At Oxford, "the two proctors were formerly nearly equal in importance to the Vice-Chancellor. Their powers, though diminished, are still considerable, as they administer the police of the University, appoint the Examiners, and have a joint veto on all measures brought before Convocation."--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 223. The class of officers called Proctors was instituted at Harvard College in the year 1805, their duty being "to reside constantly and preserve order within the walls," to preserve order among the students, to see that the laws of the College are enforced, "and to exercise the same inspection and authority in their particular district, and throughout College, which it is the duty of a parietal Tutor to exercise therein."--_Quincy's Hist. Harv. Univ._, Vol. II. p. 292. I believe this is the only college in the United States where this class of academical police officers is established. PROF, PROFF. Abbreviated for _Professor_. The _Proff_ thought he knew too much to stay here, and so he went his way, and I saw him no more.--_The Dartmouth_, Vol. IV. p. 116. For _Proffs_ and Tutors too, Who steer our big canoe, Prepare their lays. _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. III. p. 144. PROFESSOR. One that publicly teaches any science or branch of learning; particularly, an officer in a university, college, or other seminary, whose business is to read lectures or instruct students in a particular branch of learning; as a _professor_ of theology or mathematics.--_Webster_. PROFESSORIATE. The office or employment of a professor. It is desirable to restore the _professoriate_.--_Lit. World_, Vol. XII. p. 246. PROFESSOR OF DUST AND ASHES. A title sometimes jocosely given by students to the person who has the care of their rooms. Was interrupted a moment just now, by the entrance of Mr. C------, the gentleman who makes the beds, sweeps, takes up the ashes, and supports the dignity of the title, "_Professor of Dust and Ashes_."--_Sketches of Williams College_, p. 77. The South College _Prof. of Dust and Ashes_ has a huge bill against the Society.--_Yale Tomahawk_, Feb. 1851. PROFICIENT. The degree of Proficient is conferred in the University of Virginia, in a certificate of proficiency, on those who have studied only in certain branches taught in some of the schools connected with that institution. PRO MERITIS. Latin; literally, _for his merits_. A phrase customarily used in American collegiate diplomas. Then, every crime atoned with ease, _Pro meritis_, received degrees. _Trumbull's Progress of Dullness_, Part I. PRO-PROCTOR. In the English universities, an officer appointed to assist the proctors in that part of their duty only which relates to the discipline and behavior of those persons who are _in statu pupillari_.--_Cam. and Oxf. Cals._ More familiarly, these officers are called _pro's_.