_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life_, 190. On the west side of school
court, a spacious room, nicknamed MOAB, has been erected, with
numerous marble basins, and an unlimited supply of fresh water.
1865. _Etoniana_, 21. Like Wykeham’s scholars, the Eton boys rose
[_temp._ Eliz.] at five, said their Latin prayers antiphonally while
dressing, then made their own beds and swept out their chambers. Two
by two they then “went down” to wash, probably at some outdoor conduit
or fountain like the old Winchester MOAB.
1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 45. Independent of very early
hours and somewhat coarse fare, it was not pleasant to have to wash at
the old MOAB, as it was called—an open conduit in the quadrangle,
where it was necessary, on a severe winter morning, for a junior to
melt the ice on the stop-cock with a lighted faggot before any water
could be got to flow at all.
*Mob*. TO MOB UP, _verb. phr._ (Charterhouse).—To hustle; TO
BARGE (_q.v._); TO BRICK (_q.v._).
*Mods*, _subs._ (Oxford).—The first public examination for
degrees. [An abbreviation of “Moderations.”]
1887. _Chambers’s Journal_, 14th May, 310. MODS cannot be attempted
until the end of one year from matriculation, and need not be tackled
until the expiration of two.
*Monarch*, _subs._ (Eton).—The ten-oared boat.
*Money and Direction Rolls*, _intj._ (Winchester).—_See_ PEALS.
*Monitor*, _subs._ 1. (Stonyhurst).—One of the chief members of
the Higher Line SODALITY (_q.v._), responsible for the
behaviour of the other boys in Church and Chapel.
2. (general).—A senior scholar entrusted with the
supervision of school work and pastimes. _See_ PRÆFECT.
*Monkey.* _See_ FRESH-HERRING, and Appendix.
*Monos*, _subs._ (Westminster).—A junior detailed for duty
during regular school hours, who remains on guard at
the door of the college, as a sentinel, to see that no
suspicious characters find their way in. This functionary is
known as MONOS [i.e. _Monitor ostii_].... An officer of the
same kind ... at Winchester ... bore a similar name,
OSTIARIUS (_q.v._).—COLLINS.
*Mons*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A crowd. Also as _verb_: _e.g._
“Square round there, don’t MONS.”
*Montem*, _subs._ (Eton).—An Eton custom up to 1847, which
consisted in the scholars going in procession on the
Whit-Tuesday of every third year to a mound (Lat. _ad
montem_) near the Bath Road, and exacting a gratuity from
persons present or passing by. The collection was given to
the captain or senior scholar, and helped to defray his
expenses at the University. _See_ SALT, and _Sloane MS._
4839, f. 85.
1890. BREWER, _Phrase and Fable_, s.v. SALT-HILL. The mound at Eton
[near the Bath Road], where the Eton scholars used to collect money
from the visitors on Montem day. The mound is still called _Salt
Hill_, and the money given was called _salt_. The word salt is similar
to the Latin _sala’rium_ (salary), the pay given to Roman soldiers and
civil officers. _Ibid._ _Montem_.... Sometimes as much as £1000 was
thus collected.
*Morning-hills*, _subs._ (Winchester).—_See_ quot.
_c._ 1840. Mansfield, _School-Life_, 52. On holidays and Remedies we
were turned out for a couple of hours on to St. Catherine’s Hill ...
once before breakfast (MORNING HILLS), and again in the afternoon
(MIDDLE HILLS).
*Mortar-board* (or *Mortar*), _subs._ (general).—The
trencher-cap worn at certain Public Schools and at the
Universities.
1600. KEMP, _Nine Days’ Wonder_, “Ded. Ep.” So that methinkes I could
flye to Rome ... with a MORTER on my head.
_d._ 1635. Bishop CORBET to T. Coryate. No more shall man with MORTAR
on his head Set forward towards Rome.
1647. FLETCHER, _Fair Maid of the Inn_, v. 2. He ... may now travel to
Rome with a MORTAR on’s head.
1857. CUTHBERT BEDE, _Verdant Green_, pt. II. ch. iii. “I don’t mind
this ’ere MORTAR-BOARD, sir,” remarked the professor of the noble art
of self-defence, as he pointed to the academical cap which surmounted
his head.
1864. _Fun_, 21st May, p. 96. Anon I saw a gentle youth (no “_sub
fusc_” undergrad.). “_Toga virilis_” he had none, no MORTAR-BOARD he
had.
1881. PASCOE, _Every-day Life_, 147. On admission ... a boy provides
himself with a MORTAR or college-cap.
1898. _Stonyhurst Mag._, Dec., p. 149, “Life at Oxford.” The wearing
of a cap and gown is another novelty for freshmen. At first one is apt
to feel very foolish under a “MORTAR-BOARD” and in the folds of the
academic gown, particularly in the miserable garb assigned to
commoners (_i.e._ undergraduates without scholarships).
*Mouse-digger*, _subs._ (Winchester).—_See_ quot.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life_, 150. Plying the MOUSE-DIGGER (a
kind of diminutive pick-axe) in search of mice.
*Mud-student*, _subs._ (general).—A student at the Agricultural
College, Cirencester.
1856. _Notes and Queries_, 2 S., ii. 198. A young friend of mine ... a
MUD-STUDENT.
*Muff*, _verb_ (Eton).—To fail in an examination; TO BE SPUN
(_q.v._) or PLUCKED (_q.v._); TO SKIP A COG (_q.v._).
1884. JULIAN STURGIS, in _Longmans’ Mag._, iii. 617. Freddy and Tommy
and Dicky have all MUFFED for the army. It’s really dreadful!
TO MUFF A CATCH, _verb. phr._ (Stonyhurst).—To catch a ball
against the chest, or in any way not clean with both hands.
In cricket, as played at Stonyhurst, such a catch did not
put the batsman out: obsolete.
*Mug*, _verb_ (Winchester and Sherborne).—(1) To study; to
work hard: _e.g._ I MUGGED all the morning, and shall
thoke (Winchester) this afternoon. (2) To take pains; to
beautify: _e.g._ “He has MUGGED his study, and made it
quite cud.” [_Cf._ _mug_ = to paint the face or “make
up.”] Hence MUGSTER = a hard-working student. _See_ -STER
and BAT-MUGGER.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life_, 122. The præfects would ... set
to work MUGGING.
1881. _Felstedian_, Nov., p. 74. I remember that the senior præfect is
going to get up to MUG early before chapel.
1890. G. ALLEN, _The Tents of Shem_, xxiv. “Miss Knyvett,” and he
paused with his brush upturned, “you’re a sight too clever for me to
talk to.” “Not clever,” Iris corrected; “only well read. I’ve MUGGED
it up out of books, that’s all.” _Ibid._, ii. Instead of reading her
“Odyssey” and her “Lucretius,” and MUGGING up amusing works on conic
sections.
