is carried with slow procession, with the moaning music of flutes and fifes, the screaming of fiddles, and the thumping and mumbling of a cracked drum, to the open grave or the funeral pyre. A gleaming line of blazing torches and twinkling lanterns wave along the quiet streets and through the opened fields, and the snow creaks hoarsely under the tread of a hundred men. They reach the scene, and a circle forms around the consecrated spot; if the ceremony is a burial, the defunct is laid all carefully in his grave, and then his friends celebrate in prose or verse his memory, his virtues, and his untimely end: and three oboli are tossed into his tomb to satisfy the surly boatman of the Styx. Lingeringly is the last look taken of the familiar countenance, as the procession passes slowly around the tomb; and the moaning is made,–a sound of groans going up to the seventh heavens,–and the earth is thrown in, and the headstone with epitaph placed duly to hallow the grave of the dead. Or if, according to the custom of his native land, the body of Euclid is committed to the funeral flames, the pyre, duly prepared with combustibles, is made the centre of the ring; a ponderous jar of turpentine or whiskey is the fragrant incense, and as the lighted fire mounts up in the still night, and the alarm in the city sounds dim in the distance, the eulogium is spoken, and the memory of the illustrious dead honored; the urn receives the sacred ashes, which, borne in solemn procession, are placed in some conspicuous situation, or solemnly deposited in some fitting sarcophagus. So the sport ends; a song, a loud hurrah, and the last jovial roysterer seeks short and profound slumber.”–pp. 166-169.
The above was written in the year 1843. That the interest in the observance of this custom at Yale College has not since that time diminished, may be inferred from the following account of the exercises of the Sophomore Class of 1850, on parting company with their old mathematical friend, given by a correspondent of the New York Tribune.
“Arrangements having been well matured, notice was secretly given out on Wednesday last that the obsequies would be celebrated that evening at ‘Barney’s Hall,’ on Church Street. An excellent band of music was engaged for the occasion, and an efficient Force Committee assigned to their duty, who performed their office with great credit, taking singular care that no ‘tutor’ or ‘spy’ should secure an entrance to the hall. The ‘countersign’ selected was ‘Zeus,’ and fortunately was not betrayed. The hall being full at half past ten, the doors were closed, and the exercises commenced with music. Then followed numerous pieces of various character, and among them an _Oration_, a _Poem_, _Funeral Sermon_ (of a very metaphysical character), a _Dirge_, and, at the grave, a _Prayer to Pluto_. These pieces all exhibited taste and labor, and were acknowledged to be of a higher tone than that of any productions which have ever been delivered on a similar occasion. Besides these, there were several songs interspersed throughout the Programme, in both Latin and English, which were sung with great jollity and effect. The band added greatly to the character of the performances, by their frequent and appropriate pieces. A large coffin was placed before the altar, within which, lay the veritable Euclid, arranged in a becoming winding-sheet, the body being composed of combustibles, and these thoroughly saturated with turpentine. The company left the hall at half past twelve, formed in an orderly procession, preceded by the band, and bearing the coffin in their midst. Those who composed the procession were arrayed in disguises, to avoid detection, and bore a full complement of brilliant torches. The skeleton of Euclid (a faithful caricature), himself bearing a torch, might have been seen dancing in the midst, to the great amusement of all beholders. They marched up Chapel Street as far as the south end of the College, where they were saluted with three hearty cheers by their fellow-students, and then continued through College Street in front of the whole College square, at the north extremity of which they were again greeted by cheers, and thence followed a circuitous way to _quasi_ Potter’s Field, about a mile from the city, where the concluding ceremonies were performed. These consist of walking over the coffin, thus _surmounting the difficulties_ of the author; boring a hole through a copy of Euclid with a hot iron, that the class may see _through_ it; and finally burning it upon the funeral pyre, in order to _throw light_ upon the subject. After these exercises, the procession returned, with music, to the State-House, where they disbanded, and returned to their desolate habitations. The affair surpassed anything of the kind that has ever taken place here, and nothing was wanting to render it a complete performance. It testifies to the spirit and character of the class of ’53.”–_Literary World_, Nov. 23, 1850, from the _New York Tribune_.
In the Sketches of Williams College, printed in the year 1847, is a description of the manner in which the funeral exercises of Euclid are sometimes conducted in that institution. It is as follows:–“The burial took place last night. The class assembled in the recitation-room in full numbers, at 9 o’clock. The deceased, much emaciated, and in a torn and tattered dress, was stretched on a black table in the centre of the room. This table, by the way, was formed of the old blackboard, which, like a mirror, had so often reflected the image of old Euclid. In the body of the corpse was a triangular hole, made for the _post mortem_ examination, a report of which was read. Through this hole, those who wished were allowed to look; and then, placing the body on their heads, they could say with truth that they had for once seen through and understood Euclid.
“A eulogy was then pronounced, followed by an oration and the reading of the epitaph, after which the class formed a procession, and marched with slow and solemn tread to the place of burial. The spot selected was in the woods, half a mile south of the College. As we approached the place, we saw a bright fire burning on the altar of turf, and torches gleaming through the dark pines. All was still, save the occasional sympathetic groans of some forlorn bull-frogs, which came up like minute-guns from the marsh below.
“When we arrived at the spot, the sexton received the body. This dignitary presented rather a grotesque appearance. He wore a white robe bound around his waist with a black scarf, and on his head a black, conical-shaped hat, some three feet high. Haying fastened the remains to the extremity of a long, black wand, he held them in the fire of the altar until they were nearly consumed, and then laid the charred mass in the urn, muttering an incantation in Latin. The urn being buried deep in the ground, we formed a ring around the grave, and sung the dirge. Then, lighting our larches by the dying fire, we retraced our steps with feelings suited to the occasion.”–pp. 74-76.
Of this observance the writer of the preface to the “Songs of Yale” remarks: “The _Burial of Euclid_ is an old ceremony practised at many colleges. At Yale it is conducted by the Sophomore Class during the first term of the year. After literary exercises within doors, a procession is formed, which proceeds at midnight through the principal streets of the city, with music and torches, conveying a coffin, supposed to contain the body of the old mathematician, to the funeral pile, when the whole is fired and consumed to ashes.”–1853, p. 4.
From the lugubrious songs which are usually sung on these sad occasions, the following dirge is selected. It appears in the order of exercises for the “Burial of Euclid by the Class of ’57,” which took place at Yale College, November 8, 1854.
Tune,–“_Auld Lang Syne_.”
I.
Come, gather all ye tearful Sophs,
And stand around the ring;
Old Euclid’s dead, and to his shade A requiem we’ll sing:
Then join the saddening chorus, all Ye friends of Euclid true;
Defunct, he can no longer bore,
“[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]”[03]
II.
Though we to Pluto _dead_icate,
No god to take him deigns,
So, one short year from now will Fate Bring back his sad _re-manes_:
For at Biennial his ghost
Will prompt the tutor blue,
And every fizzling Soph will cry,
“[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]”
III.
Though here we now his _corpus_ burn, And flames about him roar,
The future Fresh shall say, that he’s “Not dead, but gone before”:
We close around the dusky bier,
And pall of sable hue,
And silently we drop the tear;
“[Greek: Pheu pheu, oi moi, pheu pheu.]”
BURLESQUE BILL. At Princeton College, it is customary for the members of the Sophomore Class to hold annually a Sophomore Commencement, caricaturing that of the Senior Class. The Sophomore Commencement is in turn travestied by the Junior Class, who prepare and publish _Burlesque Bills_, as they are called, in which, in a long and formal programme, such subjects and speeches are attributed to the members of the Sophomore Class as are calculated to expose their weak points.
See SOPHOMORE COMMENCEMENT.
BURLINGTON. At Middlebury College, a water-closet, privy. So called on account of the good-natured rivalry between that institution and the University of Vermont at Burlington.
BURNING OF CONIC SECTIONS. “This is a ceremony,” writes a correspondent, “observed by the Sophomore Class of Trinity College, on the Monday evening of Commencement week. The incremation of this text-book is made by the entire class, who appear in fantastic rig and in torch-light procession. The ceremonies are held in the College grove, and are graced with an oration and poem. The exercises are usually closed by a class supper.”
BURNING OF CONVIVIUM. Convivium is a Greek book which is studied at Hamilton College during the last term of the Freshman year, and is considered somewhat difficult. Upon entering Sophomore it is customary to burn it, with exercises appropriate to the occasion. The time being appointed, the class hold a meeting and elect the marshals of the night. A large pyre is built during the evening, of rails and pine wood, on the middle of which is placed a barrel of tar, surrounded by straw saturated with turpentine. Notice is then given to the upper classes that Convivium will be burnt that night at twelve o’clock. Their company is requested at the exercises, which consist of two poems, a tragedy, and a funeral oration. A coffin is laid out with the “remains” of the book, and the literary exercises are performed. These concluded, the class form a procession, preceded by a brass band playing a dirge, and march to the pyre, around which, with uncovered heads, they solemnly form. The four bearers with their torches then advance silently, and place the coffin upon the funeral pile. The class, each member bearing a torch, form a circle around the pyre. At a given signal they all bend forward together, and touch their torches to the heap of combustibles. In an instant “a lurid flame arises, licks around the coffin, and shakes its tongue to heaven.” To these ceremonies succeed festivities, which are usually continued until daylight.
