In a late work by Professor Sidney Willard, he says of his father, who was President of Harvard College: "In the early period of his Presidency, Mr. Willard not unfrequently delivered a sermon at evening prayers on Sunday. In the year 1794, I remember he preached once or twice on that evening, but in the next year and onward he discontinued the service. His predecessor used to expound passages of Scripture as a part of the religious service. These expositions are frequently spoken of in the diary of Mr. Caleb Gannett when he was a Tutor. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning and evening, generally the College choir sang a hymn or an anthem. When these Sunday services were observed in the Chapel, the Faculty and students worshipped on Lord's day, at the stated hours of meeting, in the Congregational or the Episcopal Church." —Memories of Youth and Manhood, Vol. I. pp. 137, 138.
At Yale College, one of the earliest laws ordains that "all undergraduates shall publicly repeat sermons in the hall in their course, and also bachelors; and be constantly examined on Sabbaths [at] evening prayer."—Pres. Woolsey's Discourse, p. 59.
Prayers at this institution were at one period regulated by the following rule. "The President, or in his Absence, one of the Tutors in their Turn, shall constantly pray in the Chapel every Morning and Evening, and read a Chapter, or some suitable Portion of Scripture, unless a Sermon, or some Theological Discourse shall then be delivered. And every Member of College is obliged to attend, upon the Penalty of one Penny for every Instance of Absence, without a sufficient Reason, and a half Penny for being tardy, i.e. when any one shall come in after the President, or go out before him."—Laws Yale Coll., 1774, p. 5.
A writer in the American Literary Magazine, in noticing some of the evils connected with the American college system, describes very truthfully, in the following question, a scene not at all novel in student life. "But when the young man is compelled to rise at an unusually early hour to attend public prayers, under all kinds of disagreeable circumstances; when he rushes into the chapel breathless, with wet feet, half dressed, and with the prospect of a recitation immediately to succeed the devotions,—is it not natural that he should be listless, or drowsy, or excited about his recitation, during the whole sacred exercise?"—Vol. IV. p. 517.
This season formerly afforded an excellent opportunity, for those who were so disposed, to play off practical jokes on the person officiating. On one occasion, at one of our colleges, a goose was tied to the desk by some of the students, intended as emblematic of the person who was accustomed to occupy that place. But the laugh was artfully turned upon them by the minister, who, seeing the bird with his head directed to the audience, remarked, that he perceived the young gentlemen were for once provided with a parson admirably suited to their capacities, and with these words left them to swallow his well-timed sarcasm. On another occasion, a ram was placed in the pulpit, with his head turned to the door by which the minister usually entered. On opening the door, the animal, diving between the legs of the fat shepherd, bolted down the pulpit stairs, carrying on his back the sacred load, and with it rushed out of the chapel, leaving the assemblage to indulge in the reflections excited by the expressive looks of the astonished beast, and of his more astonished rider.
The Bible was often kept covered, when not in use, with a cloth. It was formerly a very common trick to place under this cloth a pewter plate obtained from the commons hall, which the minister, on uncovering, would, if he were a shrewd man, quietly slide under the desk, and proceed as usual with the exercises.
At Harvard College, about the year 1785, two Indian images were missing from their accustomed place on the top of the gate-posts which stood in front of the dwelling of a gentleman of Cambridge. At the same time the Bible was taken from the Chapel, and another, which was purchased to supply its place, soon followed it, no one knew where. One day, as a tutor was passing by the room of a student, hearing within an uncommonly loud noise, he entered, as was his right and office. There stood the occupant,[59] holding in his hands one of the Chapel Bibles, while before him on the table were placed the images, to which he appeared to be reading, but in reality was vociferating all kinds of senseless gibberish. "What is the meaning of this noise?" inquired the tutor in great anger. "Propagating theGospelamong theIndians, Sir," replied the student calmly.
While Professor Ashur Ware was a tutor in Harvard College, he in his turn, when the President was absent, officiated at prayers. Inclined to be longer in his devotions than was thought necessary by the students, they were often on such occasions seized with violent fits of sneezing, which generally made themselves audible in the word "A-a-shur," "A-a-shur."
The following lines, written by William C. Bradley when an undergraduate at Harvard College, cannot fail to be appreciated by those who have been cognizant of similar scenes and sentiments in their own experience of student life.
"Hark! the morning Bell is pealingFaintly on the drowsy ear,Far abroad the tidings dealing,Now the hour of prayer is near.To the pious Sons of Harvard,Starting from the land of Nod,Loudly comes the rousing summons,Let us run and worship God.
"'T is the hour for deep contrition,'T is the hour for peaceful thought,'T is the hour to win the blessingIn the early stillness sought;Kneeling in the quiet chamber,On the deck, or on the sod,In the still and early morning,'T is the hour to worship God.
"But don'tyoustop to pray in secret,No time foryouto worship there,The hour approaches, 'Tempus fugit,'Tear your shirt or miss a prayer.Don't stop to wash, don't stop to button,Go the ways your fathers trod;Leg it, put it, rush it, streak it,Runand worship God.
"On the staircase, stamping, tramping,Bounding, sounding, down you go;Jumping, bumping, crashing, smashing,Jarring, bruising, heel and toe.See your comrades far before youThrough the open door-way jam,Heaven and earth! the bell is stopping!Now it dies in silence—d**n!"
PRELECTION. Latin,prælectio. A lecture or discourse read in public or to a select company.
Further explained by Dr. Popkin: "In the introductory schools, I think,Prelectionswere given by the teachers to the learners. According to the meaning of the word, the Preceptor went before, as I suppose, and explained and probably interpreted the lesson or lection; and the scholar was required to receive it in memory, or in notes, and in due time to render it in recitation."—Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D., p. 19.
PRELECTOR. Latin,prælector. One who reads an author to others and adds explanations; a reader; a lecturer.
Their so famous aprelectourdoth teach.—Sheldon, Mir. ofAnti-Christ, p. 38.
If his reproof be private, or with the cathedrated authority of aprælectoror public reader.—Whitlock, Mann. of the English, p. 385.
2. Same as FATHER, which see.
PREPOSITOR. Latin. A scholar appointed by the master to overlook the rest.
And when requested for the salt-cellar, I handed it with as much trepidation as apræpostergives the Doctor a list, when he is conscious of a mistake in the excuses.—The Etonian, Vol. II. p. 281.
PRESENTATION DAY. At Yale College, Presentation Day is the time when the Senior Class, having finished the prescribed course of study, and passed a satisfactory examination, arepresentedby the examiners to the President, as properly qualified to be admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. A distinguished professor of the institution where this day is observed has kindly furnished the following interesting historical account of this observance.
