Tails, subs. (Harrow).—The swallow-tailed coats worn by all in the Upper School, and (as “charity-tails”) by all in the Lower School who are considered by the Head of the School to be tall enough to require them.
Tank, verb (King Edward’s, Birm.).—To cane: a rarer word than COSH (q.v.). [Tank (Warwicks.) = a blow.]
Tap (Eton).—See Appendix.
Taps. See Tolly (sense 2).
Tardy, adv. (Winchester).—Late: as “I was TARDY TASK” (q.v.).
1881. Felstedian, Nov., p. 75, “A Day’s Fagging at Winchester.” That done I return to chambers, fling on my gown, which I am obliged to keep off till the last moment as a sign of servitude to shew that I am only a junior, and then scramble in to chapel somehow, very likely late, with an impot in store from my form master, and a licking from the præfect in my chamber for being TARDY, though as likely as not he was himself the cause of it.
Task, subs. (Winchester).—All kinds of composition other than an Essay or Vulgus.
Tatol, subs. (Winchester).—A tutor in Commoners. These came into course in alternate weeks, their duties being to preside at meals, Toys (q.v.) and names-calling, and to go round galleries at 9.15.
Tavern (The), subs. (Oxford).—New Inn Hall. [From its title, “New Inn,” and also because the buttery is open all day, and the members of the Hall can call for what they please at any hour, the same as in a tavern.]
Tawse, subs. (Scots: general).—A leather strap used in Scotland instead of the cane. [Tawse (North) = a piece of tanned leather.]