Mad,adj.(Winchester).—Angry; vexed. [Old English, now dial. in England, but universal in America. “Originally severely injured” (Skeat). “Enraged, furious” (Johnson).]
1369.Chaucer,Troilus[Skeat, 1894], line 479. Ne made him thus in armes for toMADDE.
1593.Shakspeare,Titus And., iii. 1. 104. Had I but seen thy picture in this plight, It would haveMADDEDme.Ibid., iii. 1. 223. If the winds rage doth not the sea waxMAD.
1596.Jonson,Every Man in His Humour, iv. 1. You’dMADthe patient’st body in the world.
1607.Middleton,Your Five Gallants[De Vere]. They areMAD; she graced me with one private minute above their fortunes.
1611.Actsxxvi. 11 [Authorised Version].—And being exceedingMADagainst them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
1667.Pepys,Diary, iv. 482 [Bickers, 1875]. The king isMADat her entertaining Jermin, and she isMADat Jermin’s going to marry from her, so they are allMAD; and so the kingdom is governed.
1816.Pickering,Collection of Words, &c., s.v.Mad, in the sense of “angry,” is considered as a low word in this country, and at the present day is never used except in very familiar conversation.
1824.R. B. Peake,Americans Abroad, i. 1. I guess—I’mMADDED, but I’ll bite in my breath a bit—not that I’m sitch a tarnation fool as to believe all you tell me.
1848.Ruxton,Life in the Far West, p. 167. That nation isMAD.
1871.New Era, April [De Vere]. The Squire’sMADriz.
1891.N. Gould,Double Event, p. 189. My eye! won’t he be justMAD.
Made-beer,subs.(Winchester).—College swipes bottled with rice, a few raisins, sugar, and nutmeg to make it “up.”
Magistrand,subs.(Aberdeen).—A student in arts of the last (the fourth) year.Cf.Bejan.
Make,verb(Winchester).—1. To appropriate.
c.1840.Mansfield,School-Life, 46. In the matter of certain articles ... supplied by the College, we used to put a liberal interpretation on the eighth commandment, ... and it was considered fair toMAKEthem if you could.
2. To appoint Præfect.
Man,subs.(general).—A student: almost universal in School phraseology instead of “boy.”
1811.Lex. Bal., s.v.Man(Cambridge). Any undergraduate from fifteen to thirty. As, aMANof Emanuel—a young member of Emanuel.
1853.Bradley,Verdant Green, iii. The thought that he was going to be an OxfordMANfortunately assisted him in the preservation of that tranquil dignity and careless ease which he considered to be the necessary adjuncts of the manly character ... and Mr. Verdant Green was enabled to say “Good-bye” with a firm voice and undimmed spectacles.
SeeWise Men of the East.
Marker,subs.(Cambridge).—A person employed to walk up and down chapel during a part of the service, pricking off the names of the students present.
1849.Blackwood’s Mag., May. His name pricked off upon theMARKER’Sroll, No twinge of conscience racks his easy soul.
Master,subs.(Winchester: obsolete).—A title: of rustics, bargees, &c.
Match,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A division in which the boys play: e.g. “I’m in the thirdMATCH.” “This is the secondMATCHground.” “He’s a firstMATCHbowler.”
Math. Ex.,subs.(Charterhouse).—A mathematical exercise.
Mathemat,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—Seequots.
1895. Gleanings fromThe Blue, 1870-95, 77. It is true that theMATHEMATdoes take the labours of his hands to the Queen, and is proud to do so; but it is a pity that the reputation of the school should depend upon such ceremonies as these. [SeeAppendix.]
1900.Pall Mall Gaz., 20th Mar., 3. 2. One of the things that strike a stranger is the metal plate upon some shoulders, so it may be as well to say here that it merely marks the members of the Mathematical School, which trains boys for the sea, and interested Mr. Samuel Pepys.
Mathy,subs.(Manchester Grammar).—Mathematics.
Matron’s-gift,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—Seequot.
c.1844.Reminiscences of Christ’s Hospital[Blue, Aug. 1874]. Once annually the boys were served at supper with what was called the “MATRON’S GIFT,”—cream cheese; but they never could appreciate this luxury. It was in vain that the good old matron, with a sister the very counterpart of herself, walked round the different tables, expatiating in glowing terms upon the merits of this “beautiful cheese,” as she called it, and wondering how any one could fail to have a liking for this luxurious gift.
May,subs.(Cambridge).—Easter Term examinations, &c.
1852.Bristed,Five Years, &c., 70. As theMAYapproached I began to feel nervous.
1891.Harry Fludyer at Cambridge, 104. I suppose you know the Mater and the girls are coming up here for theMAYweek. It’s called theMAYweek, but we always have it early in June now. I believe, some years ago, it really used to be in May.
1896.Felstedian, June, 95, “Cambridge Letter.” TheMAYSwere rowed under very favourable conditions, and produced some grand struggles.
Meads,subs.(Winchester).—The College cricket ground.Water-meads= the valley of the Itchen.
Medes and Persians,subs. phr.(Winchester).—Jumping on aMAN(q.v.) when in bed.
