THE PUBLIC SCHOOL
WORD-BOOK

THE

PUBLIC SCHOOL WORD-BOOK

A CONTRIBUTION TO

A HISTORICAL GLOSSARY OF WORDS PHRASES

AND TURNS OF EXPRESSION OBSOLETE

AND IN PRESENT USE

PECULIAR TO

OUR GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TOGETHER WITH SOME THAT HAVE BEEN OR

ARE MODISH AT THE UNIVERSITIES

BY

JOHN S. FARMER

EDITOR OF “AMERICANISMS—OLD AND NEW,” “REGIMENTAL RECORDS

OF THE BRITISH ARMY,” AND (WITH W. E. HENLEY)

“SLANG AND ITS ANALOGUES,” ETC.

LONDON

PRIVATELY ISSUED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

BY HIRSCHFELD BROTHERS

13 FURNIVAL STREET, E.C.

MCM

PREFACE

It has been a matter of note and, maybe, of surprise that no attempt has hitherto been made to gather in one volume the numerous Words, Phrases, and Turns of Expression peculiar to Our Great Public Schools. Bare lists of a dozen or more examples may be found in certain (mostly out-of-date) Records and Histories; but taking the Schools individually, only in one instance—Winchester—has there been anything but the most perfunctory attention given to the subject; and in no case has the question received that analytical, scientific treatment—historically and comparatively—which has proved so invaluable in the “Oxford Dictionary” and in “Slang and its Analogues.”

It would, however, seem almost necessary to emphasise the fact that this Word-Book is not, per se, a dictionary of school slang. On the contrary, it is far more than that. For, though such colloquialisms as are peculiar to Public School life are naturally and rightly included, yet by far the larger number of the examples here set down do not, by any accepted method of classification, fall within that category. I am led to make this clear at the outset by reason of a somewhat curious, but altogether erroneous idea that the present book was to be a mere reprint of extracts from the larger work on which, for many years, I have been engaged. That is not so.

Nor, moreover, do these words and phrases appear, save in very few instances, in any other work—not even in so admirably complete a dictionary, in other respects, as “The Century,” while the monumental Oxford undertaking will not be available, as a complete authority, for many years to come.

Having thus stated what this work is not, it seems borne on me to explain, anew, what it is, or rather, what has been my method. Briefly put, my idea has been to collect such words, phrases, names, and allusions to customs as now are, or have been, peculiar to English Public School life, and to apply to their definition and elucidation what is known as the “historical” method, illustrating such examples as lent themselves to it by quotations from old and present-day writers.

The Public Schools with which I have been concerned, arranged chronologically in order of foundation or charter, are as follows:—

How far I have been successful in my task I leave others to judge. I must confess, however, that the extent and wealth of this special field of inquiry has somewhat astonished me: yet I fear my lists are, in some cases, still incomplete. But, even so, this contribution towards a more perfect glossary will, I think, be a revelation to many.

No wonder our Mother-tongue is so vigorous, adaptable, and expansive—reaching out in its creative energy to all the forms and necessities of modern life—when even Young England shows such aptitude in coining new expressions, and adapting older forms to its ever-changing (and, shall I say, ever-increasing) needs. Studied comparatively, there will be found much significance, not alone in the survivals from past generations, but also in the relatively newer phraseology. Many an interesting side-light, too, is thrown on ancient school customs and usages.

Though primarily addressing myself to past schoolmen, it is not without a hope that the general student and scholar, as well as those still in statu pupillari, will find something of use and to interest.

Finally, I desire, though holding myself alone responsible for aught that is solecismal in these pages, to acknowledge my indebtedness to those who have afforded me such unstinted aid in compiling this work. Especially are my thanks due to Mr. P. K. Tollit (Derby); Mr. W. Durnford (Eton); Mr. R. D. Hodgson (Manchester Grammar); Mr. C. A. Ross (Royal High School, Edin.); Rev. A. E. Hillard (Durham); Mr. W. B. Wildman (Sherborne); Rev. J. F. Cornish (Christ’s Hospital); Rev. E. W. Badger (King Edward’s, Birm.); Mr. C. H. Crofts (Tonbridge); Rev. E. Gepp (Felsted); Mr. G. Townsend Warner (Harrow); the Rev. Fathers Gerard and Browne and Rev. A. Goodier (Stonyhurst); Dr. H. H. Almond (Loretto); Mr. J. F. L. Hardy (Marlborough); Mr. J. C. Isard (The Leys).

SPECIAL NOTICE

While the “Public School Word-Book” was passing through the press a certain amount of additional matter came to hand. Rather than omit altogether I have included it in an Appendix.

May I also say that I shall welcome any suggestions, additions, or corrections that may be forwarded to me?

Communications may be addressed to John S. Farmer, c/o Messrs. Hirschfeld Bros., 13 Furnival Street, London, E.C.

THE

PUBLIC SCHOOL WORD-BOOK

A, To get one’s “a,” verb. phr. (Harrow).—To pass a certain standard in the Gymnasium: the next step being to the Gymnasium Eight. See Appendix.

Abber, subs. (Harrow).—1. An abstract: on history, &c.; set as a punishment.

2. An ABSIT (q.v.): on whole holidays, or under medical advice.

Abroad, adv. (Winchester).—Convalescent; out of the sick-room: e.g. “I have been (or come) ABROAD a week.” Cf. Continent.

1534. Udall, Roister Doister, ... I bid him keepe warme at home, For if he come ABROADE, he shall cough me a mome.

1598. Shakspeare, 2 Hen. IV., i. 2. I am glad to see your Lordship ABROAD. I heard say your Lordship was sicke. I hope your Lordship goes ABROAD by aduice.

1761. Letter [Wrench]. I have been exceeding ill ... am not just got ABROAD again.

Abs, adj. (Winchester).—Absent: placed against the name when away from school. [From absunt on Rolls.]

Verb. To take (get, or go) away. Formerly (circa 1840) to ABS a tolly (candle) = to put it out; it now = to take it away whether lighted or unlighted, the modern NOTION (q.v.) for putting it out being to “dump” it. As a neuter verb ABS is generally used in the imperative: e.g. “ABS!” “Oh, do ABS!” Sometimes, however, a fellow is said TO ABS quickly, and MESS THINGS (q.v.) are ABSED, or put away. To HAVE ONE’S WIND ABSED = to have it taken away by a violent blow in the stomach.

Absence, subs. (Eton).—Names-calling. [This takes place at 3 and 6 P.M. on half-holidays; at 11.30, 3, and 6 P.M. on whole-holidays; at 6 P.M. only in summer half.]

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 174. And the elevens were made up, as they best might, out of such adventurous spirits as dared to “skip” roll-calls and ABSENCE for the purpose. Eton, when the losers, attributed the fact to the want of their best men in consequence of these difficulties.

Absit, subs. (Cambridge).—See quot.

1886. Dickens’s Dictionary of the University of Cambridge, p. 3. Every undergraduate wishing to leave Cambridge for a whole day, not including a night, must obtain an ABSIT from his tutor. Permission to go away for a longer period, either at the end of the term or in the middle, is called an “exeat,” and no undergraduate should go down without obtaining his “exeat.”

Academia, subs. (Stonyhurst).—See Appendix.

