Mather, +in his Magnalia, in a list prepared by him of the graduates of +Harvard College, with a fanciful allusion, it is supposed, to the +abode of those thus marked. + + Our tale shall be told by a silent _star_, + On the page of some future Triennial. + _Poem before Class of 1849, Harv. Coll._, p. 4. + +We had only to look still further back to find the _stars_ +clustering more closely, indicating the rapid flight of the +spirits of short-lived tenants of earth to another +sphere.--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. p. 66. + + +STAR. To mark a star opposite the name of a person, signifying +that he is dead. + +Six of the sixteen Presidents of our University have been +inaugurated in this place; and the oldest living graduate, the +Hon. Paine Wingate of Stratham, New Hampshire, who stands on the +Catalogue a lonely survivor amidst the _starred_ names of the +dead, took his degree within these walls.--_A Sermon on leaving +the Old Meeting-house in Cambridge_, by Rev. William Newell, Dec. +1, 1833, p. 22. + +Among those fathers were the venerable remnants of classes that +are _starred_ to the last two or three, or it may be to the last +one.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 6. + + +STATEMENT OF FACTS. At Yale College, a name given to a public +meeting called for the purpose of setting forth the respective +merits of the two great societies in that institution, viz. +"Linonia" and "The Brothers in Unity." There are six orators, +three from Linonia and three from the Brothers,--a Senior, a +Junior, and the President of each society. The Freshmen are +invited by handsomely printed cards to attend the meeting, and +they also have the best seats reserved for them, and are treated +with the most intense politeness. As now conducted, the _Statement +of Facts_ is any thing rather than what is implied by the name. It +is simply an opportunity for the display of speaking talent, in +which wit and sarcasm are considered of far greater importance +than truth. The Freshmen are rarely swayed to either side. In nine +cases out of ten they have already chosen their society, and +attend the statement merely from a love of novelty and fun. The +custom grew up about the year 1830, after the practice of dividing +the students alphabetically between the two societies had fallen +into disuse. Like all similar customs, the Statement of Facts has +reached its present college importance by gradual growth. At first +the societies met in a small room of the College, and the +statements did really consist of the facts in the case. Now the +exercises take place in a public hall, and form a kind of +intellectual tournament, where each society, in the presence of a +large audience, strives to get the advantage of the other. + +From a newspaper account of the observance of this literary +festival during the present year, the annexed extract is taken. + +"For some years, students, as they have entered College, have been +permitted to choose the society with which they would connect +themselves, instead of being alphabetically allotted to one of the +two. This method has made the two societies earnest rivals, and +the accession of each class to College creates an earnest struggle +to see which shall secure the greater number of members. The +electioneering campaign, as it is termed, begins when the students +come to be examined for admission to College, that is, about the +time of the Commencement, and continues through a week or two of +the first term of the next year. Each society, of course, puts +forth the most determined efforts to conquer. It selects the most +prominent and popular men of the Senior Class as President, and +arrangements are so made that a Freshman no sooner enters town +than he finds himself unexpectedly surrounded by hosts of friends, +willing to do anything for him, and especially instruct him in his +duty with reference to the selection of societies. For the benefit +of those who do not yield to this private electioneering, this +Statement of Facts is made. It amounts, however, to little more +than a 'good time,' as there are very few who wait to be +influenced by 'facts' they know will be so distorted. The +advocates of each society feel bound, of course, to present its +affairs in the most favorable aspect. Disputants are selected, +generally with regard to their ability as speakers, one from the +Junior and one from the Senior Class. The Presidents of each +society also take part."--_N.Y. Daily Times_, Sept. 22, 1855. + +As an illustration of the eloquence and ability which is often +displayed on these occasions, the following passages have been +selected from the address of John M. Holmes of Chicago, Ill., the +Junior orator in behalf of the Brothers in Unity at the Statement +of Facts held September 20th, 1855. + +"Time forbids me to speak at length of the illustrious alumni of +the Brothers; of Professor Thatcher, the favorite of college,--of +Professor Silliman, the Nestor of American literati,--of the +revered head of this institution, President Woolsey, first +President of the Brothers in 1820,--of Professor Andrews, the +author of the best dictionary of the Latin language,--of such +divines as Dwight and Murdock,--of Bacon and Bushnell, the pride +of New England,--or of the great names of Clayton, Badger, +Calhoun, Ellsworth, and John Davis,--all of whom were nurtured and +disciplined in the halls of the Brothers, and there received the +Achillean baptism that made their lives invulnerable. But perhaps +I err in claiming such men as the peculium of the Brothers,--they +are the common heritage of the human race. + + 'Such names as theirs are pilgrim shrines, + Shrines to no code nor creed confined, + The Delphian vales, the Palestines, + The Meccas of the mind.' + +"But there are other names which to overlook would be worse than +negligence,--it would be ingratitude unworthy of a son of Yale. + +"At the head of that glorious host stands the venerable form of +Joel Barlow, who, in addition to his various civil and literary +distinctions, was the father of American poetry. There too is the +intellectual brow of Webster, not indeed the great defender of the +Constitution, but that other Webster, who spent his life in the +perpetuation of that language in which the Constitution is +embalmed, and whose memory will be coeval with that language to +the latest syllable of recorded time. Beside Webster on the +historic canvas appears the form of the only Judge of the Supreme +Court of the United States that ever graduated at this +College,--Chief Justice Baldwin, of the class of 1797. Next to him +is his classmate, a patriarchal old man who still lives to bless +the associations of his youth,--who has consecrated the noblest +talents to the noblest earthly purposes,--the pioneer of Western +education,--the apostle of Temperance,--the life-long teacher of +immortality,--and who is the father of an illustrious family whose +genius has magnetized all Christendom. His classmate is Lyman +Beecher. But a year ago in the neighboring city of Hartford there +was a monument erected to another Brother in Unity,--the +philanthropist who first introduced into this country the system +of instructing deaf mutes. More than a thousand unfortunates bowed +around his grave. And although there was no audible voice of +eulogy or thankfulness, yet there were many tears. And grateful +thoughts went up to heaven in silent benediction for him who had +unchained their faculties, and given them the priceless treasures +of intellectual and social communion. Thomas H. Gallaudet was a +Brother in Unity. + +"And he who has been truly called the most learned of poets and +the most poetical of learned men,--whose ascent to the heaven of +song has been like the pathway of his own broad sweeping +eagle,--J.G. Percival,--is a Brother in Unity. And what shall I +say of Morse? Of Morse, the wonder-worker, the world-girdler, the +space-destroyer, the author of the noblest invention whose glory +was ever concentrated in a single man, who has realized the +fabulous prerogative of Olympian Jove, and by the instantaneous +intercommunication of thought has accomplished the work of ages in +binding together the whole civilized world into one great +Brotherhood in Unity? + +"Gentlemen, these are the men who wait to welcome you to the +blessings of our society. There they stand, like the majestic +statues that line the entrance to an eternal pyramid. And when I +look upon one statue, and another, and another, and contemplate +the colossal greatness of their proportions, as Canova gazed with +rapture upon the sun-god of the Vatican, I envy not the man whose +heart expands not with the sense of a new nobility, and whose eye +kindles not with the heart's enthusiasm, as he thinks that he too +is numbered among that glorious company,--that he too is sprung +from that royal ancestry. And who asks for a richer heritage, or a +more enduring epitaph, than that he too is a Brother in Unity?" + + +S.T.B. _Sanctae Theologiae Baccalaureus_, Bachelor in Theology. + +See B.D. + + +S.T.D. _Sanctae Theologiae Doctor_. Doctor in Theology. + +See D.D. + + +STEWARD. In colleges, an officer who provides food for the +students, and superintends the kitchen.--_Webster_. + +In American colleges, the labors of the steward are at present +more extended, and not so servile, as set forth in the above +definition. To him is usually assigned the duty of making out the +term-bills and receiving the money thereon; of superintending the +college edifices with respect to repairs, &c.; of engaging proper +servants in the employ of the college; and of performing such +other services as are declared by the faculty of the college to be +within his province. + + +STICK. In college phrase, _to stick_, or _to get stuck_, is to be +unable to proceed, either in a recitation, declamation, or any +other exercise. An instructor is said to _stick_ a student, when +he asks a question which the student is unable to answer. + +But he has not yet discovered, probably, that he ... that +"_sticks_" in Greek, and cannot tell, by demonstration of his own, +whether the three angles of a triangle are equal to two, or four, +... can nevertheless drawl out the word Fresh, &c.--_Scenes and +Characters in College_, p. 30. + + +S.T.P. _Sanctae Theologiae Professor_. Professor in Theology. + +A degree of similar import to S.T.D., and D.D. + + +STUDENT. A person engaged in study; one who is devoted to +learning, either in a seminary or in private; a scholar; as, the +_students_ of an academy, of a college or university; a medical +_student_; a law _student_. + +2. A man devoted to books; a bookish man; as, a hard _student_; a +close _student_.--_Webster_. + +3. At Oxford, this word is used to designate one who stands upon +the foundation of the college to which he belongs, and is an +aspirant for academic emoluments.--_De Quincey_. + +4. In German universities, by _student_ is understood "one who has +by matriculation acquired the rights of academical +citizenship."--_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 27. + + +STUDY. A building or an apartment devoted to study or to literary +employment.--_Webster_. + +In some of the older American colleges, it was formerly the custom +to partition off, in each chamber, two small rooms, where the +occupants, who were always two in number, could carry on their +literary pursuits. These rooms were called, from this +circumstance, _studies_. Speaking of the first college edifice +which was erected at New Haven, Mr. Clap, in his History of Yale +College, says: "It made a handsome appearance, and contained near +fifty _studies_ in convenient chambers"; and again he speaks of +Connecticut Hall as containing thirty-two chambers and sixty-four +_studies_. In the oldest buildings, some of these _studies_ remain +at the present day. + +The _study_ rents, until December last, were discontinued with Mr. +Dunster.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. I. p. 463. + +Every Graduate and Undergraduate shall find his proportion of +furniture, &c., during the whole time of his having a _study_ +assigned him.--_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 35. + + To him that occupies my _study_, + I give, &c.--_Will of Charles Prentiss_. + + +STUMP. At Princeton College, to fail in reciting; to say, "Not +prepared," when called on to recite. A _stump_, a bad recitation; +used in the phrase, "_to make a stump_." + + +SUB-FRESH. A person previous to entering the Freshman Class is +called a _sub-fresh_, or one below a Freshman. + + Praying his guardian powers + To assist a poor "_Sub-Fresh_" at the dread examination. + _Poem before the Iadma Soc. of Harv. Coll._, 1850, p. 14. + + Our "_Sub-Fresh_" has that feeling. + _Ibid._, p. 16. + +Everybody happy, except _Sub-Fresh_, and they trying hardest to +appear so.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 103. + +The timid _Sub-Fresh_ had determined to construct stout +barricades, with no lack of ammunition.--_Ibid._, p. 103. + +Sometimes written _Sub_. + +Information wanted of the "_Sub_" who didn't think it an honor to +be electioneered.--_N.B., Yale Coll., June_ 14, 1851. + +See PENE. + + +SUBJECT. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a particular +author, or part of an author, set for examination; or a particular +branch of Mathematics, such as Optics, Hydrostatics, +&c.--_Bristed_. + +To _get up a subject_, is to make one's self thoroughly master of +it.--_Bristed_. + + +SUB-RECTOR. A rector's deputy or substitute.--_Walton, Webster_. + + +SUB-SIZAR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., formerly an order +of students lower than the _sizars_. + + Masters of all sorts, and all ages, + Keepers, _subcizers_, lackeys, pages. + _Poems of Bp. Corbet_, p. 22. + + There he sits and sees + How lackeys and _subsizers_ press + And scramble for degrees. + _Ibid._, p. 88. + +See under SIZAR. + + +SUCK. At Middlebury College, to cheat at recitation or examination +by using _ponies_, _interliners_, or _helps_ of any kind. + + +SUPPLICAT. Latin; literally, _he supplicates_. In the English +universities, a petition; particularly a written application with +a certificate that the requisite conditions have been complied +with.--_Webster_. + +A _Supplicat_, says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, is "an entreaty to +be admitted to the degree of B.A.; containing a certificate that +the Questionist has kept his full number of terms, or explaining +any deficiency. This document is presented to the caput by the +father of his college." + + +SURPLICE DAY. An occasion or day on which the surplice is worn by +the members of a university. + +"On all Sundays and Saint-days, and the evenings preceding, every +member of the University, except noblemen, attends chapel in his +surplice."--_Grad. ad Cantab._, pp. 106, 107. + + +SUSPEND. In colleges, to separate a student from his class, and +place him under private instruction. + + And those whose crimes are very great, + Let us _suspend_ or rusticate.--_Rebelliad_, p. 24. + + +SUSPENSION. In universities and colleges, the punishment of a +student for some offence, usually negligence, by separating him +from his class, and compelling him to pursue those branches of +study in which he is deficient under private instruction, provided +for the purpose. + + +SUSPENSION-PAPER. The paper in which the act of suspension from +college is declared. + + Come, take these three _suspension-papers_; + They'll teach you how to cut such capers. + _Rebelliad_, p. 32. + + +SUSPENSION TO THE ROOM. In Princeton College, one of the +punishments for certain offences subjects a student to confinement +to his chamber and exclusion from his class, and requires him to +recite to a teacher privately for a certain time. This is +technically called _suspension to the room_. + + +SWEEP, SWEEPER. The name given at Yale and other colleges to the +person whose occupation it is to sweep the students' rooms, make +their beds, &c. + +Then how welcome the entrance of the _sweep_, and how cutely we +fling jokes at each other through the dust!