Melon,subs.(Royal Military Academy).—A new cadet.
Men.SeeWise Men of the East.
Mesopotamia,subs.1. (Oxford).—Seequot.
1886.Pall Mall Gazette, 23rd June, p. 13. Every Oxford man has known and loved the beauties of the walk calledMESOPOTAMIA.
2. (Eton).—SeePlaying-fields.
Mess,subs.(Winchester).—Seequot.
c.1840.Mansfield,School-Life at Winchester(1866), 219.Mess—The Præfects’ tables in Hall were called “Tub, Middle, and JuniorMESS” respectively. The boys who dined at each were also so named. Any number of boys who habitually breakfasted together were so called with some distinguishing prefix, such as “Deputy’sMESS.” In Chambers tea was calledMESS; as was also the remains of a joint of meat. Lest the reader should make a “MESS” of all these different meanings, I will give a sentence in which they shall all figure: “Look there, JuniorMESShas sat down at TubMESS, but as they will find nothing left but aMESS, they had better go down to Chambers, asMESSis ready.”
Middle-briars,subs.(Charterhouse).—A recess in the middle of cloisters where Eleven meetings used to be held; now a place in cloisters where names are carved: becoming obsolete.
Middle-cut,subs.(Winchester).—Seequot., andDispar.
c.1840.Mansfield,School-Life, p. 84. There were ... eight [portions] to a leg of mutton; ... the thick slice out of the centre of the leg was called aMIDDLE CUT.
Middle Fire(Westminster).—SeeUpper Fire.
Middle-green(Charterhouse).—The new cricket-ground used by “The Maniacs.”
Middle-mess,subs.(Winchester).—SeeMess.
Middle Part the Fifth,subs. phr.(Winchester).—Generally calledMIDDLE PART.SeeBooks.
Middle-week,subs.(Rugby).—A half-holiday on every third Monday. [Modern Rugs(q.v.) say “because it was never the middle of anything.”]
Milk-hole,subs.(Winchester).—The hole formed by theROUSH(q.v.) underPOT(q.v.).
Miller(Harrow).—“The Milling Ground”: between the school-yard andSquash(q.v.) courts. Here all fights had to be conducted in public. The practice is extinct, and the ground is now used as a Morris-tube range.
Minister,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The superior responsible for thematériel: as food, servants, &c.
Minor,subs.(Eton).—A younger brother. AlsoMi.
1864.Eton School-days, vii. “Let myMINORpass, you fellows!” exclaimed Horsham.
1890.Felstedian, Feb., p. 2. I was born in the month of TompkinsMI.
Mitre,subs.(University).—A hat.SeeTufts.
Moab,subs.1. (University: obsolete).—A hat; specifically, the turban-shaped hat fashionable among ladies 1858-9. [From the Scripture phrase, “Moabis my wash-pot” (Ps. lx. 8).]
1864.Reader, Oct. 22.Moab, a ... hat.... University it is all over. We feel sure we know the undergraduate who coined the expression; he is now a solemn don delivering lectures in Cambridge.
1884.Graphic, 20th Sept., p. 307-2. The third, with his varnished boots, his stiff brownMOABof the newest fashion, his well-displayed shirt-cuffs.
2. (Winchester).—Seequot.
c.1840.Mansfield,School-Life, 190. On the west side of school court, a spacious room, nicknamedMOAB, has been erected, with numerous marble basins, and an unlimited supply of fresh water.
1865.Etoniana, 21. Like Wykeham’s scholars, the Eton boys rose [temp.Eliz.] at five, said their Latin prayers antiphonally while dressing, then made their own beds and swept out their chambers. Two by two they then “went down” to wash, probably at some outdoor conduit or fountain like the old WinchesterMOAB.
1867.Collins,The Public Schools, p. 45. Independent of very early hours and somewhat coarse fare, it was not pleasant to have to wash at the oldMOAB, as it was called—an open conduit in the quadrangle, where it was necessary, on a severe winter morning, for a junior to melt the ice on the stop-cock with a lighted faggot before any water could be got to flow at all.
Mob.To mob up,verb. phr.(Charterhouse).—To hustle;TO BARGE(q.v.);TO BRICK(q.v.).
Mods,subs.(Oxford).—The first public examination for degrees. [An abbreviation of “Moderations.”]
1887.Chambers’s Journal, 14th May, 310.Modscannot be attempted until the end of one year from matriculation, and need not be tackled until the expiration of two.
Monarch,subs.(Eton).—The ten-oared boat.
Money and Direction Rolls,intj.(Winchester).—SeePeals.
Monitor,subs.1. (Stonyhurst).—One of the chief members of the Higher LineSodality(q.v.), responsible for the behaviour of the other boys in Church and Chapel.
2. (general).—A senior scholar entrusted with the supervision of school work and pastimes.SeePræfect.
Monkey.SeeFresh-herring, and Appendix.