Academy, subs. (Stonyhurst).—An exhibition given at the end of every quarter: the first by Rhetoric (q.v.), the second by Poetry (q.v.), the third by Syntax (q.v.), the last, called the Great Academies, by all three combined. This last is the crowning act of the school year, being attended by many visitors, and is followed by the annual distribution of prizes. Hence Academy Room = the large hall in which the chief exhibitions, displays, concerts, plays, &c., are held. [The name may have come from the school at Liège, which was known as the “Academy”; but more probably it is of much older date, being derived from the “Academiæ” of the Ratio Studiorum Societatis Jesu.]

Accidence (Harrow).—See Upper School.

Ack (or Ick), intj. (Christ’s Hospital).—No! nothing. Ex. “Lend me your book.” “Ack!” Obsolete.

Action, subs. (King Edward’s, Birm.: obsolete).—A game in which a number of boys start from one end of the cloisters and run to the other, trying to avoid being captured en route by others who seek to intercept them. The game was also called Fox and dowdy. These were names in use twenty-five years ago. To-day the same game is called Bacca, because the prisoners must be held long enough for the captor to say, “one, two, three, caught, tobacco!”

Ad lib., subs. phr. (Stonyhurst).—The time when boys are not bound to study in the Study-place (q.v.).

Admonishing-money, subs. (Westminster).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 116. The punishments for speaking English in hall or school, which have been before alluded to, were strictly enforced in his [Dr. Busby’s] days in the way of fines, called ADMONISHING-MONEY, which figure occasionally in his [Lynn’s] account. The custom was for the second boy of the second election to act as a sort of monitor for this purpose, and to deliver to any boy who so offended a “mark” or tally, with the words, Tu es custos; this mark he had to pass in turn to the first whom he could detect in a similar slip, and the boy with whom the mark remained when hall broke up incurred a fine. Charles Dryden, son of the poet, thought himself so hardly used by being made custos three days running (by some unfairness, as he conceived), that the father wrote a strong letter on the subject to his old master, Busby, and was very nearly removing the boy from school.

Ad portas, subs. (Winchester: obsolete).—A Latin speech delivered by the Senior College Prefect to the Warden of New College and the Posers (q.v.) under Middle gate at the commencement of Election week.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 61. When the Warden of New College, Oxford, with two of his Fellows, called the “posers” (or at one time “supervisors”), arrive at the college, ... they are received with a Latin oration Ad Portas by the senior scholar. Two other speeches are delivered in school just before their arrival: 1. Elizabethæ et Jacobi Laudes (commonly known as “Elizabeth and Jacob”), by the Prefect of School; 2. Fundatoris Laudes, formerly assigned to the senior “Founder’s kin” scholar, but now spoken by the third prefect.

Adsum, intj. (Charterhouse).—The response made in answer to names-calling.

1855. Thackeray, The Newcomes, p. 774. At the usual evening hour the chapel bell began to toll, and Thomas Newcome’s hands outside the bed feebly beat time. And just as the last bell struck a peculiar sweet smile shone over his face, and he lifted up his head a little and quickly said ADSUM, and fell back. It was the word we used at school when names were called; and lo, he whose heart was as that of a little child had answered to his name, and stood in the presence of the Master.

1900. Daily Telegraph, 23rd March, 8. 7. As in the old days of Colonel Newcome, “ADSUM,” or “Always ready,” is still the watch-word of the Charterhouse, whose authorities have issued a neatly-printed list of Old Carthusians serving in South Africa, in a cover of the school colours.

1900. Tod, Charterhouse, p. 97. Adsum is the name of a new institution.... There was no occasion for it when the school was in London, and none could pass beyond the school precincts. Colonel Newcome must have answered ADSUM at prayers only.

Æger. See Ægrotat.

Æger-room, subs. (Felsted).—The sick-room. See Ægrotat.

Ægrotat (or Æger), subs. (University).—(1) A medical certificate excusing attendance. (2) The degree taken by those so excused. Reading Ægrotat = leave taken (generally in December) to read for one’s degree. [Lat. ægrotare.]

1794. Gent. Mag., p. 1085. They [at Cambridge] sported an ÆGROTAT, and they sported a new coat!

1853. Bradley, Verdant Green, iv. “That there’s the ‘All, sir, that is,—where you dines, sir, leastways when you ain’t ‘Æger,’ or elseweer.” Ibid., viii.—“Not very well, Robert, thank you. I—my head aches, and I’m afraid I shall not be able to get up for chapel.”... “If you’ll leave it to me, sir, I’ll make it all right for you, I will. Of course you’d like to take out an ÆGER, sir; and I can bring you your Commons just the same.”

1864. Babbage, Passages from the Life of a Philosopher, 37. I sent my servant to the apothecary for a thing called an ÆGROTAT, which I understood ... meant a certificate that I was indisposed.

1870. Chambers’s Journal, June 18, p. 395. Dick laughed. “I’ll get the receipt from him. I often want a good thing for an ÆGER.”

1888. H. Smart, in Temple Bar, February, p. 213. “Instead of applying for leave to my tutor, I had resorted to the old device of pricking ÆGER.”

1890. Felstedian, Feb., p. 2. What’s up ... with Smith? He went ÆGER before school this afternoon. I expect he’s rather bad; he is not the fellow to go ÆGER for nothing. I do hate that ÆGER-room.

After Four. See Four.

Afternoon-tea, subs. (Royal High School, Edin.).—Detention after 3 o’clock.

After Twelve. See Twelve.

-agger, inseparable suffix (Charterhouse).—As in Combinaggers, a combination suit of pyjamas.

Alderman, subs. (Felsted: obsolete).—A qualified swimmer. [From “The Alders,” a deep pool in the river Chelmer.]

1893. Felstedian, June, p. 79. Years ago there existed at Felsted a class of beings known as “Swimming ALDERMEN.” What they were, and whence they came, I know not; perhaps some Old Felstedian will be able to enlighten me on the point. Perhaps the name was given to those who could swim so many times from the “Alders” to “Duck-pond”; or, perhaps, the name was derived from the aldermanic proportions of the swimmer. Ibid. (1895, Ap., p. 44). A fourth term, “ALDERMAN,” was not in the list. It has certainly “been dead lengthy” but was once prized by its possessors, who had to swim so many times from the “Duck Pond” to “The Alders” before they could gain the title. Ten lengths of the new bath would afford a fair test, and ALDERMEN might have some privilege or other. Its revival would be a good thing, for there has of late been a tendency to prefer diving to swimming.

All. See Along; In; Out; and On.

Allows, subs. (Harrow).—The weekly allowance of 2s., from which breakages, &c., are stopped.

Alma Mater, subs. (general).—One’s school, college, or university.

1853. Bradley, Verdant Green, ii. 2. A white tie and a pair of very small bands—the two articles which, with the usual academicals, form the costume demanded by ALMA MATER of all her children when they take their places in her schools.

1874. The Blue, Aug., Reminis. of Christ’s Hospital. In fact, the musical arrangements of our ALMA MATER were something exceedingly below par.

Along. All Along, subs. phr. (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A kind of dribbling football practice: indulged in during a short spell of recreation.

Alto-cad, subs. (Winchester).—The paid member of the choir taking alto.

Amen-chapel, subs. (Winchester).—A long service performed on the four days set apart for commemorating the Founder, and on the anniversary of his death.

Ancient-mariner, subs. (University).—A rowing Don.

Anstey’s. See Planks.

Apostles, subs. (University).—See quot.