--_Yale Lit. Mag._, +Vol. XIV. p. 223. + +Knocking down the _sweep_, in clearing the stairs, we described a +circle to our room.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846. + + A Freshman by the faithful _sweep_ + Was found half buried in soft sleep. + _Ibid._, Nov. 10, 1846. + + With fingers dirty and black, + From lower to upper room, + A College _Sweep_ went dustily round, + Plying his yellow broom. + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 12. + +In the Yale Literary Magazine, Vol. III. p. 144, is "A tribute to +certain Members of the Faculty, whose names are omitted in the +Catalogue," in which appropriate praise is awarded to these useful +servants. + +The Steward ... engages _sweepers_ for the College.--_Laws Harv. +Coll._, 1816, p. 48. + +One of the _sweepers_ finding a parcel of wood,... the defendant, +in the absence of the owner of the wood, authorizes the _sweeper_ +to carry it away.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 98. + + +SWELL BLOCK. In the University of Virginia, a sobriquet applied to +dandies and vain pretenders. + + +SWING. At several American colleges, the word _swing_ is used for +coming out with a secret society badge; 1st, of the society, to +_swing out_ the new men; and, 2d, of the men, intransitively, to +_swing_, or to _swing out_, i.e. to appear with the badge of a +secret society. Generally, _to swing out_ signifies to appear in +something new. + +The new members have "_swung out_," and all again is +harmony.--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854. + + +SYNDIC. Latin, _syndicus_; Greek, [Greek: sundikos; sun], _with_, +and [Greek: dikae], _justice_. + +An officer of government, invested with different powers in +different countries. Almost all the companies in Paris, the +University, &c., have their _syndics_. The University of Cambridge +has its _syndics_, who are chosen from the Senate to transact +special business, as the regulation of fees, forming of laws, +inspecting the library, buildings, printing, &c.--_Webster. Cam. +Cal._ + + +SYNDICATE. A council or body of syndics. + +The state of instruction in and encouragement to the study of +Theology were thus set forth in the report of a _syndicate_ +appointed to consider the subject in 1842.--_Bristed's Five Years +in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 293. + + + +_T_. + + +TADS. At Centre College, Ky., there is "a society," says a +correspondent, "composed of the very best fellows of the College, +calling themselves _Tads_, who are generally associated together, +for the object of electing, by the additional votes of their +members, any of their friends who are brought forward as +candidates for any honor or appointment in the literary societies +to which they belong." + + +TAKE UP. To call on a student to rehearse a lesson. + + Professor _took_ him _up_ on Greek; + He tried to talk, but couldn't speak. + _MS Poem_. + + +TAKE UP ONE'S CONNECTIONS. In students' phrase, to leave college. +Used in American institutions. + + +TARDES. At the older American colleges, when charges were made and +excuses rendered in Latin, the student who had come late to any +religious service was addressed by the proper officer with the +word _Tardes_, a kind of barbarous second person singular of some +unknown verb, signifying, probably, "You are or were late." + + Much absence, _tardes_ and egresses, + The college-evil on him seizes. + _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. + + +TARDY. In colleges, late in attendance on a public +exercise.--_Webster_. + + +TAVERN. At Harvard College, the rooms No. 24 Massachusetts Hall, +and No. 8 Hollis Hall, were occupied from the year 1789 to 1793 by +Mr. Charles Angier. His table was always supplied with wine, +brandy, crackers, etc., of which his friends were at liberty to +partake at any time. From this circumstance his rooms were called +_the Tavern_ for nearly twenty years after his graduation. + +In connection with this incident, it may not be uninteresting to +state, that the cellars of the two buildings above mentioned were +divided each into thirty-two compartments, corresponding with the +number of rooms. In these the students and tutors stored their +liquors, sometimes in no inconsiderable quantities. Frequent +entries are met with in the records of the Faculty, in which the +students are charged with pilfering wine, brandy, or eatables from +the tutors' _bins_. + + +TAXOR. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., an officer appointed +to regulate the assize of bread, the true gauge of weights, +etc.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +TEAM. In the English universities, the pupils of a private tutor +or COACH.--_Bristed_. + +No man who has not taken a good degree expects or pretends to take +good men into his _team_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 69. + +It frequently, indeed usually happens, that a "coach" of +reputation declines taking men into his _team_ before they have +made time in public.--_Ibid._, p. 85. + + +TEAR. At Princeton College, a _perfect tear_ is a very extra +recitation, superior to a _rowl_. + + +TEMPLE. At Bowdoin College, a privy is thus designated. + + +TEN-STRIKE. At Hamilton College, a perfect recitation, ten being +the mark given for a perfect recitation. + + +TEN-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., these are +allowed to take the degree of Bachelor in Divinity without having +been B.A. or M.A., by the statute of 9th Queen Elizabeth, which +permits persons, who are admitted at any college when twenty-four +years of age and upwards, to take the degree of B.D. after their +names have remained on the _boards_ ten years or more. After the +first eight years, they must reside in the University the greater +part of three several terms, and perform the exercises which are +required by the statutes.--_Cam. Cal._ + + +TERM. In universities and colleges, the time during which +instruction is regularly given to students, who are obliged by the +statutes and laws of the institution to attend to the recitations, +lectures, and other exercises.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., there are three terms during +each year, which are fixed by invariable rules. October or +Michaelmas term begins on the 10th of October, and ends on the +16th of December. Lent or January term begins on the 13th of +January, and ends on the Friday before Palm Sunday. Easter or +Midsummer term, begins on the eleventh day (the Wednesday +sennight) after Easter-day, and ends on the Friday after +Commencement day. Commencement is always on the first Tuesday in +July. + +At Oxford University, there are four terms in the year. Michaelmas +term begins on the 10th of October, and ends on the 17th of +December. Hilary term begins on the 14th of January, and ends the +day before Palm Sunday. But if the Saturday before Palm Sunday +should be a festival, the term does not end till the Monday +following. Easter term begins on the tenth day after Easter +Sunday, and ends on the day before Whitsunday. Trinity term begins +on the Wednesday after Whitsunday, and ends the Saturday after the +Act, which is always on the first Tuesday in July. + +At the Dublin University, the terms in each year are four in +number. Hilary term begins on the Monday after Epiphany, and ends +the day before Palm Sunday. Easter term begins on the eighth day +after Easter Sunday, and ends on Whitsun-eve. Trinity term begins +on Trinity Monday, and ends on the 8th of July. Michaelmas term +begins on the 1st of October (or on the 2d, if the 1st should be +Sunday), and ends on December 16th. + + +TERRAE FILIUS. Latin; _son of earth_. + +Formerly, one appointed to write a satirical Latin poem at the +public Acts in the University of Oxford; not unlike the +prevaricator at Cambridge, Eng.--_Webster_. + +Full accounts of the compositions written on these occasions may +be found in a work in two volumes, entitled "Terrae-Filius; or the +Secret History of the University of Oxford," printed in the year +1726. + +See TRIPOS PAPER. + + +TESTAMUR. Latin; literally, _we testify_. In the English +universities, a certificate of proficiency, without which a person +is not able to take his degree. So called from the first word in +the formula. + +There is not one out of twenty of my pupils who can look forward +with unmixed pleasure to a _testamur_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. +254. + +Every _testamur_ must be signed by three out of the four +examiners, at least.--_Ibid._, p. 282. + + +THEATRE. At Oxford, a building in which are held the annual +commemoration of benefactors, the recitation of prize +compositions, and the occasional ceremony of conferring degrees on +distinguished personages.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +THEME. In college phrase, a short dissertation composed by a +student. + +It is the practice at Cambridge [Mass.] for the Professor of +Rhetoric and the English Language, commencing in the first or +second quarter of the student's Sophomore year, to give the class +a text; generally some brief moral quotation from some of the +ancient or modern poets, from which the students write a short +essay, usually denominated a _theme_.--_Works of R.T. Paine_, p. +xxi. + +Far be it from me to enter into competition with students who have +been practising the sublime art of _theme_ and forensic writing +for two years.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 316. + + But on the sleepy day of _themes_, + May doze away a dozen reams. + _Ibid._, p. 283. + +Nimrod holds his "first _theme_" in one hand, and is leaning his +head on the other.--_Ibid._, p. 253. + + +THEME-BEARER. At Harvard College, until within a few years, a +student was chosen once in a term by his classmates to perform the +duties of _theme-bearer_. He received the subjects for themes and +forensics from the Professors of Rhetoric and of Moral Philosophy, +and posted them up in convenient places, usually in the entries of +the buildings and on, the bulletin-boards. He also distributed the +corrected themes, at first giving them to the students after +evening prayers, and, when this had been forbidden by the +President, carrying them to their rooms. For these services he +received seventy-five cents per term from each member of the +class. + + +THEME-PAPER. In American colleges, a kind of paper on which +students write their themes or composition. It is of the size of +an ordinary letter-sheet, contains eighteen or nineteen lines +placed at wide intervals, and is ruled in red ink with a margin a +little less than an inch in width. + +Shoe-strings, lucifers, omnibus-tickets, _theme-paper_, +postage-stamps, and the nutriment of pipes.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. +p. 266. + + +THEOLOGUE. A cant name among collegians for a student in theology. + +The hardened hearts of Freshmen and _Theologues_ burned with +righteous indignation.--_Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + +The _Theologs_ are not so wicked as the Medics.--_Burlesque +Catalogue, Yale Coll._, 1852-53, p. 30. + + +THESES-COLLECTOR. One who collects or prepares _theses_. The +following extract from the laws of Harvard College will explain +further what is meant by this term. "The President, Professors, +and Tutors, annually, some time in the third term, shall select +from the Junior Class a number of _Theses-Collectors_, to prepare +theses for the next year; from which selection they shall appoint +so many divisions as shall be equal to the number of branches they +may assign. And each one shall, in the particular branch assigned +him, collect so many theses as the government may judge expedient; +and all the theses, thus collected, shall be delivered to the +President, by the Saturday immediately succeeding the end of the +Spring vacation in the Senior year, at furthest, from which the +President, Professors, and Tutors shall select such as they shall +judge proper to be published. But if the theses delivered to the +President, in any particular branch, should not afford a +sufficient number suitable for publication, a further number shall +be required. The name of the student who collected any set or +number of theses shall be annexed to the theses collected by him, +in every publication. Should any one neglect to collect the theses +required of him, he shall be liable to lose his degree."--1814, p. +35. + +The Theses-Collectors were formerly chosen by the class, as the +following extract from a MS. Journal will show. + +"March 27th, 1792. My Class assembled in the chapel to choose +theses-collectors, a valedictory orator, and poet. Jackson was +chosen to deliver the Latin oration, and Cutler to deliver the +poem. Ellis was almost unanimously chosen a collector of the +grammatical theses. Prince was chosen metaphysical +theses-collector, with considerable opposition. Lowell was chosen +mathematical theses-collector, though not unanimously. Chamberlain +was chosen physical theses-collector." + + +THESIS. A position or proposition which a person advances and +offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument; a +theme; a subject; particularly, a subject or proposition for a +school or university exercise, or the exercise itself.--_Webster_. + +In the older American colleges, the _theses_ held a prominent +place in the exercises of Commencement. At Harvard College the +earliest theses extant bear the date of the year 1687. They were +Theses Technological, Logical, Grammatical, Rhetorical, +Mathematical, and Physical. The last theses were presented in the +year 1820. The earliest theses extant belonging to Yale College +are of 1714, and the last were printed in 1797. + + +THIRDING. In England, "a custom practised at the universities, +where two _thirds_ of the original price is allowed by +upholsterers to the students for household goods returned them +within the year."--_Grose's Dict._ + +On this subject De Quincey says: "The Oxford rule is, that, if you +take the rooms (which is at your own option), in that case you +_third_ the furniture and the embellishments; i.e. you succeed to +the total cost diminished by one third. You pay, therefore, two +guineas out of each three to your _immediate_ predecessor."--_Life +and Manners_, p. 250. + + +THIRD-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the title of +Third-Year Men, or Senior Sophs or Sophisters, is given to +students during the third year of their residence at the +University. + + +THUNDERING BOLUS. See INTONITANS BOLUS. + + +TICK. A recitation made by one who does not know of what he is +talking. + +_Ticks_, screws, and deads were all put under contribution.--_A +Tour through College_, Boston, 1832, p. 25. + + +TICKER. One who recites without knowing what he is talking about; +one entirely independent of any book-knowledge. + + If any "_Ticker_" dare to look + A stealthy moment on his book. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 123. + + +TICKING. The act of reciting without knowing anything about the +lesson. + +And what with _ticking_, screwing, and deading, am candidate for a +piece of parchment to-morrow.