Early (or Late) Play, subs. (Westminster).—See quot.
1867. Collins, The Public Schools, p. 186. Besides the regular weekly half-holidays, there are others specially granted, known as EARLY and LATE PLAYS. The latter, given by the head-master at his discretion, consists in the remission of all school work after eleven A.M. But an EARLY PLAY—when school is “up” at nine—is a much more formal indulgence, accorded by very ancient custom only to the personal request of some visitor of distinction. St. David’s Day (March 1st) and St. Patrick’s (March 17) have always been holidays of this class: for the former, the late and the present Sir Watkin Wynn have always come down to Westminster; and for the latter, the late Marquess of Lansdowne (as an Irish peer) and Sir Everard Home. The custom, even now observed on some occasions, was for the visitor’s arrival at the gate to be formally announced to the head-master by Monos, who received a “tip” for his services. The master at once “came down school,” and reappeared through the great door, accompanied by the hero of the day, who was received by the boys with great demonstrations of welcome, expressed by the vigorous rapping of books on the desks. Both knelt down side by side, while the “monitor of school,” kneeling immediately in front of them, proceeded with the usual school prayers. The visitor then “begged a play,” which was granted. The applause was renewed, and acknowledged by a bow, after which the whole of the boys rushed joyously down school, the masters following in more grave and stately fashion. The visits of the “King of North Wales” were doubly popular, since he presented every Welsh boy with a sovereign—a custom which the present baronet liberally continues.
East. See Wise Men of the East.
Ecky, subs. (Manchester Grammar).—Exercise.
Egg (or Egg-up), verb (Marlborough).—To show ostentatious zeal. Whence EGGER (subs.) and EGGY (adj.).
Egg-flip Day, subs. (Winchester).—The Founder’s Commemoration Day. [Because a favourite beverage at the festivities succeeding the great annual football match played on that day between the “first sixes” of Commoners and College was “Egg-flip.”]
Eggotty, adj. (Felsted).—Used as follows: A boy seen carrying an egg or eggs, if addressed by another as “EGGOTTY,” might, must in fact, almost in honour, throw an egg at him. If the egg-owner was a good shot he would invite his friend “call me EGGOTTY.”
Eight, subs. (Harrow).—The school Shooting EIGHT: also the Gym. EIGHT.
Election, subs. (Winchester).—The examination of Præfects and Senior Part for New College, and of candidates for admission to Winchester.
Intj. (Westminster).—A fag-call.