1803. Gradus ad Cantab. The APOSTLES are the clodhoppers of literature, who have at last scrambled through the Senate House without being plucked, and have obtained the title of B.A. by a miracle. The last twelve names on the list of Bachelor of Arts are thus designated. [The term is now (1900) applied to the last twelve in the Mathematical Tripos (q.v.)]

Appii (The), subs. (Durham: obsolete).—The Three Tuns, a celebrated Durham inn. [From a misunderstanding of Acts xxviii. 15.]

Apple-pie Day, subs. (Winchester).—The day on which Six-and-Six (q.v.) is played—the Thursday after the first Tuesday in December. [Because hot apple-pies were served on GOMERS (q.v.) in College for dinner.]

Aquatics, subs. (Eton).—Where boys “in the boats” play cricket; also the Wet-bob cricket team.

Archdeacon, subs. (Oxford).—Merton strong ale.

Armoury, The (Harrow).—The room under the Old Schools where rifles, belonging to the Rifle Corps, are kept.

Arrow, subs. (Harrow).—A challenge arrow, of silver: given to the Cock-house (q.v.) at shooting.

Arundel Day (The Leys).—The choir summer holiday.

Ascension-day. See Ascensio Scholarum.

Ascensio Scholarum, subs. phr. (Stonyhurst).—The opening ceremony of the school year. The whole house assembles in the Study-place (q.v.), and the Prefect of Studies reads out the new forms, prefixing the formula “Maneant in” or “Ascendant in” as the case may be. The day is known as “Ascension Day.”

1843. Stonyhurst Mag., Nov. 1883, p. 232. The Ascensio Scholarum was managed quite otherwise then than now [1843-83].... Ascension Day.—The opening day of schools. Mass of the Holy Ghost is said in the church, after breakfast. The different schools, headed by their masters, then return to the schoolrooms which they occupied the preceding scholastic year. Presently the large bell tolls, and then the Prefect of Studies opens the door of Poetry (q.v.), and announces that “Rhetoric (q.v.) is empty.” The Poets (q.v.) leave their room and ascend to Rhetoric, and forthwith become Rhetoricians, with all their privileges. Then the (late) Poet’s doorkeeper knocks at Syntax’ (q.v.) door and sings out that “Poetry is empty”; and so on through the different schools. The little fellows newly arrived have to wait in the gallery until “Little Figures” (q.v.) is vacant, when they become Little Figuricians, “Little Figures,” it will be observed, being what we [1883] call “Elements” (q.v.).

Ash-planting, subs. (Rugby).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 349. In this room [Over-School] it was that, in the latter half of the last century, the punishment of ASH-PLANTING used to take place. It was inflicted by order and in the presence of a judicial committee of the præposters (Sixth Form) for some few grave offences against the recognised internal discipline of the school, e.g. personal assault upon one of their body by a mutinous fag—an offence which would still be severely punished by the masters, if not by the Sixth themselves. Three ash-saplings were used; in theory, at least, the two first were to be broken upon the person of the culprit. The punishment was severe—perhaps unjustifiably so; but it had the character of being only inflicted in extreme cases, and with strict justice, and was not regarded as a cruelty in the school.

Athens (Eton).—A bathing-place.

1865. Etoniana, p. 162. No boy is now allowed to go into a boat until he has passed an examination in swimming before a committee of masters at ATHENS or at Cuckoo Weir.

Audit-ale (or Audit), subs. (Cambridge).—A special brew of ale, peculiar to Trinity College. [First-made draught on AUDIT days.]

1837. Barham, Ingoldsby Legends, “Lay of St. Dunstan.” The “Trinity AUDIT ALE” is not come-at-able, as I’ve found to my great grief when dining at that table.

1876. Trevelyan, Life of Macaulay (1884), ch. iv. p. 127. A glass of the AUDIT ALE, which reminded him that he was still a Fellow of Trinity.

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.

Aul. præ, subs. (Winchester).—Prefect of Hall. [Abbreviation of Præfectus Aulæ.]

Ave Maria Lane (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A walk in the playground.

B, subs. (Harrow).—A standard in Gymnasium the next below the A (q.v.). See Appendix.

Bacca. See Action.

Bacchus, subs. (Eton).—A copy of verses. See quot.

1865. Etoniana, 27. On Shrove-Tuesday verses were written [c. 1561] in honour or dispraise of Bacchus—“because poets were considered the clients of Bacchus”—and those composed by the senior boys were fixed on the inside of the folding-doors of the hall, as was the old fashion in all schools and colleges. This custom was continued almost into modern days, and though the subject was changed, the copy of verses was still called “a BACCHUS.” When Pepys paid a visit to the school in 1665, he found the subject given out for that year was the one topic of absorbing interest—the Plague.

Back. To BACK UP, verb (Winchester).—To call out: e.g. “Why didn’t you BACK UP? I should have come.” [In College various times are BACKED-UP by Junior in Chambers, such as “Three quarters!” “Hour!” “Bells go single!” “Bells down!”]

Back Alley (The Leys: obsolete).—A passage dividing “Upper” and “Lower” Quadrangle: now done away with.

Backings-up, subs. (Winchester).—Half-burned fagot-ends. [Backing (prov. in Linc., Leices., and North country) = slack; small-coal; turf.]

Backs, subs. (Cambridge).—A favourite walk with undergraduates.

1891. Harry Fludyer at Cambridge, 23. I’m in training now for the Lent races, and have to be out for a walk in the BACKS before breakfast every morning.

Badger, subs. (Wellington).—A member of the Second XV. at football. [A “badge” is bestowed when permission is given to play in this team.]

Bag, subs. (Westminster).—Milk.

Bags (or Bags I), intj. (common).—Used to assert a claim to some article or privilege. Analogous school slang is FAINS or FAIN IT (q.v.) for demanding a truce during the progress of a game, and which is always granted by the opposing party. In other schools pike I or PRIOR PIKE serve to lay claim to anything, or for asserting priority. Also BAR: e.g. “He wanted me to do so and so, but I BARRED not.” Cf. Fain.

Bags’-stile, subs. (Rugby).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, 363. On the Dunchurch Road there was a stile long known as BAGS’ STILE; here a certain set of boys, of whom Lyttelton was one [c. 1793], used to sit and “chaff” the passing “bagsmen”—for the commercial travellers to Rugby then rode with actual saddle-bags; and this practice led to terrible fights occasionally with the aggrieved riders.

Bake, verb (Winchester).—To rest; to sit or lie at ease. Hence BAKER (q.v.); BAKESTER (obsolete) = a sluggard; BAKING-LEAVE (q.v.); BAKING-PLACE (q.v.); BAKER-LAYER (q.v.). [North. Dial. beak = to bask in the heat. Jamieson, beik, beke, beek = to bask.]

1360. Ywaine [Ritson, E. M. R.]. And ligges BEKEAND in his bed.

d. 1395. Barbour MS. Ane Inglis man, that lay BEKAND Hym be a fyr.

1577. Kendall [Wrench]. At home we take our ease And BEAKE ourselves in rest.

1648. Symmons, Vindication of Chas. I. Wherefore if that Pope of Rome when he lay BEAKING himself in the midst of his luxuries, had cause to cry out, Heu quantum patimur pro Christo.

d. 1758. Ramsay, Works. She and her cat sit BEEKING in her yard.

