Blue-book, subs. (Harrow).—A school register (alphabetically arranged) comprising name, form, house, tutor, age, term of coming, prizes, and honours.
Bluer, subs. (Harrow).—A blue flannel coat: worn by all going to Footer (q.v.) in winter, and cricket in summer.
B. N. C., subs. (Oxford).—The popular abbreviation of Brasenose College.
1885. Daily News, March 13, p. 5, col. 1. As when Corpus bumped B. N. C. years ago, and went head of the river, whereon a spirit of wrath entered into the B. N. C. men, and next night they bumped Corpus back again.
Board. To keep one’s name on the board, verb. phr. (Cambridge).—To remain a member of a College.
Boat (The Leys).—A shallow valley, in which football is played.
Procession of boats (Eton).—See Fourth of June.
To sit a boat, verb. phr. (Eton).—See quot., and Fourth of June. [Long since abandoned.]
1865. Etoniana, p. 170. The time-honoured custom of SITTING A BOAT must here claim mention. Some old Etonian, of generous and festive disposition (generally an old “oar”), signifies to the captain of a boat his intention of presenting the crew with a certain quantity of champagne. In return he is entitled to be rowed up to Surly in the boat to which he presents the wine; he occupies the coxswain’s seat, who kneels or stands behind him. This giver of good things is called, from this circumstance, a “sitter”; and the question, “Who SITS YOUR BOAT?” or, “Have you a sitter?” is one of some interest, which may often be heard addressed to a captain. The seat of honour in the ten-oar is usually offered to some distinguished old Etonian. Mr. Canning occupied it in 1824.
Bob, subs. (Winchester).—A large white beer-jug, about a gallon in capacity.