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

1891. Wrench, Winchester Word-Book, s.v. Scrubbing.... According to T. A. Trollope, the word in use in his day was SCOURGING: this, however, he describes as of three strokes: he does not mention “bibling.” He was in College 1820-28.

Scrutiny, subs. (Winchester: obsolete).—See quot.

1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 62. The Oxford visitors, on their arrival, proceed at once to “Election Chamber” to hear any complaints which the boys may have to prefer. This is called the SCRUTINY, the seven senior prefects, and the seven juniors in chambers (one from each chamber), are separately questioned; but complaints are seldom made. Next morning the examination for election of scholars to New College begins—no longer in the renowned “Election Chamber” itself, but in the long “Warden Gallery,” as more convenient for the purpose; all prefects who are of standing to leave the school are examined with any other who choose.

1891. Wrench, Winchester Word-Book, s.v. Scrutiny. An examination of the seven Seniors and seven Juniors in College, on the subject of their personal comfort, &c., in College. There were two SCRUTINEES in the year; one conducted by the Warden of New College and Posers in Election Week, the other by the Wardens and Fellows of Winchester in Sealing Week.

Scud, subs. (Rugby).—A runner.

1856. Hughes, Tom Brown’s School-days, v. “I say,” said East, as he got his wind, looking with much increased respect at Tom, “you ain’t a bad SCUD, not by no means. Well, I’m as warm as a toast now.”

Scull, subs. (University).—The head (or master) of a College.

1864. Hotten, Slang Dict., s.v. Scull. The head, or master of a college: nearly obsolete; the gallery, however, in St. Mary’s (the Oxford University church), where the “Heads of Houses” sit in solemn state, is still nicknamed the “Golgotha” by the undergraduates.

Scull-race, subs. (University).—A University Examination.

Scuttle, verb (Christ’s Hospital, Hertford).—To cry out under oppression with a view to attracting the notice of one in authority. Hence SCUTTLE-CAT = one who SCUTTLES. Obsolete.