Baker, subs. (Winchester).—A cushion; also anything used to sit or kneel upon, as a blotting-book, &c. [Bakers were of two kinds: that used in “College” was of large size, oblong in shape, and green in colour. The other, used in “Commoners,” was thin, narrow, much smaller, and of red colour.] Hence BAKER-LAYER (obsolete) = a Junior who used to take a Prefect’s green BAKER in and out of Hall at meal-times.

Baker-layer. See Baker.

Baking-leave, subs. (Winchester: obsolete).—1. Permission to BAKE (q.v.) in a study in Commoners, or in a Scob (q.v.) place in College. 2. Leave to sit in another’s Toys (q.v.).

Baking-place, subs. (Winchester).—Any place in which to BAKE (q.v.), or in connection with which BAKING-LEAVE (q.v.) was given.

Balbus, subs. (University).—A Latin prose composition. [From the frequency with which Balbus is quoted in Arnold’s well-known text-book, Latin Prose Composition.]

1870. Quarterly Review. Balbus was in constant use.

Ball. Call the ball! phr. (Stonyhurst).—The “Foul!” of Association Football.

Balls, subs. (Winchester).—A Junior in College collects footballs from the lockers in school and takes them through at 6 o’clock to the Ball-keeper in Commoners to be blown or repaired. The Ball-keeper is an Inferior who, for service in looking after cricket and foot-balls, is exempted from KICKING-IN (q.v.) and WATCHING-OUT (q.v.).

Bally, subs. (Sherborne: obsolete).—Ball court, the old name for the Fives’ courts; there was a game, evidently like fives, played at Sherborne against the north transept of the church as early as 1585. The word has long ago passed out of use.

Banco, subs. (Charterhouse).—Evening preparation at House under the superintendence of a monitor; the Winchester Toy-time (q.v.).

1900. Tod, Charterhouse, 81. At old Charterhouse monitors had unlimited powers.... They were seldom interfered with by any master; for instance, the visit of a house master to BANCO was intensely resented. There was a “boule” in the Sixth Form of 1872, as to what a monitor should do who was thus insulted. Should he at once put his cap on, and take no notice of the master? or would it be more dignified to walk straight out of the room? Ibid., 84. The chief duties of a monitor now are to keep BANCO, and to see that order is preserved in the cubicles, and in his house generally. Banco is the time from 7.30 to 8.55 every week-day evening except Saturday, and from 8.15 to 8.55 on Sundays, when the Under School sit in Long Room and prepare their work for the next day. The keeping of BANCO is a fine exercise in discipline for the monitor, and a very convenient arrangement for the house master. It is a tradition that a monitor helps every Under School boy with his work during BANCO if he can. Ibid., 95. The term BANCO was suggested by H. W. Phillott, afterwards Canon of Hereford ... in 1832, or a little later.

Bandy, subs. (Stonyhurst: nearly obsolete).—The Stonyhurst form of Hockey: prominent in the Tichborne trial, when the Claimant at first thought it a nickname, and afterwards a part of the College buildings.

1823. Nares, Glossary, s.v. Bandy-ball. A Yorkshire game, played with a crooked bat and a ball. It is the same as the Scottish game of golf. See Stowe’s Survey, ed. 1720, i. 251.

1847. Halliwell, Archaic Words, s.v. Bandy. A game played with sticks called BANDIES, bent and round at one end, and a small wooden ball, which each party endeavours to drive to opposite fixed points. Northbrooke, in 1577, mentions it as a favourite game in Devonshire. It is sometimes called BANDY-BALL, and an early drawing of the game is copied in Strutt’s Sports and Pastimes, p. 102.

Bangy (or Bangay), subs. (Winchester).—Brown sugar. Also as adj. = brown. Hence BANGAY BAGS (or BANGIES) = brown-coloured trousers. Wrench says the strong objection to these in former times probably arose from Tony Lumpkin coming to school in corduroys. [Suggested derivations are: (1) from Bangalore, a coarse-sugar growing country; (2) bhang = hemp; (3) banjy (Essex) = dull, gloomy.] A brown gate formerly leading from Grass Court into Sick House Meads was known as the Bangy Gate. The term is now often applied to the gate by Racquet Court into Kingsgate Street.

Bar. To bar out, verb. phr. (Royal High School, Edin.: obsolete).—To lock or barricade the doors to exclude the masters. This custom has been practically extinct since the day that Bailie John Macmorrane was shot by a pupil, William Sinclair, son of the Chancellor of Caithness, while endeavouring to get the door battered down (Sept. 15, 1595).

Barbar, subs. (Durham).—A candidate for scholarship from another school. [That is, “barbarian” = foreigner.]

Barber, subs. (Winchester).—A thick fagot or bough; one was included in each bundle. Also any large piece of wood.

Verb (University).—To work off impositions by deputy. [Tradition relates that a learned barber was at one time frequently employed as a scapegoat in working off this species of punishment inflicted on peccant students.] Also TO BARBERISE.

1853. Bradley (“Cuthbert Bede”), Verdant Green, xii. As for impositions, why ... ’Aint there coves to BARBERISE ’em for you?

Barge, subs. (Sherborne).—Small cricket: played, with a stump for bat, against a wall.

Verb (Charterhouse).—To hustle; TO MOB UP (q.v.); TO BRICK (q.v.).

Barn, The (Charterhouse).—A temporary wooden building, constructed in 1876 to meet deficiencies in class-room accommodation. It stood on the site now occupied by the Museum. It disappeared in 1884.

Barnet, intj. (Christ’s Hospital: obsolete).—Nonsense! Humbug!

Barn-school, subs. (Rugby).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, 367. Dr. James found there [Rugby in 1777] 52 boys; in five years he had raised them to 165. The one large schoolroom was no longer sufficient ... a new building was added.... Even the new schools overflowed, for the members rose in time to near 300; and the head-master was obliged to migrate into a barn adjoining the Dunchurch Road.... There for more than twenty years successive head-masters taught the two senior forms.... Connecting these buildings with the three schools adjoining the old manor-house was a line of cow-sheds, which served as a shelter in rainy weather.... Such was the Rugby of 1809; for it was not till long afterwards that barn and cow-sheds disappeared, though the present school buildings were begun in that year.

Barracks, subs. (Loretto).—A Form occasionally interpolated between Nippers (q.v.) and Fourth. [In the Sixties a master at Loretto was known as the Captain, and when the first overflow from the school-house took place, the house in which a few boys slept, and over which he was master, was called the Garrison. The adjoining house was afterwards occupied and was called the BARRACKS. Whence the interpolated Form, which for a time had for its schoolroom a room at that house, getting the name of the Barracks Form. The name clung to it when moved to one of the regular schoolrooms.]

Barter, subs. (Winchester).—A half volley at cricket. Also as verb. [From Warden Barter, who was famous in the cricket-field for dealing with such balls.]

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, 65. None showed more enthusiastic interest in these [Public School Cricket] matches than the late excellent Warden, Robert Speckott Barter.... He seldom missed a match at Lord’s from the time he played in the school eleven himself. He was a tremendous hitter in his day; and the remarkable punishment which he dealt out to the ball, when he was lucky enough to catch it on the “half-volley,” has given to a long hit of this character at Winchester (and even elsewhere) the name of a BARTER.

Bartlemytide, subs. (general: old).—The summer holiday.

Base, subs. (Harrow).—A goal: at football.

Basinite, subs. (Charterhouse: obsolete).—A hot-water fag: he had to get hot water and towels ready for a monitor when he descended to wash in COCKS (q.v.).