BURNING OF ZUMPT’S LATIN GRAMMAR. The funeral rites over the body of this book are performed by the students in the University of New York. The place of turning and burial is usually at Hoboken. Scenes of this nature often occur in American colleges, having their origin, it is supposed, in the custom at Yale of burying Euclid.
BURNT FOX. A student during his second half-year, in the German universities, is called a _burnt fox_.
BURSAR, _pl._ BURSARII. A treasurer or cash-keeper; as, the _bursar_ of a college or of a monastery. The said College in Cambridge shall be a corporation consisting of seven persons, to wit, a President, five Fellows, and a Treasurer or _Bursar_.–_Peirce’s Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., p. 11.
Every student is required on his arrival, at the commencement of each session, to deliver to the _Bursar_ the moneys and drafts for money which he has brought with him. It is the duty of the _Bursar_ to attend to the settlement of the demands for board, &c.; to pay into the hands of the student such sums as are required for other necessary expenses, and to render a statement of the same to the parent or guardian at the close of the session. –_Catalogue of Univ. of North Carolina_, 1848-49, p. 27.
2. A student to whom a stipend is paid out of a burse or fund appropriated for that purpose, as the exhibitioners sent to the universities in Scotland, by each presbytery.–_Webster_.
See a full account in _Brande’s Dict. Science, Lit., and Art_.
BURSARY. The treasury of a college or monastery.–_Webster_.
2. In Scotland, an exhibition.–_Encyc._
BURSCH (bursh), _pl._ BURSCHEN. German. A youth; especially a student in a German university.
“By _bursche_,” says Howitt, “we understand one who has already spent a certain time at the university,–and who, to a certain degree, has taken part in the social practices of the students.”–_Student Life of Germany_, Am. Ed., p. 27.
Und hat der _Bursch_ kein Geld im Beutel, So pumpt er die Philister an,
Und denkt: es ist doch Alles eitel Vom _Burschen_ bis zum Bettleman.
_Crambambuli Song_.
Student life! _Burschen_ life! What a magic sound have these words for him who has learnt for himself their real meaning.–_Howitt’s Student Life of Germany_.
BURSCHENSCHAFT. A league or secret association of students, formed in 1815, for the purpose, as was asserted, of the political regeneration of Germany, and suppressed, at least in name, by the exertions of the government.–_Brandt_.
“The Burschenschaft,” says the Yale Literary Magazine, “was a society formed in opposition to the vices and follies of the Landsmannschaft, with the motto, ‘God, Honor, Freedom, Fatherland.’ Its object was ‘to develop and perfect every mental and bodily power for the service of the Fatherland.’ It exerted a mighty and salutary influence, was almost supreme in its power, but was finally suppressed by the government, on account of its alleged dangerous political tendencies.”–Vol. XV. p. 3.
BURSE. In France, a fund or foundation for the maintenance of poor scholars in their studies. In the Middle Ages, it signified a little college, or a hall in a university.–_Webster_.
BURST. To fail in reciting; to make a bad recitation. This word is used in some of the Southern colleges.
BURT. At Union College, a privy is called _the Burt_, from a person of that name, who many years ago was employed as the architect and builder of the _latrinae_ of that institution.
BUSY. An answer often given by a student, when he does not wish to see visitors.
Poor Croak was almost annihilated by this summons, and, clinging to the bed-clothes in all the agony of despair, forgot to _busy_ his midnight visitor.–_Harv. Reg._, p. 84.
Whenever, during that sacred season, a knock salutes my door, I respond with a _busy_.–_Collegian_, p. 25.
“_Busy_” is a hard word to utter, often, though heart and conscience and the college clock require it.–_Scenes and Characters in College_, p. 58.
BUTLER. Anciently written BOTILER. A servant or officer whose principal business is to take charge of the liquors, food, plate, &c. In the old laws of Harvard College we find an enumeration of the duties of the college butler. Some of them were as follows.
He was to keep the rooms and utensils belonging to his office sweet and clean, fit for use; his drinking-vessels were to be scoured once a week. The fines imposed by the President and other officers were to be fairly recorded by him in a book, kept for that purpose. He was to attend upon the ringing of the bell for prayer in the hall, and for lectures and commons. Providing candles for the hall was a part of his duty. He was obliged to keep the Buttery supplied, at his own expense, with beer, cider, tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, biscuit, butter, cheese, pens, ink, paper, and such other articles as the President or Corporation ordered or permitted; “but no permission,” it is added in the laws, “shall be given for selling wine, distilled spirits, or foreign fruits, on credit or for ready money.” He was allowed to advance twenty per cent. on the net cost of the articles sold by him, excepting beer and cider, which were stated quarterly by the President and Tutors. The Butler was allowed a Freshman to assist him, for an account of whom see under FRESHMAN, BUTLER’S.–_Peirce’s Hist. Harv. Univ._, App., pp. 138, 139. _Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, pp. 60-62.
President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, remarks as follows concerning the Butler, in connection with that institution:–
“The classes since 1817, when the office of Butler was, abolished, are probably but little aware of the meaning of that singular appendage to the College, which had been in existence a hundred years. To older graduates, the lower front corner room of the old middle college in the south entry must even now suggest many amusing recollections. The Butler was a graduate of recent standing, and, being invested with rather delicate functions, was required to be one in whom confidence might be reposed. Several of the elder graduates who have filled this office are here to-day, and can explain, better than I can, its duties and its bearings upon the interests of College. The chief prerogative of the Butler was to have the monopoly of certain eatables, drinkables, and other articles desired by students. The Latin laws of 1748 give him leave to sell in the buttery, cider, metheglin, strong beer to the amount of not more than twelve barrels annually,–which amount as the College grew was increased to twenty,–together with loaf-sugar (‘saccharum rigidum’), pipes, tobacco, and such necessaries of scholars as were not furnished in the commons hall. Some of these necessaries were books and stationery, but certain fresh fruits also figured largely in the Butler’s supply. No student might buy cider or beer elsewhere. The Butler, too, had the care of the bell, and was bound to wait upon the President or a Tutor, and notify him of the time for prayers. He kept the book of fines, which, as we shall see, was no small task. He distributed the bread and beer provided by the Steward in the Hall into equal portions, and had the lost commons, for which privilege he paid a small annual sum. He was bound, in consideration of the profits of his monopoly, to provide candles at college prayers and for a time to pay also fifty shillings sterling into the treasury. The more menial part of these duties he performed by his waiter.”–pp. 43, 44.
At both Harvard and Yale the students were restricted in expending money at the Buttery, being allowed at the former “to contract a debt” of five dollars a quarter; at the latter, of one dollar and twenty-five cents per month.
BUTTER. A size or small portion of butter. “Send me a roll and two Butters.”–_Grad. ad Cantab._
Six cheeses, three _butters_, and two beers.–_The Collegian’s Guide_.
Pertinent to this singular use of the word, is the following curious statement. At Cambridge, Eng., “there is a market every day in the week, except Monday, for vegetables, poultry, eggs, and butter. The sale of the last article is attended with the peculiarity of every pound designed for the market being rolled out to the length of a yard; each pound being in that state about the thickness of a walking-cane. This practice, which is confined to Cambridge, is particularly convenient, as it renders the butter extremely easy of division into small portions, called _sizes_, as used in the Colleges.”–_Camb. Guide_, Ed. 1845, p. 213.
BUTTERY. An apartment in a house where butter, milk, provisions, and utensils are kept. In some colleges, a room where liquors, fruit, and refreshments are kept for sale to the students.–_Webster_.
Of the Buttery, Mr. Peirce, in his History of Harvard University, speaks as follows: “As the Commons rendered the College independent of private boarding-houses, so the _Buttery_ removed all just occasion for resorting to the different marts of luxury, intemperance, and ruin. This was a kind of supplement to the Commons, and offered for sale to the students, at a moderate advance on the cost, wines, liquors, groceries, stationery, and, in general, such articles as it was proper and necessary for them to have occasionally, and which for the most part were not included in the Commons’ fare. The Buttery was also an office, where, among other things, records were kept of the times when the scholars were present and absent. At their admission and subsequent returns they entered their names in the Buttery, and took them out whenever they had leave of absence. The Butler, who was a graduate, had various other duties to perform, either by himself or by his _Freshman_, as ringing the bell, seeing that the Hall was kept clean, &c., and was allowed a salary, which, after 1765, was L60 per annum.”–_Hist. Harv. Univ._, p. 220.
With particular reference to the condition of Harvard College a few years prior to the Revolution, Professor Sidney Willard observes: “The Buttery was in part a sort of appendage to Commons, where the scholars could eke out their short commons with sizings of gingerbread and pastry, or needlessly or injuriously cram themselves to satiety, as they had been accustomed to be crammed at home by their fond mothers. Besides eatables, everything necessary for a student was there sold, and articles used in the play-grounds, as bats, balls, &c.; and, in general, a petty trade with small profits was carried on in stationery and other matters, –in things innocent or suitable for the young customers, and in some things, perhaps, which were not. The Butler had a small salary, and was allowed the service of a Freshman in the Buttery, who was also employed to ring the college bell for prayers, lectures, and recitations, and take some oversight of the public rooms under the Butler’s directions. The Buttery was also the office of record of the names of undergraduates, and of the rooms assigned to them in the college buildings; of the dates of temporary leave of absence given to individuals, and of their return; and of fines inflicted by the immediate government for negligence or minor offences. The office was dropped or abolished in the first year of the present century, I believe, long after it ceased to be of use for most of its primary purposes. The area before the entry doors of the Buttery had become a sort of students’ exchange for idle gossip, if nothing worse. The rooms were now redeemed from traffic, and devoted to places of study, and other provision was made for the records which had there been kept. The last person who held the office of Butler was Joseph Chickering, a graduate of 1799.”–_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, 1855, Vol. I. pp. 31, 32.
