Baker, subs. (Winchester).—A cushion; also anything used to sit or kneel upon, as a blotting-book, &c. [Bakers were of two kinds: that used in “College” was of large size, oblong in shape, and green in colour. The other, used in “Commoners,” was thin, narrow, much smaller, and of red colour.] Hence BAKER-LAYER (obsolete) = a Junior who used to take a Prefect’s green BAKER in and out of Hall at meal-times.
Baker-layer. See Baker.
Baking-leave, subs. (Winchester: obsolete).—1. Permission to BAKE (q.v.) in a study in Commoners, or in a Scob (q.v.) place in College. 2. Leave to sit in another’s Toys (q.v.).
Baking-place, subs. (Winchester).—Any place in which to BAKE (q.v.), or in connection with which BAKING-LEAVE (q.v.) was given.
Balbus, subs. (University).—A Latin prose composition. [From the frequency with which Balbus is quoted in Arnold’s well-known text-book, Latin Prose Composition.]
1870. Quarterly Review. Balbus was in constant use.
Ball. Call the ball! phr. (Stonyhurst).—The “Foul!” of Association Football.
Balls, subs. (Winchester).—A Junior in College collects footballs from the lockers in school and takes them through at 6 o’clock to the Ball-keeper in Commoners to be blown or repaired. The Ball-keeper is an Inferior who, for service in looking after cricket and foot-balls, is exempted from KICKING-IN (q.v.) and WATCHING-OUT (q.v.).
Bally, subs. (Sherborne: obsolete).—Ball court, the old name for the Fives’ courts; there was a game, evidently like fives, played at Sherborne against the north transept of the church as early as 1585. The word has long ago passed out of use.
Banco, subs. (Charterhouse).—Evening preparation at House under the superintendence of a monitor; the Winchester Toy-time (q.v.).