Bat-mugger, subs. (Winchester).—A wooden instrument used in oiling cricket-bats.

Battal, subs. (Harrow and Charterhouse).—Battalion drill for the Rifle Corps: usually (at Harrow) in the evening. [The second is the syllable accentuated.]

Battler, subs. (general).—A student. See Battlings.

Battlings (or Battels), subs. (general).—An allowance, in money or kind; apparently originally intended to supplement the meagre fare of fast-days. Cf. quots. Hence TO BATTEL = to take provisions from the buttery.

1607. Wentworth Smith, Puritan [Malone, Suppl., ii. 543]. Eat my commons with a good stomach, and BATTLED with discretion.

1611. Cotgrave, Dict.... To BATTLE (as scholars do in Oxford), être debiteur au collège pour ses vivres. Ibid., Mot usé seulement des jeunes écoliers de l’université d’Oxford.

16 [?]. Account rendered to Arch. of York [William of Wykeham and His Colleges]. Item for BATTLINGS on fasting days with the lent. 0. 9. 8. [i.e., 9s. 8d.]

1678. Phillips, Dict., s.v. Battel. In the University of Oxford is taken for to run on to exceedings above the ordinary stint of the appointed Commons.

1744. Salmon, Present State of Univ., i. 423. Undergraduates consisting of Noblemen, Gentlemen-Commoners, Commoners, Scholars of the Foundation, Exhibitioners, Battlers, and Servitors.... The Commoners, I presume, are so called from their Commoning together, and having a certain portion of Meat and Drink provided for them, denominated Commons.... The Battlers are entitled to no Commons, but purchase their Meat and Drink of the Cook and Butler.

1786-1805. Tooke, Purley, 390, s.v. Battel, a term used at Eton for the small portion of food which, in addition to the College allowance, the Collegers receive from the Dames.

c. 1840. Mansfield, School-Life at Winchester College, p. 184. The expense was defrayed by the boys subscribing the last three BATTLINGS (i.e. the weekly shilling allowed each boy). This was rather an illusory coin, for we seldom actually fingered it, as some one of the College servants generally had a kind of prescriptive right to a benefit; and whenever Saturday arrived, Præfect of Hall’s valet was sure to come round to ask the boys if they would give their BATTLING to Rat Williams, or Dungy, or Pulver, or Long John, or some other equally deserving individual.

1853. Bradley, Verdant Green, II. vii. [Note]. Battels are the accounts of the expenses of each student. It is stated in Todd’s Johnson that this singular word is derived from the Saxon verb, meaning “to count or reckon.” But it is stated in the Gentleman’s Magazine for 1792, that the word may probably be derived from the Low-German word bettahlen, “to pay,” whence may come our English word tale or score.

1864. Household Words, p. 188. The business of the latter was to call us of a morning to distribute amongst us our BATTLINGS, or pocket-money.

1880. Trollope, Autobiogr., i. 13. Every boy had a shilling a week pocket-money, which we called BATTELS. [This is probably a misprint—the Winchester term, as that used at other schools, is BATTLING. It was advanced out of the pocket of the Second Master.]

1886-87. Dickens, Dictionary of Oxford and Cambridge, p. 16. Battels is properly a designation of the food obtained from the College Buttery. An account of this, and of the account due to the Kitchen, is sent in to every undergraduate weekly, hence these bills also are known as BATTELS, and the name, further, is extended to the total amount of the term’s expenses furnished by the College. In some Colleges it is made essential to the keeping of an undergraduates’ term that he should BATTEL, i.e. obtain food in College on a certain number of days each week.

1889. Murray, Hist. Eng. Dict., s.v. Battels. Much depends on the original sense at Oxford: if this was ‘food, provisions,’ it is natural to connect it with “BATTLE,” to feed, or receive nourishment.... It appears that the word has apparently undergone progressive extensions of application, owing partly to changes in the internal economy of the colleges. Some Oxford men of a previous generation state that it was understood by them to apply to the buttery accounts alone, or even to the provisions ordered from the buttery, as distinct from the “commons” supplied from the kitchen; but this latter use is disavowed by others, ... but whether the BATTELS were originally the provisions themselves, or the sums due on account of them, must at present be left undecided.

Baulk, subs. (Winchester).—A false report. This is SPORTED (q.v.), not spread.

Beak, subs. (Harrow).—A master. Form-beak = Form-master.

Beanfielder, subs. (Felsted: obsolete).—A long hit: at cricket.

Bearded Cad, subs. (Winchester).—A porter employed by the College to convey luggage from the railway station to the school. [The term originated in an extremely hirsute individual, who, at one time, acted in the capacity.]

Beards! intj. (The Leys: obsolete).—An ejaculation of surprise.

Beast, subs. (Cambridge).—A student who, having left school, goes up to Cambridge to study before entering the university. [Because (so it is stated) he is neither man nor boy.]

Bedmaker (or Bedder) subs. 1. (Cambridge).—A charwoman; a servant who makes beds and does other necessary domestic duties for residents in College.

1891. Harry Fludyer at Cambridge, 6. Remember me most kindly to Mrs. Bloggins. I shall never forget how good she was when we were at Cambridge last term.... These BEDMAKERS are kind souls after all.

2. (Oxford).—Bedder = a bedroom.

Beef Row, subs. (Shrewsbury).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, 247. The dinners themselves [c. 1800-40] were fairly good, with the exception of the “boiled beef” days, which were highly unpopular. The beef was probably good enough, but it was cured with saltpetre, and the consequent redness was, in the boys’ eyes, objectionable. Remonstrances had been made in vain; and the result was something like a school rebellion, well remembered as the BEEF ROW. By concerted arrangement, on one day the boys in every hall rose from the table in a body, and left the masters and the boiled beef in sole occupation. Butler was indignant; he came into each of the halls after locking up, and demanded from the heads of the school a public apology for the insult, giving them an hour for consideration, and placing before them the alternative of immediate dismissal. The boys held together, and, early the next morning the whole of the Sixth Form, comprising no less than three who were to be future heads of Colleges, were started by chaise or coach for their respective homes. The rest of the boys declared themselves en revolte; they would not go into school, and the masters walked about the court alternately threatening and persuading. At last a gentleman in the town, an old Shrewsbury boy, much respected, harangued the rebels, and persuaded them to surrender. Some sort of concession seems almost to have been made by a portion of the absent Sixth Form under home influence, and the affair ended in the return of all the exiles.

Beeswaxers, subs. (Winchester).—Thick boots for football. [Pronounced Bĕswaxers.]

Behind, subs. (Eton and Winchester).—A back at football. At Eton SHORT BEHIND and LONG BEHIND: usually abbreviated to “short” and “long.” At Winchester, SECOND BEHIND and LAST BEHIND. These answer to the half-back and back of Association football. At Winchester, in the Fifteens, there is also a THIRD BEHIND.

Up behind, phr. (The Leys).—Out of bounds: at back of College.

Behind one’s Side. See Side.

Bejant, subs. (Aberdeen).—A new student: one of the first or lowest class. See Semi-bejants, Tertians, and Magistrands.

Belial, subs. (Oxford).—Balliol College.

Bells. Bells go single, phr. (Winchester).—A single bell is rung for five minutes before the hour at which chapel commences. For College evening chapel three three’s are rung, and then follows a “bell,” one for every man in College—70. Bells down = see quots.

c. 1840. Mansfield, School-Life at Winchester College, p. 62. The junior in chamber had a hard time of it; ... while endeavouring to get through his multifarious duties, he had to keep a sharp ear on the performance of the chapel bell, and to call out accordingly, “first peal!” “second peal!” and BELLS DOWN!

