The Editor is aware that many of the words here inserted are wanting in that refinement of sound and derivation which their use in classical localities might seem to imply, and that some of the customs here noticed and described are "More honored in the breach than the observance." These facts are not, however, sufficient to outweigh his conviction that there is nothing in language or manners too insignificant for the attention of those who are desirous of studying the diversified developments of the character of man. For this reason, and for the gratification of his own taste and the tastes of many who were pleased at the inceptive step taken in the first edition, the present volume has been prepared and is now given to the public.
A COLLECTION OF COLLEGE WORDS AND CUSTOMS.
A.B. An abbreviation for _Artium Baccalaureus_, Bachelor of Arts. The first degree taken by students at a college or university. It is usually written B.A., q.v.
ABSIT. Latin; literally, _let him be absent_; leave of absence from commons, given to a student in the English universities.--_Gradus ad Cantab._
ACADEMIAN. A member of an academy; a student in a university or college.
ACADEMIC. A student in a college or university.
A young _academic_ coming into the country immediately after this great competition, &c.--_Forby's Vocabulary_, under _Pin-basket_.
A young _academic_ shall dwell upon a journal that treats of trade, and be lavish in the praise of the author; while persons skilled in those subjects hear the tattle with contempt.--_Watts's Improvement of the Mind_.
ACADEMICALS. In the English universities, the dress peculiar to the students and officers.
I must insist on your going to your College and putting on your _academicals_.--_The Etonian_, Vol. II. p. 382.
The Proctor makes a claim of 6s. 8d. on every undergraduate whom he finds _inermem_, or without his _academicals_.--_Gradus ad Cantab._, p. 8.
If you say you are going for a walk, or if it appears likely, from the time and place, you are allowed to pass, otherwise you may be sent back to college to put on your _academicals_.--_Collegian's Guide_, p. 177.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. At Harvard College, every student admitted upon examination, after giving a bond for the payment of all college dues, according to the established laws and customs, is required to sign the following _acknowledgment_, as it is called:--"I acknowledge that, having been admitted to the University at Cambridge, I am subject to its laws." Thereupon he receives from the President a copy of the laws which he has promised to obey.--_Laws Univ. of Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 13.