FRESH. An abbreviation for Freshman or Freshmen; FRESHES is sometimes used for the plural.
When Sophs met Fresh, power met opposing power. Harv. Reg., p. 251.
The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the Fresh, as they call us.—Harvardiana, Vol. III. p. 76.
Listen to the low murmurings of some annihilated Fresh upon the
Delta.—Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F., 1848.
FRESH. Newly come; likewise, awkward, like a Freshman.—Grad. ad
Cantab.
For their behavior at table, spitting and coughing, and speaking loud, was counted uncivil in any but a gentleman; as we say in the university, that nothing is fresh in a Senior, and to him it was a glory.—Archæol. Atticæ, Edit. Oxon., 1675, B. VI.
FRESHMAN, pl. FRESHMEN. In England, a student during his first year's residence at the university. In America, one who belongs to the youngest of the four classes in college, called the Freshman Class.—Webster.
FRESHMAN. Pertaining to a Freshman, or to the class called Freshman.
FRESHMAN, BUTLER'S. At Harvard and Yale Colleges, a Freshman, formerly hired by the Butler, to perform certain duties pertaining to his office, was called by this name.
The Butler may be allowed a Freshman, to do the foregoing duties, and to deliver articles to the students from the Buttery, who shall be appointed by the President and Tutors, and he shall be allowed the same provision in the Hall as the Waiters; and he shall not be charged in the Steward's quarter-bills under the heads of Steward and Instruction and Sweepers, Catalogue and Dinner.—Laws of Harv. Coll., 1793, p. 61.