1878. Adams, Wykehamica, p. 256. At a quarter to six the peal again rang out, and the cry of BELLS GO was sounded in shrill tones through every chamber of College and Commoners.... After ten minutes the peal changed, and only a single bell continued to ring. This was notified by the cry BELLS GO SINGLE, and five minutes afterwards, by that of “BELLS DOWN.”... Presently the head-master ... would descend from his library: or the second master ... would appear at the archway near Sixth Chamber, and the warning voice would be heard “Gabell,” or “Williams through,” “Williams,” or “Ridding in.” Straightway there would be a general rush, the college-boys darting across the quadrangle in the rear of the Præfect of Chapel; while the Commoners hurried in, keeping up a continuous stream from their more distant quarters.

Belly-hedge, subs. (Shrewsbury).—An obstruction of such a height that it can easily be cleared: of school steeplechases. [That is, about belly high.]

Belows, subs. (Rugby).—See Cap (3).

Bender, subs. (common).—The bow-shaped segment of a kite.

1873. Dr. Blackley, Hay Fever, p. 145. The first kite was six feet in length by three feet in width, and was made of the usual form, namely, with a central shaft or “standard,” and a semicircular top or BENDER.

Bene-book, subs. (Charterhouse).—See quot.

1900. Tod, Charterhouse, 131. Besides prizes, BENE-BOOKS are awarded to the Sixth Forms on the following system: Every boy generally does four classical exercises a week, viz., Greek and Latin prose, Greek and Latin verse, and one mathematical exercise; these are marked, according to their merit, B, b, sb, s, vs, m, M; that is to say, Big bene, bene, satis bene, satis, vix satis, male, Big male.... A BENE-BOOK (value 12s. 6d.) is earned by the winner of two BENES a week throughout the quarter. There used to be a yet higher mark, i.e., B†, or a Write-out, which counted four. A B† denoted that the composition to which it was attached was worthy of being written out in a book kept with a view to forming a new edition of “Sertum Carthusianum.” There are many volumes of old Write-out books on the shelves of the library, but for years no addition has been made to them. The Write-out is quite obsolete.

Bevers, subs. (general).—An afternoon meal or refreshment; a snack between meals. Whence (Winchester) BEVERS (or BEVER-TIME) = an interval from 4.30 to 5 in afternoon school, observed (says Wrench) long after the distribution of bread and beer had ceased on whole school-days. [See Beaumont and Fletcher, i. 20; Ford, i. 392; Florio, in v. Merénda; Cooper, in v. Antecænium; Stanihurst’s Descr. of Ireland, p. 18; Nomenclator, p. 79; Sir John Oldcastle, p. 42; Howell, sect. 43; Middleton’s Works, iv. 427, v. 141.]

1580. Lingua [Dodsley, Old Plays (Reid, 1825), v. 148]. Appetitus. Your gallants never sup, breakfast, nor BEVER without me.

1585. Nomenclator, p. 79. A middaies meale: an undermeale: a boire or BEAVER: a refreshing betwixt meales.

1597. Harrison, Desc. of England. Of old we had breakfastes in the forenoone, BEUARAGES or nuntions after dinner, and thereto reare suppers, generallie when it was time to go to rest, a toie brought into England by hardie Canutus; but nowe these are very well past, and each one, except some young hungrie stomach, that cannot fast till dinner-time, contenteth him self with dinner and supper.

1598. Florio, Worlde of Wordes, s.v. Merenda, Plauto. Propriè olim prandium dicebatur quod meridie daretur. Nonius cibum qui post meridiem sumitur interpretatur. ἑσπέρισμα. Le reciner.

1604. Marlowe, Dr. Faustus. Thirty meals a day and ten BEVERS.

1607. Beaumont and Fletcher, Woman Hater, i. 3. He is none of those same ordinary eaters, that will devour three breakfasts, and as many dinners, without any prejudice to their BEVERS, drinkings, or suppers.

1611. Cotgrave, Dict., s.v. BEVER. An afternoon’s nuncheon.

c. 1840. Mansfield, School-Life at Winchester College, p. 83. In summer time we were let out of afternoon school for a short time about 4 P.M., when there was a slight refection of bread and cheese laid out in Hall. It was called BEEVER-TIME, and the pieces of bread BEEVERS.

1847. Halliwell, Archaic Words, s.v. BEVER. An intermediate refreshment between breakfast and dinner. The term is now applied to the afternoon snack of harvest-men and other labourers, and perhaps may be explained more correctly as any refreshment taken between the regular meals. Sometimes refreshments of drink, or drinkings, were called BEVERS; but potations were not BEVERS, as Mr. Dyce asserts.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools [Winchester], p. 23. School opened again at two o’clock; at half-past three came an interval called BEVER-TIME, when the boys had again bread and beer allowed them. At five the school was dismissed, and the whole resident society—warden, fellows, masters, and scholars—went in procession round the cloisters and the whole interior circuit of the college.

1884. M. Morris, in English Illustrated Magazine, Nov., p. 73. [At Eton, we] came up from cricket in the summer afternoons for BEAVER.

Bible-Clerk, subs. (Winchester).—A College Prefect in full power, appointed for one week. Formerly (with Ostiarius, q.v.) he kept order in school, and assisted at floggings. He now reads lessons in Chapel, and takes round ROLLS (q.v.). He is absolved from going up to BOOKS (q.v.) during his term of office. The Prefect of Hall need not act as BIBLE-CLERK unless he likes, and the Prefect of School may choose any week he pleases; the rest take weeks in rotation, in the order of their Chambers in College.

15 [?]. Chris. Johnson [Wrench]. In Testamento Veteri caput alter in Aulâ Clarâ voce legit, qui BIBLIOCLERICUS inde Dicitur; hebdomadam propriis habet ille Camænsis.

c. 1840. Mansfield, School-Life at Winchester College, p. 103. Order was kept during school hours by the BIBLE-CLERK and Ostiarius, two of the Præfects, who held these offices in rotation—the former lasting for a week, the latter for one day only. They paraded School armed with sticks, and brought up to the Head and Second Masters (who alone had the power of flogging) the names of the delinquents which had been “ordered” for punishment; the names of the more heinous offenders being confided to the BIBLE-CLERK, the others to the Ostiarius.

1847. Halliwell, Archaic Words, s.v. Bible. A great book. (A.-N.) The term was constantly used without any reference to the Scriptures. Ibid., s.v. Bible-clerkship. A very ancient scholarship in the Universities, so called because the student who was promoted to that office was enjoined to read the Bible at meal-times.

1864. Blackwood’s Magazine, XCV., p. 73. [At dinner] portions of beef were served out to the boys ... the BIBLE-CLERK meanwhile reading a chapter from the Old Testament. Ibid., p. 87. An hour ... is expected to be employed in working under the superintendence of the BIBLE-CLERK, as the Præfect in daily “course” is termed, who is responsible for a decent amount of order and silence at these hours.

1878. Adams, Wykehamica, p. 59. There appears to have been no regular BIBLE-CLERK.... From this it has been inferred that the institution of these offices must have been subsequent, and (some think) long subsequent, to the Founder’s time.

Bibler. See Bibling.

