Chapter IV: Part 4

1665. DRYDEN, _Indian Emperor_, Epilogue, 21. For the great DONS of
wit—Phœbus gives them full privilege alone, To damn all others, and
cry up their own.

1698-1700. WARD, _London Spy_, pt. XIII. p. 299. Like the Great Old
DONS of the Law, when they dance the Measures in an Inns-of-Court Hall
upon the first day of Christmas.

1730. JAS. MILLER, _Humours of Oxford_, i. p. 7 (2nd ed.). The old
DONS ... will come cringing, cap in hand, to offer to show the ladies
the curiosities of the college.

1826. REYNOLDS (“Peter Corcoran”), _Song on the Fancy_. Dull
innocence! Twaddle on, Thy weary worshipper—and fain Would give thee
up, to be a DON, And beat the watch in Drury Lane.

1855. THACKERAY, _Newcomes_, ch. xi. Does not go much into society,
except ... once or twice to the houses of great country DONS who dwell
near him in the country.

_c._ 1880. _Broadside Ballad_, sung by Jenny Hill. “’Arry, ’Arry,
There you are now, ’Arry, I say, ’Arry, by Jove, you are a DON.”

1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 11. What the DONS can be about to
allow boys ... to have a bottle of champagne each, and then “more,” I
can _not_ understand.

*Dor*, _subs._ (Old Westminster).—_See_ quot. [TO OBTAIN A DOR =
to get leave to sleep.—HALLIWELL.]

1715. J. KERSEY, _English Dictionary_. _Sub voce_, a term used at
Westminster School for leave to sleep awhile.

*Double*, _subs._ 1. (Loretto).—A general assembly of the
school. The first double is for morning prayers at 9.30 A.M.
after first hour’s school. After prayers, sides for the day
are arranged in Hall. The head boy holds a double after
dinner, when the exercise of those not playing in regular
games is arranged. [Originally summoned by a double bell.]

2. (Harrow).—A room shared by one other. _See_ SINGLE.

*Double Puff*, _subs. phr._ (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—_See_ quot.

1886. _Stonyhurst Mag._, iii. 18. DOUBLE PUFF, ... a game played after
the fashion of “tip and run,” except that instead of a wicket and
tennis ball a Stonyhurst cricket bat is used, and a ball about the
size of an ordinary BANDY (_q.v._) ball, made of soft material and
covered with sheepskin, which made it very hard to hit far, and still
harder either to catch, or to pick up and throw in.... The distance
between the wickets is not as long as in wicket cricket; and the rule
about bowling is the same as in Stonyhurst cricket, namely, under-arm
and not waiting till the batsman is ready. It used to be played a good
many years ago on Sunday afternoons, between Vespers and supper; and
the community used to come out in large numbers to play it.

*Double-ruled*, _subs._ (Harrow).—Punishment paper. [Ruled
double like a copy-book.]

*Dough*, _subs._ (general).—Pudding.

*Doul*, _subs._ (Shrewsbury and Durham).—A fag. Also as _verb_.
Obsolete at Durham. _Cf._ DOWLINGS.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_ [Shrewsbury], p. 250. Four boys
are “put on” by rotation every week as general fags for the head
common room, whose duties in modern days consist chiefly in fetching
and carrying. These fags are called DOULS (δουλος) in the classical
Shrewsbury vernacular.

*Dove*, _subs._ (Cambridge: obsolete).—A member of St.
Catharine’s College.

1889. C. WHIBLEY, _Three Centuries of Cambridge Wit_, p. xxix. It is
said that the members of St. Catharine’s Hall were first of all called
“Puritans” from the derivation of the name of their patroness from
καθαίρειν. The “dove” being the emblem of purity, to change a name
from “Puritans” to DOVES was but one short step.

*Dowlings*, _subs._ (Shrewsbury).—Football.

1883. PASCOE, _Life at our Public Schools_. There are four or five
compulsory games a week (football) known as DOWLINGS (δουλος).

*Down.* TO BE DOWN, _verb. phr._ (Winchester).—To be engaged in
fagging: as in the cricket field, &c. A COLLEGE usage.

Also _see_ GO and SEND.

*Draw.* TO DRAW ROUND, _verb. phr._ (Felsted).—Originally to
bustle about; to chastise in a jocular way. Later, and
usually = to smack on the face or head.

*Dreep* (or *Dreip*), _subs._ (Royal High School, Edin.).—A
curiously dressed person: _e.g._ “That’s a funny-looking
DREEP.”

*Dribbler*, _subs._ (Sherborne).—A weak-minded person.

*Drifty*, _adj._ (Felsted: obsolete).—Cold: _e.g._ “a DRIFTY
day.”

*Drive*, _verb_ (Felsted).—To be late, or nearly late, for a
roll-call. Also as _subs._: _e.g._ “He did a drive.”

_Intj._ (Felsted).—A contemptuous retort, signifying that a
piece of news is stale: originally DRIVE UP! [The original
usage.]

*Dry-bob*, _subs._ (Eton).—A boy who goes in for cricket rather
than boating. _See_ WET-BOB.

1839. BUCKLAND [_Macmillan’s Mag._ (Nov. 1889), “Eton Fifty Years
Ago”]. It was the ambition of most boys to be a wet-bob, and to be “in
the boats.” The school was divided between wet-bobs and DRY-BOBS, the
former taking their pleasure on the river, and the latter in the
cricket-field.

*Duchess’ Rooms* (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A section of the old
College once inhabited by a Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.

1885. _Stonyhurst Mag._, ii. 100. The whole of this building ... stood
in what is now the back court.... It was entirely of wood and plaster,
in the style denominated “post and pattern.” The Duchess of Norfolk,
the last of the Shireburns, daughter of Sir Nicholas, resided in it,
hence the name of THE DUCHESS’ ROOMS by which it was last known. She
faced the front of the wooden building with stone, and inserted sash
windows, a style then coming into fashion.

*Dubs*, _adj._ (Winchester).—Double.

*Duck*, _subs._ 1. (Winchester).—The face. TO MAKE A DUCK = to
grimace. [DUCK (var. dial.) = to bow.]

2. (Felsted).—A school matron.

3. (Harrow).—One of the House swimming four, upwards of
sixteen. Whence DUCKLING = one under sixteen.

1890. _Great Public Schools_, p. 96. “Ducker” is open all the summer
term, and for two weeks after the boys go back in September. For those
who care for swimming there are inter-House swimming matches; and each
House elects DUCKS (boys over sixteen) and DUCKLINGS (boys under
sixteen) to compete for Cock-House.

*Ducker, The* (Harrow).—The school bathing-place beyond the
Footer Fields: the largest artificial open-air bathing place
in England. Originally the DUCK-PUDDLE. [Probably the first
example of the “-ER” terminations: it is at least forty
years old.]

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 322. Bathing was always, until
very lately, practised under difficulties at Harrow. The common
bathing-place, known as DUCK-PUDDLE ... was a long piece of muddy
water, varying from four to eight feet in depth. There, after it had
been stirred up by all possible means into more of a puddle than
usual, new boys were formally dipped.... To avoid mixing in the
general wash at DUCK-PUDDLE, many boys used to go out to the Brent at
Perivale, or even as far as Ellestree reservoir, for bathing; and
these were favourite expeditions on the mornings of Saints’ days. But
Dr. Vaughan had the old “puddle” lined with brick, and supplied with
water by a steam-engine, to the great additional comfort of the
bathers.

