Chapter 18

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.

"I am sensible that the good conduct which I have advised you, and which, I doubt not, you are inclined to preserve, may expose you to the opprobrious epithet, _fishing_. You undoubtedly understand, by this time, the meaning of that frightful term, which has done more damage in college than all the bad wine, and roasted pigs, that have ever fired the frenzy of Genius! The meaning of it, in short, is nothing less than this, that every one who acts as a reasonable being in the various relations and duties of a scholar is using the basest means to ingratiate himself with the government, and seeking by mean compliances to purchase their honors and favors. At least, I thought this to be true when I was in the government. If times and manners are altered, I am heartily glad of it; but it will not injure you to hear the tales of former times. If a scholar appeared to perform his exercises to his best ability, if there were not a marked contempt and indifference in his manner, I would hear the whisper run round the class, _fishing_. If one appeared firm enough to perform an unpopular duty, or showed common civility to his instructors, who certainly wished him well, he was _fishing_. If he refused to join in some general disorder, he was insulted with _fishing_. If he did not appear to despise the esteem and approbation of his instructors, and to disclaim all the rewards of diligence and virtue, he was suspected of _fishing_. The fear of this suspicion or imputation has, I believe, perverted many minds which, from good and honorable motives, were better disposed."--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, pp. xxvi., xxvii.

To those who've parts at exhibition, Obtained by long, unwearied _fishing_, I say, to such unlucky wretches, I give, for wear, a brace of breeches. _Will of Charles Prentiss, in Rural Repository_, 1795.

And, since his _fishing_ on the land was vain, To try his luck upon the azure main.--_Class Poem_, 1835.

Whenever I needed advice or assistance, I did not hesitate, through any fear of the charge of what, in the College cant, was called "_fishing_," to ask it of Dr. Popkin.--_Memorial of John S. Popkin, D.D._, p. ix.

At Dartmouth College, the electioneering for members of the secret societies was formerly called _fishing_. At the same institution, individuals in the Senior Class were said to be _fishing for appointments_, if they tried to gain the good-will of the Faculty by any special means.

FIVES. A kind of play with a ball against the side of a building, resembling tennis; so named, because three _fives_ or _fifteen_ are counted to the game.--_Smart_.

A correspondent, writing of Centre College, Ky., says: "Fives was a game very much in vogue, at which the President would often take a hand, and while the students would play for ice-cream or some other refreshment, he would never fail to come in for his share."

FIZZLE. Halliwell says: "The half-hiss, half-sigh of an animal." In many colleges in the United States, this word is applied to a bad recitation, probably from the want of distinct articulation which usually attends such performances. It is further explained in the Yale Banger, November 10, 1846: "This figure of a wounded snake is intended to represent what in technical language is termed a _fizzle_. The best judges have decided, that to get just one third of the meaning right constitutes a _perfect fizzle_."

With a mind and body so nearly at rest, that naught interrupted my inmost repose save cloudy reminiscences of a morning "_fizzle_" and an afternoon "flunk," my tranquillity was sufficiently enviable.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 114.

Here he could _fizzles_ mark without a sigh, And see orations unregarded die. _The Tomahawk_, Nov., 1849.

Not a wail was heard, or a "_fizzle's_" mild sigh, As his corpse o'er the pavement we hurried. _The Gallinipper_, Dec., 1849.

At Princeton College, the word _blue_ is used with _fizzle_, to render it intensive; as, he made a _blue fizzle_, he _fizzled blue_.

FIZZLE. To fail in reciting; to recite badly. A correspondent from Williams College says: "Flunk is the common word when some unfortunate man makes an utter failure in recitation. He _fizzles_ when he stumbles through at last." Another from Union writes: "If you have been lazy, you will probably _fizzle_." A writer in the Yale Literary Magazine thus humorously defines this word: "_Fizzle_. To rise with modest reluctance, to hesitate often, to decline finally; generally, to misunderstand the question."--Vol. XIV. p. 144.