"This presentation," he writes, "is a ceremony of long standing. It has certainly existed for more than a century. It is very early alluded to, not as anovelty, but as an established custom. There is now less formality on such occasions, but the substantial parts of the exercises are retained. The examination is now begun on Saturday and finished on Tuesday, and the day after, Wednesday, six weeks before the public Commencement, is the day of Presentation. There have sometimes been literary exercises on that day by one or more of the candidates, and sometimes they have been omitted. I have in my possession a Latin Oration, what, I suppose, was called aCliosophic Oration, pronounced by William Samuel Johnson in 1744, at the presentation of his class. Sometimes a member of the class exhibited an English Oration, which was responded to by some one of the College Faculty, generally by one who had been the principal instructor of the class presented. A case of this kind occurred in 1776, when Mr., afterwards President Dwight, responded to the class orator in an address, which, being delivered the same July in which Independence was declared, drew, from its patriotic allusions, as well as for other reasons, unusual attention. It was published,—a rare thing at that period. Another response was delivered in 1796, by J. Stebbins, Tutor, which was likewise published. There has been no exhibition of the kind since. For a few years past, there have been an oration and a poem exhibited by members of the graduating class, at the time of presentation. The appointments for these exercises are made by the class.
"So much of an exhibition as there was at the presentation in 1778 has not been usual. More was then done, probably, from the fact, that for several years, during the Revolutionary war, there was no public Commencement. Perhaps it should be added, that, so far back as my information extends, after the literary exercises of Presentation Day, there has always been a dinner, or collation, at which the College Faculty, graduates, invited guests, and the Senior Class have been present."
A graduate of the present year[60] writes more particularly in relation to the observances of the day at the present time. "In the morning the Senior Class are met in one of the lecture-rooms by the chairman of the Faculty and the senior Tutor. The latter reads the names of those who have passed a satisfactory examination, and are to be recommended for degrees. The Class then adjourn to the College Chapel, where the President and some of the Professors are waiting to receive them. The senior Tutor reads the names as before, after which Professor Kingsley recommends the Class to the President and Faculty for the degree of B.A., in a Latin discourse. The President then responds in the same tongue, and addresses a few words of counsel to the Class.
"These exercises are followed by the Poem and Oration, delivered by members of the Class chosen for these offices by the Class. Then comes the dinner, given in one of the lecture-rooms. After this the Class meet in the College yard, and spend the afternoon in smoking (the old clay pipe is used, but no cigars) and singing. Thus ends the active life of our college days."
"Presentation Day," says the writer of the preface to the "Songs of Yale," "is the sixth Wednesday of the Summer Term, when the graduating Class, after having passed their second 'Biennial,' are presented to the President as qualified for the first degree, or the B.A. After this 'presentation,' a farewell oration and poem are pronounced by members of the Class, previously elected by their classmates for the purpose. After a public dinner, they seat themselves under the elms before the College, and smoke and sing for the last time together. Each has his pipe, and 'they who never' smoked 'before' now smoke, or seem to. The exercises are closed with a procession about the buildings, bidding each farewell." 1853, p. 4.
This last smoke is referred to in the following lines:—
"Green elms are waving o'er us,Green grass beneath our feet,The ring is round, and on the groundWe sit a class complete."Presentation Day Songs, June 14, 1854.
"It is a very jolly thing,Our sitting down in this great ring,To smoke our pipes and loudly sing."—Ibid.
Pleasant reference is had to some of the more modern features ofPresentation Day, in the annexed extract from the "Yale LiteraryMagazine":—
"There is one spot where the elms stretch their long arms, not 'in quest of thought,' but as though they would afford their friendly shade to make pleasant the last scene of the academic life. Seated in a circle in this place, which has been so often trampled by the 'stag-dance' of preceding classes, and made hallowed by associations which will cling around such places, are the present graduates. They have met together for the last time as a body, for they will not all be present at the closing ceremony of Commencement, nor all answer to the muster in the future Class reunions. It is hard to tell whether such a ceremony should be sad or joyous, for, despite the boisterous merriment and exuberance which arises from the prospect of freedom, there is something tender in the thought of meeting for the last time, to break strong ties, and lose individuality as a Class for ever.
"In the centre of the circle are the Class band, with horns, flutes, and violins, braying, piping, or saw-filing, at the option of the owners,—toot,—toot,—bum,—bang,—boo-o-o,—in a most melodious discord. Songs are distributed, pipes filled, and the smoke cloud rises, trembles as the chorus of a hundred voices rings out in a merry cadence, and then, breaking, soars off,—a fit emblem of the separation of those at whose parting it received its birth.
"'Braxton on the history of the Class!'
"'The Class history!—Braxton!—Braxton!'
"'In a moment, gentlemen,'—and our hero mounts upon a cask, and proceeds to give in burlesque a description of Class exploits and the wonderful success of itsearlygraduates. Speeches follow, and the joke, and song, till the lengthening shadows bring a warning, and a preparation for the final ceremony. The ring is spread out, the last pipes smoked in College laid down, and the 'stag-dance,' with its rush, and their destruction ended. Again the ring forms, and each classmate moves around it to grasp each hand for the last time, and exchange a parting blessing.
"The band strike up, and the long procession march around the College, plant their ivy, and return to cheer the buildings."—Vol. XX. p. 228.
The following song was written by Francis Miles Finch of the class of 1849, for the Presentation Day of that year.
"Gather ye smiles from the ocean isles,Warm hearts from river and fountain,A playful chime from the palm-tree clime,From the land of rock and mountain:And roll the song in waves along,For the hours are bright before us,And grand and hale are the elms of Yale,Like fathers, bending o'er us.
"Summon our band from the prairie land,From the granite hills, dark frowning,From the lakelet blue, and the black bayou,From the snows our pine peaks crowning;And pour the song in joy along,For the hours are bright before us,And grand and hale are the towers of Yale,Like giants, watching o'er us.
"Count not the tears of the long-gone years,With their moments of pain and sorrow,But laugh in the light of their memories bright,And treasure them all for the morrow;Then roll the song in waves along,While the hours are bright before us,And high and hale are the spires of Yale,Like guardians, towering o'er us.
"Dream of the days when the rainbow raysOf Hope on our hearts fell lightly,And each fair hour some cheerful flowerIn our pathway blossomed brightly;And pour the song in joy along,Ere the moments fly before us,While portly and hale the sires of YaleAre kindly gazing o'er us.