Bibling (or Bibler), subs. (Winchester: obsolete).—A flogging of six strokes. Hence BIBLING-ROD = the instrument used in BIBLING: it consisted of a handle with four apple twigs in the end twisted together. It was first used by Warden Baker in 1454, and is represented in the Aut Disce. Bibling under nail = a BIBLING administered for very heinous offences after an offender had stood under NAIL (q.v.).

1864. Blackwood’s Magazine, XCV., p. 79. Underneath is the place of execution, where delinquents are BIBLED. Ibid., p. 72. It need hardly be said that it [the rod] is applied in the ordinary fashion: six cuts forming what is technically called a BIBLING—on which occasions the Bible-Clerk introduces the victim; four being the sum of a less terrible operation called a “scrubbing.”

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 37. Underneath is the place of execution, where delinquents are BIBLED; and near it is a socket for a candle-sconce, known as the “nail,” under which any boy who has been detected in any disgraceful fault—lying, &c.—is placed as in a sort of pillory to await his punishment; a piece of ancient discipline for which happily there is seldom occasion.

Bicker, subs. (Royal High School, Edin.).—A fray between the boys of the school and the town boys, or KEELIES (q.v.); generally waged with the aid of stones (cf. George Borrow’s Lavengro, ch. vii.; also Scott, Redgauntlet, ch. i.). In the present Rector’s boyhood these school fights were often waged with “Cowts,” made of a rope twisted firmly into a thick end, with about four feet attached with which to swing it.

... Cursor Mundi, MS. Coll. Trin. Cantab., f. 87. And for she loveth me out of BIKER, Of my love she may be siker.

1581. Riche, Farewell to Militarie Profession. My captaine, feelyng suche a BICKERYNG within himself, the like whereof he had never indured upon the sea, was like to bee taken prisoner aboard his owne shippe.

1585. Nomenclator. Naturæ et morbi conflictus, Aurel. κρίσις. The conflict or BICKERMENT of nature and sicknesse.

1823. Nares, Glossary, s.v. Bickering and Bickerment. Skirmishing.

1847. Halliwell, Archaic Words, s.v. Bicker. To fight; to quarrel; to act with hostility. Ibid., Bickerment. Conflict. Ibid., s.v. Bikere. To skirmish; to fight; to quarrel. Also a substantive, a quarrel. (A.-S.) Cf. Leg. Wom., 2650; Piers Ploughman, p. 429; Minot’s Poems, p. 51; Arthour and Merlin, p. 206.

Biddy, subs. (Winchester).—A bath in College. [Fr. bidet.]

Big, adj. (Harrow).—Upwards of sixteen years of age; as “only able to go in for BIG sports.” See Small.

Big-game, subs. (Harrow: obsolete).—The chief football game.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 312. There is now a spacious piece of ground kept for the especial purpose, where as many as six separate games can be played at once, besides four smaller grounds belonging to different houses. The BIG-GAME, in which only the élite of the school players take part, is managed by the monitors under very stringent regulations. [Now called Sixth Form game.—Ed.]

Big-school, subs. (King Edward’s, Birm.).—The room in which the school assembles for prayers, or on any occasion when it is addressed as a whole by the Head Master. The room is also used for teaching, though not so entirely so as twenty-five years ago.

Big-side, subs. (Rugby and elsewhere).—The combination of all the bigger fellows in the school in one and the same game or run. Also the ground specially used for the game so denominated. Hence Big-side run = a paper-chase, in which picked representatives of all Houses take part, as opposed to a House run. See Little-side.

1856. Hughes, Tom Brown’s School-days, vii. “Well, I’m going to have a try,” said Tadpole; “it’s the last run of the half, and if a fellow gets in at the end, BIG-SIDE stands ale and bread and cheese and a bowl of punch; and the Cock’s such a famous place for ale.”

Bill, subs. 1. (Eton).—A list of the boys who go to the Head Master at 12 o’clock; also of those who get off ABSENCE (q.v.): e.g. an eleven playing in a match are thus exempt. See Appendix.

c. 1850. Brodrick, Memories and Impressions. ... It is credibly reported of Mr. Cookesley—who, in spite of a tendency to buffoonery, was an inspiring teacher—that he addressed a remarkably stupid boy in the following terms: “I tell you what it is, sir, if you ever show me up a copy of your own verses again, I’ll put you in the BILL” (an Etonian euphemism for a capital punishment). “Why, a great strong fellow like you can have no difficulty in getting a decent copy of verses written for him, and if you ever again bring me one of your own concoction I’ll have you flogged.”

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 100. Bagshawe even went so far as to rebuke one of the monitors for rising in Mr. James’ presence; and when told that it was by Mr. Busby’s order, desired him to write that down on his BILL; a proceeding equivalent, as Mr. Busby declared, and as Westminster and Eton men will perhaps agree, to ordering the head-master up for corporal punishment.

1876. Brinsley Richards, Seven Years at Eton. Some of the small boys whom this delightful youth tempted to ape his habits, had often occasion to rue it when they staggered back to College giddy and sick, carrying with them a perfume which told its tale to their tutors, and caused them to be put in the BILL.

2. (Harrow).—The “call-over” of the whole school on half-holidays; at 4 P.M. in summer, at 4.15 P.M. in other terms. Whence BILL-BOOK = the book—the list of the school in order of forms—from which BILL is called; BILL-ORDER = the order of the school as in the BILL-BOOK; BILL-MONITOR = a member of the “First Fourth” who is in charge of the paper on which monitors sign their names during BILL. Also used at Westminster.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 284. His pupils were chiefly boys of rank, and during Thackeray’s time had been exempted from appearing at BILLS. Sumner stopped this privilege, to the great disgust of Dr. Glasse and some of his aristocratic friends. Earl Radnor even threatened to “ruin the school” if Sumner refused to give way; but the new head-master was firm. Lord Dartmoor, on the other hand, supported him, and removed his sons into his House from Glasse’s, who was beaten in the struggle, and left Harrow. Ibid., 293. At the time of his appointment he was only twenty-six, but his reputation as a scholar stood very high. It is enough to say that under his rule Harrow has increased in numbers, and certainly not lost in reputation. The last BILL-BOOK contains 492 names.

1899. Public School Mag., Dec., p. 446. The uniformity of daily life at Harrow was interrupted by a pleasant interlude not long ago. The Chinese Ambassador paid a visit to the school. His Excellency made an inspection of the school buildings, and was finally cheered at BILL.

Bill-brighter, subs. (Winchester).—A small fagot used for lighting coal fires in kitchen. [From a servant, Bill Bright, who was living in 1830.]

c. 1840. Mansfield, School-Life at Winchester College, p. 89. The Kitchen is a spacious apartment with a vaulted roof, occupying the entire height of the building on the west side of the quadrangle, and at least half its length; here we might see a few Fags endeavouring to coax Jem Sims, John Coward, or Mother Mariner (the cooks) for an extra supply of mashed potatoes, till Kitchen is cleared by the exasperated Manciple, who has just detected a delinquent in the act of secreting under his gown an armful of the small faggots used for lighting the Kitchen fires (called BILL BRIGHTERS), an opportunity for purloining which was never allowed to slip by a Junior of a properly regulated mind.

Bim (or Bimb), verb (Tonbridge).—To cane. Hence BIMB-STICK = a cane.

Binge, subs. (Oxford).—A drinking-bout. [Binger (Linc.) = tipsy.]