My dignity is outraged at beholding those who _fizzle_ and flunk in my presence tower above me.--_The Yale Banger_, Oct. 22, 1847.

I "skinned," and "_fizzled_" through. _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854.

The verb _to fizzle out_, which is used at the West, has a little stronger signification, viz. to be quenched, extinguished; to prove a failure.--_Bartlett's Dict. Americanisms_.

The factious and revolutionary action of the fifteen has interrupted the regular business of the Senate, disgraced the actors, and _fizzled out_.--_Cincinnati Gazette_.

2. To cause one to fail in reciting. Said of an instructor.

_Fizzle_ him tenderly, Bore him with care, Fitted so slenderly, Tutor, beware. _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 321.

FIZZLING. Reciting badly; the act of making a poor recitation.

Of this word, a writer jocosely remarks: "_Fizzling_ is a somewhat _free_ translation of an intricate sentence; proving a proposition in geometry from a wrong figure. Fizzling is caused sometimes by a too hasty perusal of the pony, and generally by a total loss of memory when called upon to recite."--_Sophomore Independent_, Union College, Nov. 1854.

Weather drizzling, Freshmen _fizzling_. _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XV. p. 212.

FLAM. At the University of Vermont, in student phrase, to _flam_ is to be attentive, at any time, to any lady or company of ladies. E.g. "He spends half his time _flamming_" i.e. in the society of the other sex.

FLASH-IN-THE-PAN. A student is said to make a _flash-in-the-pan_ when he commences to recite brilliantly, and suddenly fails; the latter part of such a recitation is a FIZZLE. The metaphor is borrowed from a gun, which, after being primed, loaded, and ready to be discharged, _flashes in the pan_.

FLOOR. Among collegians, to answer such questions as may be propounded concerning a given subject.

Then Olmsted took hold, but he couldn't make it go, For we _floored_ the Bien. Examination. _Presentation Day Songs_, Yale Coll., June 14, 1854.

To _floor a paper_, is to answer every question in it.--_Bristed_.

Somehow I nearly _floored the paper_, and came out feeling much more comfortable than when I went in.--_Bristed's Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 12.

Our best classic had not time to _floor_ the _paper_.--_Ibid._, p. 135.

FLOP. A correspondent from the University of Vermont writes: "Any 'cute' performance by which a man is sold [deceived] is a _good flop_, and, by a phrase borrowed from the ball ground, is 'rightly played.' The discomfited individual declares that they 'are all on a side,' and gives up, or 'rolls over' by giving his opponent 'gowdy.'" "A man writes cards during examination to 'feeze the profs'; said cards are 'gumming cards,' and he _flops_ the examination if he gets a good mark by the means." One usually _flops_ his marks by feigning sickness.

FLOP A TWENTY. At the University of Vermont, to _flop a twenty_ is to make a perfect recitation, twenty being the maximum mark for scholarship.

FLUMMUX. Any failure is called a _flummux_. In some colleges the word is particularly applied to a poor recitation. At Williams College, a failure on the play-ground is called a _flummux_.

FLUMMUX. To fail; to recite badly. Mr. Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, has the word _flummix_, to be overcome; to be frightened; to give way to.

Perhaps Parson Hyme didn't put it into Pokerville for two mortal hours; and perhaps Pokerville didn't mizzle, wince, and finally _flummix_ right beneath him.--_Field, Drama in Pokerville_.

FLUNK. This word is used in some American colleges to denote a complete failure in recitation.

This, O, [signifying neither beginning nor end,] Tutor H---- said meant a perfect _flunk_.--_The Yale Banger_, Nov. 10, 1846.

I've made some twelve or fourteen _flunks_.--_The Gallinipper_, Dec. 1849.

And that bold man must bear a _flunk_, or die, Who, when John pleased be captious, dared reply. _Yale Tomahawk_, Nov. 1849.