"Linger again in memory's glen,'Mid the tendrilled vines of feeling,Till a voice or a sigh floats softly by,Once more to the glad heart stealing;And roll the song on waves along,For the hours are bright before us,And in cottage and vale are the brides of Yale,Like angels, watching o'er us.
"Clasp ye the hand 'neath the arches grandThat with garlands span our greeting,With a silent prayer that an hour as fairMay smile on each after meeting;And long may the song, the joyous song,Roll on in the hours before us,And grand and hale may the elms of Yale,For many a year, bend o'er us."
In the Appendix to President Woolsey's Historical Discourse delivered before the Graduates of Yale College, is the following account of Presentation Day, in 1778.
"The Professor of Divinity, two ministers of the town, and another minister, having accompanied me to the Library about 1, P.M., the middle Tutor waited upon me there, and informed me that the examination was finished, and they were ready for the presentation. I gave leave, being seated in the Library between the above ministers. Hereupon the examiners, preceded by the Professor of Mathematics, entered the Library, and introduced thirty candidates, a beautiful sight! The Diploma Examinatorium, with the return and minutes inscribed upon it, was delivered to the President, who gave it to the Vice-Bedellus, directing him to read it. He read it and returned it to the President, to be deposited among the College archivesin perpetuam rei memoriam. The senior Tutor thereupon made a very eloquent Latin speech, and presented the candidates for the honors of the College. This presentation the President in a Latin speech accepted, and addressed the gentlemen examiners and the candidates, and gave the latter liberty to return home till Commencement. Then dismissed.
"At about 3, P.M., the afternoon exercises were appointed to begin. At 3-1/2, the bell tolled, and the assembly convened in the chapel, ladies and gentlemen. The President introduced the exercises in a Latin speech, and then delivered the Diploma Examinatorium to the Vice-Bedellus, who, standing on the pulpit stairs, read it publicly. Then succeeded,—
Cliosophic Oration in Latin, by Sir Meigs.Poetical Composition in English, by Sir Barlow.Dialogue, English, by Sir Miller, Sir Chaplin, Sir Ely.Cliosophic Oration, English, by Sir Webster.Disputation, English, by Sir Wolcott, Sir Swift, Sir Smith.Valedictory Oration, English, by Sir Tracy.An Anthem. Exercises two hours."—p. 121.
PRESIDENT. In the United States, the chief officer of a college or university. His duties are, to preside at the meetings of the Faculty, at Exhibitions and Commencements, to sign the diplomas or letters of degree, to carry on the official correspondence, to address counsel and instruction to the students, and to exercise a general superintendence in the affairs of the college over which he presides.
At Harvard College it was formerly the duty of the President "to inspect the manners of the students, and unto his morning and evening prayers to join some exposition of the chapters which they read from Hebrew into Greek, from the Old Testament, in the morning, and out of English into Greek, from the New Testament, in the evening." At the same College, in the early part of the last century, Mr. Wadsworth, the President, states, "that he expounded the Scriptures, once eleven, and sometimes eight or nine times in the course of a week."—Harv. Reg., p. 249, andQuincy's Hist. Harv. Univ., Vol. I. p. 440.
Similar duties were formerly required of the President at other American colleges. In some, at the present day, he performs the duties of a professor in connection with those of his own office, and presides at the daily religious exercises in the Chapel.
The title of President is given to the chief officer in some of the colleges of the English universities.
PRESIDENT'S CHAIR. At Harvard College, there is in the Library an antique chair, venerable by age and association, which is used only on Commencement Day, when it is occupied by the President while engaged in delivering the diplomas for degrees. "Vague report," says Quincy, "represents it to have been brought to the College during the presidency of Holyoke, as the gift of the Rev. Ebenezer Turell of Medford (the author of the Life of Dr. Colman). Turell was connected by marriage with the Mathers, by some of whom it is said to have been brought from England." Holyoke was President from 1737 to 1769. The round knobs on the chair were turned by President Holyoke, and attached to it by his own hands. In the picture of this honored gentleman, belonging to the College, he is painted in the old chair, which seems peculiarly adapted by its strength to support the weight which fills it.
Before the erection of Gore Hall, the present library building, the books of the College were kept in Harvard Hall. In the same building, also, was the Philosophy Chamber, where the chair usually stood for the inspection of the curious. Over this domain, from the year 1793 to 1800, presided Mr. Samuel Shapleigh, the Librarian. He was a dapper little bachelor, very active and remarkably attentive to the ladies who visited the Library, especially the younger portion of them. When ushered into the room where stood the old chair, he would watch them with eager eyes, and, as soon as one, prompted by a desire of being able to say, "I have sat in the President's Chair," took this seat, rubbing his hands together, he would exclaim, in great glee, "A forfeit! a forfeit!" and demand from the fair occupant a kiss, a fee which, whether refused or not, he very seldom failed to obtain.[61]
This custom, which seems now-a-days to be going out of fashion, ismentioned by Mr. William Biglow, in a poem before the Phi BetaKappa Society, recited in their dining-hall, August 29, 1811.Speaking of Commencement Day and its observances, he says:—
"Now young gallants allure their favorite fairTo take a seat in Presidential chair;Then seize the long-accustomed fee, the blissOf the half ravished, half free-granted kiss."
The editor of Mr. Peirce's History of Harvard University publishes the following curious extracts from Horace Walpole's Private Correspondence, giving a description of some antique chairs found in England, exactly of the same construction with the College chair; a circumstance which corroborates the supposition that this also was brought from England.
"Strawberry Hill, August20, 1761.
"Dickey Bateman has picked up a whole cloister full of old chairs in Herefordshire. He bought them one by one, here and there in farm-houses, for three and sixpence and a crown apiece. They are of wood, the seats triangular, the backs, arms, and legs loaded with turnery. A thousand to one but there are plenty up and down Cheshire, too. If Mr. and Mrs. Wetenhall, as they ride or drive out, would now and then pick up such a chair, it would oblige me greatly. Take notice, no two need be of the same pattern."—Private Correspondence of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford, Vol. II. p. 279.
"Strawberry Hill, March9, 1765.