*Muse*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—The Museum.
*Mustard-and-Pepper Keeper*, _subs. phr._ (Winchester).—An
appointment in the gift of Præfect of Hall, which exempted
the holder from WATCHING-OUT (_q.v._) at cricket, or
KICKING-IN (_q.v._) at football.—MANSFIELD (_c._ 1840).
Obsolete.
*Muttoner*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—A blow on the
knuckles from a cricket-ball while holding the bat.
*Muzz*, _verb_ (Westminster).—To read.
*Nail*, _subs._ (Winchester).—_See_ quot., and BIBLING.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_ (1866), 221. To
stand up under the NAIL—the punishment inflicted on a boy detected in
a lie; he was ordered to stand up on Junior Row, just under the centre
sconce, during the whole of school time. At the close of it he
received a Bibler.
_Verb._ To impress for any kind of fagging; to detect.
*Name.* TO ORDER ONE’S NAME, _verb. phr._ (Winchester:
obsolete).—_See_ quots.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_, 223. ORDER YOUR
NAME. An order given to a delinquent by the Head or Second Master,
which was carried out by the boy requesting the Ostiarius to do so,
the consequence of which was, that at the end of school that officer
presented to the Master the victim’s name on a Roll, who forthwith
received a Scrubbing. When the words to the Bible-clerk were added,
the business was confided to that officer, who, with the Ostiarius,
officiated at the subsequent ceremony, which in this case was called a
Bibler.
1878. ADAMS, _Wykehamica_, xxiii. 429. ORDER YOUR NAME, the direction
given to an offender by any of the authorities. The boy so directed,
if he was in College, or if the order was given in school, had to go
to the Ostiarius—or to the Præfect in course, if the offence was
committed in Commoners—and give information of the order, and the
reason why it had been given. The Ostiarius, or the Præfect in course,
wrote down the culprit’s name, together with that of the Master, and
the offence, and carried it up to the Head or Second Master, when due
execution was done.
*Native* (pron. _nahtive_), _subs._ (The Leys).—Originally a
“crib”: now of varied signification. TO NATIVE A FOOTBALL =
to be tricky with it; as _adj._ = clever: also NATIVEY.
*Nescio.* TO SPORT A NESCIO (old University).—_See_ quot.
1823. GROSE, _Vulg. Tongue_ [EGAN], s.v. NESCIO. HE SPORTS A NESCIO;
he pretends not to understand anything. After the senate-house
examination for degrees, 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: _Q._ What is
your name? _A._ I do not know. _Q._ What is the name of this
University? _A._ I do not know. _Q._ Who was your father? _A._ I do
not know.
*Nestor*, _subs._ (Winchester).—An undersized boy.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_ (1866), 221.
NESTOR—Any boy who was past eighteen, or was old for his position in
the school, or who was known to be much older than he looked.
*New-bug*, _subs._ (general).—A new boy.
*New Guinea*, _subs._ (Oxford: obsolete).—_See_ quot.
1823. GROSE, _Vulg. Tongue_ [EGAN], s.v. NEW GUINEA. First possession
of income.
*News*, _subs._ (The Leys).—One division of the “School House,”
with three dormitories—“Upper News,” “Under News,” “Further
News.” _See_ OLDS.
*New Settlements*, _subs._ (Oxford: obsolete).—_See_ quot.
1823. GROSE, _Vulg. Tongue_ [EGAN], s.v. NEW SETTLEMENTS. Final
reckonings.
*Newy*, _subs._ (Winchester).—The CAD (_q.v._) paid to look
after the canvas tent in COMMONER (_q.v._) field.
*Nezzar*, _subs._ (Durham: obsolete).—A young lady.
*Nick*, _verb_ (Durham).—To pray.
*Nicks*, _intj._ (Manchester Grammar).—Cave! Look out! [Said
also to be common in Manchester as a warning of the approach
of the police.] _See_ Appendix.
*Niff*, _verb_ (Derby).—To smell.
*Nig*, _subs._ (Christ’s Hospital).—A dodge. Obsolete.
*Nigshious*, _adj._ (Christ’s Hospital).—Ingenious: _e.g._ “a
NIGSHIOUS dodge.” Obsolete.
*Nihil-ad-rem*, _adj._ (Winchester).—Vague; unconscious. _Ex._
“He sported NIHIL-AD-REM ducks.”
*Nine Steps.* _See_ KITTLE-NINE-STEPS.
*Nipper*, _subs._ (Loretto).—Originally a boy of the lowest
Form: since there has been a preparatory House the term is
applied to all the boys there.
*Nipperkin*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—A stone jug used
for serving beer in College between meals. Tea has long been
substituted for beer.
_c._ 1696. B. E., _Dict. Cant. Crew_, s.v. NIPPERKIN. Half a pint of
Wine, and but half a Quartern of Brandy, strong waters, &c.
1698-1700. WARD, _Lond. Spy_, II. (1706), i. 31. By that time we had
sipp’d off our NIPPERKIN of my Grannums _Aqua Mirabilis_.
1719. DURFEY, _Pills to Purge_.... Song, Quart-pot, pint-pot,
NIPPERKEN, &c.
1785. GROSE, _Vulg. Tongue_, s.v.
1832. _Noctes Ambrosianæ_, Sept. William III., who only snoozed over a
NIPPERKIN of Schiedam with a few Dutch favourites.
1882. J. ASHTON, _Social Life in Reign of Q. Anne_, i. 197. [Beer] was
of different qualities, from the “penny NIPPERKIN of Molassas Ale” to
“a pint of Ale cost me five-pence.”
1883. TROLLOPE, _What I Remember_. It was the duty of the bedmakers to
carry every evening into each chamber a huge NIPPERKIN of beer.
*Nob*, subs. (Oxford: obsolete).—The Fellow of a College.
[Probably the original application of the colloquial usage =
a person of rank or position; from “nobility.” _Cf._ MOB,
from _mobile vulgus_.]
1825. _English Spy_, i. 136. “We must find you some more tractable
personage; some good-humoured NOB.”
*Noggs*, _subs._ (Harrow).—A hereditary name for Custos’
assistant. [From Dickens: the first owner’s name was
Newman—hence NOGGS.]
*Nomenclature* (Harrow).—_See_ UPPER SCHOOL.
*Non-attached* (or *Non-collegiate*), _adj._ (Oxford).—Most of
the students belong to a college or hall, but in 1868 what
was at first known as the “NON-ATTACHED,” and is now
designated the “NON-COLLEGIATE” system, was established. The
system, a revival of one that prevailed in ancient times, is
under the control of a body termed the Delegacy, the chief
officer being named the Censor. Efficient provision is made
for tuition, but its members live in their own lodgings in
the city, and are thus able to suit their own pockets.