*Ducks*, _subs._ (Harrow).—Football knickerbockers. [Made of
white “duck.”]

*Dump*, _verb_ (Winchester).—To extinguish: as a candle. _Ex._
DUMP the TOLLY (_q.v._). [_Dump_ (Devon) = to knock heavily;
to stump.]

*Dungeons.* MEET YOU IN THE DUNGEONS, _phr._ (Royal High School,
Edin.).—A challenge to fight. _See_ CALTON, and CAMPUS
MARTIUS.

*Dusthole*, _subs._ (Cambridge: obsolete).—Sidney Sussex
College.

*Early* (or *Late*) *Play*, _subs._ (Westminster).—_See_ quot.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 186. Besides the regular
weekly half-holidays, there are others specially granted, known as
EARLY and LATE PLAYS. The latter, given by the head-master at his
discretion, consists in the remission of all school work after eleven
A.M. But an EARLY PLAY—when school is “up” at nine—is a much more
formal indulgence, accorded by very ancient custom only to the
personal request of some visitor of distinction. St. David’s Day
(March 1st) and St. Patrick’s (March 17) have always been holidays of
this class: for the former, the late and the present Sir Watkin Wynn
have always come down to Westminster; and for the latter, the late
Marquess of Lansdowne (as an Irish peer) and Sir Everard Home. The
custom, even now observed on some occasions, was for the visitor’s
arrival at the gate to be formally announced to the head-master by
Monos, who received a “tip” for his services. The master at once “came
down school,” and reappeared through the great door, accompanied by
the hero of the day, who was received by the boys with great
demonstrations of welcome, expressed by the vigorous rapping of books
on the desks. Both knelt down side by side, while the “monitor of
school,” kneeling immediately in front of them, proceeded with the
usual school prayers. The visitor then “begged a play,” which was
granted. The applause was renewed, and acknowledged by a bow, after
which the whole of the boys rushed joyously down school, the masters
following in more grave and stately fashion. The visits of the “King
of North Wales” were doubly popular, since he presented every Welsh
boy with a sovereign—a custom which the present baronet liberally
continues.

*East.* _See_ WISE MEN OF THE EAST.

*Ecky*, _subs._ (Manchester Grammar).—Exercise.

*Egg* (or *Egg-up*), _verb_ (Marlborough).—To show ostentatious
zeal. Whence EGGER (_subs._) and EGGY (_adj._).

*Egg-flip Day*, _subs._ (Winchester).—The Founder’s
Commemoration Day. [Because a favourite beverage at the
festivities succeeding the great annual football match
played on that day between the “first sixes” of Commoners
and College was “Egg-flip.”]

*Eggotty*, _adj._ (Felsted).—Used as follows: A boy seen
carrying an egg or eggs, if addressed by another as
“EGGOTTY,” might, must in fact, almost in honour, throw an
egg at him. If the egg-owner was a good shot he would invite
his friend “call me EGGOTTY.”

*Eight*, _subs._ (Harrow).—The school Shooting EIGHT: also the
Gym. EIGHT.

*Election*, _subs._ (Winchester).—The examination of Præfects
and Senior Part for New College, and of candidates for
admission to Winchester.

_Intj._ (Westminster).—A fag-call.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 164. From about 8 to 10 he
[the fag] is supposed to be at work, in a sort of common room assigned
to the juniors collectively, preparing his lessons for next day; but
the call of “ELECTION,” which signifies that the services of one of
the junior election is required by one of the seniors, used to be
frequent enough to be a very serious interruption. It is admitted that
these demands upon a junior’s time have commonly been such that “a boy
tempted to be idle, as most of them are, finds very considerable
difficulty in doing his work.” In order to check these interruptions
as far as possible, a late regulation has made all fagging unlawful
during these evening hours of work.

TO GAIN A YEAR BY ELECTION, _verb. phr._ (Winchester).—A boy
not being a FOUNDER (_q.v._) was obliged to leave at the
Election immediately succeeding his eighteenth birthday; he
whose birthday came shortly after Election, was thus enabled
to stay till he was nearly nineteen, and was so said “to
gain a year.”—MANSFIELD (_c._ 1840).

*Electors*, _subs._ (Winchester).—The Warden and two Fellows of
New College, and the Warden, Sub-Warden, and Head-master of
Winchester, who conducted ELECTION (_q.v._).—MANSFIELD (_c._
1840).

*Elegant Extracts*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—Students who, though
“plucked,” were still given their degrees. A line was drawn
below the poll-list, and those allowed to pass were
nicknamed the ELEGANT EXTRACTS. There was a similar limbo in
the honour-list.

*Elements*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—The first Form.

*End*, _subs._ 1. (Winchester).—A table or division of a table
in College Hall, practically meaning “mess.”—WRENCH.

_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_ (1866), 208. END.—At
dinner-time the INFERIORS (_q.v._) were divided into six companies,
each being presided over by a _Candlekeeper_ (_q.v._). These companies
and the table at which they sat were called ENDS.

2. (Felsted).—_See_ TIP.

*English*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A translation; an adventitious
aid to study; a crib.

*Ensign* (Eton).—_See_ MONTEM.

*Enterta*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—An entertainment.

*-er*, _inseparable suffix_ (Harrow).

*Erasmus.* GREAT (or LITTLE) ERASMUS FORM, _subs. phr._
(Christ’s Hospital).—_See_ quot.

1834. TROLLOPE, _History of Christ’s Hospital_. THE GREAT AND LITTLE
ERASMUS FORMS get their respectable and respective titles from the
fact that their tenants in old time studied the larger and smaller
Colloquies of the learned Erasmus.

1870-95. _More Gleanings from_ THE BLUE, 191. THE GREAT ERASMUS.—The
origin of a name is seldom what one thinks it ought to be. Those of us
who rejoice in being able to write after our names the mystic letters,
L.E._x._, L.E._y._, L.E._z._, are distinguished from our less
fortunate neighbours by the lightning fluency with which we are able
to talk secrets in Greek. ERASMUS is a Greek word, and the Dutchman,
thanks to a visit to Oxford, became so great a scholar in Greek, that
he was appointed first Regius Professor of Greek in the University of
Cambridge.... Unfortunately, this is all wrong as far as the LITTLE
ERAS. are concerned, for they were not called ERAS. because they knew
Greek, but because they read Latin.... Erasmus did a kindness to
Christ’s Hospital long after his death in having written a number of
“Colloquies,” conversations between typical characters of his day, in
clear and faultless Latin.

*Ewe-lamb*, _subs._ (The Leys).—A school hour in which a Master
or Prefect has no appointed lesson.

*Ex*, _subs._ (Harrow).—(1) An exercise of any sort; and (2) an
EXEAT (_q.v._). Also (Charterhouse) in sense 2, but _not_
EXTRA, sense 3 (_q.v._).

*Ex-Course-keeper*, _subs._ (Winchester).—_See_ COURSE-KEEPER.

*Exeat*, _subs._ 1. (general).—Written permission to go away
from School or College either at the end or during the term
for a longer period than a day. _Cf._ ABSIT.