--_Harv. Reg._, p. 194. + + +TIGHT. A common slang term among students; the comparative, of +which _drunk_ is the superlative. + + Some twenty of as jolly chaps as e'er got jolly _tight_. + _Poem before Y.H._, 1849. + + Hast spent the livelong night + In smoking Esculapios,--in getting jolly _tight_? + _Poem before Iadma_, 1850. + + He clenched his fist as fain for fight, + Sank back, and gently murmured "_tight_." + _MS. Poem_, W.F. Allen, 1848. + + While fathers, are bursting with rage and spite, + And old ladies vow that the students are _tight_. + _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848. + +Speaking of the word "drunk," the Burlington Sentinel remarks: +"The last synonyme that we have observed is '_tight_,' a term, it +strikes us, rather inappropriate, since a 'tight' man, in the cant +use of the word, is almost always a 'loose character.' We give a +list of a few of the various words and phrases which have been in +use, at one time or another, to signify some stage of inebriation: +Over the bay, half seas over, hot, high, corned, cut, cocked, +shaved, disguised, jammed, damaged, sleepy, tired, discouraged, +snuffy, whipped, how come ye so, breezy, smoked, top-heavy, +fuddled, groggy, tipsy, smashed, swipy, slewed, cronk, salted +down, how fare ye, on the lee lurch, all sails set, three sheets +in the wind, well under way, battered, blowing, snubbed, sawed, +boosy, bruised, screwed, soaked, comfortable, stimulated, +jug-steamed, tangle-legged, fogmatic, blue-eyed, a passenger in +the Cape Ann stage, striped, faint, shot in the neck, bamboozled, +weak-jointed, got a brick in his hat, got a turkey on his back." + +Dr. Franklin, in speaking of the intemperate drinker, says, he +will never, or seldom, allow that he is drunk; he may be "boosy, +cosey, foxed, merry, mellow, fuddled, groatable, confoundedly cut, +may see two moons, be among the Philistines, in a very good humor, +have been in the sun, is a little feverish, pretty well entered, +&c., but _never drunk_." + +A highly entertaining list of the phrases which the Germans employ +"to clothe in a tolerable garb of decorum that dreamy condition +into which Bacchus frequently throws his votaries," is given in +_Howitt's Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., pp. 296, 297. + +See SPRUNG. + +2. At Williams College, this word is sometimes used as an +exclamation; e.g. "O _tight_!" + + +TIGHT FIT. At the University of Vermont, a good joke is +denominated by the students a _tight fit_, and the jokee is said +to be "hard up." + + +TILE. A hat. Evidently suggested by the meaning of the word, a +covering for the roof of buildings. + + Then, taking it from off his head, began to brush his "_tile_." + _Poem before the Iadma_, 1850. + + +TOADY. A fawning, obsequious parasite; a toad-eater. In college +cant, one who seeks or gains favor with an instructor or +popularity with his classmates by mean and sycophantic actions. + + +TOADY. To flatter any one for gain.--_Halliwell_. + + +TOM. The great bell of Christ Church, Oxford, which formerly +belonged to Osney Abbey. + +"This bell," says the Oxford Guide, "was recast in 1680, its +weight being about 17,000 pounds; more than double the weight of +the great bell in St. Paul's, London. This bell has always been +represented as one of the finest in England, but even at the risk +of dispelling an illusion under which most Oxford men have +labored, and which every member of Christ Church has indulged in +from 1680 to the present time, touching the fancied superiority of +mighty Tom, it must be confessed that it is neither an accurate +nor a musical bell. The note, as we are assured by the learned in +these matters, ought to be B flat, but is not so. On the contrary, +the bell is imperfect and inharmonious, and requires, in the +opinion of those best informed, and of most experience, to be +recast. It is, however, still a great curiosity, and may be seen +by applying to the porter at Tom-Gate lodge."--Ed. 1847, p. 5, +note a. + + +TO THE _n(-th.)_, TO THE _n + 1(-th.)_ Among English Cantabs +these algebraic expressions are used as intensives to denote the +most energetic way of doing anything.--_Bristed_. + + +TOWNEY. The name by which a student in an American college is +accustomed to designate any young man residing in the town in +which the college is situated, who is not a collegian. + + And _Towneys_ left when she showed fight. + _Pow-wow of Class of '58, Yale Coll._ + + +TRANSLATION. The act of turning one language into another. + +At the University of Cambridge, Eng., this word is applied more +particularly to the turning of Greek or Latin into English. + +In composition and cram I was yet untried, and the _translations_ +in lecture-room were not difficult to acquit one's self on +respectably.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +34. + + +TRANSMITTENDUM, _pl._ TRANSMITTENDA or TRANSMITTENDUMS. Anything +transmitted, or handed down from one to another. + +Students, on withdrawing from college, often leave in the room +which they last occupied, pictures, looking-glasses, chairs, &c., +there to remain, and to be handed down to the latest posterity. +Articles thus left are called _transmittenda_. + +The Great Mathematical Slate was a _transmittendum_ to the best +mathematical scholar in each class.--_MS. note in Cat. Med. Fac. +Soc._, 1833, p. 16. + + +TRENCHER-CAP. A-name, sometimes given to the square head-covering +worn by students in the English universities. Used figuratively to +denote collegiate power. + +The _trencher-cap_ has claimed a right to take its part in the +movements which make or mar the destinies of nations, by the side +of plumed casque and priestly tiara.--_The English Universities +and their Reforms_, in _Blackwood's Mag._, Feb. 1849. + + +TRIANGLE. At Union College, a urinal, so called from its shape. + + +TRIENNIAL, or TRIENNIAL CATALOGUE. In American colleges, a +catalogue issued once in three years. This catalogue contains the +names of the officers and students, arranged according to the +years in which they were connected with the college, an account of +the high public offices which they have filled, degrees which they +have received, time of death, &c.[66] + +The _Triennial Catalogue_ becomes increasingly a mournful +record--it should be monitory, as well as mournful--to survivors, +looking at the stars thickening on it, from one date to +another.--_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 198. + + Our tale shall be told by a silent star, + On the page of some future _Triennial_. + _Class Poem, Harv. Coll._, 1849, p. 4. + + +TRIMESTER. Latin _trimestris_; _tres_, three, and _mensis_, month. +In the German universities, a term or period of three +months.--_Webster_. + + +TRINITARIAN. The popular name of a member of Trinity College in +the University of Cambridge, Eng. + + +TRIPOS, _pl._ TRIPOSES. At Cambridge, Eng., any university +examination for honors, of questionists or men who have just taken +their B.A. The university scholarship examinations are not called +_triposes_.--_Bristed_. + +The Classical Tripos is generally spoken of as _the Tripos_, the +Mathematical one as the Degree Examination.--_Ibid._, p. 170. + +2. A tripos paper. + +3. One who prepares a tripos paper.--_Webster_. + + +TRIPOS PAPER. At the University of Cambridge, England, a printed +list of the successful candidates for mathematical honors, +accompanied by a piece in Latin verse. There are two of these, +designed to commemorate the two Tripos days. The first contains +the names of the Wranglers and Senior Optimes, and the second the +names of the Junior Optimes. The word _tripos_ is supposed to +refer to the three-legged stool formerly used at the examinations +for these honors, though some derive it from the three _brackets_ +formerly printed on the back of the paper. + +_Classical Tripos Examination_. The final university examination +for classical honors, optional to all who have taken the +mathematical honors.--_C.A. Bristed_, in _Webster's Dict._ + +The Tripos Paper is more fully described in the annexed extract. +"The names of the Bachelors who were highest in the list +(Wranglers and Senior Optimes, _Baccalaurei quibus sua reservatur +senioritas Comitiis prioribus_, and Junior Optimes, _Comitiis +posterioribus_) were written on slips of paper; and on the back of +these papers, probably with a view of making them less fugitive +and more entertaining, was given a copy of Latin verses. These +verses were written by one of the new Bachelors, and the exuberant +spirits and enlarged freedom arising from the termination of the +Undergraduate restrictions often gave to these effusions a +character of buffoonery and satire. The writer was termed _Terrae +Filius_, or _Tripos_, probably from some circumstance in the mode +of his making his appearance and delivering his verses; and took +considerable liberties. On some occasions, we find that these went +so far as to incur the censure of the authorities. Even now, the +Tripos verses often aim at satire and humor. [It is customary to +have one serious and one humorous copy of verses.] The writer does +not now appear in person, but the Tripos Paper, the list of honors +with its verses, still comes forth at its due season, and the list +itself has now taken the name of the Tripos. This being the case +with the list of mathematical honors, the same name has been +extended to the list of classical honors, though unaccompanied by +its classical verses."--_Whewell on Cambridge Education_, Preface +to Part II., quoted in _Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 25. + + +TRUMP. A jolly blade; a merry fellow; one who occupies among his +companions a position similar to that which trumps hold to the +other cards in the pack. Not confined in its use to collegians, +but much in vogue among them. + + But soon he treads this classic ground, + Where knowledge dwells and _trumps_ abound. + _MS. Poem_. + + +TRUSTEE. A person to whom property is legally committed in +_trust_, to be applied either for the benefit of specified +individuals, or for public uses.--_Webster_. + +In many American colleges the general government is vested in a +board of _trustees_, appointed differently in different colleges. + +See CORPORATION and OVERSEER. + + +TUFT-HUNTER. A cant term, in the English universities, for a +hanger-on to noblemen and persons of quality. So called from the +_tuft_ in the cap of the latter.--_Halliwell_. + +There are few such thorough _tuft-hunters_ as your genuine Oxford +Don.--_Blackwood's Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LVI. p. 572. + + +TUITION. In universities, colleges, schools, &c., the money paid +for instruction. In American colleges, the tuition is from thirty +to seventy dollars a year. + + +TUTE. Abbreviation for Tutor. + + +TUTOR. Latin; from _tueor_, to defend; French, _tuteur_. + +In English universities and colleges, an officer or member of some +hall, who has the charge of hearing the lessons of the students, +and otherwise giving them instruction in the sciences and various +branches of learning. + +In the American colleges, tutors are graduates selected by the +trustees, for the instruction of undergraduates of the first three +years. They are usually officers of the institution, who have a +share, with the president and professors, in the government of the +students.--_Webster_. + + +TUTORAGE. In the English universities, the guardianship exerted by +a tutor; the care of a pupil. + +The next item which I shall notice is that which in college bills +is expressed by the word _Tutorage_.--_De Quincey's Life and +Manners_, p. 251. + + +TUTOR, CLASS. At some of the colleges in the United States, each +of the four classes is assigned to the care of a particular tutor, +who acts as the ordinary medium of communication between the +members of the class and the Faculty, and who may be consulted by +the students concerning their studies, or on any other subject +interesting to them in their relations to the college. + +At Harvard College, in addition to these offices, the Class Tutors +grant leave of absence from church and from town for Sunday, +including Saturday night, on the presentation of a satisfactory +reason, and administer all warnings and private admonitions +ordered by the Faculty for misconduct or neglect of duty.--_Orders +and Regulations of the Faculty of Harv. Coll._, July, 1853, pp. 1, +2. + +Of this regulation as it obtained at Harvard during the latter +part of the last century, Professor Sidney Willard says: "Each of +the Tutors had one class, of which he was charged with a certain +oversight, and of which he was called the particular Tutor. The +several Tutors in Latin successively sustained this relation to my +class. Warnings of various kinds, private admonitions for +negligence or minor offences, and, in general, intercommunication +between his class and the Immediate Government, were the duties +belonging to this relation."--_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, +Vol. I. p. 266, note. + + +TUTOR, COLLEGE. At the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, an +officer connected with a college, whose duties are described in +the annexed extracts. + +With reference to Oxford, De Quincey remarks: "Each college takes +upon itself the regular instruction of its separate inmates,--of +these and of no others; and for this office it appoints, after +careful selection, trial, and probation, the best qualified +amongst those of its senior members who choose to undertake a +trust of such heavy responsibility. These officers are called +Tutors; and they are connected by duties and by accountability, +not with the University at all, but with their own private +colleges. The public tutors appointed in each college [are] on the +scale of one to each dozen or score of students."--_Life and +Manners_, Boston, 1851, p. 252. + +Bristed, writing of Cambridge, says: "When, therefore, a boy, or, +as we should call him, a young man, leaves his school, public or +private, at the age of eighteen or nineteen, and 'goes up' to the +University, he necessarily goes up to some particular college, and +the first academical authority he makes acquaintance with in the +regular order of things is the College Tutor. This gentleman has +usually taken high honors either in classics or mathematics, and +one of his duties is naturally to lecture. But this by no means +constitutes the whole, or forms the most important part, of his +functions. He is the medium of all the students' pecuniary +relations with the College. He sends in their accounts every term, +and receives the money through his banker; nay, more, he takes in +the bills of their tradesmen, and settles them also. Further, he +has the disposal of the college rooms, and assigns them to their +respective occupants. When I speak of the College _Tutor_, it must +not be supposed that one man is equal to all this work in a large +college,--Trinity, for instance, which usually numbers four +hundred Undergraduates in residence. A large college has usually +two Tutors,--Trinity has three,--and the students are equally +divided among them,--_on their sides_, the phrase is,--without +distinction of year, or, as we should call it, of _class_. The +jurisdiction of the rooms is divided in like manner. The Tutor is +supposed to stand _in loco parentis_; but having sometimes more +than a hundred young men under him, he cannot discharge his duties +in this respect very thoroughly, nor is it generally expected that +he should."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 10, 11. + + +TUTORIAL. Belonging to or exercised by a tutor or instructor. + +Even while he is engaged in his "_tutorial_" duties, &c.