Birch-broom Race, subs. phr. (Winchester).—See Torch-race.

Birch-room, subs. (Westminster).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 178. Behind is the “French room,” once known as the BIRCH-ROOM (in which those useful implements were manufactured and used), where a bench is carefully preserved bearing the name of “John Dryden,” no doubt cut by the poet himself, as the style of the letters corresponds with his date.

Bird, subs. (Durham).—A credulous boy; one easily cajoled; a “soft.”

Bishop, subs. (Winchester).—The sapling with which a fagot is bound together.

Bite, intj. (Charterhouse and Christ’s Hospital).—Cave!

Black, subs. (Rugby).—A nickname.

1856. Hughes, Tom Brown’s School-days, I. vi. “There’s plenty of youngsters don’t care about it,” said Walker. “Here, here’s Scud East—you’ll be tossed, won’t you, young un?” Scud was East’s nickname, or BLACK, as we called it, gained by his fleetness of foot.

Black Book, The (Charterhouse).—See Extra.

Black-hole, subs. (Shrewsbury).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 241. There used to be a small four-square apartment, not much larger than a Punch-and-Judy box, lighted by a single narrow loop-hole—a receptacle for the flogging-block and other like apparatus. This was known as the BLACK-HOLE, or sometimes more familiarly as “Rome’s Hole,” from a traditionary culprit who had been a very regular occupant.

Black-jack, subs. (Winchester).—A large leathern beer jug used in College. It holds two gallons. In olden times BLACK-JACKS were in common use for small beer. [See Unton, Inventories, p. 1; Brand’s Pop. Antiq., ii. 206; Ord. and Reg., p. 392; Heywood’s Edward IV., p. 97. Also Jack: whence (Christ’s Hospital) JACK-BOY = a boy servitor of beer.]

15—. Simon the Cellarer. But oh, oh, oh! his nose doth show, How oft the BLACK-JACK to his lips doth go.

1592. Nashe, Summer’s Last Will [Dodsley, Old Plays (1874), viii. 59]. Rise up, Sir Robert Toss-pot. [Here he dubs Will Summer with the BLACK-JACK.]

1606. Return from Parnassus [Dodsley, Old Plays (1874), ix. 207]. A BLACK-JACK of beer and a Christmas pie.

1630. Taylor, Works, i. 113. Nor of BLACK-JACKS at gentle buttery bars, Whose liquor oftentimes breeds household wars.

1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Jack.

18[?]. T. Warton, “The Happy Junior of Sixth Chamber.” Yet still with pleasure shall we think on The Junior’s happy life at Winton ... lozenges and snacks ... dispars, gomers, JACKS.

c. 1844. Reminiscences of Christ’s Hospital (The Blue, Aug. 1874). By mistake the Cask was found to contain a fine old ale. The news soon spread from boy to boy and from ward to ward; and there was an extraordinary call upon the services of the JACK-BOYS, whose utmost exertions were scarcely equal to the demand. As might be expected, these latter took care of themselves upon the occasion.

Black-sheep, verb (Winchester: obsolete).—To get above (or “jockey”) a fellow in Middle Part: of men in Junior Part.

Black Tiger, The (Rugby).—A nickname given to Dr. Ingles, head-master from 1793 to 1803.

Blandyke (Stonyhurst).—The monthly recreation day. [From the village of Blandyke (now Blandecques), a league from St. Omers, where was a country house or villa at which such days were spent during the summer months.] See Appendix.

Blazer, subs. (originally Cambridge: now general).—A light jacket of bright colour. Originally applied to the bright red uniform of the Lady Margaret Boat Club of St. John’s College, Cambridge. [Prof. Skeat (N. and Q., 7 S., iii. 436), speaking of the Johnian BLAZER, says it was always of the most brilliant scarlet, and thinks it not improbable that the fact suggested the name which subsequently became general.]

1880. Times, June 19. Men in spotless flannel, and club BLAZERS.

1885. Punch, June 27, p. 304. Harkaway turns up clad in what he calls a BLAZER, which makes him look like a nigger minstrel out for a holiday.

1889. Daily News, Aug. 22, p. 6, col. 6. Dress by the Sea. Sir,—In your article of to-day, under the above heading, you speak of “a striped red and black BLAZER,” “the BLAZER,” also of “the pale toned” ones. This is worth noting as a case of the specific becoming the generic. A BLAZER is the red flannel boating jacket worn by the Lady Margaret, St. John’s College, Cambridge, Boat Club. When I was at Cambridge it meant that and nothing else. It seems from your article that a BLAZER now means a coloured flannel jacket, whether for cricket, tennis, boating, or seaside wear.—Yours faithfully, Walter Wren.

1897. Felstedian, June, p. 99. The new football BLAZER is very handsome.

Bleed, subs. (Tonbridge).—One who is remarkably good at anything.

Bleyis-sylver (or Bent-sylver), subs. (Royal High School, Edin.).—A gratuity given in olden times by pupils to masters. He who gave most was proclaimed “victor” or “king.” [Bleyis is derived from bleis = a torch or blaze (mod. Scot. bleeze). Bleyis-sylver = silver given at Candlemas on the time of the bleeze. Dr. Jamieson (Dict.) suggests bent = Fr. benit, i.e. blessed, because money was given on a Saint’s day. Dr. Stevens, the school historian, suggests bent = coarse grass. In sixteenth and seventeenth centuries pupils had leave to go and cut this coarse grass to strew on floor of school. Afterwards annual holidays were instituted on first Mondays of May, June, and July, when a money payment was made to the master to purchase “bent.” (Cf. Stevens’ Hist. of High School, p. 678.) This is more probable.]

Block, The (Eton).—A wooden step in the library of the Upper School upon which a boy set down for flogging kneels. He is “held down” by two junior Collegers, and the Sixth Form Preposter hands to the head-master the necessary birch or birches.

Blockhouse, subs. (Charterhouse).—A sick-house.

Bloody Porch (Harrow: obsolete).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 320. Harrow fagging had no special reputation for cruelty; yet there are those living who can remember having been called out of their beds at night to have cold water poured down their backs—for no special reason, but as a part of the hardening process considered good for fags generally; or to start from Leith’s boarding-house in the dark, to go round the church-yard by the north porch—BLOODY PORCH, as it was called, from some obscure legend. Once a boy was sent upon this dreaded tour at night, when it so happened that there were a party concealed in the porch, watching the grave of a newly-buried relative—for these were the days of resurrection-men; they mistook the unfortunate fag for a body-snatcher, and fired at him, wounding him slightly, and frightening him almost to death.

Blotch, subs. (Harrow).—Blotting-paper.

Blow, subs. (old University).—A drunken frolic; a spree. [Blowboll = a drunkard: cf. Skelton (Works, i. 23), “Thou blynkerd blowboll, thou wakyst too late.”]

Verb (Winchester).—To blush. Cf. Blue = to blush, as in quot. 1709.

14[?]. Torrent of Portugal, 11. His browys began to BLOWE.

1645. Habington, Works. Th’enamoured spring by kissing BLOWS soft blushes on her cheek.

1709. Steele and Swift, Tatler, No. 71, p. 8. If a Virgin blushes, we no longer cry she BLUES.

Blucher, subs. (Winchester: obsolete: ch hard).—A College præfect in half power. His jurisdiction did not extend beyond “Seventh Chamber passage,” though his privileges were the same as those of other præfects. These were eight in number.