President Woolsey, in his Historical Discourse pronounced before the Graduates of Yale College, August 14th, 1850, makes the following remarks on this subject: “The original motives for setting up a buttery in colleges seem to have been, to put the trade in articles which appealed to the appetite into safe hands; to ascertain how far students were expensive in their habits, and prevent them from running into debt; and finally, by providing a place where drinkables of not very stimulating qualities were sold, to remove the temptation of going abroad after spirituous liquors. Accordingly, laws were passed limiting the sum for which the Butler might give credit to a student, authorizing the President to inspect his books, and forbidding him to sell anything except permitted articles for ready money. But the whole system, as viewed from our position as critics of the past, must be pronounced a bad one. It rather tempted the student to self-indulgence by setting up a place for the sale of things to eat and drink within the College walls, than restrained him by bringing his habits under inspection. There was nothing to prevent his going abroad in quest of stronger drinks than could be bought at the buttery, when once those which were there sold ceased to allay his thirst. And a monopoly, such as the Butler enjoyed of certain articles, did not tend to lower their price, or to remove suspicion that they were sold at a higher rate than free competition would assign to them.”–pp. 44, 45.
“When,” says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, “the ‘punishment obscene,’ as Cowper, the poet, very properly terms it, of _flagellation_, was enforced at our University, it appears that the Buttery was the scene of action. In The Poor Scholar, a comedy, written by Robert Nevile, Fellow of King’s College in Cambridge, London, 1662, one of the students having lost his gown, which is picked up by the President of the College, the tutor says, ‘If we knew the owner, we ‘d take him down to th’ Butterie, and give him due correction.’ To which the student, (_aside_,) ‘Under correction, Sir; if you’re for the Butteries with me, I’ll lie as close as Diogenes in dolio. I’ll creep in at the bunghole, before I’ll _mount a barrel_,’ &c. (Act II. Sc. 6.)–Again: ‘Had I been once i’ th’ Butteries, they’d have their rods about me. But let us, for joy that I’m escaped, go to the Three Tuns and drink a pint of wine, and laugh away our cares.–‘T is drinking at the Tuns that keeps us from ascending Buttery barrels,’ &c.” By a reference to the word PUNISHMENT, it will be seen that, in the older American colleges, corporal punishment was inflicted upon disobedient students in a manner much more solemn and imposing, the students and officers usually being present.
The effect of _crossing the name in the buttery_ is thus stated in the Collegian’s Guide. “To keep a term requires residence in the University for a certain number of days within a space of time known by the calendar, and the books of the buttery afford the appointed proof of residence; it being presumed that, if neither bread, butter, pastry, beer, or even toast and water (which is charged one farthing), are entered on the buttery books in a given name, the party could not have been resident that day. Hence the phrase of ‘eating one’s way into the church or to a doctor’s degree.’ Supposing, for example, twenty-one days’ residence is required between the first of May and the twenty-fourth inclusive, then there will be but three days to spare; consequently, should our names be crossed for more than three days in all in that term, –say for four days,–the other twenty days would not count, and the term would be irrecoverably lost. Having our names crossed in the buttery, therefore, is a punishment which suspends our collegiate existence while the cross remains, besides putting an embargo on our pudding, beer, bread and cheese, milk, and butter; for these articles come out of the buttery.”–p. 157.
These remarks apply both to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge; but in the latter the phrase _to be put out of commons_ is used instead of the one given above, yet with the same meaning. See _Gradus ad Cantabrigiam_, p. 32.
The following extract from the laws of Harvard College, passed in 1734, shows that this term was formerly used in that institution: “No scholar shall be _put in or out of Commons_, but on Tuesdays or Fridays, and no Bachelor or Undergraduate, but by a note from the President, or one of the Tutors (if an Undergraduate, from his own Tutor, if in town); and when any Bachelors or Undergraduates have been out of Commons, the waiters, at their respective tables, shall, on the first Tuesday or Friday after they become obliged by the preceding law to be in Commons, _put them into Commons_ again, by note, after the manner above directed. And if any Master neglects to put himself into Commons, when, by the preceding law, he is obliged to be in Commons, the waiters on the Masters’ table shall apply to the President or one of the Tutors for a note to put him into Commons, and inform him of it.”
Be mine each morn, with eager appetite And hunger undissembled, to repair
To friendly _Buttery_; there on smoking Crust And foaming Ale to banquet unrestrained, Material breakfast!
_The Student_, 1750, Vol. I. p. 107.
BUTTERY-BOOK. In colleges, a book kept at the _buttery_, in which was charged the prices of such articles as were sold to the students. There was also kept a list of the fines imposed by the president and professors, and an account of the times when the students were present and absent, together with a register of the names of all the members of the college.
My name in sure recording page
Shall time itself o’erpower,
If no rude mice with envious rage
The _buttery-books_ devour.
_The Student_, Vol. I. p. 348.
BUTTERY-HATCH. A half-door between the buttery or kitchen and the hall, in colleges and old mansions. Also called a _buttery-bar_.–_Halliwell’s Arch. and Prov. Words_.
If any scholar or scholars at any time take away or detain any vessel of the colleges, great or small, from the hall out of the doors from the sight of the _buttery-hatch_ without the butler’s or servitor’s knowledge, or against their will, he or they shall be punished three pence.–_Quincy’s Hist. Harv. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 584.
He (the college butler) domineers over Freshmen, when they first come to the _hatch_.–_Earle’s Micro-cosmographie_, 1628, Char. 17.
There was a small ledging or bar on this hatch to rest the tankards on.
I pray you, bring your hand to the _buttery-bar_, and let it drink.–_Twelfth Night_, Act I. Sc. 3.
BYE-FELLOW. In England, a name given in certain cases to a fellow in an inferior college. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a bye-fellow can be elected to one of the regular fellowships when a vacancy occurs.
BYE-FELLOWSHIP. An inferior establishment in a college for the nominal maintenance of what is called a _bye-fellow_, or a fellow out of the regular course.
The emoluments of the fellowships vary from a merely nominal income, in the case of what are called _Bye-fellowships_, to $2,000 per annum.–_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285.
BYE-FOUNDATION. In the English universities, a foundation from which an insignificant income and an inferior maintenance are derived.
BYE-TERM. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., students who take the degree of B.A. at any other time save January, are said to “_go out in a bye-term_.”
Bristed uses this word, as follows: “I had a double disqualification exclusive of illness. First, as a Fellow Commoner…. Secondly, as a _bye-term man_, or one between two years. Although I had entered into residence at the same time with those men who were to go out in 1844, my name had not been placed on the College Books, like theirs, previously to the commencement of 1840. I had therefore lost a term, and for most purposes was considered a Freshman, though I had been in residence as long as any of the Junior Sophs. In fact, I was _between two years_.”–_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 97, 98.
_C_.
CAD. A low fellow, nearly equivalent to _snob_. Used among students in the University of Cambridge, Eng.–_Bristed_.
CAHOOLE. At the University of North Carolina, this word in its application is almost universal, but generally signifies to cajole, to wheedle, to deceive, to procure.
CALENDAR. At the English universities the information which in American colleges is published in a catalogue, is contained in a similar but far more comprehensive work, called a _calendar_. Conversation based on the topics of which such a volume treats is in some localities denominated _calendar_.
“Shop,” or, as it is sometimes here called, “_Calendar_,” necessarily enters to a large extent into the conversation of the Cantabs.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 82.
I would lounge about into the rooms of those whom I knew for general literary conversation,–even to talk _Calendar_ if there was nothing else to do.–_Ibid._, p. 120.
CALVIN’S FOLLY. At the University of Vermont, “this name,” writes a correspondent, “is given to a door, four inches thick and closely studded with spike-nails, dividing the chapel hall from the staircase leading to the belfry. It is called _Calvin’s Folly_, because it was planned by a professor of that (Christian) name, in order to keep the students out of the belfry, which dignified scheme it has utterly failed to accomplish. It is one of the celebrities of the Old Brick Mill,[04] and strangers always see it and hear its history.”
CAMEL. In Germany, a student on entering the university becomes a _Kameel_,–a camel.
CAMPUS. At the College of New Jersey, the college yard is denominated the _Campus_. _Back Campus_, the privies.
CANTAB. Abridged for CANTABRIGIAN.
It was transmitted to me by a respectable _Cantab_ for insertion. –_Hone’s Every-day Book_, Vol. I. p. 697.
Should all this be a mystery to our uncollegiate friends, or even to many matriculated _Cantabs_, we advise them not to attempt to unriddle it.–_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 39.
CANTABRIGIAN. A student or graduate of the University of Cambridge, Eng. Used also at Cambridge, Mass., of the students and inhabitants.
CANTABRIGICALLY. According to Cambridge.
To speak _Cantabrigically_.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 28.
CAP. The cap worn by students at the University of Cambridge, Eng., is described by Bristed in the following passage: “You must superadd the academical costume. This consists of a gown, varying in color and ornament according to the wearer’s college and rank, but generally black, not unlike an ordinary clerical gown, and a square-topped cap, which fits close to the head like a truncated helmet, while the covered board which forms the crown measures about a foot diagonally across.”–_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 4.