--_Am. +Lit. Mag._, Vol. IV. p. 409. + + +TUTORIC. Pertaining to a tutor. + +A collection of two was not then considered a sure prognostic of +rebellion, and spied out vigilantly by _tutoric_ +eyes.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 314. + + +TUTORIFIC. The same as _tutoric_. + + While thus in doubt they hesitating stand, + Approaches near the _Tutorific_ band. + _Yale Tomahawk_, May, 1852. + + "Old Yale," of thee we sing, thou art our theme, + Of thee with all thy _Tutorific_ host.--_Ibid._ + + +TUTORING FRESHMEN. Of the various means used by Sophomores to +trouble Freshmen, that of _tutoring_ them, as described in the +following extract from the Sketches of Yale College, is not at all +peculiar to that institution, except in so far as the name is +concerned. + +"The ancient customs of subordination among the classes, though +long since abrogated, still preserve a part of their power over +the students, not only of this, but of almost every similar +institution. The recently exalted Sophomore, the dignified Junior, +and the venerable Senior, look back with equal humor at the +'greenness' of their first year. The former of these classes, +however, is chiefly notorious in the annals of Freshman capers. To +them is allotted the duty of fumigating the room of the new-comer, +and preparing him, by a due induction into the mysteries of Yale, +for the duties of his new situation. Of these performances, the +most systematic is commonly styled _Tutoring_, from the character +assumed by the officiating Sophomore. Seated solemnly in his chair +of state, arrayed in a pompous gown, with specs and powdered hair, +he awaits the approach of the awe-struck subject, who has been +duly warned to attend his pleasure, and fitly instructed to make a +low reverence and stand speechless until addressed by his +illustrious superior. A becoming impression has also been conveyed +of the dignity, talents, and profound learning and influence into +the congregated presence of which he is summoned. Everything, in +short, which can increase his sufficiently reverent emotions, or +produce a readier or more humble obedience, is carefully set +forth, till he is prepared to approach the door with no little +degree of that terror with which the superstitious inquirer enters +the mystic circle of the magician. A shaded light gleams dimly out +into the room, and pours its fuller radiance upon a ponderous +volume of Hebrew; a huge pile of folios rests on the table, and +the eye of the fearful Freshman half ventures to discover that +they are tomes of the dead languages. + +"But first he has, in obedience to his careful monitor, bowed +lowly before the dignified presence; and, hardly raising his eyes, +he stands abashed at his awful situation, waiting the supreme +pleasure of the supposed officer. A benignant smile lights up the +tutor's grave countenance; he enters strangely enough into +familiar talk with the recently admitted collegiate; in pathetic +terms he describes the temptations of this _great_ city, the +thousand dangers to which he will be exposed, the vortex of ruin +into which, if he walks unwarily, he will be surely plunged. He +fires the youthful ambition with glowing descriptions of the +honors that await the successful, and opens to his eager view the +dazzling prospect of college fame. Nor does he fail to please the +youthful aspirant with assurances of the kindly notice of the +Faculty; he informs him of the satisfactory examination he has +passed, and the gratification of the President at his uncommon +proficiency; and having thus filled the buoyant imagination of his +dupe with the most glowing college air-castles, dismisses him from +his august presence, after having given him especial permission to +call on any important occasion hereafter."--pp. 159-162. + + +TUTOR, PRIVATE. At the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, an +instructor, whose position and studies are set forth in the +following extracts. + +"Besides the public tutors appointed in each college," says De +Quincey, writing of Oxford, "there are also tutors strictly +private, who attend any students in search of special and +extraordinary aid, on terms settled privately by themselves. Of +these persons, or their existence, the college takes no +cognizance." "These are the working agents in the Oxford system." +"The _Tutors_ of Oxford correspond to the _Professors_ of other +universities."--_Life and Manners_, Boston, 1851, pp. 252, 253. + +Referring to Cambridge, Bristed remarks: "The private tutor at an +English university corresponds, as has been already observed, in +many respects, to the _professor_ at a German. The German +professor is not _necessarily_ attached to any specific chair; he +receives no _fixed_ stipend, and has not public lecture-rooms; he +teaches at his own house, and the number of his pupils depends on +his reputation. The Cambridge private tutor is also a graduate, +who takes pupils at his rooms in numbers proportionate to his +reputation and ability. And although while the German professor is +regularly licensed as such by his university, and the existence of +the private tutor _as such_ is not even officially recognized by +his, still this difference is more apparent than real; for the +English university has _virtually_ licensed the tutor to instruct +in a particular branch by the standing she has given him in her +examinations." "Students come up to the University with all +degrees of preparation.... To make up for former deficiences, and +to direct study so that it may not be wasted, are two _desiderata_ +which probably led to the introduction of private tutors, once a +partial, now a general appliance."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, pp. 146-148. + + +TUTORSHIP. The office of a tutor.--_Hooker_. + +In the following passage, this word is used as a titulary +compellation, like the word _lordship_. + + One morning, as the story goes, + Before his _tutorship_ arose.--_Rebelliad_, p. 73. + + +TUTORS' PASTURE. In 1645, John Bulkley, the "first Master of Arts +in Harvard College," by a deed, gave to Mr. Dunster, the President +of that institution, two acres of land in Cambridge, during his +life. The deed then proceeds: "If at any time he shall leave the +Presidency, or shall decease, I then desire the College to +appropriate the same to itself for ever, as a small gift from an +alumnus, bearing towards it the greatest good-will." "After +President Dunster's resignation," says Quincy, "the Corporation +gave the income of Bulkley's donation to the tutors, who received +it for many years, and hence the enclosure obtained the name of +'_Tutors' Pasture_,' or '_Fellows' Orchard_.'" In the Donation +Book of the College, the deed is introduced as "Extractum Doni +Pomarii Sociorum per Johannem Bulkleium."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. +Univ._, Vol. I. pp. 269, 270. + +For further remarks on this subject, see Peirce's "History of +Harvard University," pp. 15, 81, 113, also Chap. XIII., and +"Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D.," pp. 390, 391. + + +TWITCH A TWELVE. At Middlebury College, to make a perfect +recitation; twelve being the maximum mark for scholarship. + + + +_U_. + + +UGLY KNIFE. See JACK-KNIFE. + + +UNDERGRADUATE. A student, or member of a university or college, +who has not taken his first degree.--_Webster_. + + +UNDERGRADUATE. Noting or pertaining to a student of a college who +has not taken his first degree. + +The _undergraduate_ students shall be divided into four distinct +classes.--_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 11. + +With these the _undergraduate_ course is not intended to +interfere.--_Yale Coll. Cat._, 1850-51, p. 33. + + +UNDERGRADUATESHIP. The state of being an undergraduate.--_Life of +Paley_. + + +UNIVERSITY. An assemblage of colleges established in any place, +with professors for instructing students in the sciences and other +branches of learning, and where degrees are conferred. A +_university_ is properly a universal school, in which are taught +all branches of learning, or the four faculties of theology, +medicine, law, and the sciences and arts.--_Cyclopaedia_. + +2. At some American colleges, a name given to a university +student. The regulation in reference to this class at Union +College is as follows:--"Students, not regular members of college, +are allowed, as university students, to prosecute any branches for +which they are qualified, provided they attend three recitations +daily, and conform in all other respects to the laws of College. +On leaving College, they receive certificates of character and +scholarship."--_Union Coll. Cat._, 1850. + +The eyes of several Freshmen and _Universities_ shone with a +watery lustre.--_The Parthenon_, Vol. I. p. 20. + + +UP. To be _up_ in a subject, is to be informed in regard to it. +_Posted_ expresses a similar idea. The use of this word, although +common among collegians, is by no means confined to them. + +In our past history, short as it is, we would hardly expect them +to be well _up_.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 28. + + +He is well _up_ in metaphysics.--_Ibid._, p. 53. + + +UPPER HOUSE. See SENATE. + + + +_V_. + + +VACATION. The intermission of the regular studies and exercises of +a college or other seminary, when the students have a +recess.--_Webster_. + +In the University of Cambridge, Eng., there are three vacations +during each year. Christmas vacation begins on the 16th of +December, and ends on the 13th of January. Easter vacation begins +on the Friday before Palm Sunday, and ends on the eleventh day +after Easter-day. The Long vacation begins on the Friday +succeeding the first Tuesday in July, and ends on the 10th of +October. At the University of Oxford there are four vacations in +each year. At Dublin University there are also four vacations, +which correspond nearly with the vacations of Oxford. + +See TERM. + + +VALEDICTION. A farewell; a bidding farewell. Used sometimes with +the meaning of _valedictory_ or _valedictory oration_. + +Two publick Orations, by the Candidates: the one to give a +specimen of their Knowledge, &c., and the other to give a grateful +and pathetick _Valediction_ to all the Officers and Members of the +Society.--_Clap's Hist. Yale Coll._, p. 87. + + +VALEDICTORIAN. The student of a college who pronounces the +valedictory oration at the annual Commencement.--_Webster_. + + +VALEDICTORY. In American colleges, a farewell oration or address +spoken at Commencement, by a member of the class which receive the +degree of Bachelor of Arts, and take their leave of college and of +each other. + + +VARMINT. At Cambridge, England, and also among the whip gentry, +this word signifies natty, spruce, dashing; e.g. he is quite +_varmint_; he sports a _varmint_ hat, coat, &c. + +A _varmint_ man spurns a scholarship, would consider it a +degradation to be a fellow.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 122. + +The handsome man, my friend and pupil, was naturally enough a bit +of a swell, or _varmint_ man.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. II. p. 118. + + +VERGER. At the University of Oxford, an officer who walks first in +processions, and carries a silver rod. + + +VICE-CHANCELLOR. An officer in a university, in England, a +distinguished member, who is annually elected to manage the +affairs in the absence of the Chancellor. He must be the head of a +college, and during his continuance in office he acts as a +magistrate for the university, town, and county.--_Cam. Cal._ + +At Oxford, the Vice-Chancellor holds a court, in which suits may +be brought against any member of the University. He never walks +out, without being preceded by a Yeoman-Bedel with his silver +staff. At Cambridge, the Mayor and Bailiffs of the town are +obliged, at their election, to take certain oaths before the +Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor has the sole right of +licensing wine and ale-houses in Cambridge, and of _discommuning_ +any tradesman or inhabitant who has violated the University +privileges or regulations. In both universities, the +Vice-Chancellor is nominated by the Heads of Houses, from among +themselves. + + +VICE-MASTER. An officer of a college in the English universities +who performs the duties of the Master in his absence. + + +VISITATION. The act of a superior or superintending officer, who +visits a corporation, college, church, or other house, to examine +into the manner in which it is conducted, and see that its laws +and regulations are duly observed and executed.--_Cyc._ + +In July, 1766, a law was formally enacted, "that twice in the +year, viz. at the semiannual _visitation_ of the committee of the +Overseers, some of the scholars, at the direction of the President +and Tutors, shall publicly exhibit specimens of their +proficiency," &c.--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 132. + + +VIVA VOCE. Latin; literally, _with the living voice_. In the +English universities, that part of an examination which is carried +on orally. + +The examination involves a little _viva voce_, and it was said, +that, if a man did his _viva voce_ well, none of his papers were +looked at but the Paley.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, +Ed. 2d, p. 92. + +In Combination Room, where once I sat at _viva voce_, wretched, +ignorant, the wine goes round, and wit, and pleasant +talk.--_Household Words_, Am. ed., Vol. XI. p. 521. + + + +_W_. + + +WALLING. At the University of Oxford, the punishment of _walling_, +as it is popularly denominated, consists in confining a student to +the walls of his college for a certain period. + + +WARDEN. The master or president of a college.--_England_. + + +WARNING. In many colleges, when it is ascertained that a student +is not living in accordance with the laws of the institution, he +is usually informed of the fact by a _warning_, as it is called, +from one of the faculty, which consists merely of friendly caution +and advice, thus giving him an opportunity, by correcting his +faults, to escape punishment. + + Sadly I feel I should have been saved by numerous _warnings_. + _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 98. + + No more shall "_warnings_" in their hearing ring, + Nor "admonitions" haunt their aching head. + _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 210. + + +WEDGE. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the man whose name is +the last on the list of honors in the voluntary classical +examination, which follows the last examination required by +statute, is called the _wedge_. "The last man is called the +_wedge_" says Bristed, "corresponding to the Spoon in Mathematics. +This name originated in that of the man who was last on the first +Tripos list (in 1824), _Wedgewood_. Some one suggested that the +_wooden wedge_ was a good counterpart to the _wooden spoon_, and +the appellation stuck."