1886. DICKENS, _Dict. of Cambridge_, 3. No undergraduate should go
down without obtaining his EXEAT.

2. (Charterhouse).—An interval in the middle of each of the
three terms of the school year; it was instituted so that
there might be no leaving at odd times. It lasts from noon
on Saturday to 6.45 P.M. on the following Monday. Formerly
Upper School had a GOING-OUT SATURDAY every week, and the
Under School one every other week, and leave lasted from
noon on Saturday till Sunday evening chapel. Also at Harrow
a similar term of leave.

*Exercises*, _subs._ (Sherborne: obsolete).—Ordinary Form
lessons, not merely written work: seventeenth century.

*Explain.* DON’T EXPLAIN! _intj._ (The Leys).—An injunction to
silence; “Shut up!”

*Extra*, _subs._ (Harrow).—1. Extra school on Tuesdays, when
those SENT (_q.v._) copy out Latin grammar for two hours and
a half: an extreme punishment.

2. (Harrow).—An extra day’s BOY (_q.v._): given to those who
CUT (_q.v._) when “on boy.”

3. (Charterhouse).—Extra school: it lasts from 2 to 4 every
Wednesday afternoon. The ways of procuring admission to it
are various: to neglect a REP (_q.v._) or a “construe,” to
be late for anything, to make a noise in the cubicles, to
come into school in slippers, or any misdemeanour leads to a
boy being “down for EXTRA.” The entries are kept in ... THE
BLACK BOOK. EXTRA school is for offences committed during
the first part of the week. There is also EXTRA drill on
Saturdays in Scholars’ Court, which lasts half the time of
EXTRA school, and which is much more disliked, for offences
committed between a Thursday and a Saturday.

*Extra Drill*, _subs._ (The Leys).—Imposed by way of punishment.

*Ex Trumps*, _adv. phr._ (Winchester).—Extempore. TO GO UP TO
BOOKS EX TRUMPS = to go to class without preparing one’s
lesson.

*Fag*, _subs._ 1. (general).—A boy who does menial work for a
schoolfellow in a higher Form. [From FAG, to grow weary.]

_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_ (1866), 37. The
duties of a FAG, in the days of which I write, may be more easily
described by informing the reader what he had not to do, than by
endeavouring to make out a list of his positive duties. I believe when
I say that he had not to make the beds, nor to clean shoes, I have
exhausted the negative catalogue.

1855. THACKERAY, _Newcomes_, ch. xviii. Bob Trotter, the diminutive
FAG of the studio, who ran on all the young men’s errands, and fetched
them in apples, oranges, and walnuts.

1856. HUGHES, _Tom Brown’s School-days_, vii. These were the principal
duties of the FAGS in the house. From supper until nine o’clock three
FAGS taken in order stood in the passages, and answered any præposter
who called “Fag,” racing to the door, the last comer having to do the
work. This consisted generally of going to the buttery for beer and
bread and cheese (for the great men did not sup with the rest, but had
each his own allowance in his study or the fifth-form room), cleaning
candlesticks and putting in new candles, toasting cheese, bottling
beer, and carrying messages about the house.... And besides this
nightwork, each præpostor had three or four fags specially allotted to
him, of whom he was supposed to be the guide, philosopher, and friend,
and who in return for these good offices had to clean out his study
every morning by turns, directly after first lesson and before he
returned from breakfast.

1857. G. A. LAWRENCE, _Guy Livingstone_, ch. i. Is still enumerated
among the feats of the brave days of old, by the FAGS over their
evening small beer.

2. (Christ’s Hospital).—_See_ quot.

1850. L. HUNT, _Autobiography_, ch. iii. FAG, with us [at Christ’s
Hospital] meant eatables. The learned derived the word from the Greek
_phago_, to eat.

3. (Stonyhurst).—A fielder: at cricket. Also FAGGER.

4. (Stonyhurst).—A bore.

_Verb._ 1. (general).—To do menial work for a schoolfellow
in a higher Form. Hence FAGGER, FAG-MASTER, FAGGING, and
FAGGERY.

1853. DE QUINCEY, _Autob. Sketches_, i. 210. FAGGERY was an abuse too
venerable and sacred to be touched by profane hands.

1873. _Pall Mall Gazette_, 17th May. The Winchester “tunding” system,
with all its faults, is hardly less objectionable than the FAGGING
system pursued in the Scotch endowed hospitals.

1881. _Felstedian_, Nov., p. 75. As I was smaller and weaker than most
of the FAGS running, I hardly ever managed to get a place, and it was
absurd to expect me to do so. I had been “spanked” two or three times
already for failing, but I don’t know that I was more successful for
that. I know I cordially detested that branch of FAGGING.

1884. _Temple Bar_, August, p. 514. He must have completely marred his
chance of happiness at the school when he refused to FAG and took
countless thrashings, snivelling.

1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 46. My new FAG-MASTER, Forker
Major, is a beast.

2. (Stonyhurst).—To field: at cricket. The ordinary meaning
either as _subs._ or _verb_ does not exist at Stonyhurst.

*Fag-book*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—Formerly a book given by a
monitor on leaving to each of his fags: it is now usual to
give a bat or a racket.

*Fain lo!* (or *Loss*), _intj._ (Felsted).—A phrase used to
retain a seat, &c., temporarily vacated. Also LO.

*Fains* (*Fainits!* or *Fain it*), _intj._ (general).—A call for
truce during the progress of a game without which priority
of place would be lost; generally understood to be demanded
“in bounds,” or when out of danger. [Thought to be a
corruption of “fend.”]

_Verb_ (also FEND, FAIN, FAINITS, &c.).—A cry of warning, or
of prohibition: as to prevent any change in the existing
conditions of a game; _e.g._ at marbles, FEN-PLACINGS =
no alteration in position of marbles is permissible;
FEN-CLEARANCES = removal of obstacles is forbidden. [FEND =
_M.E. defend_ in sense of “to forbid.”] FAIN, and FAIN I,
are corruptions. At Winchester, FINGY YOU, or FINGY THAT,
are analagous; but at Christ’s Hospital FIN = “I won’t
have.”

_Ante_ 1815. E. C. HARRINGTON, in _N. and Q._, 5 S., vii. 98.
Respecting the word FEN ... I can testify to the use of the term by
school-boys prior to the battle of Waterloo ... meaning that we
protested against an exceptional action.

1852. DICKENS, _Bleak House_. “I’m fly,” says Jo. “But FEN larks, you
know.”

1877. _Notes and Queries_, 5 S., vii. 178. A comical application was,
I remember well, “FEN live lumber!” which, if pronounced in time,
would disable your opponent from moving a bystander out of the way of
his shot.

*Fardel*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—A division of Sixth
Book for New College Election. [A.S. _ferthe_ = the fourth,
and _del_, a part or portion.]

1200. _Orminn._ The FEORRTHE DALE was bitahht (delivered) to Pilate.

1283. _William of Palerne._ Non might sen other the FERTHE DEL of a
furlong.

*Faside*, _subs._ (Loretto).—To Faside Castle, and back:
altogether about five miles. Boys who have been watching
football matches have always to do this in wet weather; and,
in bad weather, a WALLYFORD (_q.v._). Whence FASIDE AND
THREE TREES = a combined walk and run about seven miles on a
short school-day not wet, when ground is unsuitable for
games. [Why THREE TREES is unknown.] _See_ GRIND-DAYS.

*Fat-flab*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A cut off the fat part of a
breast of mutton. _See_ DISPAR.