Monos,subs.(Westminster).—A junior detailed for duty during regular school hours, who remains on guard at the door of the college, as a sentinel, to see that no suspicious characters find their way in. This functionary is known asMONOS[i.e.Monitor ostii].... An officer of the same kind ... at Winchester ... bore a similar name,Ostiarius(q.v.).—Collins.
Mons,subs.(Winchester).—A crowd. Also asverb:e.g.“Square round there, don’tMONS.”
Montem,subs.(Eton).—An Eton custom up to 1847, which consisted in the scholars going in procession on the Whit-Tuesday of every third year to a mound (Lat.ad montem) near the Bath Road, and exacting a gratuity from persons present or passing by. The collection was given to the captain or senior scholar, and helped to defray his expenses at the University.SeeSalt, andSloane MS.4839, f. 85.
1890.Brewer,Phrase and Fable, s.v.Salt-hill. The mound at Eton [near the Bath Road], where the Eton scholars used to collect money from the visitors on Montem day. The mound is still calledSalt Hill, and the money given was calledsalt. The word salt is similar to the Latinsala’rium(salary), the pay given to Roman soldiers and civil officers.Ibid.Montem.... Sometimes as much as £1000 was thus collected.
Morning-hills,subs.(Winchester).—Seequot.
c.1840. Mansfield,School-Life, 52. On holidays and Remedies we were turned out for a couple of hours on to St. Catherine’s Hill ... once before breakfast (MORNING HILLS), and again in the afternoon (MIDDLE HILLS).
Mortar-board(orMortar),subs.(general).—The trencher-cap worn at certain Public Schools and at the Universities.
1600.Kemp,Nine Days’ Wonder, “Ded. Ep.” So that methinkes I could flye to Rome ... with aMORTERon my head.
d.1635. BishopCorbetto T. Coryate. No more shall man withMORTARon his head Set forward towards Rome.
1647.Fletcher,Fair Maid of the Inn, v. 2. He ... may now travel to Rome with aMORTARon’s head.
1857.Cuthbert Bede,Verdant Green, pt. II. ch. iii. “I don’t mind this ’ereMORTAR-BOARD, sir,” remarked the professor of the noble art of self-defence, as he pointed to the academical cap which surmounted his head.
1864.Fun, 21st May, p. 96. Anon I saw a gentle youth (no “sub fusc” undergrad.). “Toga virilis” he had none, noMORTAR-BOARDhe had.
1881.Pascoe,Every-day Life, 147. On admission ... a boy provides himself with aMORTARor college-cap.
1898.Stonyhurst Mag., Dec., p. 149, “Life at Oxford.” The wearing of a cap and gown is another novelty for freshmen. At first one is apt to feel very foolish under a “MORTAR-BOARD” and in the folds of the academic gown, particularly in the miserable garb assigned to commoners (i.e.undergraduates without scholarships).
Mouse-digger,subs.(Winchester).—Seequot.
c.1840.Mansfield,School-Life, 150. Plying theMOUSE-DIGGER(a kind of diminutive pick-axe) in search of mice.
Mud-student,subs.(general).—A student at the Agricultural College, Cirencester.
1856.Notes and Queries, 2 S., ii. 198. A young friend of mine ... aMUD-STUDENT.
Muff,verb(Eton).—To fail in an examination;TO BE SPUN(q.v.) orPLUCKED(q.v.);TO SKIP A COG(q.v.).
1884.Julian Sturgis, inLongmans’ Mag., iii. 617. Freddy and Tommy and Dicky have allMUFFEDfor the army. It’s really dreadful!
To muff a catch,verb. phr.(Stonyhurst).—To catch a ball against the chest, or in any way not clean with both hands. In cricket, as played at Stonyhurst, such a catch did not put the batsman out: obsolete.
Mug,verb(Winchester and Sherborne).—(1) To study; to work hard:e.g.IMUGGEDall the morning, and shall thoke (Winchester) this afternoon. (2) To take pains; to beautify:e.g.“He hasMUGGEDhis study, and made it quite cud.” [Cf.mug= to paint the face or “make up.”] HenceMUGSTER= a hard-working student.See-STERandBat-mugger.
c.1840.Mansfield,School-Life, 122. The præfects would ... set to workMUGGING.
1881.Felstedian, Nov., p. 74. I remember that the senior præfect is going to get up toMUGearly before chapel.
1890.G. Allen,The Tents of Shem, xxiv. “Miss Knyvett,” and he paused with his brush upturned, “you’re a sight too clever for me to talk to.” “Not clever,” Iris corrected; “only well read. I’veMUGGEDit up out of books, that’s all.”Ibid., ii. Instead of reading her “Odyssey” and her “Lucretius,” andMUGGINGup amusing works on conic sections.
Muse,subs.(Charterhouse).—The Museum.
Mustard-and-Pepper Keeper,subs. phr.(Winchester).—An appointment in the gift of Præfect of Hall, which exempted the holder fromWatching-out(q.v.) at cricket, orKicking-in(q.v.) at football.—Mansfield(c.1840). Obsolete.
Muttoner,subs.(Winchester: obsolete).—A blow on the knuckles from a cricket-ball while holding the bat.
Muzz,verb(Westminster).—To read.