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. +253. + + +WET. To christen a new garment by treating one's friends when one +first appears in it; e.g.:--A. "Have you _wet_ that new coat yet?" +B. "No." A. "Well, then, I should recommend to you the propriety +of so doing." B. "What will you drink?" This word, although much +used among students, is by no means confined to them. + + +WHINNICK. At Hamilton College, to refuse to fulfil a promise or +engagement; to retreat from a difficulty; to back out. + + +WHITE-HOOD HOUSE. See SENATE. + + +WIGS. The custom of wearing wigs was, perhaps, observed nowhere in +America during the last century with so much particularity as at +the older colleges. Of this the following incident is +illustrative. Mr. Joseph Palmer, who graduated at Harvard in the +year 1747, entered college at the age of fourteen; but, although +so young, was required immediately after admission to cut off his +long, flowing hair, and to cover his head with an unsightly +bag-wig. At the beginning of the present century, wigs were not +wholly discarded, although the fashion of wearing the hair in a +queue was more in vogue. From a record of curious facts, it +appears that the last wig which appeared at Commencement in +Harvard College was worn by Mr. John Marsh, in the year 1819. + +See DRESS. + + +WILL. At Harvard College, it was at one time the mode for the +student to whom had been given the JACK-KNIFE in consequence of +his ugliness, to transmit the inheritance, when he left, to some +one of equal pretensions in the class next below him. At one +period, this transmission was effected by a _will_, in which not +only the knife, but other articles, were bequeathed. As the 21st +of June was, till of late years, the day on which the members of +the Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to +make preparations for the ensuing Commencement, Wills were usually +dated at that time. The first will of this nature of which mention +is made is that of Mr. William Biglow, a member of the class of +1794, and the recipient for that year of the knife. It appeared in +the department entitled "Omnium Gatherum" of the Federal Orrery, +published at Boston, April 27, 1795, in these words:-- + + "A WILL: + +BEING THE LAST WORDS OF CHARLES CHATTERBOX, ESQ., LATE WORTHY AND +MUCH LAMENTED MEMBER OF THE LAUGHING CLUB OF HARVARD UNIVERSITT, +WHO DEPARTED COLLEGE LIFE, JUNE 21, 1794, IN THE TWENTY-FIRST YEAR +OF HIS AGE. + + "I, CHARLEY CHATTER, sound of mind, + To making fun am much inclined; + So, having cause to apprehend + My college life is near its end, + All future quarrels to prevent, + I seal this will and testament. + + "My soul and body, while together, + I send the storms of life to weather; + To steer as safely as they can, + To honor GOD, and profit man. + + "_Imprimis_, then, my bed and bedding, + My only chattels worth the sledding, + Consisting of a maple stead, + A counterpane, and coverlet, + Two cases with the pillows in, + A blanket, cord, a winch and pin, + Two sheets, a feather bed and hay-tick, + I order sledded up to _Natick_, + And that with care the sledder save them + For those kind parents, first who gave them. + + "_Item_. The Laughing Club, so blest, + Who think this life what 't is,--a jest,-- + Collect its flowers from every spray, + And laugh its goading thorns away; + From whom to-morrow I dissever, + Take one sweet grin, and leave for ever; + My chest, and all that in it is, + I give and I bequeath them, viz.: + Westminster grammar, old and poor, + Another one, compiled by Moor; + A bunch of pamphlets pro and con + The doctrine of salva-ti-on; + The college laws, I'm freed from minding, + A Hebrew psalter, stripped from binding. + A Hebrew Bible, too, lies nigh it, + Unsold--because no one would buy it. + + "My manuscripts, in prose and verse, + They take for better and for worse; + Their minds enlighten with the best, + And pipes and candles with the rest; + Provided that from them they cull + My college exercises dull, + On threadbare theme, with mind unwilling, + Strained out through fear of fine one shilling, + To teachers paid t' avert an evil, + Like Indian worship to the Devil. + The above-named manuscripts, I say. + To club aforesaid I convey, + Provided that said themes, so given, + Full proofs that _genius won't be driven_, + To our physicians be presented, + As the best opiates yet invented. + + "_Item_. The government of college, + Those liberal _helluos_ of knowledge, + Who, e'en in these degenerate days, + Deserve the world's unceasing praise; + Who, friends of science and of men, + Stand forth Gomorrah's righteous ten; + On them I naught but thanks bestow, + For, like my cash, my credit's low; + So I can give nor clothes nor wines, + But bid them welcome to my fines. + + "_Item_. My study desk of pine, + That work-bench, sacred to the nine, + Which oft hath groaned beneath my metre, + I give to pay my debts to PETER. + + "_Item_. Two penknives with white handles, + A bunch of quills, and pound of candles, + A lexicon compiled by COLE, + A pewter spoon, and earthen bowl, + A hammer, and two homespun towels, + For which I yearn with tender bowels, + Since I no longer can control them, + I leave to those sly lads who stole them. + + "_Item_. A gown much greased in Commons, + A hat between a man's and woman's, + A tattered coat of college blue, + A fustian waistcoat torn in two, + With all my rust, through college carried, + I give to classmate O----,[67] who's _married_. + + "_Item_. C------ P------s[68] has my knife, + During his natural college life,-- + That knife, which ugliness inherits, + And due to his superior merits; + And when from Harvard he shall steer, + I order him to leave it here, + That 't may from class to class descend, + Till time and ugliness shall end. + + "The said C------ P------s, humor's son, + Who long shall stay when I am gone, + The Muses' most successful suitor, + I constitute my executor; + And for his trouble to requite him, + Member of Laughing Club I write him. + + "Myself on life's broad sea I throw, + Sail with its joy, or stem its woe, + No other friend to take my part, + Than careless head and honest heart. + My purse is drained, my debts are paid, + My glass is run, my will is made, + To beauteous Cam. I bid adieu, + And with the world begin anew." + +Following the example of his friend Biglow, Mr. Prentiss, on +leaving college, prepared a will, which afterwards appeared in one +of the earliest numbers of the Rural Repository, a literary paper, +the publication of which he commenced at Leominster, Mass., in the +autumn of 1795. Thomas Paine, afterwards Robert Treat Paine, Jr., +immediately transferred it to the columns of the Federal Orrery, +which paper he edited, with these introductory remarks: "Having, +in the second number of 'Omnium Gatherum' presented to our readers +the last will and testament of Charles Chatterbox, Esq., of witty +memory, wherein the said Charles, now deceased, did lawfully +bequeath to Ch----s Pr----s the celebrated 'Ugly Knife,' to be by +him transmitted, at his collegiate demise, to the next succeeding +candidate;... and whereas the said Ch-----s Pr-----s, on the 21st +of June last, departed his aforesaid '_college life_,' thereby +leaving to the inheritance of his successor the valuable legacy, +which his illustrious friend had bequeathed, as an _entailed +estate_, to the poets of the university,--we have thought proper +to insert a full, true, and attested copy of the will of the last +deceased heir, in order that the world may be furnished with a +correct genealogy of this renowned _jack-knife_, whose pedigree +will become as illustrious in after time as the family of the +'ROLLES,' and which will be celebrated by future wits as the most +formidable _weapon_ of modern genius." + +"A WILL; + +BEING THE LAST WORDS OP CH----S PR----S, LATE WORTHY AND MUCH +LAMENTED MEMBER OF THE LAUGHING CLUB OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY, WHO +DEPARTED COLLEGE LIFE ON THE 21ST OF JUNE, 1795. + + "I, Pr-----s Ch----s, of judgment sound, + In soul, in limb and wind, now found; + I, since my head is full of wit, + And must be emptied, or must split, + In name of _president_ APOLLO, + And other gentle folks, that follow: + Such as URANIA and CLIO, + To whom my fame poetic I owe; + With the whole drove of rhyming sisters, + For whom my heart with rapture blisters; + Who swim in HELICON uncertain + Whether a petticoat or shirt on, + From vulgar ken their charms do cover, + From every eye but _Muses' lover_; + In name of every ugly GOD; + Whose beauty scarce outshines a toad; + In name of PROSERPINE and PLUTO, + Who board in hell's sublimest grotto; + In name of CERBERUS and FURIES, + Those damned _aristocrats_ and tories; + In presence of two witnesses, + Who are as homely as you please, + Who are in truth, I'd not belie 'em, + Ten times as ugly, faith, as I am; + But being, as most people tell us, + A pair of jolly clever fellows, + And classmates likewise, at this time, + They sha'n't be honored in my rhyme. + I--I say I, now make this will; + Let those whom I assign fulfil. + I give, grant, render, and convey + My goods and chattels thus away: + That _honor of a college life_, + _That celebrated_ UGLY KNIFE, + Which predecessor SAWNEY[69] orders, + Descending to time's utmost borders, + To _noblest bard of homeliest phiz_, + To have and hold and use as his; + I now present C----s P----y S----r,[70] + To keep with his poetic lumber, + To scrape his quid, and make a split, + To point his pen for sharpening wit; + And order that he ne'er abuse + Said Ugly Knife, in dirtier use, + And let said CHARLES, that best of writers, + In prose satiric skilled to bite us, + And equally in verse delight us, + Take special care to keep it clean + From unpoetic hands,--I ween. + And when those walls, the Muses' seat, + Said S----r is obliged to quit, + Let some one of APOLLO'S firing, + To such heroic joys aspiring, + Who long has borne a poet's name, + With said knife cut his way to fame. + + "I give to those that fish for parts, + Long sleepless nights, and aching hearts, + A little soul, a fawning spirit, + With half a grain of plodding merit, + Which is, as Heaven I hope will say, + Giving what's not my own away. + + "Those _oven baked_ or _goose egg folded_, + Who, though so often I have told it, + With all my documents to show it, + Will scarce believe that I'm a poet, + I give of criticism the lens + With half an ounce of common sense. + + "And 't would a breach be of humanity, + Not to bequeath D---n[71] my vanity; + For 'tis a rule direct from Heaven, + _To him that hath, more shall be given_. + + "_Item_. Tom M----n,[72] COLLEGE LION, + Who'd ne'er spend cash enough to buy one, + The BOANERGES of a pun, + A man of science and of fun, + That quite uncommon witty elf, + Who darts his bolts and shoots himself, + Who oft hath bled beneath my jokes, + I give my old _tobacco-box_. + + "My _Centinels_[73] for some years past, + So neatly bound with thread and paste, + Exposing Jacobinic tricks, + I give my chum _for politics_. + + "My neckcloth, dirty, old, yet _strong_, + That round my neck has lasted long, + I give BIG BOY, for deed of pith, + Namely, to hang himself therewith. + + "To those who've parts at exhibition + Obtained by long, unwearied fishing, + I say, to such unlucky wretches, + I give, for wear, a brace of breeches; + Then used; as they're but little tore, + I hope they'll show their tails no more. + + "And ere it quite has gone to rot, + I, B---- give my blue great-coat, + With all its rags, and dirt, and tallow, + Because he's such a dirty fellow. + + "Now for my books; first, _Bunyan's Pilgrim_, + (As he with thankful pleasure will grin,) + Though dog-leaved, torn, in bad type set in, + 'T will do quite well for classmate B----, + And thus, with complaisance to treat her, + 'T will answer for another Detur. + + "To him that occupies my study, + I give, for use of making toddy, + A bottle full of _white-face_ STINGO, + Another, handy, called a _mingo_. + My wit, as I've enough to spare, + And many much in want there are, + I ne'er intend to keep at _home_, + But give to those that handiest come, + Having due caution, _where_ and _when_, + Never to spatter _gentlemen_. + The world's loud call I can't refuse, + The fine productions of my muse; + If _impudence_ to _fame_ shall waft her, + I'll give the public all, hereafter. + My love-songs, sorrowful, complaining, + (The recollection puts me pain in,) + The last sad groans of deep despair, + That once could all my entrails tear; + My farewell sermon to the ladies; + My satire on a woman's head-dress; + My epigram so full of glee, + Pointed as epigrams should be; + My sonnets soft, and sweet as lasses, + My GEOGRAPHY of MOUNT PARNASSUS; + With all the bards that round it gather, + And variations of the weather; + Containing more true humorous satire, + Than's oft the lot of human nature; + ('O dear, what can the matter be!' + I've given away my _vanity_; + The vessel can't so much contain, + It runs o'er and comes back again.) + My blank verse, poems so majestic, + My rhymes heroic, tales agrestic; + The whole, I say, I'll overhaul 'em, + Collect and publish in a volume. + + "My heart, which thousand ladies crave, + That I intend my wife shall have. + I'd give my foibles to the wind, + And leave my vices all behind; + But much I fear they'll to me stick, + Where'er I go, through thin and thick. + On WISDOM'S _horse_, oh, might I ride, + Whose steps let PRUDENCE' bridle guide. + Thy loudest voice, O REASON, lend, + And thou, PHILOSOPHY, befriend. + May candor all my actions guide, + And o'er my every thought preside, + And in thy ear, O FORTUNE, one word, + Let thy swelled canvas bear me onward, + Thy favors let me ever see, + And I'll be much obliged to thee; + And come with blooming visage meek, + Come, HEALTH, and ever flush my cheek; + O bid me in the morning rise, + When tinges Sol the eastern skies; + At breakfast, supper-time, or dinner, + Let me against thee be no sinner. + + "And when the glass of life is run, + And I behold my setting sun, + May conscience sound be my protection, + And no ungrateful recollection, + No gnawing cares nor tumbling woes, + Disturb the quiet of life's close. + And when Death's gentle feet shall come + To bear me to my endless home, + Oh! may my soul, should Heaven but save it, + Safely return to GOD who gave it." + _Federal Orrery_, Oct. 29, 1795. _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, + Vol. II. pp. 228-231, 268-273. + +It is probable that the idea of a "College Will" was suggested to +Biglow by "Father Abbey's Will," portions of which, till the +present generation, were "familiar to nearly all the good +housewives of New England." From the history of this poetical +production, which has been lately printed for private circulation +by the Rev. John Langdon Sibley of Harvard College, the annexed +transcript of the instrument itself, together with the love-letter +which was suggested by it, has been taken. The instances in which +the accepted text differs from a Broadside copy, in the possession +of the editor of this work, are noted at the foot of the page. + + "FATHER ABBEY'S WILL: + + TO WHICH IS NOW ADDED, A LETTER OF COURTSHIP TO HIS VIRTUOUS AND + AMIABLE WIDOW. + "_Cambridge, December_, 1730. + +"Some time since died here Mr. Matthew Abbey, in a very advanced +age: He had for a great number of years served the College in +quality of Bedmaker and Sweeper: Having no child, his wife +inherits his whole estate, which he bequeathed to her by his last +will and testament, as follows, viz.:-- + + "To my dear wife + My joy and life, + I freely now do give her, + My whole estate, + With all my plate, + Being just about to leave her. + + "My tub of soap, + A long cart-rope, + A frying pan and kettle, + An ashes[74] pail, + A threshing-flail, + An iron wedge and beetle. + + "Two painted chairs, + Nine warden pears, + A large old dripping platter, + This bed of hay + On which I lay, + An old saucepan for butter. + + "A little mug, + A two-quart jug, + A bottle full of brandy, + A looking-glass + To see your face, + You'll find it very handy. + + "A musket true, + As ever flew, + A pound of shot and wallet, + A leather sash, + My calabash, + My powder-horn and bullet. + + "An old sword-blade, + A garden spade, + A hoe, a rake, a ladder, + A wooden can, + A close-stool pan, + A clyster-pipe and bladder. + + "A greasy hat, + My old ram cat, + A yard and half of linen, + A woollen