*Feeder-cric*, _subs._ (Christ’s Hospital: obsolete).—The game
usually known as “rounders.” _See_ Appendix.

1874. _The Blue_, Mar. In the country we shall have real unlimited
cricket in the place of rounders, FEEDER-CRIC, and the scanty
bi-weekly game in the suburbs.

*Fellow-commoner*, _subs._ (general).—_See_ quots., and
COMMONER.

1794. _Gent. Mag._, p. 1084. One [student at Cambridge] was a _Harry
Soph_; another a FELLOW-COMMONER and _senior Soph_, and occasionally
jocularly called an _empty bottle_, whilst _è contrà_, a bottle
decanted, was, from time to time, denominated a FELLOW-COMMONER.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 26. Thomas Middleton petitions
King Charles, on his restoration, to grant his royal letters to the
Winchester electors in favour of his son’s admittance “as a child in
Winchester College, where he has now spent three years as
FELLOW-COMMONER.”

1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 38. She said she had heard from
her cousin, who is, I think, a FELLOW-COMMONER, or something of that
sort, at Downing College, that Harry is one of the most popular men at
Cambridge.

*Feoffee*, _subs._ (Manchester Grammar: obsolete).—The original
name for the trustees in whose hands the foundation
estate was placed by Hugh Bexwycke. [A.S. _feo_ = fee or
inheritance.]

*Ferk.* _See_ *Firk*.

*Ferula*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—_See_ TOLLY.

*Festive*, _adj._ (Charterhouse).—Said of a boy who has not
learned his duty to his superiors and seniors.

*Fez*, _subs._ (Harrow).—The equivalent of the CAP (_q.v._) for
cricket: the FEZ being given to the House Eleven for
distinction at football.

*Field*, _verb_. 1. (Winchester).—To take care of; to support:
in swimming.

2. (Harrow).—_See_ LICK.

3. (Eton).—_See_ WALL.

THE FIELD, _subs._ (Sherborne).—_See_ FIELDS.

*Fields*, _subs._ (Sherborne: obsolete).—The playing-ground:
seventeenth century. The modern term is “The Field,” though
there are five separate grounds.

*Fifteens*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A football match. _See_
SIX-AND-SIX.

*Fifty, The*, _subs._ (Tonbridge).—The chief football ground;
the next immediately below it is the Middle Fifty, then the
Lower Fifty, and the Fourth Fifty. _Cf._ HUNDRED, which is
now obsolete.

*Fighting-green*, _subs._ (Westminster).—The old battle-ground
in the western cloister.

*Figures*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—The Second Form: formerly GREAT
FIGURES. _See_ LITTLE FIGURES.

*Fin*, _intj._ (Christ’s Hospital).—A form of negative. _Ex._
“FIN the small court” = “I won’t have, &c.” [Lat. _fend_.]
_See_ FAINS.

*Find*, _subs._ (Harrow).—A mess of, usually, two upper boys
which takes breakfast and tea in the rooms of one or other
of the set: a privilege of the Sixth Form. Whence FIND-FAG =
a fag who lays the table for the upper boys. [_Find_ (dial.)
= to supply; to supply with provisions.] Also as _verb_.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 316. Immediately a certain
number of rolls (FINDS they were called—etymology unknown) were
ordered at the baker’s, and were rebaked every morning until they were
pretty nearly as hard as pebbles. At nine o’clock on the morning fixed
for the rolling in, the members of the hall ranged themselves on the
long table which ran along one side of the room, each with his pile of
these rolls before him, and a fag to pick them up.

*Finder*, _subs._ (Oxford).—A waiter.

*Finjy!* _intj._ (Winchester).—An exclamation excusing one from
participation in an unpleasant or unacceptable task, which
he who says the word last has to undertake. _Cf._ FAINS.

*Firk* (or *Ferk*), _verb_ (Winchester).—To proceed; to hasten;
to expel; to send; to drive away. [O.E. _fercian_.] Also TO
FIRK UP and TO FIRK DOWN.

1283. _William of Palerne._ Thei bisiliche fondede (tried) fast to
FERKE him forthward.

_c._ 1400. _Troy Book._ I you helpe shall the flese for to fecche, and
FERKE it away.

[?] _MS. Lincoln_, _Morte Arthure_, f. 79. The Kyng FERKES furthe on a
faire stede.

1599. SHAKSPEARE, _Henry V._, iv. 4. _Pistol._ I’ll fer him, and FIRK
him, and ferret him, discuss the same in French unto him. _Boy._ I do
not know the French for fer and ferret and FIRK.

1611. BARRY, _Ram Alley_ [DODSLEY, _Old Plays_ (REED), v. 466]. Nay, I
will FIRK my silly novice, as he was never FIRK’D Since mid-wives
bound his noddle.

1640. BROME, _Antipodes_. As tumblers do ... by FIRKING up their
breeches.

1795. SEWELL, _Hist. of Quakers_. At this the judge said, “Take him
away: prevaricator! I’ll FERK him.”

*Five, The*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—The Five bell.

*Flannels*, _subs._ (Harrow).—The members of either School
Eleven.

1899. _Public School Mag._, Dec., p. 446. Up to the present the eleven
have won four matches and lost one, while Monro, Cookson, Wyckoff, and
Borwick have all received their FLANNELS.

*Flat*, _subs._ (Royal High School, Edin.).—An objectionable
person; a “bounder.” [A misuse of flat = fool.]

*Fleshy*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A thick cut out of the middle of
a shoulder of mutton. _See_ DISPAR.

*Flies.* SQUASHED FLIES, _subs._ (Durham: obsolete).—Biscuits
with currants.

*Floor*, _verb_ (general).—To pluck; to plough. Also = to
master; to prove oneself superior to the occasion: _e.g._ TO
FLOOR A PAPER, LESSON, EXAMINATION, EXAMINER, &c. _Cf._
BOWL; THROW.

1852. BRISTED, _Five Years in an English University_, p. 12. Somehow I
nearly FLOORED the paper.

1853. BRADLEY, _Verdant Green_, iv. Mr. Filcher thoroughly understood
the science of “FLOORING” a freshman.

1861. HUGHES, _Tom Brown at Oxford_. I’ve FLOORED my Little Go.

1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 98. These blessed exams. are
getting awfully close now, but I think I shall FLOOR mine.

*Fluke*, _verb_ (general).—To shirk.

1864. _Eton School-Days_, ch. xvi. p. 203. “By Jove! I think I shall
FLUKE doing Verses; I should like to see Paddy drive tandem through
College,” said Butler Burke.

*Flyer*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A half-volley at football. A
MADE-FLYER is when the bound of the ball is gained from a
previous kick, by the same side, against canvas or any other
obstacle, or is dropped, as in a “drop-kick.” This is now
confused with a “kick-up.”—WRENCH.

*Flying-man*, _subs._ (Eton).—The boy who stands behind the
“bully,” and either runs down, or kicks hard, as may be
required.

1864. _Eton School-Days_, ch. xxiii. p. 255. He possessed good wind,
and was a very good “kick-off,” and he could “bully” a ball as well as
any one. He was a little too heavy for FLYING-MAN, but he made a
decent “sidepost,” and now and then he officiated as “corner.”

*Fobs*, _subs._ (Durham: obsolete).—Boiled bread and milk.