"When you go into Cheshire, and upon your ramble, may I trouble you with a commission? but about which you must promise me not to go a step out of your way. Mr. Bateman has got a cloister at old Windsor furnished with ancient wooden chairs, most of them triangular, but all of various patterns, and carved and turned in the most uncouth and whimsical forms. He picked them up one by one, for two, three, five, or six shillings apiece, from different farm-houses in Herefordshire. I have long envied and coveted them. There may be such in poor cottages in so neighboring a county as Cheshire. I should not grudge any expense for purchase or carriage, and should be glad even of a couple such for my cloister here. When you are copying inscriptions in a churchyard in any Village, think of me, and step into the first cottage you see, but don't take further trouble than that."—Ibid., Vol. III. pp. 23, 24, fromPeirce's Hist. Harv. Univ., p. 312.
An engraving of the chair is to be found in President Quincy'sHistory of Harvard University, Vol. I. p. 288.
PREVARICATOR. A sort of an occasional orator; an academical phrase in the University of Cambridge, Eng.—Johnson.
He should not need have pursued me through the various shapes of a divine, a doctor, a head of a college, a professor, aprevaricator, a mathematician.—Bp. Wren, Monarchy Asserted, Pref.
It would have made you smile to hear theprevaricator, in his jocular way, give him his title and character to face.—A. Philips, Life of Abp. Williams, p. 34.
See TERRÆ-FILIUS.
PREVIOUS EXAMINATION. In the English universities, the University examination in the second year.
Called also the LITTLE-GO.
The only practical connection that the Undergraduate usually has with the University, in its corporate capacity, consists in hisprevious examination,aliasthe "Little-Go," and his final examination for a degree, with or without honors.—Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 10.
PREX. A cant term for President.
After examination, I went to the oldPrex, and was admitted.Prex, by the way, is the same as President.—The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. 117.
But take a peep with us, dear reader, into thatsanctum sanctorum, that skull and bones of college mysteries, thePrex'sroom.—The Yale Banger, Nov. 10, 1846.
Good oldPrexused to get the students together and advise them on keeping their faces clean, and blacking their boots, &c.—Amherst Indicator, Vol. III. p. 228.
PRINCE'S STUFF. In the English universities, the fabric of which the gowns of the undergraduates are usually made.
[Their] every-day habit differs nothing as far as the gown is concerned, it beingprince's stuff, or other convenient material.—Oxford Guide, Ed. 1847, p. xv.
See COSTUME.
PRINCIPAL. At Oxford, the president of a college or hall is sometimes styled the Principal.—Oxf. Cal.
PRIVAT DOCENT. In German universities, aprivate teacher. "The so-calledPrivat Docenten," remarks Howitt, "are gentlemen who devote themselves to an academical career, who have taken the degree of Doctor, and through a public disputation have acquired the right to deliver lectures on subjects connected with their particular department of science. They receive no salary, but depend upon the remuneration derived from their classes."—Student Life of Germany, Am. ed., p. 29.
PRIVATE. At Harvard College, one of the milder punishments is what is calledprivate admonition, by which a deduction of thirty-two marks is made from the rank of the offender. So called in contradistinction topublic admonition, when a deduction is made, and with it a letter is sent to the parent. Often abbreviated intoprivate.
"Reckon on the fingers of your mind the reprimands, deductions, parietals, andprivatesin store for you."—Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F., 1848.
What are parietals, parts,privatesnow,To the still calmness of that placid brow?Class Poem, Harv. Coll., 1849.
PRIVATISSIMUM,pl.PRIVATISSIMI. Literally,most private. In the German universities, an especially private lecture.
To thesePrivatissimi, as they are called, or especially private lectures, being once agreed upon, no other auditors can be admitted.—Howitt's Student Life of Germany, Am. ed., p. 35.
Then myPrivatissimum—(I've been thinking on itFor a long time—and in fact begun it)—Will cost me 20 Rix-dollars more,Please send with the ducats I mentioned before.The Jobsiad, inLit. World, Vol. IX. p. 281.
The use of aPrivatissimumI can't conjecture,When one is already ten hours at lecture.Ibid., Vol. IX. p. 448.
PRIZEMAN. In universities and colleges, one who takes a prize.
The Wrangler's glory in his well-earned fame,Theprizeman'striumph, and the plucked man's shame.The College, inBlackwood's Mag.,May, 1849.
PROBATION. In colleges and universities, the examination of a student as to his qualifications for a degree.
2. The time which a student passes in college from the period of entering until he is matriculated and received as a member in full standing. In American colleges, this is usually six months, but can be prolonged at discretion.—Coll. Laws.
PROCEED. To take a degree. Mr. Halliwell, in his Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, says, "This term is still used at the English universities." It is sometimes used in American colleges.
In 1605 heproceededMaster of Arts, and became celebrated as a wit and a poet.—Poems of Bishop Corbet, p. ix.
They that expect toproceedBachelors that year, to be examined of their sufficiency,… and such that expect toproceedMasters of Arts, to exhibit their synopsis of acts.
They, that are approved sufficient for their degrees, shallproceed.—Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ., Vol. I. p. 518.
The Overseers … recommended to the Corporation "to take effectual measures to prevent those whoproceededBachelors of Arts, from having entertainments of any kind."—Ibid., Vol. II. p. 93.
When heproceededBachelor of Arts, he was esteemed one of the most perfect scholars that had ever received the honors of this seminary.—Holmes's Life of Ezra Stiles, p. 14.
Masters mayproceedBachelors in either of the Faculties, at the end of seven years, &c.—Calendar Trin. Coll., 1850, p. 10.
Of the surviving graduates, the oldestproceededBachelor ofArts the very Commencement at which Dr. Stiles was elected to thePresidency.—Woolsey's Discourse, Yale Coll., Aug. 14, 1850, p.38.
PROCTOR. Contracted from the Latinprocurator, fromprocuro;proandcuro.
In the University of Cambridge, Eng., two proctors are annually elected, who are peace-officers. It is their especial duty to attend to the discipline and behavior of all personsin statu pupillari, to search houses of ill-fame, and to take into custody women of loose and abandoned character, and even thosede malo suspectcæ. Their other duties are not so menial in their character, and are different in different universities.—Cam. Cal.
At Oxford, "the proctors act as university magistrates; they are appointed from each college in rotation, and remain in office two years. They nominate four pro-proctors to assist them. Their chief duty, in which they are known to undergraduates, is to preserve order, and keep the town free from improper characters. When they go out in the evening, they are usually attended by two servants, called by the gownsmen bull-dogs…. The marshal, a chief officer, is usually in attendance on one of the proctors…. It is also the proctor's duty to take care that the cap and gown are worn in the University."—The Collegian's Guide, Oxford, pp. 176, 177.