fleece, + A pot of grease,[75] + In order for your spinning. + + "A small tooth comb, + An ashen broom, + A candlestick and hatchet, + A coverlid + Striped down with red, + A bag of rags to patch it. + + "A rugged mat, + A tub of fat, + A book put out by Bunyan, + Another book + By Robin Cook,[76] + A skein or two of spun-yarn. + + "An old black muff, + Some garden stuff, + A quantity of borage,[77] + Some devil's weed, + And burdock seed, + To season well your porridge. + + "A chafing-dish, + With one salt-fish. + If I am not mistaken, + A leg of pork, + A broken fork, + And half a flitch of bacon. + + "A spinning-wheel, + One peck of meal, + A knife without a handle, + A rusty lamp, + Two quarts of samp, + And half a tallow candle. + + "My pouch and pipes, + Two oxen tripes, + An oaken dish well carved, + My little dog, + And spotted hog, + With two young pigs just starved. + + "This is my store, + I have no more, + I heartily do give it: + My years are spun, + My days are done, + And so I think to leave it. + + "Thus Father Abbey left his spouse, + As rich as church or college mouse, + Which is sufficient invitation + To serve the college in his station." + _Newhaven, January_ 2, 1731. + +"Our sweeper having lately buried his spouse, and accidentally +hearing of the death and will of his deceased Cambridge brother, +has conceived a violent passion for the relict. As love softens +the mind and disposes to poetry, he has eased himself in the +following strains, which he transmits to the charming widow, as +the first essay of his love and courtship. + + "MISTRESS Abbey + To you I fly, + You only can relieve me; + To you I turn, + For you I burn, + If you will but believe me. + + "Then, gentle dame, + Admit my flame, + And grant me my petition; + If you deny, + Alas! I die + In pitiful condition. + + "Before the news + Of your dear spouse + Had reached us at New Haven, + My dear wife dy'd, + Who was my bride + In anno eighty-seven. + + "Thus[78] being free, + Let's both agree + To join our hands, for I do + Boldly aver + A widower + Is fittest for a widow. + + "You may be sure + 'T is not your dower + I make this flowing verse on; + In these smooth lays + I only praise + The glories[79] of your person. + + "For the whole that + Was left by[80] _Mat._ + Fortune to me has granted + In equal store, + I've[81] one thing more + Which Matthew long had wanted. + + "No teeth, 't is true, + You have to shew, + The young think teeth inviting; + But silly youths! + I love those mouths[82] + Where there's no fear of biting. + + "A leaky eye, + That's never dry, + These woful times is fitting. + A wrinkled face + Adds solemn grace + To folks devout at meeting. + + "[A furrowed brow, + Where corn might grow, + Such fertile soil is seen in 't, + A long hook nose, + Though scorned by foes, + For spectacles convenient.][83] + + "Thus to go on + I would[84] put down + Your charms from head to foot, + Set all your glory + In verse before ye, + But I've no mind to do 't.[85] + + "Then haste away, + And make no stay; + For soon as you come hither, + We'll eat and sleep, + Make beds and sweep. + And talk and smoke together. + + "But if, my dear, + I must move there, + Tow'rds Cambridge straight I'll set me.[86] + To touse the hay + On which you lay, + If age and you will let me."[87] + +The authorship of Father Abbey's Will and the Letter of Courtship +is ascribed to the Rev. John Seccombe, who graduated at Harvard +College in the year 1728. The former production was sent to +England through the hands of Governor Belcher, and in May, 1732, +appeared both in the Gentleman's Magazine and the London Magazine. +The latter was also despatched to England, and was printed in the +Gentleman's Magazine for June, and in the London Magazine for +August, 1732. Both were republished in the Massachusetts Magazine, +November, 1794. A most entertaining account of the author of these +poems, and of those to whom they relate, may be found in the +"Historical and Biographical Notes" of the pamphlet to which +allusion has been already made, and in the "Cambridge [Mass.] +Chronicle" of April 28, 1855. + + +WINE. To drink wine. + +After "wining" to a certain extent, we sallied forth from his +rooms.--_Alma Mater_, Vol. I. p. 14. + +Hither they repair each day after dinner "_to wine_." + +_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 95. + +After dinner I had the honor of _wining_ with no less a personage +than a fellow of the college.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 114. + + +In _wining_ with a fair one opposite, a luckless piece of jelly +adhered to the tip of his still more luckless nose.--_The Blank +Book of a Small-Colleger_, New York, 1824, p. 75. + + +WINE PARTY. Among students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., +an entertainment after dinner, which is thus described by Bristed: +"Many assemble at _wine parties_ to chat over a frugal dessert of +oranges, biscuits, and cake, and sip a few glasses of not +remarkably good wine. These wine parties are the most common +entertainments, being rather the cheapest and very much the most +convenient, for the preparations required for them are so slight +as not to disturb the studies of the hardest reading man, and they +take place at a time when no one pretends to do any work."--_Five +Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 21. + + +WIRE. At Harvard College, a trick; an artifice; a stratagem; a +_dodge_. + + +WIRY. Trickish; artful. + + +WITENAGEMOTE. Saxon, _witan_, to know, and _gemot_, a meeting, a +council. + +In the University of Oxford, the weekly meeting of the heads of +the colleges.--_Oxford Guide_. + + +WOODEN SPOON. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the scholar +whose name stands last of all on the printed list of honors, at +the Bachelors' Commencement in January, is scoffingly said to gain +the _wooden spoon_. He is also very currently himself called the +_wooden spoon_. + +A young academic coming into the country immediately after this +great competition, in which he had conspicuously distinguished +himself, was asked by a plain country gentleman, "Pray, Sir, is my +Jack a Wrangler?" "No, Sir." Now Jack had confidently pledged +himself to his uncle that he would take his degree with honor. "A +Senior Optime?" "No, Sir." "Why, what was he then?" "Wooden +Spoon!" "Best suited to his wooden head," said the mortified +inquirer.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, Vol. II. p. 258. + +It may not perhaps be improper to mention one very remarkable +personage, I mean "the _Wooden Spoon_." This luckless wight (for +what cause I know not) is annually the universal butt and +laughing-stock of the whole Senate-House. He is the last of those +young men who take honors, in his year, and is called a Junior +Optime; yet, notwithstanding his being in fact superior to them +all, the very lowest of the [Greek: oi polloi], or gregarious +undistinguished bachelors, think themselves entitled to shoot the +pointless arrows of their clumsy wit against the _wooden spoon_; +and to reiterate the stale and perennial remark, that "Wranglers +are born with gold spoons in their mouths, Senior Optimes with +silver, Junior Optimes with _wooden_, and the [Greek: oi polloi] +with leaden ones."--_Gent. Mag._, 1795, p. 19. + + Who while he lives must wield the boasted prize, + Whose value all can feel, the weak, the wise; + Displays in triumph his distinguished boon, + The solid honors of the _wooden spoon_. + _Grad. ad Cantab._, p. 119. + +2. At Yale College, this title is conferred on the student who +takes the last appointment at the Junior Exhibition. The following +account of the ceremonies incident to the presentation of the +Wooden Spoon has been kindly furnished by a graduate of that +institution. + +"At Yale College the honors, or, as they are there termed, +appointments, are given to a class twice during the course;--upon +the merits of the two preceding years, at the end of the first +term, Junior; and at the end of the second term, Senior, upon the +merits of the whole college course. There are about eight grades +of appointments, the lowest of which is the Third Colloquy. Each +grade has its own standard, and if a number of students have +attained to the same degree, they receive the same appointment. It +is rarely the case, however, that more than one student can claim +the distinction of a third colloquy; but when there are several, +they draw lots to see which is entitled to be considered properly +_the_ third colloquy man. + +"After the Junior appointments are awarded, the members of the +Junior Class hold an exhibition similar to the regular Junior +exhibition, and present a _wooden spoon_ to the man who received +the lowest honor in the gift of the Faculty. + +"The exhibition takes place in the evening, at some public hall in +town. Except to those engaged in the arrangements, nothing is +known about it among the students at large, until the evening of +the performances, when notices of the hour and place are quietly +circulated at prayers, in order that it may not reach the ears of +the Faculty, who are ever too ready to participate in the sports +of the students, and to make the result tell unfavorably against +the college welfare of the more prominent characters. + +"As the appointed hour approaches, long files of black coats may +be seen emerging from the dark halls, and winding their way +through the classic elms towards the Temple, the favorite scene of +students' exhibitions and secret festivals. When they reach the +door, each man must undergo the searching scrutiny of the +door-keeper, usually disguised as an Indian, to avoid being +recognized by a college officer, should one chance to be in the +crowd, and no one is allowed to enter unless he is known. + +"By the time the hour of the exercises has arrived, the hall is +densely packed with undergraduates and professional students. The +President, who is a non-appointment man, and probably the poorest +scholar in the class, sits on a stage with his associate +professors. Appropriate programmes, printed in the college style, +are scattered throughout the house. As the hour strikes, the +President arises with becoming dignity, and, instead of the usual +phrase, 'Musicam audeamus,' restores order among the audience by +'Silentiam audeamus,' and then addresses the band, 'Musica +cantetur.' + +"Then follow a series of burlesque orations, dissertations, and +disputes, upon scientific and other subjects, from the wittiest +and cleverest men in the class, and the house is kept in a +continual roar of laughter. The highest appointment men frequently +take part in the speeches. From time to time the band play, and +the College choir sing pieces composed for the occasion. In one of +the best, called AUDACIA, composed in imitation of the Crambambuli +song, by a member of the class to which the writer belonged, the +Wooden Spoon is referred to in the following stanza:-- + + 'But do not think our life is aimless; + O no! we crave one blessed boon, + It is the prize of value nameless, + The honored, classic WOODEN SPOON; + But give us this, we'll shout Hurrah! + O nothing like Audacia!' + +"After the speeches are concluded and the music has ceased, the +President rises and calls the name of the hero of the evening, who +ascends the stage and stands before the high dignitary. The +President then congratulates him upon having attained to so +eminent a position, and speaks of the pride that he and his +associates feel in conferring upon him the highest honor in their +gift,--the Wooden Spoon. He exhorts him to pursue through life the +noble cruise he has commenced in College,--not seeking glory as +one of the illiterate,--the [Greek: oi polloi],--nor exactly on +the fence, but so near to it that he may safely be said to have +gained the 'happy medium.' + +"The President then proceeds to the grand ceremony of the evening, +--the delivery of the Wooden Spoon,--a handsomely finished spoon, +or ladle, with a long handle, on which is carved the name of the +Class, and the rank and honor of the recipient, and the date of +its presentation. The President confers the honor in Latin, +provided he and his associates are able to muster a sufficient +number of sentences. + +"When the President resumes his seat, the Third Colloquy man +thanks his eminent instructors for the honor conferred upon him, +and thanks (often with sincerity) the class for the distinction he +enjoys. The exercises close with music by the band, or a burlesque +colloquy. On one occasion, the colloquy was announced upon the +programme as 'A Practical Illustration of Humbugging,' with a long +list of witty men as speakers, to appear in original costumes. +Curiosity was very much excited, and expectation on the tiptoe, +when the colloquy became due. The audience waited and waited until +sufficiently _humbugged_, when they were allowed to retire with +the laugh turned against them. + +"Many men prefer the Wooden Spoon to any other college honor or +prize, because it comes directly from their classmates, and hence, +perhaps, the Faculty disapprove of it, considering it as a damper +to ambition and college distinctions." + +This account of the Wooden Spoon Exhibition was written in the +year 1851. Since then its privacy has been abolished, and its +exercises are no longer forbidden by the Faculty. Tutors are now +not unfrequently among the spectators at the presentation, and +even ladies lend their presence, attention, and applause, to +beautify, temper, and enliven the occasion. + +The "_Wooden Spoon_," tradition says, was in ancient times +presented to the greatest glutton in the class, by his +appreciating classmates. It is now given to the one whose name +comes last on the list of appointees for the Junior Exhibition, +though this rule is not strictly followed. The presentation takes +place during the Summer Term, and in vivacity with respect to the +literary exercises, and brilliance in point of audience, forms a +rather formidable rival to the regularly authorized Junior +Exhibition.--_Songs of Tale_, Preface, 1853, p. 4. + +Of the songs which are sung in connection with the wooden spoon +presentation, the following is given as a specimen. + + "Air,--_Yankee Doodle_. + + "Come, Juniors, join this jolly tune + Our fathers sang before us; + And praise aloud the wooden spoon + In one long, swelling chorus. + Yes! let us, Juniors, shout and sing + The spoon and all its glory,-- + Until the welkin loudly ring + And echo back the story. + + "Who would not place this precious boon + Above the Greek Oration? + Who would not choose the wooden spoon + Before a dissertation? + Then, let, &c. + + "Some pore o'er classic works jejune, + Through all their life at College,-- + I would not pour, but use the spoon + To fill my mind with knowledge. + So let, &c. + + "And if I ever have a son + Upon my knee to dandle, + I'll feed him with a wooden spoon + Of elongated handle. + Then let, &c. + + "Most college honors vanish soon, + Alas! returning never, + But such a noble wooden spoon + Is tangible for ever. + So let, &c. + + "Now give, in honor of the spoon, + Three cheers, long, loud, and hearty, + And three for every honored June + In coch-le-au-re-a-ti.[88] + Yes! let us, Juniors, shout and sing + The spoon and all its glory,-- + Until the welkin loudly ring + And echo back the story." + _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 37. + + +WRANGLER. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., at the conclusion +of the tenth term, the final examination in the Senate-House takes +place. A certain number of those who pass this examination in the +best manner are called _Wranglers_. + +The usual number of _Wranglers_--whatever Wrangler may have meant +once, it now implies a First Class man in Mathematics--is +thirty-seven or thirty-eight. Sometimes it falls to thirty-five, +and occasionally rises above forty.