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

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THE

PUBLIC SCHOOL WORD-BOOK

A, To get one’s “a,” verb. phr. (Harrow).—To pass a certain standard in the Gymnasium: the next step being to the Gymnasium Eight. See Appendix.

Abber, subs. (Harrow).—1. An abstract: on history, &c.; set as a punishment.

2. An ABSIT (q.v.): on whole holidays, or under medical advice.

Abroad, adv. (Winchester).—Convalescent; out of the sick-room: e.g. “I have been (or come) ABROAD a week.” Cf. Continent.

1534. Udall, Roister Doister, ... I bid him keepe warme at home, For if he come ABROADE, he shall cough me a mome.