At Oxford, the proctors "jointly have, as has the Vice-Chancellor singly, the power of interposing theirvetoornon placet, upon all questions in congregation and convocation, which puts a stop at once to all further proceedings in the matter. These are the 'censores morum' of the University, and their business is to see that the undergraduate members, when no longer under the ken of the head or tutors of their own college, behave seemly when mixing with the townsmen and restrict themselves, as far as may be, to lawful or constitutional and harmless amusements. Their powers extend over a circumference of three miles round the walls of the city. The proctors are easily recognized by their full dress gown of velvet sleeves, and bands-encircled neck."—Oxford Guide, Ed. 1847, p. xiii.
At Oxford, "the two proctors were formerly nearly equal in importance to the Vice-Chancellor. Their powers, though diminished, are still considerable, as they administer the police of the University, appoint the Examiners, and have a joint veto on all measures brought before Convocation."—Lit. World, Vol. XII. p. 223.
The class of officers called Proctors was instituted at Harvard College in the year 1805, their duty being "to reside constantly and preserve order within the walls," to preserve order among the students, to see that the laws of the College are enforced, "and to exercise the same inspection and authority in their particular district, and throughout College, which it is the duty of a parietal Tutor to exercise therein."—Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ., Vol. II. p. 292.
I believe this is the only college in the United States where this class of academical police officers is established.
PROF, PROFF. Abbreviated forProfessor.
TheProffthought he knew too much to stay here, and so he went his way, and I saw him no more.—The Dartmouth, Vol. IV. p. 116.
ForProffsand Tutors too,Who steer our big canoe,Prepare their lays.Yale Lit. Mag., Vol. III. p. 144.
PROFESSOR. One that publicly teaches any science or branch of learning; particularly, an officer in a university, college, or other seminary, whose business is to read lectures or instruct students in a particular branch of learning; as aprofessorof theology or mathematics.—Webster.
PROFESSORIATE. The office or employment of a professor.
It is desirable to restore theprofessoriate.—Lit. World,Vol. XII. p. 246.
PROFESSOR OF DUST AND ASHES. A title sometimes jocosely given by students to the person who has the care of their rooms.
Was interrupted a moment just now, by the entrance of Mr. C———, the gentleman who makes the beds, sweeps, takes up the ashes, and supports the dignity of the title, "Professor of Dust and Ashes."—Sketches of Williams College, p. 77.
The South CollegeProf. of Dust and Asheshas a huge bill against the Society.—Yale Tomahawk, Feb. 1851.
PROFICIENT. The degree of Proficient is conferred in the University of Virginia, in a certificate of proficiency, on those who have studied only in certain branches taught in some of the schools connected with that institution.
PRO MERITIS. Latin; literally,for his merits. A phrase customarily used in American collegiate diplomas.
Then, every crime atoned with ease,Pro meritis, received degrees.Trumbull's Progress of Dullness, Part I.
PRO-PROCTOR. In the English universities, an officer appointed to assist the proctors in that part of their duty only which relates to the discipline and behavior of those persons who arein statu pupillari.—Cam. and Oxf. Cals.
More familiarly, these officers are calledpro's.
They [the proctors] are assisted in their duties by four pro-proctors, each principal being allowed to nominate his two "pro's."—Oxford Guide, 1847, p. xiii.
Thepro'shave also a strip of velvet on each side of the gown-front, and wear bands.—Ibid., p. xiii.
PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR. In the English universities a deputy appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, who exercises his power in case of his illness or necessary absence.
PROVOST. The President of a college.
Dr. Jay, on his arrival in England, found there Dr. Smith,Provostof the College in Philadelphia, soliciting aid for that institution.—Hist. Sketch of Columbia Coll., p. 36.
At Columbia College, in 1811, an officer was appointed, styledProvost, who, in absence of the President, was to supply his place, and who, "besides exercising the like general superintendence with the President," was to conduct the classical studies of the Senior Class. The office of Provost continued until 1816, when the Trustees determined that its powers and duties should devolve upon the President.—Ibid., p. 81.
At Oxford, the chief officer of some of the colleges bears this title. At Cambridge, it is appropriated solely to the President of King's College. "On the choice of a Provost," says the author of a History of the University of Cambridge, 1753, "the Fellows are all shut into the ante-chapel, and out of which they are not permitted to stir on any account, nor none permitted to enter, till they have all agreed on their man; which agreement sometimes takes up several days; and, if I remember right, they were three days and nights confined in choosing the present Provost, and had their beds, close-stools, &c. with them, and their commons, &c. given them in at the windows."—Grad. ad Cantab., p. 85.
PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE. In Yale College, a committee to whom the discretionary concerns of the College are intrusted. They order such repairs of the College buildings as are necessary, audit the accounts of the Treasurer and Steward, make the annual report of the state of the College, superintend the investment of the College funds, institute suits for the recovery and preservation of the College property, and perform various other duties which are enumerated in the laws of Yale College.
At Middlebury College, similar powers are given to a body bearing the same name.—Laws Mid. Coll., 1839, pp. 4, 5.
PUBLIC. At Harvard College, the punishment next higher in order to aprivate admonitionis called apublic admonition, and consists in a deduction of sixty-four marks from the rank of the offender, accompanied by a letter to the parent or guardian. It is often calleda public.
See ADMONITION, and PRIVATE.
PUBLIC DAY. In the University of Virginia, the day on which "the certificates and diplomas are awarded to the successful candidates, the results of the examinations are announced, and addresses are delivered by one or more of the Bachelors and Masters of Arts, and by the Orator appointed by the Society of the Alumni."—Cat. of Univ. of Virginia.
This occurs on the closing day of the session, the 29th of June.
PUBLIC ORATOR. In the English universities, an officer who is the voice of the university on all public occasions, who writes, reads, and records all letters of a public nature, and presents, with an appropriate address, those on whom honorary degrees are conferred. At Cambridge, this it esteemed one of the most honorable offices in the gift of the university.—Cam. and Oxf. Cals.
PUMP. Among German students, to obtain or take on credit; to sponge.
Und hat der Bursch kein Geld im Beutel,Sopumpter die Philister an.Crambambuli Song.
PUNY. A young, inexperienced person; a novice.
Freshmen at Oxford were calledpunies of the first year.—Halliwell's Dict. Arch. and Prov. Words.
PUT THROUGH. A phrase very general in its application. When a student treats, introduces, or assists another, or masters a hard lesson, he is said toputhim or itthrough. In a discourse by the Rev. Dr. Orville Dewey, on the Law of Progress, referring to these words, he said "he had heard a teacher use the characteristic expression that his pupils should be 'put through' such and such studies. This, he said, is a modern practice. We put children through philosophy,—put them through history,—put them through Euclid. He had no faith in this plan, and wished to see the school teachers set themselves against this forcing process."
