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

Rowing-man, subs. (University).—A spreester; a loose fish. [“Row” as in “bough.”]

Rows, subs. (Winchester).—The fixed benches at each end of School: called respectively Senior, Middle, and Junior ROW.

Rowsterer, subs. (Derby).—A cad.

Ruck. To ruck along, verb. phr. (Oxford).—To walk quickly.

Rudiments, subs. (Stonyhurst).—The Third Form.

Rug, subs. (Rugby).—A Rugbeian.

1892. Evening Standard, 25th Nov. 4, 5. The controversy was started by the death of one who succumbed to his exertions. “An Old Medical Rug” describes the sufferings he endured.

Rugger, subs. (general).—Football: the Rugby game.

1896. Tonbridgian, No. 339, 1124. At St. John’s, Sells has developed into a good RUGGER half, Pinching is one of the best forwards, and also plays Socker for the College at times.

1897. Felstedian, Nov., p. 194. As regards RUGGER the ’Varsity team have been somewhat under-rated.