--_Bristed's Five Years in an +Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 227. + +See SENIOR WRANGLER. + + +WRANGLERSHIP. The office of a _Wrangler_. + + +He may be considered pretty safe for the highest _Wranglership_ +out of Trinity.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, +p. 103. + + +WRESTLING-MATCH. At Harvard College, it was formerly the custom, +on the first Monday of the term succeeding the Commencement +vacation, for the Sophomores to challenge the Freshmen who had +just entered College to a wrestling-match. A writer in the New +England Magazine, 1832, in an article entitled "Harvard College +Forty Years Ago," remarks as follows on this subject: "Another +custom, not enjoined by the government, had been in vogue from +time immemorial. That was for the Sophomores to challenge the +Freshmen to a wrestling-match. If the Sophomores were thrown, the +Juniors gave a similar challenge. If these were conquered, the +Seniors entered the lists, or treated the victors to as much wine, +punch, &c. as they chose to drink. In my class, there were few who +had either taste, skill, or bodily strength for this exercise, so +that we were easily laid on our backs, and the Sophomores were +acknowledged our superiors, in so far as 'brute force' was +concerned. Being disgusted with these customs, we held a +class-meeting, early in our first quarter, and voted unanimously +that we should never send a Freshman on an errand; and, with but +one dissenting voice, that we would not challenge the next class +that should enter to wrestle. When the latter vote was passed, our +moderator, pointing at the dissenting individual with the finger +of scorn, declared it to be a vote, _nemine contradicente_. We +commenced Sophomores, another Freshman Class entered, the Juniors +challenged them, and were thrown. The Seniors invited them to a +treat, and these barbarous customs were soon after +abolished."--Vol. III. p. 239. + +The Freshman Class above referred to, as superior to the Junior, +was the one which graduated in 1796, of which Mr. Thomas Mason, +surnamed "the College Lion," was a member,--"said," remarks Mr. +Buckingham, "to be the greatest _wrestler_ that was ever in +College. He was settled as a clergyman at Northfield, Mass., +resigned his office some years after, and several times +represented that town in the Legislature of Massachusetts." +Charles Prentiss, the wit of the Class of '95, in a will written +on his departure from college life, addresses Mason as follows:-- + + "Item. Tom M----n, COLLEGE LION, + Who'd ne'er spend cash enough to buy one, + The BOANERGES of a pun, + A man of science and of fun, + That quite uncommon witty elf, + Who darts his bolts and shoots himself, + Who oft has bled beneath my jokes, + I give my old _tobacco-box_." + _Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. p. 271. + +The fame which Mr. Mason had acquired while in College for bodily +strength and skill in wrestling, did not desert him after he left. +While settled as a minister at Northfield, a party of young men +from Vermont challenged the young men of that town to a bout at +wrestling. The challenge was accepted, and on a given day the two +parties assembled at Northfield. After several rounds, when it +began to appear that the Vermonters were gaining the advantage, a +proposal was made, by some who had heard of Mr. Mason's exploits, +that he should be requested to take part in the contest. It had +now grown late, and the minister, who usually retired early, had +already betaken himself to bed. Being informed of the request of +the wrestlers, for a long time he refused to go, alleging as +reasons his ministerial capacity, the force of example, &c. +Finding these excuses of no avail, he finally arose, dressed +himself, and repaired to the scene of action. Shouts greeted him +on his arrival, and he found himself on the wrestling-field, as he +had stood years ago at Cambridge. The champion of the Vermonters +came forward, flushed with his former victories. After playing +around him for some time, Mr. Mason finally threw him. Having by +this time collected his ideas of the game, when another antagonist +appeared, tripping up his heels with perfect ease, he suddenly +twitched him off his centre and laid him on his back. Victory was +declared in favor of Northfield, and the good minister was borne +home in triumph. + +Similar to these statements are those of Professor Sidney Willard +relative to the same subject, contained in his late work entitled +"Memories of Youth and Manhood." Speaking of the observances in +vogue at Harvard College in the year 1794, he says:--"Next to +being indoctrinated in the Customs, so called, by the Sophomore +Class, there followed the usual annual exhibition of the athletic +contest between that class and the Freshman Class, namely, the +wrestling-match. On some day of the second week in the term, after +evening prayers, the two classes assembled on the play-ground and +formed an extended circle, from which a stripling of the Sophomore +Class advanced into the area, and, in terms justifying the vulgar +use of the derivative word Sophomorical, defied his competitors, +in the name of his associates, to enter the lists. He was matched +by an equal in stature, from that part of the circle formed by the +new-comers. Beginning with these puny athletes, as one and another +was prostrated on either side, the contest advanced through the +intermediate gradations of strength and skill, with increasing +excitement of the parties and spectators, until it reached its +summit by the struggle of the champion or coryphaeus in reserve on +each of the opposite sides. I cannot now affirm with certainty the +result of the contest; whether it was a drawn battle, whether it +ended with the day, or was postponed for another trial. It +probably ended in the defeat of the younger party, for there were +more and mightier men among their opponents. Had we been +victorious, it would have behooved us, according to established +precedents, to challenge the Junior Class, which was not done. +Such a result, if it had taken place, could not fade from the +memory of the victors; while failure, on the contrary, being an +issue to be looked for, would soon be dismissed from the thoughts +of the vanquished. Instances had occurred of the triumph of the +Freshman Class, and one of them recent, when a challenge in due +form was sent to the Juniors, who, thinking the contest too +doubtful, wisely resolved to let the victors rejoice in their +laurels already won; and, declining to meet them in the gymnasium, +invited them to a sumptuous feast instead. + +"Wrestling was, at an after period, I cannot say in what year, +superseded by football; a grovelling and inglorious game in +comparison. Wrestling is an art; success in the exercise depends +not on mere bodily strength. It had, at the time of which I have +spoken, its well-known and acknowledged technical rules, and any +violation of them, alleged against one who had prostrated his +adversary, became a matter of inquiry. If it was found that the +act was not achieved _secundum artem_, it was void, and might be +followed by another trial."--Vol. I. pp. 260, 261. + +Remarks on this subject are continued in another part of the work +from which the above extract is made, and the story of Thomas +Mason is related, with a few variations from the generally +received version. "Wrestling," says Professor Willard, "was +reduced to an art, which had its technical terms for the movement +of the limbs, and the manner of using them adroitly, with the +skill acquired by practice in applying muscular force at the right +time and in the right degree. Success in the art, therefore, +depended partly on skill; and a violation of the rules of the +contest vitiated any apparent triumph gained by mere physical +strength. There were traditionary accounts of some of our +predecessors who were commemorated as among the coryphaei of +wrestlers; a renown that was not then looked upon with contempt. +The art of wrestling was not then confined to the literary +gymnasium. It was practised in every rustic village. There were +even migrating braves and Hectors, who, in their wanderings from +their places of abode to villages more or less distant, defied the +chiefest of this order of gymnasts to enter the lists. In a +country town of Massachusetts remote from the capital, one of +these wanderers appeared about half a century since, and issued a +general challenge against the foremost wrestlers. The clergyman of +the town, a son of Harvard, whose fame in this particular had +travelled from the academic to the rustic green, was apprised of +the challenge, and complied with the solicitation of some of his +young parishioners to accept it in their behalf. His triumph over +the challenger was completed without agony or delay, and having +prostrated him often enough to convince him of his folly, he threw +him over the stone wall, and gravely admonished him against +repeating his visit, and disturbing the peace of his +parish."--Vol. I. p. 315. + +The peculiarities of Thomas Mason were his most noticeable +characteristics. As an orator, his eloquence was of the _ore +rotundo_ order; as a writer, his periods were singularly +Johnsonian. He closed his ministerial labors in Northfield, +February 28, 1830, on which occasion he delivered a farewell +discourse, taking for his text, the words of Paul to Timothy: "The +time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I +have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there +is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." + +As a specimen of his style of writing, the following passages are +presented, taken from this discourse:--"Time, which forms the +scene of all human enterprise, solicitude, toil, and improvement, +and which fixes the limitations of all human pleasures and +sufferings, has at length conducted us to the termination of our +long-protracted alliance. An assignment of the reasons of this +measure must open a field too extended and too diversified for our +present survey. Nor could a development of the whole be any way +interesting to us, to whom alone this address is now submitted. +Suffice it to say, that in the lively exercise of mutual and +unimpaired friendship and confidence, the contracting parties, +after sober, continued, and unimpassioned deliberation, have +yielded to existing circumstances, as a problematical expedient of +social blessing." + +After commenting upon the declaration of Paul, he continued: "The +Apostle proceeds, 'I have fought a good fight' Would to God I +could say the same! Let me say, however, without the fear of +contradiction, 'I have fought a fight!' How far it has been +'good,' I forbear to decide." His summing up was this: "You see, +my hearers, all I can say, in common with the Apostle in the text, +is this: 'The time of my departure is at hand,'--and, 'I have +finished my course.'" + +Referring then to the situation which he had occupied, he said: +"The scene of our alliance and co-operation, my friends, has been +one of no ordinary cast and character. The last half-century has +been pregnant with novelty, project, innovation, and extreme +excitement. The pillars of the social edifice have been shaken, +and the whole social atmosphere has been decomposed by alchemical +demagogues and revolutionary apes. The sickly atmosphere has +suffused a morbid humor over the whole frame, and left the social +body little more than 'the empty and bloody skin of an immolated +victim.' + +"We pass by the ordinary incidents of alienation, which are too +numerous, and too evanescent to admit of detail. But seasons and +circumstances of great alarm are not readily forgotten. We have +witnessed, and we have felt, my friends, a political convulsion, +which seemed the harbinger of inevitable desolation. But it has +passed by with a harmless explosion, and returning friends have +paused in wonder, at a moment's suspension of friendship. Mingled +with the factitious mass, there was a large spice of sincerity +which sanctified the whole composition, and restored the social +body to sanity, health, and increased strength and vigor. + +"Thrice happy must be our reflections could we stop here, and +contemplate the ascending prosperity and increasing vigor of this +religious community. But the one half has not yet been told,--the +beginning has hardly been begun. Could I borrow the language of +the spirits of wrath,--was my pen transmuted to a viper's tooth +dipped in gore,--was my paper transformed to a vellum which no +light could illume, and which only darkness could render legible, +I could, and I would, record a tale of blood, of which the foulest +miscreant must burn in ceaseless anguish only once to have been +suspected. But I refer to imagination what description can never +reach." + +What the author referred to in this last paragraph no one knew, +nor did he ever advance any explanation of these strange words. + +Near the close of his discourse, he said: "Standing in the place +of a Christian minister among you, through the whole course of my +ministrations, it has been my great and leading aim ever to +maintain and exhibit the character and example of a Christian man. +With clerical foppery, grimace, craft, and hypocrisy, I have had +no concern. In the free participation of every innocent +entertainment and delight, I have pursued an open, unreserved +course, equally removed from the mummery of superstition and the +dissipation of infidelity. And though I have enjoyed my full share +of honor from the scandal of bigotry and malice, yet I may safely +congratulate myself in the reflection, that by this liberal and +independent progress were men weighed in the balance of +intellectual, social, and moral worth, I have yet never lost a +single friend who was worth preserving."--pp. 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11. + + + +_Y_. + + +YAGER FIGHTS. At Bowdoin College, "_Yager Fights_," says a +correspondent, "are the annual conflicts which occur between the +townsmen and the students. The Yagers (from the German _Jager_, a +hunter, a chaser) were accustomed, when the lumbermen came down +the river in the spring, to assemble in force, march up to the +College yard with fife and drum, get famously drubbed, and retreat +in confusion to their dens. The custom has become extinct within +the past four years, in consequence of the non-appearance of the +Yagers." + + +YALENSIAN. A student at or a member of Yale College. + +In making this selection, we have been governed partly by poetic +merit, but more by the associations connected with various pieces +inserted, in the minds of the present generation of _Yalensians_. +--_Preface to Songs of Yale_, 1853. + +The _Yalensian_ is off for Commencement.