Finally, I desire, though holding myself alone responsible for aught that is solecismal in these pages, to acknowledge my indebtedness to those who have afforded me such unstinted aid in compiling this work. Especially are my thanks due to Mr. P. K. Tollit (Derby); Mr. W. Durnford (Eton); Mr. R. D. Hodgson (Manchester Grammar); Mr. C. A. Ross (Royal High School, Edin.); Rev. A. E. Hillard (Durham); Mr. W. B. Wildman (Sherborne); Rev. J. F. Cornish (Christ’s Hospital); Rev. E. W. Badger (King Edward’s, Birm.); Mr. C. H. Crofts (Tonbridge); Rev. E. Gepp (Felsted); Mr. G. Townsend Warner (Harrow); the Rev. Fathers Gerard and Browne and Rev. A. Goodier (Stonyhurst); Dr. H. H. Almond (Loretto); Mr. J. F. L. Hardy (Marlborough); Mr. J. C. Isard (The Leys). SPECIAL NOTICE _While the “Public School Word-Book” was passing through the press a certain amount of additional matter came to hand. Rather than omit altogether I have included it in an Appendix._ _May I also say that I shall welcome any suggestions, additions, or corrections that may be forwarded to me?_ _Communications may be addressed to John S. Farmer, c/o Messrs. Hirschfeld Bros., 13 Furnival Street, London, E.C._ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration] THE PUBLIC SCHOOL WORD-BOOK *A*, TO GET ONE’S “A,” _verb. phr._ (Harrow).—To pass a certain standard in the Gymnasium: the next step being to the Gymnasium Eight. _See_ Appendix. *Abber*, _subs._ (Harrow).—1. An abstract: on history, &c.; set as a punishment. 2. An ABSIT (_q.v._): on whole holidays, or under medical advice. *Abroad*, _adv._ (Winchester).—Convalescent; out of the sick-room: _e.g._ “I have been (or come) ABROAD a week.” _Cf._ CONTINENT. 1534. UDALL, _Roister Doister_, ... I bid him keepe warme at home, For if he come ABROADE, he shall cough me a mome. 1598. SHAKSPEARE, 2 _Hen. IV._, i. 2. I am glad to see your Lordship ABROAD. I heard say your Lordship was sicke. I hope your Lordship goes ABROAD by aduice. 1761. _Letter_ [WRENCH]. I have been exceeding ill ... am not just got ABROAD again. *Abs*, _adj._ (Winchester).—Absent: placed against the name when away from school. [From _absunt_ on Rolls.] _Verb._ To take (get, or go) away. Formerly (_circa_ 1840) to ABS a tolly (candle) = to put it out; it now = to take it away whether lighted or unlighted, the modern NOTION (_q.v._) for putting it out being to “dump” it. As a neuter verb ABS is generally used in the imperative: _e.g._ “ABS!” “Oh, do ABS!” Sometimes, however, a fellow is said TO ABS quickly, and MESS THINGS (_q.v._) are ABSED, or put away. To HAVE ONE’S WIND ABSED = to have it taken away by a violent blow in the stomach.