2. To examine thoroughly and with despatch.
First Thatcher, then Hadley, then Larned and Prex, Eachputour classthroughin succession.Presentation Day Songs, June 14, 1854.
Q. See CUE.
QUAD. An abbreviation of QUADRANGLE, q.v.
How silently did all come down the staircases into the chapelquad, that evening!—Collegian's Guide, p. 88.
His mother had been in Oxford only the week before, and had been seen crossing thequadin tears.—Ibid., p. 144.
QUADRANGLE. At Oxford and Cambridge, Eng., the rectangular courts in which the colleges are constructed.
Soon as the clouds divide, and dawning dayTints thequadranglewith its earliest ray.The College, inBlackwood's Mag., May, 1849.
QUARTER-DAY. The day when quarterly payments are made. The day that completes three months.
At Harvard and Yale Colleges, quarter-day, when the officers and instructors receive their quarterly salaries, was formerly observed as a holiday. One of the evils which prevailed among the students of the former institution, about the middle of the last century, was the "riotous disorders frequently committed on thequarter-daysand evenings," on one of which, in 1764, "the windows of all the Tutors and divers other windows were broken," so that, in consequence, a vote was passed that "the observation ofquarter-days, in distinction from other days, be wholly laid aside, and that the undergraduates be obliged to observe the studying hours, and to perform the college exercises, on quarter-day, and the day following, as at other times."—Peirce's Hist. Harv. Univ., p. 216.
QUESTIONIST. In the English universities, a name given to those who are in the last term of their college course, and are soon to be examined for honors or degrees.—Webster.
In the "Orders agreed upon by the Overseers, at a meeting in Harvard College, May 6th, 1650," this word is used in the following sentence: "And, in case any of the Sophisters,Questionists, or Inceptors fail in the premises required at their hands,… they shall be deferred to the following year"; but it does not seem to have gained any prevalence in the College, and is used, it is believed, only in this passage.
QUILLWHEEL. At the Wesleyan University, "when a student," says a correspondent, "'knocks under,' or yields a point, he says hequillwheels, that is, he acknowledges he is wrong."
RAG. This word is used at Union College, and is thus explained by a correspondent: "Toragandragging, you will find of very extensive application, they being employed primarily as expressive of what is called by the vulgar thieving and stealing, but in a more extended sense as meaning superiority. Thus, if one declaims or composes much better than his classmates, he is said toragall his competitors."
The common phrase, "to take the rag off," i.e. to excel, seems to be the form from which this word has been abbreviated.
RAKE. At Williams and at Bowdoin Colleges, used in the phrase "torakean X," i.e. to recite perfectly, ten being the number of marks given for the best recitation.
RAM. A practical joke.
—— in season to be just too lateA successfulramto perpetrate.Sophomore Independent, Union Coll., Nov. 1854.
RAM ON THE CLERGY. At Middlebury College, a synonyme of the slang noun, "sell."
RANTERS. At Bethany College, in Virginia, there is "a band," says a correspondent, "calling themselves 'Ranters,' formed for the purpose of perpetrating all kinds of rascality and mischievousness, both on their fellow-students and the neighboring people. The band is commanded by one selected from the party, called theGrand Ranter, whose orders are to be obeyed under penalty of expulsion of the person offending. Among the tricks commonly indulged in are those of robbing hen and turkey roosts, and feasting upon the fruits of their labor, of stealing from the neighbors their horses, to enjoy the pleasure of a midnight ride, and to facilitate their nocturnal perambulations. If detected, and any complaint is made, or if the Faculty are informed of their movements, they seek revenge by shaving the tails and manes of the favorite horses belonging to the person informing, or by some similar trick."
RAZOR. A writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines this word in the following sentence: "Many of the members of this time-honored institution, from whom we ought to expect better things, not only do their own shaving, but actuallymake their own razors. But I must explain for the benefit of the uninitiated. A pun, in the elegant college dialect, is called a razor, while an attempt at a pun is styled asick razor. Thesickones are by far the most numerous; however, once in a while you meet with one in quite respectable health."—Vol. XIII. p. 283.
The meeting will be opened withrazorsby the Society's jester. —Yale Tomahawk, Nov. 1849.
Behold how Duncia leads her chosen sons,All armed with squibs, stale jokes,dull razors, puns.The Gallinipper, Dec. 1849.
READ. To be studious; to practise much reading; e.g. at Oxford, toreadfor a first class; at Cambridge, toreadfor an honor. In America it is common to speak of "reading law, medicine," &c.
We seven stayed at Christmas up toread;We seven took one tutor.Tennyson, Prologue to Princess.
In England the vacations are the very times when youreadmost.Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 78.
This system takes for granted that the students have "read," as it is termed, with a private practitioner of medicine.—Cat. Univ. of Virginia, 1851, p. 25.
READER. In the University of Oxford, one who reads lectures on scientific subjects.—Lyell.
2. At the English universities, a hard student, nearly equivalent to READING MAN.
Most of the Cantabs are latereaders, so that, supposing one of them to begin at seven, he will not leave off before half past eleven.—Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 21.
READERSHIP. In the University of Oxford, the office of a reader or lecturer on scientific subjects.—Lyell.
READING. In the academic sense, studying.
One would hardly suspect them to be students at all, did not the number of glasses hint that those who carried them had impaired their sight by latereading.—Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 5.
READING MAN. In the English universities, areading manis a hard student, or one who is entirely devoted to his collegiate studies.—Webster.
The distinction between "reading men" and "non-reading men" began to manifest itself.—Alma Mater, Vol. I. p. 169.
We might wonder, perhaps, if in England the "[Greek: oi polloi]" should be "reading men," but with us we should wonder were they not.—Williams Quarterly, Vol. II. p. 15.
READING PARTY. In England, a number of students who in vacation time, and at a distance from the university, pursue their studies together under the direction of a coach, or private tutor.
Of this method of studying, Bristed remarks: "It is notimpossibleto read on a reading-party; there is only a great chance against your being able to do so. As a very general rule, a man works best in his accustomed place of business, where he has not only his ordinary appliances and helps, but his familiar associations about him. The time lost in settling down and making one's self comfortable and ready for work in a new place is not inconsiderable, and is all clear loss. Moreover, the very idea of a reading-party involves a combination of two things incompatible, —amusement and relaxation beyond the proper and necessary quantity of daily exercise, and hard work at books.
