The Public School Word-book / A conribution to to a historical glossary of words phrases and turns of expression obsolete and in current use peculiar to our great public schools together with some that have been or are modish at the universities

by John Stephen Farmer

Lines, subs. (general).—The usual punishment—the copying out of so many lines of Greek or Latin. Hence TO BE PUT ON LINES (Harrow) = to have to show up so many lines each half-hour for a certain number of half-holidays, for being late for chapel, &c.

Links, subs. (Loretto).—A short run or walk before breakfast: about half a mile. [Formerly always across Musselburgh Links: now there are various LINKS according to circumstances.]

Lion, subs. (old University).—See quot.

1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Lion.... Also the name given by the gownsmen of Oxford to inhabitants or visitors.

Lions, The (Stonyhurst).—The two pillars in front of the College.

Little Figures, subs. (Stonyhurst: obsolete).—The old name for the class of Elements (q.v.).

1895. Stonyhurst Magazine, v. p. 519. I was sent to Stonyhurst, when I was put into the class of LITTLE FIGURES.

Little Figuricians, subs. phr. (Stonyhurst).—See Little Figures.

Little-go, subs. (University).—The public examination which students at the English Universities have to pass in the second year of residence: also called the “previous examination” (as preceding the final one for a degree), and, at Oxford, SMALLS (q.v.).

1841. Thackeray, King of Brentford’s Testament, 86, 7. At college, though not fast, Yet his LITTLE-GO and great-go He creditably pass’d.