Supervision is retained over the lodging-houses in a
sanitary and other points of view, from the fact that they
have to be licensed by the University authorities.
*Non-licet*, _adj._ and _adv._ (Winchester).—Illegal;
unbefitting a Wykehamist. _Ex._ “Don’t sport NON-LICET
notions.”
*Nonsense*, _subs._ (Eton).—A small division of the Third Form.
Now abolished.
*Northwick* (The),_ subs._ (Harrow).—The Northwick rifle: given
by Lord Northwick for the best aggregate of seven shoots
during the season.
*Noter*, _subs._ (Harrow).—A note-book.
*Notion*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A word, phrase, or usage
peculiar to Winchester College.
*Novi*, _subs._ (Tonbridge).—A new boy.
*Nurse*, _subs._ (Christ’s Hospital).—A matron.
_c._ 1800. “Christ’s Hospital Seventy-five Years Ago” (_Blue_, Nov.,
1875). The NURSES were permitted to flog and punish the boys as they
thought proper, and some of the NURSES were cruel women. One poor
fellow in my ward was labouring under a bodily infirmity. The brute of
a nurse used constantly to flog him with nettles, fresh-gathered from
time to time for the purpose, declaring they had the virtue of
strengthening his bodily frame, &c.! [_See_ Appendix.]
*Nursery* (The), _subs._ (King Edward’s, Birm.).—A gallery at
one end of Big School, in which the lowest two classes are
taught.
*Oak*, _subs._ (University).—An outer door. TO SPORT ONE’S OAK =
to be “not at home,” indicated by closing the outer door.
1785. GROSE, _Vulg. Tongue_, s.v.
1840. _The Collegian’s Guide_, 119. In college each set of rooms is
provided with an OAK or outer door, with a spring lock, of which the
master has one key, and the servant another.
1853. BRADLEY (“Cuthbert Bede”), _Verdant Green_, iv. This is the
HOAK, this ’ere outer door is, sir, which the gentlemen sports, that
is to say, shuts, sir, when they’re a-readin’. _Ibid._, viii. Mr.
Verdant Green had, for the first time, SPORTED HIS OAK.
1861. HUGHES, _Tom Brown at Oxford_, vii. One evening he found himself
as usual at Hardy’s door about eight o’clock. The OAK was open, but he
got no answer when he knocked at the inner door.
1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 55. He tried to keep them out, but
they broke in his OAK, stripped him, tied him up in his table-cloth,
and left him on the grass plot where the porter found him.
*Ob*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A contraction of _obit_.
*Obeum* (The), _subs._ (Cambridge).—A water-closet building at
King’s College. [Attributed by the undergraduates to the
energy of O[scar] B[rowning].]
*Off-bat*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—“Point”: at cricket.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_, 222. OFF BAT, the
station of one of the field in a cricket match, called by the outer
world “Point.”
*Officer*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A College Præfect when in
office: as the Præfect of Hall, Chapel, School, or Library.
*-oi*, _inseparable suffix_ (Tonbridge).—Indicative of
complaisant disdain: e.g. TO DO THE BLEED-OI (_see_ BLEED) =
to swagger; to appear to be distinguishing oneself.
*Oiler*, _subs._ (University).—A cad.
*Oips*, _subs._ (Haileybury).—Boys who are not good enough for
the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or Below Bigside Elevens play in the
OIPS. [An abbreviation of _Hoi polloi_.]
*Old Cars*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—Old Carthusians: regarded as
a vulgarism.
*Old Pig* (The).—_See_ PIG.
*Old Schools, The* (Harrow).—The original school building
erected by John Lyon, together with the “Old Speech-room,”
which, however, is of much later date.
*Olds*, _subs._ (The Leys).—A division of the “School House,”
three dormitories—“Upper Olds,” “Under Olds,” and “Under
Under.” _See_ NEWS.
*On*, _adv._ and _intj._ (Winchester: obsolete).—The word to
start given by the Præfect of Hall when the School went in
procession to Hills, Cathedral, &c. Also as in quot. _See_
Appendix.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life_, 222. When any person or thing of
importance was known to be likely to meet the boys when on Hills, the
word was passed that he, she, or it was ON—_e.g._ Ridsworth ON, snobs
ON, badger ON, &c.
1878. ADAMS, _Wykehamica_, xxiii.
*On-and-Off*, _subs._ (Tonbridge).—Lemonade.
1894. _Tonbridgian_, No. 330, 919. The scene is one of the wildest
disorder. The writhing mass, in their efforts to obtain the desired
article, tread on each other’s toes, spill the “OFF AND ON” down one
another’s garments, and knock each other about with their elbows.
1899. _Public School Mag._, Dec., p. 444. “ON AND OFF” signifies home
lemonade, and is so called because of the tap from which it flows.
*Ones*, _subs._ (Harrow).—A competition at football, one player
a side: organised by Mr. Bowen. The play is for five
minutes, the ground measures 40 yards by 30 yards, and the
BASES (_q.v._) 8 feet.
*Oppidan*, _subs._ (Eton).—A boy who boards in the town, as
distinguished from a King’s Scholar.
1865. _Etoniana_, 31. The Latin-English term OPPIDAN was applied to
these independent scholars at least as early as Fuller’s days.
Speaking of the College, he says, “There be many OPPIDANES there
maintained at the cost of their friends.”
1899. _Public School Mag._, Nov., p. 367. If there is any need for a
test match between college and the OPPIDANS, we should suggest that
they should play the winning house in the House match, and hope to
beat it.
*Optime*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—The name given to the second
class in the first portion of the public examination for
honours, called the Mathematical Tripos, those placed in the
first class being known as WRANGLERS (_q.v._), and those in
the third class as Junior Optimes.
*Oration Quarter*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—_See_ LONG QUARTER.
*Oratorio*, _subs._ (Sherborne).—The large choir, as
distinguished from the chapel choir.
*Order*, _subs._ (general).—Written permission from a tutor to
make purchases: as from tailor, &c. _See_ NAME.
*Orders*, _subs._ (Durham: obsolete).—A Head-master’s promise to
add a day or two to the holidays: sometimes obtained, so
tradition says, by barricading Big School against him.
*Ostiar*, _subs._ (Sherborne: obsolete).—The Præfect on duty at
the Big School door: seventeenth century.
*Ostiarius*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—_See_ quots.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_, 223. OSTIARIUS, an
office held by the Præfects in succession. The duties were, to keep
order in school, collect the Vulguses, and prevent the boys from
shirking out. It is also the official title for the Second Master.