"Reading-parties do not confine themselves to England or the island of Great Britain. Sometimes they have been known to go as far as Dresden. Sometimes a party is of considerable size; when a crack Tutor goes on one, which is not often, he takes his whole team with him, and not unfrequently a Classical and Mathematical Bachelor join their pupils."—Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, pp. 199-201.
READ UP. Students often speak ofreading up, i.e. preparing themselves to write on a subject, by reading the works of authors who have treated of it.
REBELLION TREE. At Harvard College, a large elm-tree, which stands to the east of the south entry of Hollis Hall, has long been known by this name. It is supposed to have been planted at the request of Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris. His son, Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, the present Librarian of the College, says that his father has often told him, that when he held the office of Librarian, in the year 1792, a number of trees were set out in the College yard, and that one was planted opposite his room, No. 7 Hollis Hall, under which he buried a pewter plate, taken from the commons hall. On this plate was inscribed his name, the day of the month, the year, &c. From its situation and appearance, the Rebellion Tree would seem to be the one thus described; but it did not receive its name until the year 1807, when the famous rebellion occurred among the students, and perhaps not until within a few years antecedent to the year 1819. At that time, however, this name seems to have been the one by which it was commonly known, from the reference which is made to it in the Rebelliad, a poem written to commemorate the deeds of the rebellion of that year.
And roared as loud as he could yell,"Come on, my lads, let us rebel!"
* * * * *
With one accord they all agreeTo dance aroundRebellion Tree.Rebelliad, p. 46.
But they, rebellious rascals! fleeFor shelter toRebellion Tree.Ibid., p. 60.
Stands a tree in front of Hollis,Dear to Harvard over all;But than —— desert us,Rather letRebellionfall.MS. Poem.
Other scenes are sometimes enacted under its branches, as the following verses show:—
When the old year was drawing towards its close,And in its place the gladsome new one rose,Then members of each class, with spirits free,Went forth to greet her roundRebellion Tree.Round that old tree, sacred to students' rights,And witness, too, of many wondrous sights,In solemn circle all the students passed;They danced with spirit, until, tired, at lastA pause they make, and some a song propose.Then "Auld Lang Syne" from many voices rose.Now, as the lamp of the old year dies out,They greet the new one with exulting shout;They groan for ——, and each class they cheer,And thus they usher in the fair new year.Poem before H.L. of I.O. of O.F., p. 19, 1849.
RECENTES. Latin for the English FRESHMEN. Consult Clap's History of Yale College, 1766, p. 124.
RECITATION. In American colleges and schools, the rehearsal of a lesson by pupils before their instructor.—Webster.
RECITATION-ROOM. The room where lessons are rehearsed by pupils before their instructor.
In the older American colleges, the rooms of the Tutors were formerly the recitation-rooms of the classes. At Harvard College, the benches on which the students sat when reciting were, when not in use, kept in piles, outside of the Tutors' rooms. When the hour of recitation arrived, they would carry them into the room, and again return them to their places when the exercise was finished. One of the favorite amusements of the students was to burn these benches; the spot selected for the bonfire being usually the green in front of the old meeting-house, or the common.
RECITE. Transitively, to rehearse, as a lesson to an instructor.
2. Intransitively, to rehearse a lesson. The class willreciteat eleven o'clock.—Webster.
This word is used in both forms in American seminaries.
RECORD OF MERIT. At Middlebury College "a class-book is kept by each instructor, in which the character of each student's recitation is noted by numbers, and all absences from college exercises are minuted. Demerit for absences and other irregularities is also marked in like manner, and made the basis of discipline. At the close of each term, the average of these marks is recorded, and, when desired, communicated to parents and guardians." This book is called therecord of merit.—Cat. Middlebury Coll., 1850-51, p. 17.
RECTOR. The chief elective officer of some universities, as in France and Scotland. The same title was formerly given to the president of a college in New England, but it is not now in use.—Webster.
The title ofRectorwas given to the chief officer of Yale College at the time of its foundation, and was continued until the year 1745, when, by "An Act for the more full and complete establishment of Yale College in New Haven," it was changed, among other alterations, to that ofPresident.—Clap's Annals of Yale College, p. 47.
The chief officer of Harvard College at the time of its foundation was styledMasterorProfessor. Mr. Dunster was chosen the firstPresident, in 1640, and those who succeeded him bore this title until the year 1686, when Mr. Joseph Dudley, having received the commission of President of the Colony, changed for the sake of distinction the title ofPresident of the Collegeto that ofRector. A few years after, the title ofPresidentwas resumed. —Peirce's Hist. of Harv. Univ., p. 63.
REDEAT. Latin; literally,he may return. "It is the custom in some colleges," says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, "on coming into residence, to wait on the Dean, and sign your name in a book, kept for that purpose, which is called signing yourRedeat."—p. 92.
REFECTORY. At Oxford, Eng., the place where the members of each college or hall dine. This word was originally applied to an apartment in convents and monasteries, where a moderate repast was taken.—Brande.
In Oxford there are nineteen colleges and five halls, containing dwelling-rooms for the students, and a distinctrefectoryor dining-hall, library, and chapel to each college and hall.—Oxf. Guide, 1847, p. xvi.
At Princeton College, this name is given to the hall where the students eat together in common.—Abbreviated REFEC.
REGENT. In the English universities, the regents, orregentes, are members of the university who have certain peculiar duties of instruction or government. At Cambridge, all resident Masters of Arts of less than four years' standing and all Doctors of less than two, are Regents. At Oxford, the period of regency is shorter. At both universities, those of a more advanced standing, who keep their names on the college books, are callednon-regents. At Cambridge, the regents compose the upper house, and the non-regents the lower house of the Senate, or governing body. At Oxford, the regents compose theCongregation, which confers degrees, and does the ordinary business of the University. The regents and non-regents, collectively, compose theConvocation, which is the governing body in the last resort.—Webster.
See SENATE.
2. In the State of New York, the member of a corporate body which is invested with the superintendence of all the colleges, academies, and schools in the State. This board consists of twenty-one members, who are calledthe Regents of the University of the State of New York. They are appointed and removable by the legislature. They have power to grant acts of incorporation for colleges, to visit and inspect all colleges, academies, and schools, and to make regulations for governing the same.—Statutes of New York.
