FIRST-YEAR MEN. In the University of Cambridge, England, the title of _First-Year Men_, or _Freshmen_, is given to students during the first year of their residence at the University. FISH. At Harvard College, to seek or gain the good-will of an instructor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious civilities; to curry favor. The German word _fischen_ has a secondary meaning, to get by cunning, which is similar to the English word _fish_. Students speak of fishing for parts, appointments, ranks, marks, &c. I give to those that _fish for parts_, Long, sleepless nights, and aching hearts, A little soul, a fawning spirit, With half a grain of plodding merit, Which is, as Heaven I hope will say, Giving what's not my own away. _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795. Who would let a Tutor knave Screw him like a Guinea slave! Who would _fish_ a fine to save! Let him turn and flee.--_Rebelliad_, p. 35. Did I not promise those who _fished_ And pimped most, any part they wished?--_Ibid._, p. 33. 'T is all well here; though 't were a grand mistake To write so, should one "_fish_" for a "forty-eight!" _Childe Harvard_, p. 33. Still achieving, still intriguing, Learn to labor and to _fish_. _Poem before Y.H._, 1849. The following passage explains more clearly, perhaps, the meaning of this word. "Any attempt to raise your standing by ingratiating yourself with the instructors, will not only be useless, but dishonorable. Of course, in your intercourse with the Professors and Tutors, you will not be wanting in that respect and courtesy which is due to them, both as your superiors and as gentlemen."--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 79. Washington Allston, who graduated at Harvard College in the year 1800, left a painting of a fishing scene, to be transmitted from class to class. It was in existence in the year 1828, but has disappeared of late. FISH, FISHER. One who attempts to ingratiate himself with his instructor, thereby to obtain favor or advantage; one who curries favor. You besought me to respect my teachers, and to be attentive to my studies, though it shall procure me the odious title of a "_fisher_."--_Monthly Anthology_, Boston, 1804, Vol. I. p. 153. FISHING. The act performed by a _fisher_. The full force of this word is set forth in a letter from Dr. Popkin, a Professor at Harvard College, to his brother William, dated Boston, October 17th, 1800.