1865. _Etoniana_, 133. A peculiarity in the arrangements at Eton is,
that the school is practically divided into two. The division seems to
have been in force from the very earliest times—the three lower forms
having been then, as now, under the charge of the OSTIARIUS, or, as he
is now called, the lower master, who has the appointment of his own
provost-assistants, and is practically independent of the head-master,
and subject only to the control of the provost.
1866. _Wykehamist_, No. 1, Oct. We know of nothing more which calls
for notice, except the revival by Dr. Moberly of the OSTIARIUS—an
office which had been discontinued for many years, but was revived by
the Head-master on account of the great increase in the number of the
school.
1878. ADAMS, _Wykehamica_, xxiii. 429. OSTIARIUS, the Præfect in
charge of school.
*Othello.* _See_ ROUND.
*Outer*, _subs._ (Durham).—A cad; a “bounder.”
*Out-houses* (Charterhouse).—All the boarding-houses except
Sanderites, Verites, and Gownboys. The names of the
eight OUT-HOUSES are Girdlestonites, Lockites, Weekites,
Hodgsonites, Bodeites, Daviesites, Pageites, and Robinites
(the last a contraction of Robinsonites). Except Bodeites,
each house bears the name of its first master. One house,
Uskites—from a supposed similarity of the surroundings to
the valley of the Usk—disappeared in 1878.
*Out-match*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A match played against a
visiting team.
*Over-school*, _subs._ (Rugby).—A kind of common sitting-room
in the “new” building of 1755. The boys’ boxes were kept
there, and ASH-PLANTING (_q.v._) inflicted. The present
school-house hall was built on the site.
*Overtoys-box.* _See_ TOYS.
*Ovid* (Harrow).—_See_ UPPER SCHOOL.
*Owl*, _subs._ (Cambridge: obsolete).—A member of Sidney Sussex
College.
*Packing-up*, _intj._ (Winchester).—_See_ PEALS.
*Pad*, _subs._ (King Edward’s, Birm.).—Writing-paper: _e.g._ “a
sheet of PAD”; “lend me some PAD.” [The paper for exercises
is generally in the form of writing-pads, from which a sheet
may be separated as wanted.]
*Pageites* (Charterhouse).—_See_ OUT-HOUSES.
*Palmer*, _subs._ (Durham: obsolete).—A sly fellow.
*Pancake.* TOSSING THE PANCAKE, _verb. phr._
(Westminster).—_See_ quot.
1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, 171. The old Shrove-Tuesday
custom of TOSSING THE PANCAKE, though now peculiar to Westminster, is
said to have been also formerly in use at Eton. The ceremony as at
present performed is this. The cook, preceded by the verger, enters
the large school, in full official costume, with the hot cake in the
pan. He tosses it—or tries to toss it, for it is no easy feat—over the
iron bar, which has been already mentioned as having once held a
curtain screening off the upper school from the lower. If he succeeds
he claims a fee of two guineas. There is a scramble among the boys,
who stand on the other side of the bar, for the PANCAKE, and if any
boy can secure it whole, which seldom happens, he carries it up to the
dean, who presents him with a sovereign. They also claim a right to
“book” the performer (_i.e._ hurl a shower of books at him) if he
fails more than once. This right was liberally exercised in 1865, when
the wrath of the school had culminated owing to repeated failures in
that and the previous year. The exasperated cook replied to the attack
with his only available missile—the frying-pan—and a serious row was
the consequence. The battle is celebrated in a clever mock-heroic
poem, in Greek Homeric verse, attributed to a high Westminster
authority.
*Pandie*, _subs._ (Royal High School, Edin.: obsolete).—A stroke
from the leather strap known as the TAWSE (_q.v._), used in
Scotland instead of the cane; a PAUMIE (_q.v._). [From the
order given in Latin, _Pande manum_. _See_ _Redgauntlet_.]
*Pantile*, _subs._ (general).—A flat cake covered with jam.
*Panupetaston*, _subs._ (University: obsolete).—A loose overcoat
with wide sleeves.
*Paradise*, _subs._ 1. (Oxford).—A grove of trees outside St.
John’s College.
2. (Rugby).—A room in the old school (built in 1755) on the
site of which the school-house hall now stands. [From its
pleasant look-out.]
*Part.* _See_ BOOKS.
*Party Roll*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A list of boys going home
together. _See_ PEALS.
*Passy*, _adj._ (Christ’s Hospital).—Severe: of a master. [That
is, “passionate.”—BLANCH.] _See_ Appendix.
1844. _Reminis. of Christ’s Hospital_ [_The Blue_, Aug. 1874]. Rightly
or wrongly, it was the general opinion in our time that punishment in
school depended less upon the correctness with which the lessons were
said, than upon the temper of the particular master. Frequently and
anxiously the question was asked, “Is he PASSY this morning?” and the
arrival of a new master created immense excitement. Our first queries
were invariably of his manners and temper—matters of far more
importance to us than any question as to his ability.
*Patrol*, _subs._ (Dulwich).—Keeping order in Form rooms between
morning and afternoon school: a duty of school Præfects.
*Paul’s-pigeons*, _subs._ (common).—The scholars of St. Paul’s
School.
*Pawmie*, _subs._ (Royal High School, Edin.: obsolete).—A stroke
on the hand from the leather strap known as the TAWSE
(_q.v._), used in Scotland instead of the cane: also PANDIE
(_q.v._). [_Paum_ = palm of the hand.]
*Pavvy, The* (Harrow).—The pavilion on the cricket-ground.
*Pax*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A chum; an intimate friend. [_Cf._
Scots _pack_ = intimate, familiar.]
1891. WRENCH, _Word-Book_, 30. Possibly the plural of “pack,” which
word has an extended use in reference to friendship ... as _adj._,
_subs._, and _verb_. This seems a more likely origin than the PAX of
the Church.
_Intj._ An injunction to desist or to silence—“Be quiet!”
“Hands off!” Also HAVE PAX! [Almost the pure Latin use of
the word.]
*P. D.*, _subs._ (Dulwich).—Punishment drill: in Junior School.
*Peal*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—A custom in Commoners of
singing out comments on Præfects at the beginning of
CLOISTER-TIME (_q.v._). Also cheers given on the last three
Sundays of the Half for articles of dress, &c., connected
with going home, such as “Gomer Hats,” “Party Rolls,” &c....
“The ringing of Chapel bells is also divided into PEALS.”
[HALLIWELL.—PEALS = a noise or uproar. _Cf._ Mid. Eng.
_apel_ = an old term in hunting music, consisting of three
long moots.]
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester College_, p. 62. The
junior in chamber had a hard time of it; ... while endeavouring to get
through his multifarious duties, he had to keep a sharp ear on the
performance of the chapel bell, and to call out accordingly, “first
PEAL!” “second _PEAL_!” “bells down!”