*Footer*, _subs._ (Harrow).—(1) Football; (2) a player of
football according to Rugby rules; and (3) the ball itself.

1890. _Great Public Schools_, p. 96. Directly after the goose match
(Michaelmas Day) FOOTER proper begins, and is the principal game
played at the school during the Christmas term. The game as played at
Harrow differs considerably from the game as played at Eton and other
schools, and has distinct rules of its own; it may be said to be more
like the Association game than any other.

1896. _Felstedian_, Nov., p. 139. H. H. H. who wants to have a
“second” FOOTER shirt.

*Footer-hill, The* (Harrow).—The hill from the football-fields
and DUCKER (_q.v._).

*For*, _phr._ (Tonbridge).—A form of ridicule: _e.g._ “first
eleven FOR one” would be used in jeering at a boy who had
recently obtained his colours.

*Forakers* (or *Foricus*), _subs._ (Winchester).—The
water-closet. [Formerly _foricus_, and probably a corruption
of _foricas_, an English plural of the Latin _forica_.]

*Force.* OUT BY FORCE, _phr._ (Stonyhurst).—Of a football when
it goes out from two opposite players at the same time.

*Founders*, _subs._ (Winchester).—Boys who proved their descent
from the Founder, and were afterwards elected (by rote among
the Electors) as such. Only two were admitted each year, and
only two were sent to New College, but these two were put at
the head of the ROLL (_q.v._) whatever their previous
position in SIXTH BOOK (_q.v._) might have been. They were
not obliged to leave at the age of eighteen, as the other
boys were, but were allowed to remain till they were
twenty-five. They were supposed to have particularly thick
skulls.—MANSFIELD (_c._ 1840).

*Founder’s-Com.*, _subs._ (Winchester).—The four days on which
there were festivals in commemoration of the Founder, when
there was AMEN-CHAPEL (_q.v._); the Fellows and Masters gave
a dinner in Common-room, and the FOUNDERS (_q.v._) received
a sovereign each.—MANSFIELD (_c._ 1840).

*Founder’s-day*, _subs._ (Harrow).—The 3rd of October, the
anniversary of the death of John Lyon: usually kept on the
nearest Thursday to the date in question.

*Founder’s-kin*, _subs._ (various).—Those, who at Winchester,
Harrow, &c., could show descent from William of Wykeham or
John Lyon, &c., as the case might be, and who were entitled
to priority of election on the foundation.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 32. The preference assigned to
FOUNDER’S-KIN in the election soon brought into the field, as may be
supposed, young Wykehams and Williamses from all quarters, with others
who proved more or less satisfactorily their connection with the
founder’s family; and gradually the customs obtained of electing two
only of these favoured candidates at the head of the roll for
admission, and filling up the remaining vacancies by a process of
successive nominations by each of the six electors, the Warden of New
College having the first turn, until the number of vacancies was
supplied.

*Founder’s-Ob.*, _subs._ (Winchester).—The anniversary of the
Founder’s death.

*Four-holed Middlings*, _subs. phr._ (Winchester:
obsolete).—Ordinary walking shoes. _Cf._ BEESWAXERS.

*Fourth*, _subs._ (Cambridge).—A rear or jakes. [Origin
uncertain; said to have been first used at St. John’s or
Trinity, where the closets are situated in the Fourth
Court. Whatever its derivation, the term is now the only
one in use at Cambridge, and is frequently heard outside
the university.] The verbal phrase is TO KEEP A FOURTH.

*Fourth Book*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—All the boys
below Junior Part the Fifth. _See_ BOOKS.

*Fourth Former* (Harrow).—The oldest form room in the Old
Schools: now used for morning prayer by those who go to the
Old Schools, and also as the head-master’s torture-chamber.

*Fourth of June* (Eton).—_See_ quot.

1865. _Etoniana_, p. 166. Since the glories of Montem have departed,
the FOURTH OF JUNE PROCESSION has taken its place as the great yearly
festival of Etonians. It was instituted in commemoration of a visit of
King George III., and is held on his birthday. It is the great
trysting day of Eton, when her sons gather from far and wide, young
and old, great and small,—no matter who or what, so long as they are
old Etonians; that magic bond binds them all together as brothers, and
levels for the time all distinctions of age or rank. The proceedings
begin with the ‘speeches’ delivered in the upper school at twelve
o’clock before the provost, fellows, masters, and a large audience of
the boys’ friends. Selections from classical authors, ancient or
modern, are recited by the Sixth-form boys, who are dressed for the
occasion in black swallow-tail coats, white ties, black knee-breeches
and buckles, silk stockings, and pumps. Then follows the provost’s
luncheon, given in the college hall to the distinguished visitors,
while similar entertainments on a smaller scale are going on in the
various tutors’ and dames’ houses. At 3 o’clock there is full choral
service in chapel. At 6 o’clock all hands adjourn to the Brocas, a
large open meadow, to witness the great event of the day,—the
procession of the Boats to Surly Hall, a public-house of that name, on
the right bank of the river, some three and a half miles from Windsor.
The boats are divided into two classes—Upper and Lower. The Upper
division consists of the _Monarch_ ten-oar, the _Victory_, and the
_Prince of Wales_, or, as it is more usually called, the _Third
Upper_. The Lower boats are the _Britannia_, _Dreadnought_, _Thetis_,
and _St. George_; sometimes, when the number of aspirants to a place
is larger than usual, an eighth boat called the _Defiance_ is added.
The collegers have also for some years put on a four-oar—latterly
expanded into an eight—which follows in the procession. The flotilla
is preceded by the Eton racing eight-oar, manned by the picked crew
who are to contend at Putney or Henley. Each boat has its distinctive
uniform. Formerly these were very fanciful—Greek pirates, or galley
slaves in silver chains, astonishing the quiet reaches of the Thames
for the day. The crews of the Upper boats now wear dark blue jackets
and trousers, and straw hats with ribbons, displaying the name of the
boat in gold letters. The coxswains are dressed in an admiral’s
uniform, with gold fittings, sword, and cocked-hat. The captain of
each boat has an anchor and crown embroidered in gold on the left
sleeve of his jacket. In the Lower boats, the crews wear trousers of
white jean, and all ornaments and embroidery are in silver. Each boat
carries a large silk flag in the stern. The procession is headed by a
quaint old-fashioned boat (an Eton racing boat of primitive days)
rowed by watermen and conveying a military band. The Westminster eight
always receives an invitation to this celebration, and occasionally
makes its appearance on the river, adding very much to the interest of
the procession.... Opposite to Surly Hall, a liberal display of good
things ... awaits the arrival of the crews—the Sixth Form alone being
accommodated with a tent. After a few toasts, and as much champagne as
can be fairly disposed of in a short time, the captain of the boat
gives the word for all to re-embark, and the flotilla returns to Eton
in the same order.... Singing, shouting, racing, and bumping, all go
on together in the most harmonious confusion.... The boats, after
their return through Windsor Bridge, turn and row two or three times
round an eyot in the middle of the stream above the bridge. During
this time a grand display of fireworks takes place on the eyot. The
ringing of the fine old bells in the Curfew Tower, the cheering of the
crews, and the brilliant coloured fires which strike across the water,
and light up the dense masses of spectators along the bridge, the
rafts, and the shore, produce an effect not easily forgotten. A
pyrotechnic illumination of the College arms concludes the ceremonies,
and is the signal for the crews to land and march in jubilant disorder
back to College.

