*Man*, _subs._ (general).—A student: almost universal in School
phraseology instead of “boy.”
1811. _Lex. Bal._, s.v. MAN (Cambridge). Any undergraduate from
fifteen to thirty. As, a MAN of Emanuel—a young member of Emanuel.
1853. BRADLEY, _Verdant Green_, iii. The thought that he was going to
be an Oxford MAN fortunately assisted him in the preservation of that
tranquil dignity and careless ease which he considered to be the
necessary adjuncts of the manly character ... and Mr. Verdant Green
was enabled to say “Good-bye” with a firm voice and undimmed
spectacles.
_See_ WISE MEN OF THE EAST.
*Marker*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—A person employed to walk up and
down chapel during a part of the service, pricking off the
names of the students present.
1849. _Blackwood’s Mag._, May. His name pricked off upon the MARKER’S
roll, No twinge of conscience racks his easy soul.
*Master*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—A title: of rustics,
bargees, &c.
*Match*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A division in which the boys
play: e.g. “I’m in the third MATCH.” “This is the second
MATCH ground.” “He’s a first MATCH bowler.”
*Math. Ex.*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—A mathematical exercise.
*Mathemat*, _subs._ (Christ’s Hospital).—_See_ quots.
1895. Gleanings from _The Blue_, 1870-95, 77. It is true that the
MATHEMAT does take the labours of his hands to the Queen, and is proud
to do so; but it is a pity that the reputation of the school should
depend upon such ceremonies as these. [_See_ Appendix.]
1900. _Pall Mall Gaz._, 20th Mar., 3. 2. One of the things that strike
a stranger is the metal plate upon some shoulders, so it may be as
well to say here that it merely marks the members of the Mathematical
School, which trains boys for the sea, and interested Mr. Samuel
Pepys.
*Mathy*, _subs._ (Manchester Grammar).—Mathematics.
*Matron’s-gift*, _subs._ (Christ’s Hospital).—_See_ quot.
_c._ 1844. _Reminiscences of Christ’s Hospital_ [Blue, Aug. 1874].
Once annually the boys were served at supper with what was called the
“MATRON’S GIFT,”—cream cheese; but they never could appreciate this
luxury. It was in vain that the good old matron, with a sister the
very counterpart of herself, walked round the different tables,
expatiating in glowing terms upon the merits of this “beautiful
cheese,” as she called it, and wondering how any one could fail to
have a liking for this luxurious gift.
*May*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—Easter Term examinations, &c.
1852. BRISTED, _Five Years, &c._, 70. As the _MAY_ approached I began
to feel nervous.
1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 104. I suppose you know the Mater
and the girls are coming up here for the MAY week. It’s called the MAY
week, but we always have it early in June now. I believe, some years
ago, it really used to be in May.
1896. _Felstedian_, June, 95, “Cambridge Letter.” The MAYS were rowed
under very favourable conditions, and produced some grand struggles.
*Meads*, _subs._ (Winchester).—The College cricket ground.
WATER-MEADS = the valley of the Itchen.
*Medes and Persians*, _subs. phr._ (Winchester).—Jumping on a
MAN (_q.v._) when in bed.
*Melon*, _subs._ (Royal Military Academy).—A new cadet.
*Men.* _See_ WISE MEN OF THE EAST.
*Mesopotamia*, _subs._ 1. (Oxford).—_See_ quot.
1886. _Pall Mall Gazette_, 23rd June, p. 13. Every Oxford man has
known and loved the beauties of the walk called MESOPOTAMIA.