A similar cap is worn at Oxford and at some American colleges on particular occasions.
See OXFORD.
CAP. To uncover the head in reverence or civility.
The youth, ignorant who they were, had omitted to _cap_ them.–_Gent. Mag._, Vol. XXIV. p. 567.
I could not help smiling, when, among the dignitaries whom I was bound to make obeisance to by _capping_ whenever I met them, Mr. Jackson’s catalogue included his all-important self in the number. –_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 217.
The obsequious attention of college servants, and the more unwilling “_capping_” of the undergraduates, to such a man are real luxuries.–_Blackwood’s Mag._, Eng. ed., Vol. LVI. p. 572.
Used in the English universities.
CAPTAIN OF THE POLL. The first of the Polloi.
He had moreover been _Captain_ (Head) _of the Poll_.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 96.
CAPUT SENATUS. Latin; literally, _the head of the Senate_. In Cambridge, Eng., a council of the University by which every grace must be approved, before it can be submitted to the senate. The Caput Senatus is formed of the vice-chancellor, a doctor in each of the faculties of divinity, law, and medicine, and one regent M.A., and one non-regent M.A. The vice-chancellor’s five assistants are elected annually by the heads of houses and the doctors of the three faculties, out of fifteen persons nominated by the vice-chancellor and the proctors.–_Webster. Cam. Cal. Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 283.
See GRACE.
CARCER. Latin. In German schools and universities, a prison.–_Adler’s Germ, and Eng. Dict._
Wollten ihn drauf die Nuernberger Herren Mir nichts, dir nichts ins _Carcer_ sperren. _Wallenstein’s Lager_.
And their Nur’mberg worships swore he should go To _jail_ for his pains,–if he liked it, or no. _Trans. Wallenstein’s Camp, in Bohn’s Stand. Lib._, p. 155.
CASTLE END. At Cambridge, Eng., a noted resort for Cyprians.
CATHARINE PURITANS. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., the members of St. Catharine’s Hall are thus designated, from the implied derivation of the word Catharine from the Greek [Greek: katharos], pure.
CAUTION MONEY. In the English universities, a deposit in the hands of the tutor at entrance, by way of security.
With reference to Oxford, De Quincey says of _caution money_: “This is a small sum, properly enough demanded of every student, when matriculated, as a pledge for meeting any loss from unsettled arrears, such as his sudden death or his unannounced departure might else continually be inflicting upon his college. In most colleges it amounts to L25; in one only it was considerably less.” –_Life and Manners_, p. 249.
In American colleges, a bond is usually given by a student upon entering college, in order to secure the payment of all his college dues.
CENSOR. In the University of Oxford, Eng., a college officer whose duties are similar to those of the Dean.
CEREVIS. From Latin _cerevisia_, beer. Among German students, a small, round, embroidered cap, otherwise called a beer-cap.
Better authorities … have lately noted in the solitary student that wends his way–_cerevis_ on head, note-book in hand–to the professor’s class-room,… a vast improvement on the _Bursche_ of twenty years ago.–_Lond. Quart. Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. LXXIII. p. 59.
CHAMBER. The apartment of a student at a college or university. This word, although formerly used in American colleges, has been of late almost entirely supplanted by the word _room_, and it is for this reason that it is here noticed.
If any of them choose to provide themselves with breakfasts in their own _chambers_, they are allowed so to do, but not to breakfast in one another’s _chambers_.–_Quincy’s Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 116.
Some ringleaders gave up their _chambers_.–_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 116.
CHAMBER-MATE. One who inhabits the same room or chamber with another. Formerly used at our colleges. The word CHUM is now very generally used in its place; sometimes _room-mate_ is substituted.
If any one shall refuse to find his proportion of furniture, wood, and candles, the President and Tutors shall charge such delinquent, in his quarter bills, his full proportion, which sum shall be paid to his _chamber-mate_.–_Laws Harv. Coll._, 1798, p. 35.
CHANCELLOR. The chancellor of a university is an officer who seals the diplomas, or letters of degree, &c. The Chancellor of Oxford is usually one of the prime nobility, elected by the students in convocation; and he holds the office for life. He is the chief magistrate in the government of the University. The Chancellor of Cambridge is also elected from among the prime nobility. The office is biennial, or tenable for such a length of time beyond two years as the tacit consent of the University may choose to allow.–_Webster. Cam. Guide_.
“The Chancellor,” says the Oxford Guide, “is elected by convocation, and his office is for life; but he never, according to usage, is allowed to set foot in this University, excepting on the occasion of his installation, or when he is called upon to accompany any royal visitors.”–Ed. 1847, p. xi.
At Cambridge, the office of Chancellor is, except on rare occasions, purely honorary, and the Chancellor himself seldom appears at Cambridge. He is elected by the Senate.
2. At Trinity College, Hartford, the _Chancellor_ is the Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut, and is also the Visitor of the College. He is _ex officio_ the President of the Corporation.–_Calendar Trin. Coll._, 1850, pp. 6, 7.
CHAPEL. A house for public worship, erected separate from a church. In England, chapels in the universities are places of worship belonging to particular colleges. The chapels connected with the colleges in the United States are used for the same purpose. Religious exercises are usually held in them twice a day, morning and evening, besides the services on the Sabbath.
CHAPEL. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the attendance at daily religious services in the chapel of each college at morning and evening is thus denominated.
Some time ago, upon an endeavor to compel the students of one college to increase their number of “_chapels_,” as the attendance is called, there was a violent outcry, and several squibs were written by various hands.–_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 235.
It is rather surprising that there should be so much shirking of _chapel_, when the very moderate amount of attendance required is considered.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 16.
To _keep chapel_, is to be present at the daily religious services of college.
The Undergraduate is expected to go to chapel eight times, or, in academic parlance, to _keep eight chapels_ a week, two on Sunday, and one on every week-day, attending morning or evening _chapel_ on week-days at his option. Nor is even this indulgent standard rigidly enforced. I believe if a Pensioner keeps six chapels, or a Fellow-Commoner four, and is quite regular in all other respects, he will never be troubled by the Dean. It certainly is an argument in favor of severe discipline, that there is more grumbling and hanging back, and unwillingness to conform to these extremely moderate requisitions, than is exhibited by the sufferers at a New England college, who have to keep sixteen chapels a week, seven of them at unreasonable hours. Even the scholars, who are literally paid for going, every chapel being directly worth two shillings sterling to them, are by no means invariable in attending the proper number of times.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 16, 17.
CHAPEL CLERK. At Cambridge, Eng., in some colleges, it is the duty of this officer to _mark_ the students as they enter chapel; in others, he merely sees that the proper lessons are read, by the students appointed by the Dean for that purpose.–_Gradus ad Cantab._
The _chapel clerk_ is sent to various parties by the deans, with orders to attend them after chapel and be reprimanded, but the _chapel clerk_ almost always goes to the wrong person.–_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 235.
CHAPLAIN. In universities and colleges, the clergyman who performs divine service, morning and evening.
CHAW. A deception or trick.
To say, “It’s all a gum,” or “a regular _chaw_” is the same thing. –_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117.
CHAW. To use up.
Yesterday a Junior cracked a joke on me, when all standing round shouted in great glee, “Chawed! Freshman chawed! Ha! ha! ha!” “No I a’n’t _chawed_,” said I, “I’m as whole as ever.” But I didn’t understand, when a fellow is _used up_, he is said to be _chawed_; if very much used up, he is said to be _essentially chawed_.–_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 117.
The verb _to chaw up_ is used with nearly the same meaning in some of the Western States.
Miss Patience said she was gratified to hear Mr. Cash was a musician; she admired people who had a musical taste. Whereupon Cash fell into a chair, as he afterwards observed, _chawed up_.–_Thorpe’s Backwoods_, p. 28.
CHIP DAY. At Williams College a day near the beginning of spring is thus designated, and is explained in the following passage. “They give us, near the close of the second term, what is called ‘_chip day_,’ when we put the grounds in order, and remove the ruins caused by a winter’s siege on the woodpiles.”–_Sketches of Williams College_, 1847, p. 79.
Another writer refers to the day, in a newspaper paragraph. “‘_Chip day_,’ at the close of the spring term, is still observed in the old-fashioned way. Parties of students go off to the hills, and return with brush, and branches of evergreen, with which the chips, which have accumulated during the winter, are brushed together, and afterwards burnt.”–_Boston Daily Evening Traveller_, July 12, 1854.
About college there had been, in early spring, the customary cleaning up of “_chip day_.”–_Williams Quarterly_, Vol. II. p. 186.
CHOPPING AT THE TREE. At University College in the University of Oxford, “a curious and ancient custom, called ‘_chopping at the tree_,’ still prevails. On Easter Sunday, every member, as he leaves the hall after dinner, chops with a cleaver at a small tree dressed up for the occasion with evergreens and flowers, and placed on a turf close to the buttery. The cook stands by for his accustomed largess.”–_Oxford Guide_, Ed. 1847, p. 144, note.
CHORE. In the German universities, a club or society of the students is thus designated.
Duels between members of different _chores_ were once frequent;–sometimes one man was obliged to fight the members of a whole _chore_ in succession.–_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 5.
CHRISTIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Christ’s College.
CHUM. Armenian, _chomm_, or _chommein_, or _ham_, to dwell, stay, or lodge; French, _chomer_, to rest; Saxon, _ham_, home. A chamber-fellow; one who lodges or resides in the same room.–_Webster_.