*Fox-and-dowdy*, _subs._ (King Edward’s, Birm.: obsolete).—_See_
ACTION.

*Fragment*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—A dinner for six
(served in College Hall, after the ordinary dinner), ordered
by a Fellow in favour of a particular boy, who was at
liberty to invite five others to join him. A fragment was
supposed to consist of three dishes.—_Winchester Word-Book_
[1891].

*Free*, _adj._ (Oxford).—Impudent; self-possessed.

1864. TENNYSON, _Northern Farmer_ (Old Style), line 25. But parson a
coomes an’ a goos, an’ a says it eäsy an’ FREEÄ.

*Freed*, _adv._ (Stonyhurst).—Of an extra recreation: given for
some special reason.

*Fresh*, _adj._ (University).—Said of an undergraduate in his
first term.

1803. _Gradus ad Cantabrigiam_, s.v.

1866. TREVELYAN, _Horace at Athens_. When you and I were FRESH.

*Fresher.* _See_ FRESHMAN.

*Freshers.* THE FRESHERS, _subs._ (Cambridge). That part of the
Cam which lies between the Mill and Byron’s Pool. So called
because it is frequented by FRESHMEN (_q.v._).

*Fresh-herring*, _subs._ (King Edward’s, Birm.).—A boy newly
admitted to the school. Such a one is seized on his first
or first few visits to the playground, and conveyed to a
corner—a MONKEY DEN—where he is more or less forcibly
SQUABBED (_q.v._) against the wall by as many persecutors
as can get at him. The incongruity of fresh-herrings in a
monkey-den does not seem to be remarked. But twenty-five
to thirty years ago FRESH-HERRINGS were hurled over _the
Precipice_. This was a drop of some six or eight feet from
the general level of the playground over a retaining wall
to the bottom of an incline up which coal-stores, &c.,
could be brought into the playground. The new science and
art rooms have covered the site, and MONKEY-DEN has
superseded the terrors of this local Tarpeian Rock. The
FRESH-HERRING is always told that he must bring beeswax
and turpentine for the purpose of polishing his desk, and
he not infrequently comes armed with this or some other
form of furniture-polish, to the glee of the “stuffer-up.”

*Freshman* (or *Fresher*), _subs._ (University).—A University
man during his first year. In Dublin University he is a
JUNIOR FRESHMAN during his first year, and a SENIOR FRESHMAN
the second year. At Oxford the title lasts for the first
term. _See_ SOPH.

1596. NASHE, _Saffron Walden_, in _Works_, iii. 8. When he was but yet
a FRESHMAN in Cambridge.

1611. MIDDLETON, _Roaring Girl_, Act iii. sc. 3. _S. Alex._ Then he’s
a graduate. _S. Davy._ Say they trust him not. _S. Alex._ Then is he
held a FRESHMAN and a sot.

1650. HOWELL, _Familiar Letters_ [NARES]. I am but a FRESHMAN yet in
France, therefore I can send you no news, but that all is here quiet,
and ’tis no ordinary news, that the French should be quiet.

1671. COTGRAVE, _Wit’s Interpreter_, p. 221. First, if thou art a
FRESHMAN, and art bent To bear love’s arms, and follow Cupid’s tent.

1767. COLMAN, _Oxonian in Town_, ii. 3. And now I find you as dull and
melancholy as a FRESHMAN at college after a jobation.

1841. LEVER, _Charles O’Malley_, ch. xiv. “This is his third year,”
said the Doctor, “and he is only a FRESHMAN, having lost every
examination.”

1853. BRADLEY, _Verdant Green_, iii. Mr. Green saw at a glance that
all the passengers were Oxford men, dressed in every variety of Oxford
fashion, and exhibiting a pleasing diversity of Oxford manners. Their
private remarks on the two new-comers were, like stage “asides,”
perfectly audible. “Decided case of governor!” said one. “Undoubted
ditto of FRESHMAN!” observed another.

1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 55. A lot of FRESHMEN got together
after Hall (it was a Saints’ day, and they’d been drinking audit) and
went and made hay in Marling’s rooms.

1891. _Sporting Life_, Mar. 20. The mile, bar accidents, will be a
gift to B. C. Allen, of Corpus, who has more than maintained the
reputation he gained as a FRESHER.

1895. _Felstedian_, Dec., 178. The new trousers and immaculate brown
boots of the “FRESHER” are suffering terribly from the slush.

1898. _Stonyhurst Mag._, Dec., p. 149, “Life at Oxford.” Three Seniors
were entertaining some fifteen or more FRESHERS.

_Adj._ (University).—Of, or pertaining to, a FRESHMAN, or a
first year student.

*Freshman’s Bible*, _subs. phr._ (University).—The University
Calendar.

*Freshman’s Church*, _subs. phr._ (Cambridge).—The Pitt Press.
[From its ecclesiastical architecture.]

*Freshman’s Landmark*, _subs. phr._ (Cambridge).—King’s College
Chapel. [From the situation.]

*Freshmanship*, _subs._ (old).—Of the quality or state of being
a freshman.

1605. JONSON, _Volpone, or the Fox_, iv. 3. Well, wise Sir Pol., since
you have practised thus, Upon my FRESHMANSHIP, I’ll try your salt-head
With what proof it is against a counter-plot.

*Froust*, _subs._ (Harrow).—1. Extra sleep allowed on Sunday
mornings and whole holidays. Also (2) an easy-chair. Hence
FROUSTER.

*Frout*, _adj._ (Winchester).—Angry; vexed.

*Fudge*, _subs._ 1. (Christ’s Hospital).—To copy; to crib; to
dodge or escape: also _see_ quot.

1870-95. _More Gleanings from_ THE BLUE. The Latin Grammar was a
strange book to the new boy; he says he was “relieved from
embarrassment by the readiness with which my schoolfellows in the
class above assisted in explaining,” &c. &c.; so a “FUDGE” is not a
modern invention, though it is expressed by a polite periphrasis.

1877. _The Blue-Coat Boys_, p. 97. FUDGE, to prompt a fellow in class,
or prompt oneself in class artificially. Thence to tell: _e.g._ “FUDGE
me what the time is.”

2. (common).—To advance the hand unfairly at marbles.

*Fug*, _subs._ (Harrow).—1. A small soft football. Also (2) the
game as played with such a ball in a yard, house, &c. _See_
Appendix.

_Verb._ 1. (Shrewsbury).—To stay in a stuffy room.

2. (Harrow).—To stop indoors.

*Fug-footer*, _subs._ (Harrow).—A species of football played in
passages with a FUG (_q.v._) _See_ ante.

*Fuggy*, _subs._ (general).—A hot roll.

_Adj._ (Shrewsbury).—Stuffy.

*Fug-shop*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—The carpenter’s shop.

*Functior* (or FUNCTURE), _subs._ (Winchester).—An iron bracket
candlestick, used for the night-light in College Chambers.

_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester_, p. 68. Beside the
window yawned the great fireplace, with its dogs, on which rested the
faggots and bars for the reception of the array of boilers. Above it
was a rushlight, fixed in a circular iron pan fastened to a staple in
the wall; it was called the FUNCTIOR.