3. At Harvard College, an officer chosen from theFaculty, whose duties are under the immediate direction of the President. All weekly lists of absences, monitor's bills, petitions to the Faculty for excuse of absences from the regular exercises and for making up lessons, all petitions for elective studies, the returns of the scale of merit, and returns of delinquencies and deductions by the tutors and proctors, are left with the Regent, or deposited in his office. The Regent also informs those who petition for excuses, and for elective studies, of the decision of the Faculty in regard to their petitions. Formerly, the Regent assisted in making out the quarter or term bills, of which he kept a record, and when students were punished by fining, he was obliged to keep an account of the fines, and the offences for which they were imposed. Some of his duties were performed by a Freshman, who was appointed by the Faculty.—Laws Harv. Coll., 1814, andRegulations, 1850.
The creation of the office of Regent at Harvard College is noticed by Professor Sidney Willard. In the year 1800 "an officer was appointed to occupy a room in one of the halls to supply the place of a Tutor, for preserving order in the rooms in his entry, and to perform the duties that had been discharged by the Butler, so far as it regarded the keeping of certain records. He was allowed the service of a Freshman, and the offices of Butler and of Butler's Freshman were abolished. The title of this new officer was Regent."—Memories of Youth and Manhood, Vol. II. p. 107.
See FRESHMAN, REGENT'S.
REGISTER. In Union College, an officer whose duties are similar to those enumerated under REGISTRAR. He also acts, without charge, as fiscal guardian for all students who deposit funds in his hands.
REGISTRAR, REGISTRARY. In the English universities, an officer who has the keeping of all the public records.—Encyc.
At Harvard College, the Corporation appoint one of the Faculty to the office ofRegistrar. He keeps a record of the votes and orders passed by the latter body, gives certified copies of the same when requisite, and performs other like duties.—Laws Univ. at Cam., Mass., 1848.
REGIUS PROFESSOR. A name given in the British universities to the incumbents of those professorships which have been founded byroyalbounty.
REGULATORS. At Hamilton College, "a Junior Class affair," writes a correspondent, "consisting of fifteen or twenty members, whose object is to regulate college laws and customs according to their own way. They are known only by their deeds. Who the members are, no one out of the band knows. Their time for action is in the night."
RELEGATION. In German universities, therelegationis the punishment next in severity to theconsilium abeundi. Howitt explains the term in these words: "It has two degrees. First, the simple relegation. This consists in expulsion [out of the district of the court of justice within which the university is situated], for a period of from two to three years; after which the offender may indeed return, but can no more be received as an academical burger. Secondly, the sharper relegation, which adds to the simple relegation an announcement of the fact to the magistracy of the place of abode of the offender; and, according to the discretion of the court, a confinement in an ordinary prison, previous to the banishment, is added; and also the sharper relegation can be extended to more than four years, the ordinary term,—yes, even to perpetual expulsion."—Student Life of Germany, Am. ed., p. 33.
RELIG. At Princeton College, an abbreviated name for a professor of religion.
RENOWN. German,renommiren, to hector, to bully. Among the students in German universities, torenownis, in English popular phrase, "to cut a swell."—Howitt.
The spare hours of the forenoon and afternoon are spent in fencing, inrenowning,—that is, in doing things-which make people stare at them, and in providing duels for the morrow.—Russell's Tour in Germany, Edinburgh ed., 1825, Vol. II. pp. 156, 157.
We cannot be deaf to the testimony of respectable eyewitnesses, who, in proof of these defects, tell us … of "renowning," or wild irregularities, in which "the spare hours" of the day are spent.—D.A. White's Address before Soc. of the Alumni of Harv. Univ., Aug. 27, 1844, p. 24.
REPLICATOR. "The first discussions of the Society, called Forensic, were in writing, and conducted by only two members, styled the Respondent and the Opponent. Subsequently, a third was added, called aReplicator, who reviewed the arguments of the other two, and decided upon their comparative merits."—Semi-centennial Anniversary of the Philomathean Society, Union Coll., p. 9.
REPORT. A word much in use among the students of universities and colleges, in the common sense ofto inform against, but usually spoken in reference to the Faculty.
Thanks to the friendly proctor who spared toreportme.Harvardiana, Vol. III. p. 79.
If I hear againOf such fell outrage to the college laws,Of such loud tumult after eight o'clock,Thou'lt bereportedto the Faculty.—Ibid., p. 257.
RESIDENCE. At the English universities, to be "in residence" is to occupy rooms as a member of a college, either in the college itself, or in the town where the college is situated.
Trinity … usually numbers four hundred undergraduates inresidence.—Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 11.
At Oxford, an examination, not always a very easy one, must be passed before the student can be admitted toresidence.—Westminster Rev., Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 232.
RESIDENT GRADUATE. In the United States, graduates who are desirous of pursuing their studies in a place where a college is situated, without joining any of its departments, can do so in the capacity ofresidentsorresident graduates. They are allowed to attend the public lectures given in the institution, and enjoy the use of its library. Like other students, they give bonds for the payment of college dues.—Coll. Laws.
RESPONDENT. In the schools, one who maintains a thesis in reply, and whose province is to refute objections, or overthrow arguments.—Watts.
This word, with its companion,affirmant, was formerly used in American colleges, and was applied to those who engaged in the syllogistic discussions then incident to Commencement.
But the main exercises were disputations upon questions, wherein therespondentsfirst made their theses.—Mather's Magnalia, B. IV. p. 128.
The syllogistic disputes were held between anaffirmantandrespondent, who stood in the side galleries of the church opposite to one another, and shot the weapons of their logic over the heads of the audience.—Pres. Woolsey's Hist. Disc., Yale Coll., p. 65.
In the public exercises at Commencement, I was somewhat remarked as arespondent.—Life and Works of John Adams, Vol. II. p. 3.
RESPONSION. In the University of Oxford, an examination about the middle of the college course, also called theLittle-go.—Lyell.
See LITTLE-GO.
RETRO. Latin; literally,back. Among the students of theUniversity of Cambridge, Eng., used to designate abehind-handaccount. "A cook's bill of extraordinaries not settled by theTutor."—Grad. ad Cantab.
REVIEW. A second or repeated examination of a lesson, or the lesson itself thus re-examined.
He cannot get the "advance," forgets "thereview."Childe Harvard, p. 13.
RIDER. The meaning of this word, used at Cambridge, Eng., is given in the annexed sentence. "His ambition is generally limited to doing 'riders,' which are a sort of scholia, or easy deductions from the book-work propositions, like a link between them and problems; indeed, the rider being, as its name imports, attached to a question, the question is not fully answered until the rider is answered also."—Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 222.
ROLL A WHEEL. At the University of Vermont, in student parlance, to devise a scheme or lay a plot for an election or a college spree, is toroll a wheel. E.g. "John was alwaysrolling a big wheel," i.e. incessantly concocting some plot.