Chapter III (13)

"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.