[17] Steeple-chase: a race between horsemen across country to see which can first reach a certain distant object, as a church steeple.
[18] Amy Robsart: the heroine of Scott's Waverley novel, "Kenilworth."
[19] Tom Crib: a noted pugilist.
[20] Science: boxing or pugilistic science.
[21] Windsor Castle: the principal residence of the English monarchs. It is on the Thames, about twenty miles west of London.
[22] Præpostors: the members of the sixth form, the highest class in the school. They were charged with the duty of looking after the other boys.
[23] Reading: studying.
[24] Verger: here, the porter.
[25] Pellets: wads of paper.
[26] Close: this close or play-ground contains something over thirteen acres.