This word is used at the universities and colleges, both in England and the United States.
A young student laid a wager with his _chum_, that the Dean was at that instant smoking his pipe.–_Philip’s Life and Poems_, p. 13.
But his _chum_
Had wielded, in his just defence,
A bowl of vast circumference.–_Rebelliad_, p. 17.
Every set of chambers was possessed by two co-occupants; they had generally the same bedroom, and a common study; and they were called _chums_.–_De Quincey’s Life and Manners_, p. 251.
I am again your petitioner in behalf of that great _chum_ of literature, Samuel Johnson.–_Smollett, in Boswell_.
In this last instance, the word _chum_ is used either with the more extended meaning of companion, friend, or, as the sovereign prince of Tartary is called the _Cham_ or _Khan_, so Johnson is called the _chum_ (cham) or prince of literature.
CHUM. To occupy a chamber with another.
CHUMMING. Occupying a room with another.
Such is one of the evils of _chumming_.–_Harvardiana_, Vol. I. p. 324.
CHUMSHIP. The state of occupying a room in company with another; chumming.
In the seventeenth century, in Milton’s time, for example, (about 1624,) and for more than sixty years after that era, the practice of _chumship_ prevailed.–_De Quincey’s Life and Manners_, p. 251.
CIVILIAN. A student of the civil law at the university.–_Graves. Webster_.
CLARIAN. In the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Clare Hall.
CLASS. A number of students in a college or school, of the same standing, or pursuing the same studies. In colleges, the students entering or becoming members the same year, and pursuing the same studies.–_Webster_.
In the University of Oxford, _class_ is the division of the candidates who are examined for their degrees according to their rate of merit. Those who are entitled to this distinction are denominated _Classmen_, answering to the _optimes_ and _wranglers_ in the University of Cambridge.–_Crabb’s Tech. Dict._
See an interesting account of “reading for a first class,” in the Collegian’s Guide, Chap. XII.
CLASS. To place in ranks or divisions students that are pursuing the same studies; to form into a class or classes.–_Webster_.
CLASS BOOK. Within the last thirty or forty years, a custom has arisen at Harvard College of no small importance in an historical point of view, but which is principally deserving of notice from the many pleasing associations to which its observance cannot fail to give rise. Every graduating class procures a beautiful and substantial folio of many hundred pages, called the _Class Book_, and lettered with the year of the graduation of the class. In this a certain number of pages is allotted to each individual of the class, in which he inscribes a brief autobiography, paying particular attention to names and dates. The book is then deposited in the hands of the _Class Secretary_, whose duty it is to keep a faithful record of the marriage, birth of children, and death of each of his classmates, together with their various places of residence, and the offices and honors to which each may have attained. This information is communicated to him by letter by his classmates, and he is in consequence prepared to answer any inquiries relative to any member of the class. At his death, the book passes into the hands of one of the _Class Committee_, and at their death, into those of some surviving member of the class; and when the class has at length become extinct, it is deposited on the shelves of the College Library.
The Class Book also contains a full list of all persons who have at any time been members of the class, together with such information as can be gathered in reference to them; and an account of the prizes, deturs, parts at Exhibitions and Commencement, degrees, etc., of all its members. Into it are also copied the Class Oration, Poem, and Ode, and the Secretary’s report of the class meeting, at which the officers were elected. It is also intended to contain the records of all future class meetings, and the accounts of the Class Secretary, who is _ex officio_ Class Treasurer and Chairman of the Class Committee. By virtue of his office of Class Treasurer, he procures the _Cradle_ for the successful candidate, and keeps in his possession the Class Fund, which is sometimes raised to defray the accruing expenses of the Class in future times.
In the Harvardiana, Vol. IV., is an extract from the Class Book of 1838, which is very curious and unique. To this is appended the following note:–“It may be necessary to inform many of our readers, that the _Class Book_ is a large volume, in which autobiographical sketches of the members of each graduating class are recorded, and which is left in the hands of the Class Secretary.”
CLASS CANE. At Union College, as a mark of distinction, a _class cane_ was for a time carried by the members of the Junior Class.
The Juniors, although on the whole a clever set of fellows, lean perhaps with too nonchalant an air on their _class canes_.–_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854.
They will refer to their _class cane_, that mark of decrepitude and imbecility, for old men use canes.–_Ibid._
CLASS CAP. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the Sophomores to appear in a _class cap_ on the Junior Exhibition day, which is worn generally during part of the third term.
In American colleges, students frequently endeavor to adopt distinctive dresses, but the attempt is usually followed by failure. One of these attempts is pleasantly alluded to in the Williams Monthly Miscellany. “In a late number, the ambition for whiskers was made the subject of a remark. The ambition of college has since taken a somewhat different turn. We allude to the class caps, which have been introduced in one or two of the classes. The Freshmen were the first to appear in this species of uniform, a few days since at evening prayers; the cap which they have adopted is quite tasteful. The Sophomores, not to be outdone, have voted to adopt the tarpaulin, having, no doubt, become proficients in navigation, as lucidly explained in one of their text-books. The Juniors we understand, will follow suit soon. We hardly know what is left for the Seniors, unless it be to go bare-headed.”–1845, p. 464.
CLASS COMMITTEE. At Harvard College a committee of two persons, joined with the _Class Secretary_, who is _ex officio_ its chairman, whose duty it is, after the class has graduated, during their lives to call class meetings, whenever they deem it advisable, and to attend to all other business relating to the class.
See under CLASS BOOK.
CLASS CRADLE. For some years it has been customary at Harvard College for the Senior Class, at the meeting for the election of the officers of Class Day, &c., to appropriate a certain sum of money, usually not exceeding fifty dollars, for the purchase of a cradle, to be given to the first member of the class to whom a child is born in lawful wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. This sum is intrusted to the hands of the _Class Secretary_, who is expected to transmit the present to the successful candidate upon the receipt of the requisite information. In one instance a _Baby-jumper_ was voted by the class, to be given to the second member who should be blessed as above stated.
CLASS CUP. It is a theory at Yale College, that each class appropriates at graduating a certain amount of money for the purchase of a silver cup, to be given, in the name of the class, to the first member to whom a child shall be born in lawful wedlock at a suitable time after marriage. Although the presentation of the _class cup_ is often alluded to, yet it is believed that the gift has in no instance been bestowed. It is to be regretted that a custom so agreeable in theory could not be reduced to practice.
Each man’s mind was made up
To obtain the “_Class Cup_.”
_Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854.
See SILVER CUP.
CLASS DAY. The custom at Harvard College of observing with appropriate exercises the day on which the Senior Class finish their studies, is of a very early date. The first notice which appears in reference to this subject is contained in an account of the disorders which began to prevail among the students about the year 1760. Among the evils to be remedied are mentioned the “disorders upon the day of the Senior Sophisters meeting to choose the officers of the class,” when “it was usual for each scholar to bring a bottle of wine with him, which practice the committee (that reported upon it) apprehend has a natural tendency to produce disorders.” But the disturbances were not wholly confined to the _meeting_ when the officers of Class Day were chosen; they occurred also on Class Day, and it was for this reason that frequent attempts were made at this period, by the College government, to suppress its observance. How far their efforts succeeded is not known, but it is safe to conclude that greater interruptions were occasioned by the war of the Revolution, than by the attempts to abolish what it would have been wiser to have reformed.
In a MS. Journal, under date of June 21st, 1791, is the following entry: “Neither the valedictory oration by Ward, nor poem by Walton, was delivered, on account of a division in the class, and also because several were gone home.” How long previous to this the 21st of June had been the day chosen for the exercises of the class, is uncertain; but for many years after, unless for special reasons, this period was regularly selected for that purpose. Another extract from the MS. above mentioned, under date of June 21st, 1792, reads: “A valedictory poem was delivered by Paine 1st, and a valedictory Latin oration by Abiel Abbott.”
The biographer of Mr. Robert Treat Paine, referring to the poem noticed in the above memorandum, says: “The 21st of every June, till of late years, has been the day on which the members of the Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to make preparations for the ensuing Commencement. On this day it was usual for one member to deliver an oration, and another a poem; such members being appointed by their classmates. The Valedictory Poem of Mr. Paine, a tender, correct, and beautiful effusion of feeling and taste, was received by the audience with applause and tears.” In another place he speaks on the same subject, as follows: “The solemnity which produced this poem is extremely interesting; and, being of ancient date, it is to be hoped that it may never fall into disuse. His affection for the University Mr. Paine cherished as one of his most sacred principles. Of this poem, Mr. Paine always spoke as one of his happiest efforts. Coming from so young a man, it is certainly very creditable, and promises more, I fear, than the untoward circumstances of his after life would permit him to perform.”–_Paine’s Works_, Ed. 1812, pp. xxvii., 439.
It was always customary, near the close of the last century, for those who bore the honors of Class Day, to treat their friends according to the style of the time, and there was scarcely a graduate who did not provide an entertainment of such sort as he could afford. An account of the exercises of the day at this period may not be uninteresting. It is from the Diary which is above referred to.
“20th (Thursday). This day for special reasons the valedictory poem and oration were performed. The order of the day was this. At ten, the class walked in procession to the President’s, and escorted him, the Professors, and Tutors, to the Chapel, preceded by the band playing solemn music.