1891. WRENCH, _Winchester Word-Book_, s.v. FUNCTURE. The word looks
like _fulctura_, an earlier form of _fulture_, meaning a prop or stay,
with phonetic change of _l_ into _n_.

*Funking-Monday*, _subs._ (Christ’s Hospital).—_See_ quot.

1887. _The Blue_, Nov. Yet it is not from ignorance of vulgar slang
that the author’s elegance springs, for he unbends once so far as to
say that the Monday after the holidays is called “FUNKING-MONDAY.”

*Funking-room*, _subs._ (medical).—The room at the Royal College
of Surgeons where students collect on the last evening of
their final during the addition of their marks, and whence
each is summoned by an official announcing failure or
success.

1841. _Punch_, i. p. 225, col. 2. On the top of a staircase he enters
a room, wherein the partners of his misery are collected. It is a
long, narrow apartment, commonly known as the FUNKING-ROOM.

*Funkster*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A coward.

*Furk.* _See_ FIRK.

*Gag*, _subs._ 1. (Christ’s Hospital).—_See_ quot. GAG-EATER = a
term of reproach.

1813. LAMB, _Christ’s Hospital_, in _Works_, p. 324 (ed. 1852). L. has
recorded the repugnance of the school to GAGS, or the fat of fresh
beef boiled; and sets it down to some superstition.... A GAG-EATER in
our time was equivalent to a ghoul, ... and held in equal estimation.

2. (Winchester: obsolete).—An exercise (said to have been
invented by Dr. Gabell) which consists in writing Latin
criticisms on some celebrated piece, in a book sent in about
once a month. In the Parts below Sixth Book and Senior Part,
the GAGS consisted in historical analysis. [An abbreviation
of “gathering.”]

_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester College_, p. 108.
From time to time, also, they had to write ... an analysis of some
historical work; these productions were called GATHERINGS (or GAGS).

*Gain.* _See_ ELECTION.

*Gaits* (*Geits*, *Gytes*, or *Gites*), _subs._ (Royal High
School, Edin.).—The first, or lowest class. _See_ CATS.

*Gallery*, _subs._ (Winchester).—A Commoner bedroom. [From a
tradition of GALLERIES in Commoners.] Hence GALLERY NYMPH =
a housemaid.

*Gang*, _subs._ (Felsted: obsolete).—A particular friend. From
the ordinary meaning of the word, applied first to the two
friends, then to each of them. Used only of “acute”
friendship. Also as _verb_ = to carry on such a friendship
with another.

*Garden, The* (Stonyhurst).—The playgrounds, built on the site
of part of the old garden, long kept this name. “The boys
went to the GARDEN” = “into the playground”: obsolete.

*Gater*, _subs._ (Winchester: obsolete).—A plunge head foremost
into a POT (_q.v._).

*Gates*, _subs._ (University).—The being forbidden to pass
outside the gate of a college. Hence as _verb_ = to confine
wholly or during certain hours within the college gate for
some infraction of discipline. To BREAK GATES = to stay out
of college after hours. GATE-BILL (old) = the record of an
undergraduate’s failure to be within the precincts of his
college by a specified time at night.

1803. _Gradus ad Cant._, p. 128. To avoid GATE-BILLS he will be out at
night as late as he pleases ... climb over the college wall, and fee
his gyp well.

1835. _The Snobiad_ (WHIBLEY, _Cap and Gown_, p. 141). Two proctors
kindly holding either arm Staunch the dark blood and GATE him for the
term.

1853. BRADLEY, _Verdant Green_, I. ch. xii. He won’t hurt you much,
Giglamps! GATE and chapel you!

1861. HUGHES, _Tom Brown at Oxford_, ch. xii. Now you’ll both be GATED
probably, and the whole crew will be thrown out of gear.

1865. _Cornhill Mag._, p. 227. He is requested to confine himself to
college after a specified hour, which is familiarly termed being
GATED.

1870. _Morning Advertiser_, May 23. The two least culpable of the
party have been GATED.

1881. LANG, _Xxxii. Ballades_, “Of Midsummer Term.” When freshmen are
careless of GATES.

TO BE AT GATES, _verb. phr._ (Winchester: obsolete).—To
assemble in Seventh Chamber passage, preparatory to going
Hills or Cathedral.

*Gaudeamus*, _subs._ (general).—A feast; a drinking bout; any
sort of merry-making. [German students’, but now general.
From the first word of the mediæval (students’) ditty.]

*Gaudy* (or *Gaudy-day*), _subs._ (general).—A feast or
entertainment: specifically, the annual dinner of the
Fellows of a college in memory of founders or benefactors;
or a festival of the Inns of Court. [Lat. _gaudere_ = to
rejoice.]

1540. PALSGRAVE, _Acolastus_ [HALLIWELL]. We maye make our tryumphe,
kepe our GAUDYES, or let us sette the cocke on the hope, and make good
chere within dores. _Ibid._, I have good cause to set the cocke on the
hope, and make GAUDYE chere.

1608. SHAKSPEARE, _Antony and Cleopatra_, iii. 11. Come, Let’s have
one other GAUDY night; call to me All my sad captains; fill our bowls;
once more Let’s mock the midnight bell.

1636. SUCKLING, _Goblins_ [DODSLEY, _Old Plays_ (REED), x. 143]. A
foolish utensil of state, Which, like old plate upon a GAUDY day, ’s
brought forth to make a show, and that is all.

1724. E. COLES, _Eng. Dict._ GAUDY DAYS, college or Inns of Court
festivals.

1754. B. MARTIN, _Eng. Dict._, 2nd ed. GAUDIES, double commons, such
as they have on GAUDY or grand DAYS in colleges.

1760. FOOTE, _Minor_, Act i. Dine at twelve, and regale, upon a GAUDY
DAY, with buns and beer at Islington.

1803. _Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 122. Cut lectures ... give GAUDIES and
spreads.

1820. LAMB, _Elia_ (_Oxford in the Vacation_). Methought I a little
grudged at the coalition of the _better Jude_ with Simon—clubbing, as
it were, their sanctities together, to make up one poor GAUDY-DAY
between them.

1822. NARES, _Glossary_, s.v. GAUDY DAY or NIGHT. A time of festivity
and rejoicing. The expression is yet fully retained in the University
of Oxford. BLOUNT, in his _Glossographia_, speaks of a foolish
derivation of the word from a judge Gaudy, said to have been the
institutor of such days. But _such_ days were held in all times, and
did not want a judge to invent them.

1822. SCOTT, _Fortunes of Nigel_, ch. xxiii. We had a carouse to your
honour ... we fought, too, to finish off the GAUDY.

1878. BESANT AND RICE, _By Celia’s Arbour_, ch. xxxiii. Champagne ...
goes equally well with a simple luncheon of cold chicken, and with the
most elaborate GAUDY.

*General’s-day* (Stonyhurst).—_See_ DAY.

*Gentlemen-Philosopher*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—_See_
PHILOSOPHER.

*Genuine*, _subs._ (Winchester).—Praise. Also as _verb_ = to
praise. [It is suggested (but _see_ quot.) that the
derivation may be from _genuina_, the “jaw-tooth,” praise
being nothing but “jaw”: _cf._ _Parsius_, i. 115.]