1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 22. The scholars at this time
were expected to rise at the sound of “first PEAL” at five o’clock,
and were recommended to say privately a short Latin selection from the
Psalms as soon as they were dressed. _Ibid._ They then swept out their
chambers and made their beds (consisting in those days of nothing
better than bundles of straw with a coverlet), and SECOND PEAL at
half-past five summoned them to chapel.
1881. _Felstedian_, Nov., p. 75, “A Day’s Fagging at Winchester.” At
6.30, I had to get back to call everybody again; and again at 6.40
(five minutes to second PEAL); at 6.45 (“second PEAL”) when the chapel
bell started and kept on till seven. When the bell stops I wait at the
door and call out “præfect of chapel going in”—_i.e._ the præfect of
the week who calls names; then “præfect of chapel in” when he reaches
the door.
1900. _St. James’s Gazette_, Mar. 15, “Arnoldiana.”—He [Matthew
Arnold] was the victim of public expression of disapproval—in
connection, Mr. Arnold thinks, with the lively ceremony known as
CLOISTER PEALINGS, when he was placed at the end of the great school,
and, amid howls and jeers, pelted with a rain of “pontos” for some
time. [CLOISTER pealings is here incorrectly used: _see_ STICKING-UP.]
*Pec*, _subs._ (Eton: obsolete).—Money. [Lat. _pecunia_.]
*Pempe*, _subs._ (Winchester).—An imaginary object in search of
which a new-comer is sent: the equivalent of “pigeon’s
milk,” or the “squad-umbrella.” [From πεμπε μω̂ρον προτερον
= “Send the fool farther.”]
*Penance-table*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A table in the refectory
at which a boy is condemned to sit alone for bad behaviour
during meals. Tradition says, with some authority, that the
present PENANCE-TABLE is the one on which Cromwell slept
when he spent a night at Stonyhurst. It is hence also called
“Cromwell’s Table.”
*Penance-walk*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A path in the playground
where malefactors are condemned to tramp in silence during
recreation time. The form of the order given is: “Take an
hour’s PENANCE,” or “Go on PENANCE.”
*Pensioner*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—One who pays a “pensio” or
rent for rooms in College. At Oxford a COMMONER (_q.v._).
1780. MANSEL [WHIBLEY, _Cap and Gown_]. A Cambridge Commencement’s the
time When gentlemen come for degrees And with wild-looking cousins and
wives Through a smart mob of PENSIONERS squeeze.
*Pepper*, _verb_ (University).—To mark the accents of a Greek
exercise.
*Pepper-box*, _subs._ (Eton).—_See_ Appendix.
*Percher*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A Latin cross marked
horizontally against the name of an absentee.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_ (1866), 225.
PERCHER—A mark (────┼──) put after a boy’s name on a Roll, which
showed that he had been absent from Chapel or Hills without leave; or
that he had not done his Verse or Prose Task, or Vulgus. It was also
often put by a Master in the margin of gags, or a Verse or Prose Task,
to indicate gross errors.
*Pets*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—A set (says TOD) of young
ruffians in Under Long Room whom the editor of _The Verite
Chronicle_ (_see_ VERITE) was constrained from self-interest
to place on the free list. Only eight numbers appeared.
*Petties*, _subs._ (Harrow).—According to the Founder’s
regulations, the lowest class—“which have not learned their
accidence, or entered into the English rules of grammar.”
*Phædras* (Harrow).—_See_ UPPER SCHOOL.
*Phil*, _subs._ (Harrow).—The Philathletic Club. It consists of
members of the school elected for merit in athletics, the
first ten monitors being _ex officio_.
*Philosophers*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—The body of students above
the ordinary forms. Also PHILS.
*Pi*, _adj._ (Winchester).—Virtuous; sanctimonious. _Ex._ “His
pitch-up are very PI.” _See_ Appendix.
1891. WRENCH, _Winchester Word-Book_, s.v. PI.... Abbreviation of
“pious.” _Ex._ “He’s very PI now, he mugs all day. He PI-jawed me for
thoking.”
*Pie-match*, _subs._ (Rugby).—A match arranged between teams in
one house, or in one form, followed by a supper, subscribed
for by the players, or provided by the masters.
*Pig.* _See_ HOG.
THE OLD PIG, _subs. phr._ (Rugby).—_See_ quot.
1856. HUGHES, _Tom Brown’s School-days_, vii. “The OLD PIG came by.”
“The what?” said the doctor. “The Oxford coach, sir,” explained Hall.
“Hah! yes, the Regulator,” said the doctor.
*Pigeon-hole*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A small study.
*Piggin*, _subs._ (Christ’s Hospital).—_See_ quot.
1798. “Christ’s Hospital Three Quarters of a Century Ago” [_Chelmsford
Chronicle_ (1875), Ap. 16]. Beer we had certainly served out in wooden
vessels of an extraordinary shape, called PIGGINS; about six of them
for four boys to drink out of, but such beer! The PIGGINS were seldom
replenished, for we could not drink it.
*Pig-market* (The), _subs._ (Oxford).—A corridor leading to the
Divinity School: properly the Proscholium. [Said to have
been so used in the latter part of the reign of Henry VIII.]
1837. INGRAM, _Memorials of Oxford_.... The schools built by Abbot
Hokenorton being inadequate to the increasing wants of the University,
they applied to the Abbot of Reading for stone to rebuild them; and in
the year 1532 it appears that considerable sums of money were expended
on them; but they went to decay in the latter part of the reign of
Henry VIII. and during the whole reign of Edward VI. The change of
religion having occasioned a suspension of the usual exercises and
scholastic acts in the University, in the year 1540 only two of these
schools were used by determiners, and within two years after none at
all. The whole area between these schools and the divinity school was
subsequently converted into a garden and PIG-MARKET; and the schools
themselves, being completely abandoned by the masters and scholars,
were used by glovers and laundresses.
1853. BRADLEY, _Verdant Green_, iv. Our hero proceeded with his father
along the High Street, and turned round by St. Mary’s, and so up Cat
Street to the Schools, where they made their way to the classic
PIG-MARKET, to wait the arrival of the Vice-Chancellor.
*Pill*, _verb_ (University).—To talk twaddle or platitudes.
*Pin*, _verb_ (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—To enjoy: _e.g._ “I PINNED
my innings”; “this is a PINNING book.”
1887. _Stonyhurst Mag._, iii. 89. A downright enjoyable PINNABLE game.
TO PIN A LOZEN, _verb. phr._ (Royal High School, Edin.:
obsolete).—To break a window. [_Lozen_ = a pane of glass.]
*Pinch*. TO PINCH IN, _verb. phr._ (Harrow).—_See_ quot.