“The President began with a short prayer. He then read a chapter in the Bible; after this he prayed again; Cutler then delivered his poem. Then the singing club, accompanied by the band, performed Williams’s _Friendship_. This was succeeded by a valedictory Latin Oration by Jackson. We then formed, and waited on the government to the President’s, where we were very respectably treated with wine, &c.
“We then marched in procession to Jackson’s room, where we drank punch. At one we went to Mr. Moore’s tavern and partook of an elegant entertainment, which cost 6/4 a piece. Marching then to Cutler’s room, we shook hands, and parted with expressing the sincerest tokens of friendship.” June, 1793.
The incidents of Class Day, five years subsequent to the last date, are detailed by Professor Sidney Willard, and may not be omitted in this connection.
“On the 21st of June, 1798, the day of the dismission of the Senior Class from all academic exercises, the class met in the College chapel to attend the accustomed ceremonies of the occasion, and afterwards to enjoy the usual festivities of the day, since called, for the sake of a name, and for brevity’s sake, Class Day. There had been a want of perfect harmony in the previous proceedings, which in some degree marred the social enjoyments of the day; but with the day all dissension closed, awaiting the dawn of another day, the harbinger of the brighter recollections of four years spent in pleasant and peaceful intercourse. There lingered no lasting alienations of feeling. Whatever were the occasions of the discontent, it soon expired, was buried in the darkest recesses of discarded memories, and there lay lost and forgotten.
“After the exercises of the chapel, and visiting the President, Professors, and Tutors at the President’s house, according to the custom still existing, we marched in procession round the College halls, to another hall in Porter’s tavern, (which some dozen or fifteen of the oldest living graduates may perhaps remember as Bradish’s tavern, of ancient celebrity,) where we dined. After dining, we assembled at the Liberty Tree, (according to another custom still existing,) and in due time, having taken leave of each other, we departed, some of us to our family homes, and others to their rooms to make preparations for their departure.”–_Memories of Youth and Manhood_, Vol. II. pp. 1, 3.
Referring to the same event, he observes in another place: “In speaking of the leave-taking of the College by my class, on the 21st of June, 1798,–Class Day, as it is now called,–I inadvertently forgot to mention, that according to custom, at that period, [Samuel P.P.] Fay delivered a Latin Valedictory Oration in the Chapel, in the presence of the Immediate Government, and of the students of other classes who chose to be present. Speaking to him on the subject some time since, he told me that he believed [Judge Joseph] Story delivered a Poem on the same occasion…. There was no poetical performance in the celebration of the day in the class before ours, on the same occasion; Dr. John C. Warren’s Latin oration being the only performance, and his class counting as many reputed poets as ours did.”–_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 320.
Alterations were continually made in the observances of Class Day, and in twenty years after the period last mentioned, its character had in many particulars changed. Instead of the Latin, an English oration of a somewhat sportive nature had been introduced; the Poem was either serious or comic, at the writer’s option; usually, however, the former. After the exercises in the Chapel, the class commonly repaired to Porter’s Hall, and there partook of a dinner, not always observing with perfect strictness the rules of temperance either in eating or drinking. This “cenobitical symposium” concluded, they again returned to the college yard, where, scattered in groups under the trees, the rest of the day was spent in singing, smoking, and drinking, or pretending to drink, punch; for the negroes who supplied it in pails usually contrived to take two or more glasses to every one glass that was drank by those for whom it was provided. The dance around the Liberty Tree,
“Each hand in comrade’s hand,”
closed the regular ceremonies of the day; but generally the greater part of the succeeding night was spent in feasting and hilarity.
The punch-drinking in the yard increased to such an extent, that it was considered by the government of the college as a matter which demanded their interference; and in the year 1842, on one of these occasions, an instructor having joined with the students in their revellings in the yard, the Faculty proposed that, instead of spending the afternoon in this manner, dancing should be introduced, which was accordingly done, with the approbation of both parties.
The observances of the day, which in a small way may be considered as a rival of Commencement, are at present as follows. The Orator, Poet, Odist, Chaplain, and Marshals having been previously chosen, on the morning of Class Day the Seniors assemble in the yard, and, preceded by the band, walk in procession to one of the halls of the College, where a prayer is offered by the Class Chaplain. They then proceed to the President’s house, and escort him to the Chapel where the following order is observed. A prayer by one of the College officers is succeeded by the Oration, in which the transactions of the class from their entrance into College to the present time are reviewed with witty and appropriate remarks. The Poem is then pronounced, followed by the Ode, which is sung by the whole class to the tune of “Fair Harvard.” Music is performed at intervals by the band. The class then withdraw to Harvard Hall, accompanied by their friends and invited guests, where a rich collation is provided.
After an interval of from one to two hours, the dancing commences in the yard. Cotillons and the easier dances are here performed, but the sport closes in the hall with the Polka and other fashionable steps. The Seniors again form, and make the circuit of the yard, cheering the buildings, great and small. They then assemble under the Liberty Tree, around which with hands joined they run and dance, after singing the student’s adopted song, “Auld Lang Syne.” At parting, each member takes a sprig or a flower from the beautiful “Wreath” which surrounds the “farewell tree,” which is sacredly treasured as a last memento of college scenes and enjoyments. Thus close the exercises of the day, after which the class separate until Commencement.
The more marked events in the observance of Class Day have been graphically described by Grace Greenwood, in the accompanying paragraphs.
“The exercises on this occasion were to me most novel and interesting. The graduating class of 1848 are a fine-looking set of young men certainly, and seem to promise that their country shall yet be greater and better for the manly energies, the talent and learning, with which they are just entering upon life.
“The spectators were assembled in the College Chapel, whither the class escorted the Faculty, headed by President Everett, in his Oxford hat and gown.
“The President is a man of most imperial presence; his figure has great dignity, and his head is grand in form and expression. But to me he looks the governor, the foreign minister and the President, more than the orator or the poet.
“After a prayer from the Chaplain, we listened to an eloquent oration from the class orator, Mr. Tiffany, of Baltimore and to a very elegant and witty poem from the class poet Mr. Clarke, of Boston. The ‘Fair Harvard’ having been sung by the class, all adjourned to the College green, where such as were so disposed danced to the music of a fine band. From the green we repaired to Harvard Hall, where an excellent collation was served, succeeded by dancing. From the hall the students of 1848 marched and cheered successively every College building, then formed a circle round a magnificent elm, whose trunk was beautifully garlanded will flowers, and, with hands joined in a peculiar manner, sung ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ The scene was in the highest degree touching and impressive, so much of the beauty and glory of life was there, so much of the energy, enthusiasm, and proud unbroken strength of manhood. With throbbing hearts and glowing lips, linked for a few moments with strong, fraternal grasps, they stood, with one deep, common feeling, thrilling like one pulse through all. An involuntary prayer sprang to my lips, that they might ever prove true to _Alma Mater_, to one another, to their country, and to Heaven.
“As the singing ceased, the students began running swiftly around the tree, and at the cry, ‘Harvard!’ a second circle was formed by the other students, which gave a tumultuous excitement to the scene. It broke up at last with a perfect storm of cheers, and a hasty division among the class of the garland which encircled the elm, each taking a flower in remembrance of the day.”–_Greenwood Leaves_, Ed. 3d, 1851, pp. 350, 351.
In the poem which was read before the class of 1851, by William C. Bradley, the comparisons of those about to graduate with the youth who is attaining to his majority, and with the traveller who has stopped a little for rest and refreshment, are so genial and suggestive, that their insertion in this connection will not be deemed out of place.
“‘T is a good custom, long maintained, When the young heir has manhood gained, To solemnize the welcome date,
Accession to the man’s estate,
With open house and rousing game,
And friends to wish him joy and fame: So Harvard, following thus the ways
Of careful sires of older days,
Directs her children till they grow The strength of ripened years to know,
And bids their friends and kindred, then, To come and hail her striplings–men.
“And as, about the table set,
Or on the shady grass-plat met,
They give the youngster leave to speak Of vacant sport, and boyish freak,
So now would we (such tales have power At noon-tide to abridge the hour)
Turn to the past, and mourn or praise The joys and pains of boyhood’s days.
“Like travellers with their hearts intent Upon a distant journey bent,
We rest upon the earliest stage
Of life’s laborious pilgrimage;
But like the band of pilgrims gay
(Whom Chaucer sings) at close of day, That turned with mirth, and cheerful din, To pass their evening at the inn,
Hot from the ride and dusty, we,
But yet untired and stout and free, And like the travellers by the door,
Sit down and talk the journey o’er.”
As a specimen of the character of the Ode which is always sung on Class Day to the tune “Fair Harvard,”–which is the name by which the melody “Believe me, if all those endearing young charms” has been adopted at Cambridge,–that which was written by Joshua Danforth Robinson for the class of 1851 is here inserted.
“The days of thy tenderly nurture are done, We call for the lance and the shield;
There’s a battle to fight and a crown to be won, And onward we press to the field!
But yet, Alma Mater, before we depart, Shall the song of our farewell be sung, And the grasp of the hand shall express for the heart Emotions too deep for the tongue.
“This group of thy sons, Alma Mater, no more May gladden thine ear with their song, For soon we shall stand upon Time’s crowded shore, And mix in humanity’s throng.
O, glad be the voices that ring through thy halls When the echo of ours shall have flown, And the footsteps that sound when no longer thy walls Shall answer the tread of our own!
“Alas! our dear Mother, we see on thy face A shadow of sorrow to-day;
For while we are clasped in thy farewell embrace, And pass from thy bosom away,
To part with the living, we know, must recall The lost whom thy love still embalms,
That one sigh must escape and one tear-drop must fall For the children that died in thy arms.