1891. WRENCH, _Winchester Word-Book_, s.v. GENUINE.... He was awfully
quilled and GENUINED my task. Possibly from calling a thing genuine.
_Cf._ to blackguard, to lord, &c. But fifty years ago it was a _subs._
only. [_See_ Appendix.]

*Gip* (or *Gyp*), _subs._ (Cambridge).—A college servant.

1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 8. My GYP said he thought he knew
some one who’d give me eighteen shillings for it.

*Girdlestoneites* (Charterhouse).—A boarding-house. [From a
master’s name.] _See_ OUT-HOUSES.

*Glope*, _verb_ (Winchester: obsolete).—To spit.

*Go.* TO GO DOWN, _verb_ (University).—To leave school or
college: by special EXEAT (_q.v._) or at vacation. Whence TO
BE SENT DOWN = to be under discipline; to be rusticated.

1863. H. KINGSLEY, _Austin Elliot_, i. 179. How dare you say “deuce”
in my presence? You can GO DOWN, my Lord.

1886. DICKENS, _Dict. of Cambridge_, 3. No undergraduate should GO
down without obtaining his EXEAT.

1891. _Harry Fludyer at Cambridge_, 53. I’m thankful to say this
Term’s nearly over now.... We shall be able to GO down next week ...
which is a blessing.

1898. _Stonyhurst Mag._, Dec., p. 149, “Life at Oxford.” You will
think, then, that most of us do no work. Well, a good many do precious
little. Still there is this check. All who do not pass their
examinations within a certain time must “GO DOWN,” _i.e._ they must
leave. It wholly depends upon ourselves, then, how much work we do;
and it is naturally a much more difficult matter to “read” in this way
than when one has regular schools and studies.

*Goal*, _subs._ (Winchester).—(1) At football the boy who stands
at the centre of each end, acting as umpire; and (2) the
score of three points made when the ball is kicked between
his legs, or over his head, without his touching it. _See_
SCHITT.

_c._ 1840. MANSFIELD, _School-Life at Winchester College_, p. 138.
Midway between each of the two ends of the line was stationed another
boy, as umpire (GOAL he was called), who stood with his legs wide
apart, and a gown rolled up at each foot: if the ball was kicked
directly over his head, or between his legs, without his touching it,
it was a GOAL, and scored three for the party that kicked it.

*God*, _subs._ 1. (Eton).—A Sixth Form boy. _See_ Appendix.

1881. PASCOE, _Life in our Public Schools_. A GOD at Eton is probably
in a more exalted position, and receives more reverence than will ever
afterwards fall to his lot.

2. (Westminster).—The juniors who, at the WESTMINSTER PLAY
(_q.v._), occupy a back gallery. A proposal was made in 1792
to exclude them from the performance on the grand nights,
which, however, was successfully resisted. Whence GOD-KEEPER
= a Third Election boy, who acts as deputy monitor, and
keeps the gallery deities in order.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, p. 155. A rushing noise is heard
as of a party of inebriated whirlwinds coming up College, and the _Di
Superi_ (in vulgar parlance THE GODS) make their appearance. Now is
the time to see the GOD-KEEPER in his glory, in kid gloves, cane, and
commanding voice: “Here, Jones, go up closer. Room for three or four
more in that corner. Tumble-up, Davis.”

*Going-out Saturday*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—_See_ EXEAT 2.

*Gold Hatband*, _subs._ (old University).—A nobleman
undergraduate; a TUFT (_q.v._).

1628. EARLE, _Microcosmography_. His companion is ordinarily some
stale fellow that has been notorious for an ingle to GOLD HATBANDS,
whom hee admires at first, afterwards scornes.

1889. _Gentleman’s Mag._, June, p. 598. Noblemen at the universities,
since known as “tufts,” because of the gold tuft or tassel to their
cap, were then known as GOLD HATBANDS.

*Golgotha*, _subs._ (old University).—The Dons’ gallery at
Cambridge; also a certain part of the theatre at Oxford.
[That is, “the place of skulls” (_cf._ Luke xxiii. 33 and
Matt. xxvii. 33); whence the pun, Dons being the heads of
houses.]

1730. JAS. MILLER, _Humours of Oxford_, Act ii., p. 23 (2nd ed.).
Sirrah, I’ll have you put in the black-book, rusticated—expelled—I’ll
have you _coram nobis_ at GOLGOTHA, where you’ll be bedevilled,
Muck-worm, you will.

1785. GROSE, _Vulg. Tongue_, s.v.

1791. G. HUDDESFORD, _Salmagundi_ (Note on, p. 150). GOLGOTHA, “The
place of a Skull,” a name ludicrously affixed to the Place in which
the Heads of Colleges assemble.

1808. J. T. CONYBEARE in C. K. SHARP’S _Correspondence_ (1888), i.
324. The subject then of the ensuing section is _Oxford News_ ... we
will begin by GOLGOTHA.... Cole has already obtained the Headship of
Exeter, and Mr. Griffiths ... is to have that of University.

*Gomer*, _subs._ 1. (Winchester).—A large pewter dish used in
College. [Probably from its holding a _homer_ or _omer_ in
measure: _see_ quots.]

1610-31. DONNE. Not satisfied with his GOMER of manna.

_d._ 1656. HALL, _Satires_, Bk. v. He that gave a GOMER to each.

1778. _Inventory of Kitchen and Hall._ Twenty-four GOMERS (amongst
dishes and brass pots).

2. A new hat: specifically, a beaver when first introduced:
but _see_ quot., PEALS, and Appendix.

1867. COLLINS, _The Public Schools_, 68. Top-boots are no longer
considered, by young gentlemen of twelve, “your only wear” to go home
in, although the term for them—GOMERS (i.e. _go-homers_)—still
survives in the Winchester vocabulary.

*Good-breakfast*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A breakfast given to
those DISTINGUISHED (_q.v._) every term: also called
DISTINCTION-BREAKFAST. _Cf._ DO and GOOD-SUPPER.

*Good-creatures*, _subs._ (Charterhouse).—Meat, vegetables,
and pudding. [From a quaint old-fashioned “Scholars’
grace”—“Lord, bless to us these thy GOOD-CREATURES,” &c.]

*Good-day*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A free day given at the end of
the school year to those distinguished in mathematics. There
is also a “Rhetoric GOOD DAY,” given to the RHETORICIANS
(_q.v._), and a “Certificate GOOD DAY,” given to candidates
for the Higher Certificate Examination.

*Good-Four-o’clock*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A repast
similar in character to a GOOD-SUPPER and a GOOD-BREAKFAST
(both of which see).

*Good-supper*, _subs._ (Stonyhurst).—A supper given for a
special reason: _e.g._ the CHOIR-SUPPER (that given to
members of the Choir); the ACTORS’-SUPPER (that given to the
participants in Shrovetide-plays); the ELEVEN-SUPPER (to the
Cricket eleven after an “out” match), &c. _Cf._ DO and
GOOD-BREAKFAST.

*Goose-match*, _subs._ (Harrow).—A cricket match played between
the School Eleven and a team of Old Harrovians on Michaelmas
Day, or as near to it as possible. The Eleven opposing the
School are called “the geese.” _See_ Appendix.

*Gosh*, _subs._ (Winchester).—To spit.

*Gown*, _subs._ 1. (Winchester: obsolete).—Coarse brown paper.

2. (University).—The schools as distinguished from the TOWN
(_q.v._): _e.g._ TOWN and GOWN.