1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 315. Dr. Butler ... abolished,
amongst other old customs, certain rites and ceremonies which were
used in celebrating a boy’s remove from one form to the other in the
lower part of the school. No such promotion was considered complete,
so far as the boys were concerned, until the new member had been duly
“PINCHED IN”—remaining a certain fixed time in the play-room, during
which all the fraternity exercised a right of pinching him, limited
only by the tenderness of their dispositions or the strength of their
fingers. There were generally some adepts in this torture, who knew,
and taught others, the tenderest places and the most artistic mode of
taking hold, and who carried this evil knowledge with them from form
to form, to be practised on a succession of victims. The rites of
initiation were completed by tossing in a blanket in the dormitory,
and a certain number of bumps against the ceiling were required to
make the ceremony valid.
*Pintle*, _subs._ (Lancing).—(1) A form of cricket played with a
bat narrowed at both sides, a soft ball, and a stone wicket
in a pit. Also (2) = the bat used in the game. Hence
PINTLE-SLINGER = a fast bowler.
*Pitch-up*, _subs._ (Winchester).—One’s home circle; a group; a
crowd; a set of chums. Hence TO PITCH UP WITH = to associate
with.
*Place*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A room: generic: as study-PLACE,
shoe-PLACE, tailor’s PLACE, washing-PLACE, Dick’s PLACE,
stranger’s PLACE ( = parlour).
1891. JOHN GERARD, S.J., _Stonyhurst College_. This evidently comes
from St. Omers, in which district, we are told, the word is still
employed in the same promiscuous way.
TO RUN FOR A PLACE, _verb. phr._ (Winchester).—_See_ quot.
1881. _Felstedian_, Nov., p. 75, “A Day’s Fagging at Winchester.” My
next duty is what is called “running for a PLACE.” There are (or were)
six cricket pitches on “turf,” and any præfect has a right to one of
these all day (a bad arrangement, which I hope is altered now, as
fellows with no idea of cricket could thus keep much better players
off all day) provided he can get a stick with his name on, stuck in
the ground by his fag—the half-dozen out of the fifteen or twenty fags
running, who get their præfect’s sticks stuck in first, claiming the
place for him. It was the same sort of thing, as if the door from the
“underground” was opened about 6.30, and some twenty fellows rushed
out early in the morning to try and get pitches.
*Plain-ruled*, _subs._ (Harrow).—The paper usually used for
exercises, sixteen lines to a page.
*Planks* (The), _subs._ (Rugby).—_See_ quot.
1856. HUGHES, _Tom Brown’s School-days_, viii. The river Avon at Rugby
is ... a capital river for bathing, as it has many nice small pools
and several good reaches for swimming, all within about a mile of one
another, and at an easy twenty minutes’ walk from the School. This
mile of water is rented, or used to be rented, for bathing purposes by
the Trustees of the School, for the boys. The footpath to Brownsover
crosses the river by THE PLANKS, a curious old single-plank bridge
running for fifty or sixty yards into the flat meadows on each side of
the river—for in the winter there are frequent floods. Above THE
PLANKS were the bathing-places for the smaller boys; SLEATH’S, the
first bathing-place, where all new boys had to begin, until they had
proved to the bathing men (three steady individuals, who were paid to
attend daily through the summer to prevent accidents) that they could
swim pretty decently, when they were allowed to go on to ANSTEY’S,
about one hundred and fifty yards below. Here there was a hole about
six feet deep and twelve feet across, over which the puffing urchins
struggled to the opposite side, and thought no small beer of
themselves for having been out of their depths. Below THE PLANKS came
larger and deeper holes, the first of which was WRATISLAW’S, and the
last SWIFT’S, a famous hole, ten or twelve feet deep in parts, and
thirty yards across, from which there was a fine swimming reach right
down to the Mill. SWIFT’S was reserved for the sixth and fifth forms,
and had a spring-board and two sets of steps; the others had one set
of steps each, and were used indifferently by all the lower boys,
though each house addicted itself more to one hole than to another.
The School-house at this time affected WRATISLAW’S hole, and Tom and
East, who had learnt to swim like fishes, were to be found there as
regular as the clock through the summer, always twice, and often three
times a day.
*Plant*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A blow with a football. Also as
_verb_.
*Play*, _subs._ (Sherborne: obsolete—otherwise general).—A
holiday, half or whole.
1865. _Etoniana_, 115. Eton versification was very good indeed ...
exercises ... from their excellence, were laid before the provost, by
a time-honoured custom, as a claim for the weekly half-holiday called
“PLAY”—a ceremony which some other public schools have borrowed.
TO BEG A PLAY (Westminster).—_See_ EARLY PLAY and
WESTMINSTER PLAY.
*Playing-fields*, _subs._ (Eton).—There are seven separate
grounds—Upper Club, Lower Club, Upper Sixpenny, Sixpenny,
Jordan, Mesopotamia, and the new ground in “Agars Plough.”
1890. _Great Public Schools_, 59. Every one knows the PLAYING-FIELDS.
They are the crowning glory, the eye of Eton ... they are always
beautiful.
*Pleb*, _subs._ (Westminster).—A tradesman’s son.
*Pledge*, _verb_ (Winchester).—To give away: _e.g._ “PLEDGE me”
= “after you”; “PLEDGE you” = “give, pass, or lend me;”
“I’ll PLEDGE it you when I’ve done with it.”
1882. SKEAT [WRENCH]. SKEAT says it comes from a Latin _præbium_,
connected with præbere, in which case PLEDGE simply means “give.”
*Plodge*, _verb_ (Durham).—To paddle.
*Plough* (or *Pluck*), _verb_ (common).—To reject: as in an
examination.
1785. GROSE, _Vulg. Tongue_, s.v. PLUCK.... Signifies to deny a degree
to a candidate at one of the universities, on account of
insufficiency. The three first books of Euclid, and as far as
Quadratic Equations in Algebra, will save a man from being PLUCKED.
These unfortunate fellows are designated by many opprobrious
appellations, such as the Twelve Apostles, the Legion of Honour, Wise
Men of the East, &c.
1847. C. BRONTË, _Jane Eyre_, x. He went to college and he got
PLUCKED, as I think they call it.
1853. BRADLEY, _Verdant Green_, iii. Verdant read up most desperately
for his matriculation, associating that initiatory examination with
the most dismal visions of PLUCKING, and other college tortures.
_Ibid._, xi. Note. When the degrees are conferred, the name of each
person is read out before he is presented to the Vice-Chancellor. The
proctor then walks once up and down the room, so that any person who
objects to the degree being granted may signify the same by pulling or
PLUCKING the proctor’s robes. This has been occasionally done by
tradesmen, in order to obtain payment of their “little bills,” but
such a proceeding is very rare, and the proctor’s promenade is usually
undisturbed.
1855. BRISTED, _Eng. Univ._, 258. If a man is PLUCKED—that is, does
not get marks enough to pass—his chance of a Fellowship is done for.