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. +XIX. p. 355. + + +YANKEE. According to the account of this word as given by Dr. +William Gordon, it appears to have been in use among the students +of Harvard College at a very early period. A citation from his +work will show this fact in its proper light. + +"You may wish to know the origin of the term _Yankee_. Take the +best account of it which your friend can procure. It was a cant, +favorite word with Farmer Jonathan Hastings, of Cambridge, about +1713. Two aged ministers, who were at the College in that town, +have told me, they remembered it to have been then in use among +the students, but had no recollection of it before that period. +The inventor used it to express excellency. A _Yankee_ good horse, +or _Yankee_ cider, and the like, were an excellent good horse and +excellent cider. The students used to hire horses of him; their +intercourse with him, and his use of the term upon all occasions, +led them to adopt it, and they gave him the name of Yankee Jon. He +was a worthy, honest man, but no conjurer. This could not escape +the notice of the collegiates. Yankee probably became a by-word +among them to express a weak, simple, awkward person; was carried +from the College with them when they left it, and was in that way +circulated and established through the country, (as was the case +in respect to Hobson's choice, by the students at Cambridge, in +Old England,) till, from its currency in New England, it was at +length taken up and unjustly applied to the New-Englanders in +common, as a term of reproach."--_American War_, Ed. 1789, Vol. I. +pp. 324, 325. _Thomas's Spy_, April, 1789, No. 834. + +In the Massachusetts Magazine, Vol. VII., p. 301, the editor, the +Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, D.D., of Dorchester, referring to a +letter written by the Rev. John Seccombe, and dated "Cambridge, +Sept. 27, 1728," observes: "It is a most humorous narrative of the +fate of a goose roasted at 'Yankee Hastings's,' and it concludes +with a poem on the occasion, in the mock-heroic." The fact of the +name is further substantiated in the following remarks by the Rev. +John Langdon Sibley, of Harvard College: "Jonathan Hastings, +Steward of the College from 1750 to 1779,... was a son of Jonathan +Hastings, a tanner, who was called 'Yankee Hastings,' and lived on +the spot at the northwest corner of Holmes Place in Old Cambridge, +where, not many years since, a house was built by the late William +Pomeroy."--_Father Abbey's Will_, Cambridge, Mass., 1854, pp. 7, +8. + + +YEAR. At the English universities, the undergraduate course is +three years and a third. Students of the first year are called +Freshmen, and the other classes at Cambridge are, in popular +phrase, designated successively Second-year Men, Third-year Men, +and Men who are just going out. The word _year_ is often used in +the sense of class. + +The lecturer stands, and the lectured sit, even when construing, +as the Freshmen are sometimes asked to do; the other _Years_ are +only called on to listen.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. +Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 18. + +Of the "_year_" that entered with me at Trinity, three men died +before the time of graduating.--_Ibid._, p. 330. + + +YEOMAN-BEDELL. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the +_yeoman-bedell_ in processions precedes the esquire-bedells, +carrying an ebony mace, tipped with silver.--_Cam. Guide_. + +At the University of Oxford, the yeoman-bedels bear the silver +staves in procession. The vice-chancellor never walks out without +being preceded by a yeoman-bedel with his insignium of +office.--_Guide to Oxford_. + +See BEADLE. + + +YOUNG BURSCH. In the German universities, a name given to a +student during his third term, or _semester_. + +The fox year is then over, and they wash the eyes of the new-baked +_Young Bursche_, since during the fox-year he was held to be +blind, the fox not being endued with reason.--_Howitt's Student +Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 124. + + + + +A LIST OF AMERICAN COLLEGES + +REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK, IN CONNECTION WITH PARTICULAR WORDS OR +CUSTOMS. + +AMHERST COLLEGE, Amherst, Mass., 10 references. +ANDERSON COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, Ind., 3 references. +BACON COLLEGE, Ky., 1 reference. +BETHANY COLLEGE, Bethany, Va., 2 references. +BOWDOIN COLLEGE, Brunswick, Me., 17 references. +BROWN UNIVERSITY, Providence, R.I., 2 references. +CENTRE COLLEGE, Danville, Ky., 4 references. +COLUMBIA [KING'S] COLLEGE, New York., 5 references. +COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, Washington, D.C., 1 reference. +DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, Hanover, N.H., 27 references. +HAMILTON COLLEGE, Clinton, N.Y., 16 references. +HARVARD COLLEGE, Cambridge, Mass., 399 references. +JEFFERSON COLLEGE, Canonsburg, Penn., 8 references. +KING'S COLLEGE. See COLUMBIA. +MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE, Middlebury, Vt., 11 references. +NEW JERSEY, COLLEGE OF, Princeton, N.J., 29 references. +NEW YORK, UNIVERSITY OF, New York., 1 reference. +NORTH CAROLINA, UNIVERSITY OF, Chapel Hill, N.C., 3 references. +PENNSYLVANIA, UNIVERSITY OF, Philadelphia, Penn., 3 references. +PRINCETON COLLEGE. See NEW JERSEY, COLLEGE OF. +RUTGER'S COLLEGE, New Brunswick, N.J., 2 references. +SHELBY COLLEGE, Shelbyville, Ky., 2 references. +SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE, Columbia, S.C., 3 references. +TRINITY COLLEGE, Hartford, Conn., 11 references. +UNION COLLEGE, Schenectady, N.Y., 41 references. +VERMONT, UNIVERSITY OF, Burlington, Vt., 25 references. +VIRGINIA, UNIVERSITY OF, Albemarle Co., Va., 14 references. +WASHINGTON COLLEGE, Washington, Penn., 5 references. +WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Middletown, Conn., 5 references. +WESTERN RESERVE COLLEGE, Hudson, Ohio., 1 reference. +WEST POINT, N.Y., 1 reference. +WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE, Williamsburg, Va., 3 references. +WILLIAMS COLLEGE, Williamstown, Mass., 43 references. +YALE COLLEGE, New Haven, Conn., 264 references. + + + + +THE END. + + + + +FOOTNOTES: + + +[01] Hon. Levi Woodbury, whose subject was "Progress." + +[02] _Vide_ Aristophanes, _Aves_. + +[03] Alcestis of Euripides. + +[04] See BRICK MILL. + +[05] At Harvard College, sixty-eight Commencements were held in + the old parish church which "occupied a portion of the + space between Dane Hall and the old Presidential House." + The period embraced was from 1758 to 1834. There was no + Commencement in 1764, on account of the small-pox; nor + from 1775 to 1781, seven years, on account of the + Revolutionary war. The first Commencement in the new + meeting-house was held in 1834. In 1835, there was rain at + Commencement, for the first time in thirty-five years. + +[06] The graduating class usually waited on the table at dinner + on Commencement Day. + +[07] Rev. John Willard, S.T.D., of Stafford, Conn., a graduate + of the class of 1751. + +[08] "Men, some to pleasure, some to business, take; + But every woman is at heart a rake." + +[09] Rev. Joseph Willard, S.T.D. + +[10] The Rev. Dr. Simeon Howard, senior clergyman of the + Corporation, presided at the public exercises and + announced the degrees. + +[11] See under THESIS and MASTER'S QUESTION. + +[12] The old way of spelling the word SOPHOMORE, q.v. + +[13] Speaking of Bachelors who are reading for fellowships, + Bristed says, they "wear black gowns with two strings + hanging loose in front."--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, + Ed. 2d, p. 20. + +[14] Bristed speaks of the "blue and silver gown" of Trinity + Fellow-Commoners.--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, + p. 34. + +[15] "A gold-tufted cap at Cambridge designates a Johnian or + Small-College Fellow-Commoner."--_Ibid._, p. 136. + +[16] "The picture is not complete without the 'men,' all in + their academicals, as it is Sunday. The blue gown of + Trinity has not exclusive possession of its own walks: + various others are to be discerned, the Pembroke looped at + the sleeve, the Christ's and Catherine curiously crimped + in front, and the Johnian with its unmistakable + 'Crackling.'"--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, + Ed. 2d, p. 73. + + "On Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Saints' days the + students wear surplices instead of their gowns, and very + innocent and exemplary they look in them."--_Ibid._, p. + 21. + +[17] "The ignorance of the popular mind has often represented + academicians riding, travelling, &c. in cap and gown. Any + one who has had experience of the academic costume can + tell that a sharp walk on a windy day in it is no easy + matter, and a ride or a row would be pretty near an + impossibility. Indeed, during these two hours [of hard + exercise] it is as rare to see a student in a gown, as it + is at other times to find him beyond the college walks + without one."--_Ibid._, p. 19. + +[18] Downing College. + +[19] St. John's College. + +[20] See under IMPOSITION. + +[21] "Narratur et prisci Catonis + Saepe mero caluisse virtus." + Horace, Ode _Ad Amphoram_. + +[22] Education: a Poem before [Greek: Phi. Beta. Kappa.] Soc., + 1799, by William Biglow. + +[23] 2 Samuel x. 4. + +[24] A printed "Order of Exhibition" was issued at Harvard + College in 1810, for the first time. + +[25] In reference to cutting lead from the old College. + +[26] Senior, as here used, indicates an officer of college, or + a member of either of the three upper classes, agreeable + to Custom No. 3, above. + +[27] The law in reference to footballs is still observed. + +[28] See SOPHOMORE. + +[29] I.e. TUTOR. + +[30] Abbreviated for Cousin John, i.e. a privy. + +[31] Joseph Willard, President of Harvard College from 1781 to + 1804. + +[32] Timothy Lindall Jennison, Tutor from 1785 to 1788. + +[33] James Prescott, graduated in 1788. + +[34] Robert Wier, graduated in 1788. + +[35] Joseph Willard. + +[36] Dr. Samuel Williams, Professor of Mathematics and Natural + Philosophy. + +[37] Dr. Eliphalet Pearson, Professor of Hebrew and other + Oriental Languages. + +[38] Eleazar James, Tutor from 1781 to 1789. + +[39] Jonathan Burr, Tutor 1786, 1787. + +[40] "Flag of the free heart's hope and home! + By angel hands to valor given." + _The American Flag_, by J.R. Drake. + +[41] Charles Prentiss, who when this was written was a member + of the Junior Class. Both he and Mr. Biglow were fellows + of "infinite jest," and were noted for the superiority of + their talents and intellect. + +[42] Mr. Biglow was known in college by the name of Sawney, and + was thus frequently addressed by his familiar friends in + after life. + +[43] Charles Pinckney Sumner, afterwards a lawyer in Boston, + and for many years sheriff of the county of Suffolk. + +[44] A black man who sold pies and cakes. + +[45] Written after a general pruning of the trees around + Harvard College. + +[46] Doctor of Medicine, or Student of Medicine. + +[47] Referring to the masks and disguises worn by the members + at their meetings. + +[48] A picture representing an examination and initiation into + the Society, fronting the title-page of the Catalogue. + +[49] Leader Dam, _Armig._, M.D. et ex off L.K. et LL.D. et + J.U.D. et P.D. et M.U.D, etc., etc., et ASS. + + He was an empiric, who had offices at Boston and + Philadelphia, where he sold quack medicines of various + descriptions. + +[50] Christophe, the black Prince of Hayti. + +[51] It is said he carried the bones of Tom Paine, the infidel, + to England, to make money by exhibiting them, but some + difficulty arising about the duty on them, he threw them + overboard. + +[52] He promulgated a theory that the earth was hollow, and + that there was an entrance to it at the North Pole. + +[53] Alexander the First of Russia was elected a member, and, + supposing the society to be an honorable one, forwarded to + it a valuable present. + +[54] He made speeches on the Fourth of July at five or six + o'clock in the morning, and had them printed and ready for + sale, as soon as delivered, from his cart on Boston + Common, from which he sold various articles. + +[55] Tibbets, a gambler, was attacked by Snelling through the + columns of the New England Galaxy. + +[56] Referring to the degree given to the Russian Alexander, + and the present received in return. + +[57] 1851. + +[58] See DIG. In this case, those who had parts at two + Exhibitions are thus designated. + +[59] Jonathan Leonard, who afterwards graduated in the class of + 1786. + +[60] 1851. + +[61] William A. Barron, who was graduated in 1787, and was + tutor from 1793 to 1800, was "among his contemporaries in + office ... social and playful, fond of _bon-mots_, + conundrums, and puns." Walking one day with Shapleigh and + another gentleman, the conversation happened to turn upon + the birthplace of Shapleigh, who was always boasting that + two towns claimed him as their citizen, as the towns, + cities, and islands of Greece claimed Homer as a native. + Barron, with all the good humor imaginable, put an end to + the conversation by the following epigrammatic + impromptu:-- + + "Kittery and York for Shapleigh's birth contest; + Kittery won the prize, but York came off the best." + +[62] In Brady and Tate, "Hear, O my people." + +[63] In Brady and Tate, "instruction." + +[64] Watts, "hear." + +[65] See BOHN. + +[66] The Triennial Catalogue of Harvard College was first + printed in a pamphlet form in the year 1778. + +[67] Jesse Olds, a classmate, afterwards a clergyman in a + country town. + +[68] Charles Prentiss, a member of the Junior Class when this + was written; afterwards editor of the Rural + Repository.--_Buckingham's Reminiscences_, Vol. II. pp. + 273-275. + +[69] William Biglow was known in college by the name of Sawney, + and was frequently addressed by this sobriquet in after + life, by his familiar friends. + +[70] Charles Pinckney Sumner,--afterwards a lawyer in Boston, + and for many years Sheriff of the County of Suffolk. + +[71] Theodore Dehon, afterwards a clergyman of the Episcopal + Church, and Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina. + +[72] Thomas Mason, a member of the class after Prentiss, said + to be the greatest _wrestler_ that was ever in College. He + was settled as a clergyman at Northfield, Mass.; resigned + his office some years after, and several times represented + that town in the Legislature of Massachusetts. See under + WRESTLING-MATCH. + +[73] The Columbian Centinel, published at Boston, of which + Benjamin Russell was the editor. + +[74] "Ashen," on _Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[75] "A pot of grease, + A woollen fleece."--_Ed's Broadside_. + +[76] "Rook."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. "Hook."--_Gent. Mag._, May, + 1732. + +[77] "Burrage."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[78] "That."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[79] "Beauties."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[80] "My."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[81] "I've" omitted in _Ed.'s Broadside_. + + Nay, I've two more + What Matthew always wanted.--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[82] "But silly youth, + I love the mouth."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[83] This stanza, although found in the London Magazine, does + not appear in the Gentleman's Magazine, or on the Editor's + Broadside. It is probably an interpolation. + +[84] "Cou'd."--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[85] "Do it."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[86] "Tow'rds Cambridge I'll get thee."--_Ed.'s Broadside_. + +[87] "If, madam, you will let me."--_Gent. Mag._, June, 1732. + +[88] See COCHLEAUREATUS. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Collection of College Words and +Customs, by Benjamin Homer Hall + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS *** + +***** This file should be named 12864.txt or 12864.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/8/6/12864/ + +Produced by Rick Niles, John Hagerson, Tony Browne and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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