[27] Fives' court: the space set apart for playing fives, a game resembling tennis.
[28] Island: the island no longer exists.
[29] Fagging: the power given the sixth form, by authority and the custom of the school, to require the boys of the lower forms or classes to do errands, and act as servants generally. The system still has its defenders who regard it as a means of discipline.
[30] Foot-ball: foot-ball is the great game at Rugby. It first became popular in America under the Rugby rules, which, though modified, are still the basis of the game as now played.
[31] Hacks: kicks on the shins.
[32] Technicalities: here, phrases peculiar to foot-ball.
[33] Cap and gown: It is customary in England for holders of academic degrees to wear at times the appropriate cap and gown indicating their grade and college.
[34] The Big School: the name of one of the school buildings at Rugby.
[35] Canes: light, limber rattans used as rods.
[36] Shell: the lower fourth form or class.