1863. READE, _Hard Cash_, Prol. Gooseberry pie ... adds to my chance
of being PLOUGHED for SMALLS.
1886. STUBBS, _Mediæval and Mod. Hist._, 386. I trust that I have
never PLUCKED a candidate ... without giving him every opportunity of
setting himself right.
1895. POCOCK, _Rules of the Game_, i. I knew one of that lot at
Corpus; in fact, we were crammed by the same tutor for “smalls,” and
both got PLOUGHED.
*Pluck*. _See_ PLOUGH.
*Plug*, _subs._ (common).—A translation; a CRIB (_q.v._).
1853. BRADLEY (“Cuthbert Bede”), _Verdant Green_.... Getting up his
subjects by the aid of those royal roads to knowledge, variously known
as cribs, crams, PLUGS, abstracts, analyses, or epitomes.
*Poacher*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—At football a player stationed
near an enemy’s goals to trouble his SECOND-GUARDERS
(_q.v._). They are not allowed to go within the
“Second-guarder’s” or POACHING line.
*Pœna*, _subs._ (general).—An imposition.
*Poet*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—See POETRY.
*Poetry*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—The Fifth Form. [From the former
chief study of the Form: originally THE HUMANITIES. _Cf._
_Regulæ Professoris Humanitatis_ in the _Ratio Studiorum
Societatis Jesu_.]
*Poet’s-walk*, _subs._ (Eton).—A river-walk in the
playing-fields. POET’S-WALK = the tea those playing in Upper
Club have on half-holidays by the river.
*Pog*, _subs._ (Felsted).—The face. _See_ Appendix.
1895. _Felstedian_, April, p. 44. We won the game by one goal, three
rouges—points to its origin. “POG” may have meant a “melancholy” face
originally, and in time come to denote any Felstedian’s visage, grave
or gay.
1897. _Felstedian_, May, p. 87. I ... prayed that he wasn’t going to
drag in “Cheese” or “POG,” or any similar atrocities.
*Pojam*, _subs._ (Harrow).—A poem: set as an exercise.
*Poker*, _subs._ (Oxford).—A BEDEL (_q.v._) carrying a silver
mace before the Vice-Chancellor.
1841. _Rime of the New-Made Baccalere._ Around, around, all, all
around, On seats with velvet lined, Sat Heads of Houses in a row, And
Deans and College Dons below, With a POKER or two behind.
1853. BRADLEY (“Cuthbert Bede”), _Verdant Green_, vii. A sort of young
procession—the Vice-Chancellor, with his and Yeoman-bedels. The silver
maces carried by the latter gentlemen, made them by far the most showy
part of the procession.... _Ibid._ Tom is the bell that you hear at
nine each night; the Vice has to see that he is in proper condition,
and, as you have seen, goes out with his POKERS for that purpose.
1865. _Cornhill Mag._, Feb., 225. The heads of houses and university
officers attend [St. Mary’s, Oxford] in their robes, and form a
stately procession to and from the church. The Vice-Chancellor is
escorted by his mace-bearers, familiarly called POKERS, to and from
his residence.
*Poll*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—The ordinary examination for
the B.A. degree, as distinguished from the “Honours”
examination. Also a student who takes the “Pass” degree
without “Honours.” Hence POLL-DEGREE and POLL-MAN. TO GO
OUT IN THE POLL = to take an ordinary degree.
1855. BRISTED, _Eng. Univ._, 62. Several declared that they would GO
OUT IN THE POLL.
1884. JAS. PAYN, in _Cornhill_, April, 370. I took my degree,
however—a first-class POLL; which my good folks at home believed to be
an honourable distinction.
1889. _Academy_, Mar. 2. It is related of some Cambridge POLL-MAN that
he was once so ill-advised as to desert a private tutor.
_Verb_ (Christ’s Hospital).—To maltreat; to make impure.
[That is, “pollute.”]
*Ponto*, _subs._ (general).—New bread kneaded into a ball.
1900. _St. James’s Gazette_, Mar. 15, “Arnoldiana.” He [Matthew
Arnold] was placed at the end of the great school, and, amid howls and
jeers, pelted with a rain of PONTOS for some time. The PONTO, though a
soft missile, being but the inside of a new roll, was probably
sufficient in quantity.
*Pony*, _subs._ (general).—A translation; a CRIB (_q.v._)—any
adventitious aid to study. Also as _verb_.
1832. _Tour through College_, 30. Their lexicons, PONIES, and
textbooks were strewed round their lamps on the table.
1856. HALL, _College Words_, s.v. PONY. 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 may present obstacles.
*Poon*, _verb_ (Winchester).—To prop up a piece of furniture
with a wedge under the leg.—WRENCH.
*Pop*, _subs._ (Eton).—A club at Eton. Chiefly confined to
OPPIDANS (_q.v._), though COLLEGERS (_q.v._) are sometimes
elected.
1865. _Etoniana_, 207. “The Eton Society,” for reading and debates,
has had a longer and more successful existence than the magazines. It
is better known by its sobriquet of “POP,” supposed to be a
contraction of Popina, the rooms where it was held for many years
having been over a cookshop or confectioner’s. It was first instituted
in 1811, when Charles Fox Townshend (who was the elder brother of the
late Marquess, and died young) was the first president, and it has
gone on ever since with considerable popularity and success. The
preparation of the speeches leads to a certain amount of historical
reading for the purpose; but the chief attraction of “POP” lies in its
being a sort of social club, where papers and reviews are taken in;
and, as the numbers are strictly limited (originally twenty-two, since
increased to twenty-eight), to be elected into the society gives a boy
a certain degree of prestige in the school. In summer the debates are
almost nominal, out-door attractions being too strong; but in winter
they sometimes last for several hours, and are kept up with great
spirit. The members are almost exclusively oppidans, this being one of
the points where the jealousy between them and the collegers comes out
very distinctly. A few of the latter are admitted, but only when they
have some special claim to popularity.
*Portionist.* _See_ Postmaster.
*Poser*, _subs._ (Winchester and Eton).—An examiner: formerly a
bishop’s examining chaplain—at Eton for King’s College, and
at Winchester for New College Scholarships and Exhibitions.
Also APPOSER, OPPOSER, and OPPOSITOR. [_Posen_ = to
examine.—_Prompt. Parv._, 144.]
1574. QUEEN ELIZABETH, _Endorsement on Recommendation of Candidates
for College Election_, May 8. To our trustie and welbeloved the
wardens of the new Colledges in Oxford and nere Winchester and other
of them and to the OPPOSITORS and others having interest in the
election of Scollers.
1603. BACON, _Discourse_ [1887]. Let his questions not be troublesome,
for that is fit for a POSER.