“But the flowers of affection, bedewed by the tears In the twilight of Memory distilled,
And sunned by the love of our earlier years, When the soul with their beauty was thrilled, Untouched by the frost of life’s winter, shall blow, And breathe the same odor they gave
When the vision of youth was entranced by their glow, Till, fadeless, they bloom o’er the grave.”
A most genial account of the exercises of the Class Day of the graduates of the year 1854 may be found in Harper’s Magazine, Vol. IX. pp. 554, 555.
CLASSIC. One learned in classical literature; a student of the ancient Greek and Roman authors of the first rank.
These men, averaging about twenty-three years of age, the best _Classics_ and Mathematicians of their years, were reading for Fellowships.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 35.
A quiet Scotchman irreproachable as a _classic_ and a whist-player.–_Ibid._, p. 57.
The mathematical examination was very difficult, and made great havoc among the _classics_.–_Ibid._, p. 62.
CLASSIC SHADES. A poetical appellation given to colleges and universities.
He prepares for his departure,–but he must, ere he repair To the “_classic shades_,” et cetera,–visit his “ladye fayre.” _Poem before Iadma_, Harv. Coll., 1850.
I exchanged the farm-house of my father for the “_classic shades_” of Union.–_The Parthenon_, Union Coll., 1851, p. 18.
CLASSIS. Same meaning as Class. The Latin for the English.
[They shall] observe the generall hours appointed for all the students, and the speciall houres for their own _classis_.–_New England’s First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 243.
CLASS LIST. In the University of Oxford, a list in which are entered the names of those who are examined for their degrees, according to their rate of merit.
At the University of Cambridge, Eng., the names of those who are examined at stated periods are placed alphabetically in the class lists, but the first eight or ten individual places are generally known.
There are some men who read for honors in that covetous and contracted spirit, and so bent upon securing the name of scholarship, even at the sacrifice of the reality, that, for the pleasure of reading their names at the top of the _class list_, they would make the examiners a present of all their Latin and Greek the moment they left the schools.–_Collegian’s Guide_, p. 327.
CLASSMAN. See CLASS.
CLASS MARSHAL. In many colleges in the United States, a _class marshal_ is chosen by the Senior Class from their own number, for the purpose of regulating the procession on the day of Commencement, and, as at Harvard College, on Class Day also.
“At Union College,” writes a correspondent, “the class marshal is elected by the Senior Class during the third term. He attends to the order of the procession on Commencement Day, and walks into the church by the side of the President. He chooses several assistants, who attend to the accommodation of the audience. He is chosen from among the best-looking and most popular men of the class, and the honor of his office is considered next to that of the Vice-President of the Senate for the third term.”
CLASSMATE. A member of the same class with another.
The day is wound up with a scene of careless laughter and merriment, among a dozen of joke-loving _classmates_.–_Harv. Reg._, p. 202.
CLASS MEETING. A meeting where all the class are assembled for the purpose of carrying out some measure, appointing class officers, or transacting business of interest to the whole class.
In Harvard College, no class, or general, or other meeting of students can be called without an application in writing of three students, and no more, expressing the purpose of such meeting, nor otherwise than by a printed notice, signed by the President, expressing the time, the object, and place of such meeting, and the three students applying for such meeting are held responsible for any proceedings at it contrary to the laws of the College.–_Laws Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, Appendix.
Similar regulations are in force at all other American colleges. At Union College the statute on this subject was formerly in these words: “No class meetings shall be held without special license from the President; and for such purposes only as shall be expressed in the license; nor shall any class meeting be continued by adjournment or otherwise, without permission; and all class meetings held without license shall be considered as unlawful combinations, and punished accordingly.”–_Laws Union Coll._, 1807, pp. 37, 38.
While one, on fame alone intent,
Seek to be chosen President
Of clubs, or a _class meeting_.
_Harv. Reg._, p. 247.
CLASSOLOGY. That science which treats of the members of the classes of a college. This word is used in the title of a pleasant _jeu d’esprit_ by Mr. William Biglow, on the class which graduated at Harvard College in 1792. It is called, “_Classology_: an Anacreontic Ode, in Imitation of ‘Heathen Mythology.'”
See under HIGH GO.
CLASS SECRETARY. For an account of this officer, see under CLASS BOOK.
CLASS SUPPER. In American colleges, a supper attended only by the members of a collegiate class. Class suppers are given in some colleges at the close of each year; in others, only at the close of the Sophomore and Senior years, or at one of these periods.
CLASS TREES. At Bowdoin College, “immediately after the annual examination of each class,” says a correspondent, “the members that compose it are accustomed to form a ring round a tree, and then, not dance, but run around it. So quickly do they revolve, that every individual runner has a tendency ‘to go off in a tangent,’ which it is difficult to resist for any length of time. The three lower classes have a tree by themselves in front of Massachusetts Hall. The Seniors have one of their own in front of King Chapel.”
For an account of a similar and much older custom, prevalent at Harvard College, see under CLASS DAY and LIBERTY TREE.
CLIMBING. In reference to this word, a correspondent from Dartmouth College writes: “At the commencement of this century, the Greek, Latin, and Philosophical Orations were assigned by the Faculty to the best scholars, while the Valedictorian was chosen from the remainder by his classmates. It was customary for each one of these four to treat his classmates, which was called ‘_Climbing_,’ from the effect which the liquor would have in elevating the class to an equality with the first scholars.”
CLIOSOPHIC. A word compounded from _Clio_, the Muse who presided over history, and [Greek: sophos], intelligent. At Yale College, this word was formerly used to designate an oration on the arts and sciences, which was delivered annually at the examination in July.
Having finished his academic course, by the appointment of the President he delivered the _cliosophic_ oration in the College Hall.–_Holmes’s Life of Ezra Stiles_, p. 13.
COACH. In the English universities, this term is variously applied, as will be seen by a reference to the annexed examples. It is generally used to designate a private tutor.
Everything is (or used to be) called a “_coach_” at Oxford: a lecture-class, or a club of men meeting to take wine, luncheon, or breakfast alternately, were severally called a “wine, luncheon, or breakfast _coach_”; so a private tutor was called a “private _coach_”; and one, like Hilton of Worcester, very famed for getting his men safe through, was termed “a Patent Safety.”–_The Collegian’s Guide_, p. 103.
It is to his private tutors, or “_coaches_,” that he looks for instruction.–_Household Words_, Vol. II. p. 160.
He applies to Mr. Crammer. Mr. Crammer is a celebrated “_coach_” for lazy and stupid men, and has a system of his own which has met with decided success.–_Ibid._, Vol. II. p. 162.
COACH. To prepare a student to pass an examination; to make use of the aid of a private tutor.
He is putting on all steam, and “_coaching_” violently for the Classical Tripos.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d. p. 10.
It is not every man who can get a Travis to _coach_ him.–_Ibid._, p. 69.
COACHING. A cant term, in the British universities, for preparing a student, by the assistance of a private tutor, to pass an examination.
Whether a man shall throw away every opportunity which a university is so eminently calculated to afford, and come away with a mere testamur gained rather by the trickery of private _coaching_ (tutoring) than by mental improvement, depends, &c.–_The Collegian’s Guide_, p. 15.
COAX. This word was formerly used at Yale College in the same sense as the word _fish_ at Harvard, viz. to seek or gain the favor of a teacher by flattery. One of the Proverbs of Solomon was often changed by the students to read as follows: “Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood; so the _coaxing_ of tutors bringeth forth parts.”–_Prov._ xxx. 33.
COCHLEAUREATUS, _pl._ COCHLEAUREATI. Latin, _cochlear_, a spoon, and _laureatus_, laurelled. A free translation would be, _one honored with a spoon_.
At Yale College, the wooden spoon is given to the one whose name comes last on the list of appointees for the Junior Exhibition. The recipient of this honor is designated _cochleaureatus_.
Now give in honor of the spoon
Three cheers, long, loud, and hearty, And three for every honored June
In _coch-le-au-re-a-ti_.
_Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 37.
See WOODEN SPOON.
COFFIN. At the University of Vermont, a boot, especially a large one. A companion to the word HUMMEL, q.v.
COLLAR. At Yale College, “to come up with; to seize; to lay hold on; to appropriate.”–_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIV. p. 144.
By that means the oration marks will be effectually _collared_, with scarce an effort.–_Yale Banger_, Oct. 1848.
COLLECTION. In the University of Oxford, a college examination, which takes place at the end of every term before the Warden and Tutor.
Read some Herodotus for _Collections_.–_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 348.
The College examinations, called _collections_, are strictly private.–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 139.
COLLECTOR. A Bachelor of Arts in the University of Oxford, who is appointed to superintend some scholastic proceedings in Lent.–_Todd_.
The Collectors, who are two in number, Bachelors of Arts, are appointed to collect the names of _determining_ bachelors, during Lent. Their office begins and ends with that season.–_Guide to Oxford_.
COLLECTORSHIP. The office of a _collector_ in the University of Oxford.–_Todd_.
This Lent the _collectors_ ceased from entertaining the Bachelors by advice and command of the proctors; so that now they got by their _collectorships_, whereas before they spent about 100_l._, besides their gains, on clothes or needless entertainments.–_Life of A. Wood_, p. 286.
