Having thus stated what this work is _not_, it seems borne on me to explain, anew, what it _is_, or rather, what has been my method. Briefly put, my idea has been to collect such words, phrases, names, and allusions to customs as now are, or have been, _peculiar_ to English Public School life, and to apply to their definition and elucidation what is known as the “historical” method, illustrating such examples as lent themselves to it by quotations from old and present-day writers. The Public Schools with which I have been concerned, arranged chronologically in order of foundation or charter, are as follows:— 1160 Derby. │1564 Felsted. 1387 Winchester. │1567 Rugby. 1441 Eton. │1571 Harrow. 1515 Manchester Grammar. │1592 Stonyhurst. 1538 Royal High School, Edin. │1611 Charterhouse. 1541 Durham Grammar. │1619 Dulwich. 1550 Sherborne. │1830 Loretto. 1551 Shrewsbury. │1841 Cheltenham. 1552 Christ’s Hospital. │1843 Marlborough. 1552 King Edward’s. │1848 Lancing. 1553 Tonbridge. │1859 Wellington. 1560 Westminster. │1875 The Leys. Also the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Aberdeen, Dublin, &c. How far I have been successful in my task I leave others to judge. I must confess, however, that the extent and wealth of this special field of inquiry has somewhat astonished me: yet I fear my lists are, in some cases, still incomplete. But, even so, this contribution towards a more perfect glossary will, I think, be a revelation to many. No wonder our Mother-tongue is so vigorous, adaptable, and expansive—reaching out in its creative energy to all the forms and necessities of modern life—when even Young England shows such aptitude in coining new expressions, and adapting older forms to its ever-changing (and, shall I say, ever-increasing) needs. Studied comparatively, there will be found much significance, not alone in the survivals from past generations, but also in the relatively newer phraseology. Many an interesting side-light, too, is thrown on ancient school customs and usages. Though primarily addressing myself to past schoolmen, it is not without a hope that the general student and scholar, as well as those still _in statu pupillari_, will find something of use and to interest.