1662. FULLER, _Worthies_, NORFOLK, ii. 462. The University [Cambridge]
... appointed Doctor Cranmer ... to be POSER-GENERAL of all Candidates
in Divinity.
1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 61. The election-day, both for
Winchester and New College, is on the Tuesday next after the 7th of
July (St. Thomas Beckett), when the warden of New College, Oxford,
with two of his fellows, called the POSERS (or at one time
supervisors), arrive at the college, where they are received with a
Latin oration “ad portas” by the senior scholar.
*Post*, _subs._ (University).—_See_ quot.
1855. BRISTED, _Eng. Univ._, 74. 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.
_Verb._ 1. (University).—To reject: as in an examination; to
PLUCK (_q.v._); TO PLOUGH (_q.v._).
2. (Eton).—To put down for doing badly in COLLECTIONS
(_q.v._), the penalty being either a holiday-PŒNA (_q.v._),
or a SWISHING (_q.v._).
3. (University).—To put up a man’s name as not having paid
for food supplied by the College: supplies are then stopped
until the account is settled.
*Postmaster*, _subs._ (Oxford).—An Exhibitioner of Merton
College. Also PORTIONIST (_q.v._).
1853. BRADLEY (“Cuthbert Bede”), _Verdant Green_, vii. Each college
does its own postal department; and at Merton there are fourteen
POSTMASTERS, for they get no end of letters there. “Oh, yes! I
remember Mr. Larkyns ... telling us that the son of one of his old
friends had been a POSTMASTER of Merton; but I fancied that he had
said it had something to do with a scholarship.” “Ah, you see, it’s a
long while since the governor was here, and his memory fails him,”
remarked Mr. Charles Larkyns, very unfilially.
1886. _Oxford Guide_ [S. J. & C.]. The POSTMASTERS anciently performed
the duties of choristers, and their payment for this duty was six
shillings and fourpence per annum.
*Post-mortem*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—The examination after
failure.
1844. _Puck_, 13. And now tho’ I’ve passed the POST-MORTEM at last.
*Post-past*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—Dessert: at St.
Omers.
1882. _Stonyhurst Mag._, i. 112. The dessert called POST-PAST was
always the best sort of apples or pears, and biscuits, or else
walnuts.
*Post te*, _phr._ (Charterhouse).—The most useful (says TOD) of
all the old Charterhouse expressions. For example, POST TE
MATH. EX. = “Will you have the kindness to permit me to
glance over your mathematical exercise?” Or one can give a
POST TE of anything; _e.g._ to give a friend a POST TE of a
book is to give him the right of its perusal when you have
done with it. The word is also used in a subtle and
sarcastic sense; _e.g._ POST TE hat or POST TE chum
signifies disapproval of the hat or friend of which or whom
the remark was made.
*Pot*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A canal lock. Whence POT-CAD = a
workman at the saw-mills; POT-GATES = lock-gates; POT-HOUSER
= a jump into the canal from the roof of a house called
POT-HOUSE.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_ (1866), 226. POT—A
canal lock; the one just under Hills was generally meant when the word
was used.
*Pot-house* (The), _subs._ (Cambridge).—St. Peter’s College:
formerly Peterhouse.
1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 85. He asked me what it was.... I
hadn’t a notion, so I made a shot and said “POT-HOUSE.” He said, “I
suppose you mean St. Peter’s College.”
*Potted-fug*, _subs._ (Rugby).—Potted-meat.
*Præfect.* _See_ PREFECT.
*Præpositor*, _subs._ (Sherborne: obsolete).—A School PRÆFECT
(_q.v._): seventeenth century.
*Præpostor*, _subs._ (Rugby).—A PRÆFECT (_q.v._).
1856. HUGHES, _Tom Brown’s School-days_, v. The master mounted into
the high desk by the door, and one of the PRÆPOSTORS of the week stood
by him on the steps, the other three marching up and down the middle
of the school with their canes, calling out “Silence, silence!”...
Then the PRÆPOSTOR who stands by the master calls out the names,
beginning with the sixth form; and as he calls, each boy answers
“here” to his name, and walks out.
*Prayer-book* (Harrow).—_See_ Upper School.
*Precipice.* _See_ FRESH-HERRING.
*Prefect*, _subs._ (general).—A superior or senior member of a
school superintending in or out of school hours according to
office and school: as in studies, preparation, games, &c.
_See_ quots., PRÆPOSITOR, PRÆPOSTOR, &c.
_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_ (1866), 226.
PRÆFECTS—The eighteen Senior boys in College, and the twelve senior in
Commoners. The ten senior of those in College were said to be in “Full
power,” and took the office of Bible-Clerk in rotation; they all had
the power of fagging the Juniors, but those not in full power were
supposed not to have the right of fagging on the School side of
Seventh Chamber Passage; practically, however, they always did. One of
the Senior PRÆFECTS was called PRÆFECT of Hall, and was responsible in
a great measure for the conduct of the boys out of school. His duties
and privileges were numerous. There was also a “PRÆFECT of Tub,” who
was supposed to see that the dinner was properly distributed; a
“PRÆFECT of School,” who had the care of that building; and two
“PRÆFECTS of Chapel,” who during alternate weeks called names in
Chapel. There were fees attached to all these offices; and all the
PRÆFECTS had a certain number of boys allotted to them as Pupils, each
of whom paid one guinea each half.
1881. _Felstedian_, Nov., p. 75. Here let me observe that only the
PRÆFECTS have separate basins to wash in; the juniors use the two
stone conduits.
1891. WRENCH, _Winchester Word-Book_, s.v. PRÆFECTS.... The number of
Præfects was eighteen in College, three to each Chamber ... in
Commoners first eight, with four senior-inferiors, who were like
Præfects in half-power, and later twelve.... The word PRÆPOSTOR was
also used concurrently, it would appear, till the last century, when
it disappeared, except in the formula demanding a remedy, in which it
survives. What the relations of the two words were to each other it is
not easy to determine.... Præpostor occurs in the College Register,
and is still used in asking for Remedies. Both seem, therefore, to be
official words. At Eton Præpostor survives, though they are stated to
have begun with officers bearing other titles. They have also retained
_major_, _minor_, _minimus_, which we have discarded for _senior_,
_secundus_, _junior_. The “Præfect of Tub”—“qui nomen ducit ab
olla”—who presided over meals, and whose perquisites are said to have
been most lucrative—amounting to the value of £80 per annum—and the
“PRÆFECT of Cloisters” are obsolete offices.
1900. _MS. Notes_ (Rev. A. GOODIER, Stonyhurst). PRÆFECTS ... These
are four in number.
*Prep*, _subs._ 1. (Dulwich).—Evening preparation. _Cf._ BANCO,
TOY-TIME, &c.