COLLEGE. Latin, _collegium_; _con_ and _lego_, to gather. In its primary sense, a collection or assembly; hence, in a general sense, a collection, assemblage, or society of men, invested with certain powers and rights, performing certain duties, or engaged in some common employment or pursuit.
1. An establishment or edifice appropriated to the use of students who are acquiring the languages and sciences.
2. The society of persons engaged in the pursuits of literature, including the officers and students. Societies of this kind are incorporated, and endowed with revenues.
“A college, in the modern sense of that word, was an institution which arose within a university, probably within that of Paris or of Oxford first, being intended either as a kind of boarding-school, or for the support of scholars destitute of means, who were here to live under particular supervision. By degrees it became more and more the custom that teachers should be attached to these establishments. And as they grew in favor, they were resorted to by persons of means, who paid for their board; and this to such a degree, that at one time the colleges included nearly all the members of the University of Paris. In the English universities the colleges may have been first established by a master who gathered pupils around him, for whose board and instruction he provided. He exercised them perhaps in logic and the other liberal arts, and repeated the university lectures, as well as superintended their morals. As his scholars grew in number, he associated with himself other teachers, who thus acquired the name of _fellows_. Thus it naturally happened that the government of colleges, even of those which were founded by the benevolence of pious persons, was in the hands of a principal called by various names, such as rector, president, provost, or master, and of fellows, all of whom were resident within the walls of the same edifices where the students lived. Where charitable munificence went so far as to provide for the support of a greater number of fellows than were needed, some of them were intrusted, as tutors, with the instruction of the undergraduates, while others performed various services within their college, or passed a life of learned leisure.”–_Pres. Woolsey’s Hist. Disc._, New Haven, Aug. 14, 1850, p. 8.
3. In _foreign universities_, a public lecture.–_Webster_.
COLLEGE BIBLE. The laws of a college are sometimes significantly called _the College Bible_.
He cons _the College Bible_ with eager, longing eyes, And wonders how poor students at six o’clock can rise. _Poem before Iadma of Harv. Coll._, 1850.
COLLEGER. A member of a college.
We stood like veteran _Collegers_ the next day’s screw.–_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 9. [_Little used_.]
2. The name by which a member of a certain class of the pupils of Eton is known. “The _Collegers_ are educated gratuitously, and such of them as have nearly but not quite reached the age of nineteen, when a vacancy in King’s College, Cambridge, occurs, are elected scholars there forthwith and provided for during life–or until marriage.”–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, pp. 262, 263.
They have nothing in lieu of our seventy _Collegers_.–_Ibid._, p. 270.
The whole number of scholars or “_Collegers_” at Eton is seventy. –_Literary World_, Vol. XII. p. 285.
COLLEGE YARD. The enclosure on or within which the buildings of a college are situated. Although college enclosures are usually open for others to pass through than those connected with the college, yet by law the grounds are as private as those connected with private dwellings, and are kept so, by refusing entrance, for a certain period, to all who are not members of the college, at least once in twenty years, although the time differs in different States.
But when they got to _College yard_, With one accord they all huzza’d.–_Rebelliad_, p. 33.
Not ye, whom science never taught to roam Far as a _College yard_ or student’s home. _Harv. Reg._, p. 232.
COLLEGIAN. A member of a college, particularly of a literary institution so called; an inhabitant of a college.–_Johnson_.
COLLEGIATE. Pertaining to a college; as, _collegiate_ studies.
2. Containing a college; instituted after the manner of a college; as, a _collegiate_ society.–_Johnson_.
COLLEGIATE. A member of a college.
COMBINATION. An agreement, for effecting some object by joint operation; in _an ill sense_, when the purpose is illegal or iniquitous. An agreement entered into by students to resist or disobey the Faculty of the College, or to do any unlawful act, is a _combination_. When the number concerned is so great as to render it inexpedient to punish all, those most culpable are usually selected, or as many as are deemed necessary to satisfy the demands of justice.–_Laws Yale Coll._, 1837, p. 27. _Laws Univ. Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 23.
COMBINATION ROOM. In the University of Cambridge Eng., a room into which the fellows, and others in authority withdraw after dinner, for wine, dessert, and conversation.–_Webster_.
In popular phrase, the word _room_ is omitted.
“There will be some quiet Bachelors there, I suppose,” thought I, “and a Junior Fellow or two, some of those I have met in _combination_.”–_Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 52.
COMITAT. In the German universities, a procession formed to accompany a departing fellow-student with public honor out of the city.–_Howitt_.
COMMEMORATION DAY. At the University of Oxford, Eng., this day is an annual solemnity in honor of the benefactors of the University, when orations are delivered, and prize compositions are read in the theatre. It is the great day of festivity for the year.–_Huber_.
At the University of Cambridge, Eng., there is always a sermon on this day. The lesson which is read in the course of the service is from Ecclus. xliv.: “Let us now praise famous men,” &c. It is “a day,” says the Gradus ad Cantabrigiam, “devoted to prayers, and good living.” It was formerly called _Anniversary Day_.
COMMENCE. To take a degree, or the first degree, in a university or college.–_Bailey_.
Nine Bachelors _commenced_ at Cambridge; they were young men of good hope, and performed their acts so as to give good proof of their proficiency in the tongues and arts.–_Winthrop’s Journal, by Mr. Savage_, Vol. II. p. 87.
Four Senior Sophisters came from Saybrook, and received the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, and several others _commenced_ Masters.–_Clap’s Hist. Yale Coll._, p. 20.
A scholar see him now _commence_,
Without the aid of books or sense. _Trumbull’s Progress of Dullness_, 1794, p. 12.
Charles Chauncy … was afterwards, when qualified, sent to the University of Cambridge, where he _commenced_ Bachelor of Divinity.–_Hist. Sketch of First Ch. in Boston_, 1812, p. 211.
COMMENCEMENT. The time when students in colleges _commence_ Bachelors; a day in which degrees are publicly conferred in the English and American universities.–_Webster_.
At Harvard College, in its earliest days, Commencements were attended, as at present, by the highest officers in the State. At the first Commencement, on the second Tuesday of August, 1642, we are told that “the Governour, Magistrates, and the Ministers, from all parts, with all sorts of schollars, and others in great numbers, were present.”–_New England’s First Fruits_, in _Mass. Hist. Coll._, Vol. I. p. 246.
In the MS. Diary of Judge Sewall, under date of July 1, 1685, Commencement Day, is this remark: “Gov’r there, whom I accompanied to Charlestown”; and again, under date of July 2, 1690, is the following entry respecting the Commencement of that year: “Go to Cambridge by water in ye Barge wherein the Gov’r, Maj. Gen’l, Capt. Blackwell, and others.” In the Private Journal of Cotton Mather, under the dates of 1708 and 1717, there are notices of the Boston troops waiting on the Governor to Cambridge on Commencement Day. During the presidency of Wadsworth, which continued from 1725 to 1737, “it was the custom,” says Quincy, “on Commencement Day, for the Governor of the Province to come from Boston through Roxbury, often by the way of Watertown, attended by his body guards, and to arrive at the College about ten or eleven o’clock in the morning. A procession was then formed of the Corporation, Overseers, magistrates, ministers, and invited gentlemen, and immediately moved from Harvard Hall to the Congregational church.” After the exercises of the day were over, the students escorted the Governor, Corporation, and Overseers, in procession, to the President’s house. This description would answer very well for the present day, by adding the graduating class to the procession, and substituting the Boston Lancers as an escort, instead of the “body guards.”
The exercises of the first Commencement are stated in New England’s First Fruits, above referred to, as follows:–“Latine and Greeke Orations, and Declamations, and Hebrew Analysis, Grammaticall, Logicall, and Rhetoricall of the Psalms: And their answers and disputations in Logicall, Ethicall, Physicall, and Metaphysicall questions.” At Commencement in 1685, the exercises were, besides Disputes, four Orations, one Latin, two Greek, and one Hebrew In the presidency of Wadsworth, above referred to, “the exercises of the day,” says Quincy, “began with a short prayer by the President; a salutatory oration in Latin, by one of the graduating class, succeeded; then disputations on theses or questions in Logic, Ethics, and Natural Philosophy commenced. When the disputation terminated, one of the candidates pronounced a Latin ‘gratulatory oration.’ The graduating class were then called, and, after asking leave of the Governor and Overseers, the President conferred the Bachelor’s degree, by delivering a book to the candidates (who came forward successively in parties of four), and pronouncing a form of words in Latin. An adjournment then took place to dinner, in Harvard Hall; thence the procession returned to the church, and, after the Masters’ disputations, usually three in number, were finished, their degrees were conferred, with the same general forms as those of the Bachelors. An occasional address was then made by the President. A Latin valedictory oration by one of the Masters succeeded, and the exercises concluded with a prayer by the President.”
Similar to this is the account given by the Hon. Paine Wingate, a graduate of the class of 1759, of the exercises of Commencement as conducted while he was in College. “I do not recollect now,” he says, “any part of the public exercises on Commencement Day to be in English, excepting the President’s prayers at opening and closing the services. Next after the prayer followed the Salutatory Oration in Latin, by one of the candidates for the first degree. This office was assigned by the President, and was supposed to be given to him who was the best orator in the class. Then followed a Syllogistic Disputation in Latin, in which four or five or more of those who were distinguished as good scholars in the class were appointed by the President as Respondents, to whom were assigned certain questions, which the Respondents maintained, and the rest of the class severally opposed, and endeavored to invalidate. This was conducted wholly in Latin, and in the form of