Jicker, subs. (Christ’s Hospital).—(1) The juice of a High (q.v.). [It is suggested that this is a “portmanteau word”—from juice and liquor.] Also (2) = blacking.
Jickery, adj. (Christ’s Hospital).—Big: e.g. “You’re in for a JICKERY row.” [Query = overflowing, like the JICKER (juice) of a “high” (fruit tart).]
Jiffs, The (Christ’s Hospital).—The Jiffs are about the oldest part of the Hospital building. The name is given to cloisters lying on the left hand as one enters from Christ Church passage. They are at a lower level, and are reached by four steps. It was the only part not burned in the Great Fire. The rooms above were destroyed. [Suggested derivations are:—(1) from “Grey Friars” = G.F.’s; and (2) from a beadle, Geoffrey—Geoff’s—Jiffs.]
Joseph, subs. (Harrow: obsolete).—Generic for boy: e.g. BEETLE-JOSEPH = an entomological collector; MUSIC-JOSEPH = a boy who studied music, and so forth.
Keen, adj. (Christ’s Hospital).—Good: e.g. “jolly KEEN” = very good.
Kenna’s-day (Stonyhurst).—See Day, ante.
King, subs. (Royal High School, Edin.).—A game peculiar to the school. The players range themselves on one side of the playground, one going into the centre and calling “King!” The centre player endeavours to catch some one, who then joins him, and this goes on till all are caught. A rush is then made for the side, the last to reach it taking the centre place in a new game. It forms an excellent training for football and a source of revenue to tailors.
Lady Gallery (Stonyhurst).—A gallery in which is a statue of the Blessed Virgin.