The Sabbath dawns upon the poor student burdened with the thought of the lesson, or _flunk_ of the morrow morning.--_Ibid._, Feb. 1851.

He thought ... First of his distant home and parents, tunc, Of tutors' note-books, and the morrow's _flunk_. _Ibid._, Feb. 1851.

In moody meditation sunk, Reflecting on my future _flunk_. _Songs of Yale_, 1853, p. 54.

And so, in spite of scrapes and _flunks_, I'll have a sheep-skin too. _Presentation Day Songs_, June 14, 1854.

Some amusing anecdotes are told, such as the well-known one about the lofty dignitary's macaronic injunction, "Exclude canem, et shut the door"; and another of a tutor's dismal _flunk_ on faba.--_Harv. Mag._, Vol. I. p. 263.

FLUNK. To make a complete failure when called on to recite. A writer in the Yale Literary Magazine defines it, "to decline peremptorily, and then to whisper, 'I had it all, except that confounded little place.'"--Vol. XIV. p. 144.

They know that a man who has _flunked_, because too much of a genius to get his lesson, is not in a state to appreciate joking. --_Amherst Indicator_, Vol. I. p. 253.

Nestor was appointed to deliver a poem, but most ingloriously _flunked_.--_Ibid._, Vol. I. p. 256.

The phrase _to flunk out_, which Bartlett, in his Dictionary of Americanisms, defines, "to retire through fear, to back out," is of the same nature as the above word.

Why, little one, you must be cracked, if you _flunk out_ before we begin.--_J.C. Neal_.

It was formerly used in some American colleges as is now the word _flunk_.

We must have, at least, as many subscribers as there are students in College, or "_flunk out."--The Crayon_, Yale Coll., 1823, p. 3.

FLUNKEY. In college parlance, one who makes a complete failure at recitation; one who _flunks_.

I bore him safe through Horace, Saved him from the _flunkey's_ doom. _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XX. p. 76.

FLUNKING. Failing completely in reciting.

_Flunking_ so gloomily, Crushed by contumely. _Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XIII. p. 322.

We made our earliest call while the man first called up in the division-room was deliberately and gracefully "_flunking_."--_Ibid._, Vol. XIV. p. 190.

See what a spot a _flunking_ Soph'more made! _Yale Gallinipper_, Nov. 1848.

FLUNKOLOGY. A farcical word, designed to express the science _of flunking_.

The ---- scholarship, is awarded to the student in each Freshman Class who passes the poorest examination in _Flunkology_.--_Burlesque Catalogue_, Yale Coll., 1852-53, p. 28.

FOOTBALL. For many years, the game of football has been the favorite amusement at some of the American colleges, during certain seasons of the year. At Harvard and Yale, it is customary for the Sophomore Class to challenge the Freshmen to a trial game, soon after their entrance into College. The interest excited on this occasion is always very great, the Seniors usually siding with the former, and the Juniors with the latter class. The result is generally in favor of the Sophomores. College poets and prose-writers have often chosen the game of football as a topic on which to exercise their descriptive powers. One invokes his muse, in imitation of a great poet, as follows:--

"The Freshmen's wrath, to Sophs the direful spring Of shins unnumbered bruised, great goddess, sing!"

Another, speaking of the size of the ball in ancient times compared with what it is at present, says:--

"A ball like this, so monstrous and so hard, Six eager Freshmen scarce could kick a yard!"

Further compositions on this subject are to be found in the Harvard Register, Harvardiana, Yale Banger, &c.

See WRESTLING-MATCH.

FORENSIC. A written argument, maintaining either the affirmative or the negative side of a question.

In Harvard College, the two senior classes are required to write _forensics_ once in every four weeks, on a subject assigned by the Professor of Moral Philosophy; these they read before him and the division of the class to which they belong, on appointed days. It was formerly customary for the teacher to name those who were to write on the affirmative and those on the negative, but it is now left optional with the student which side he will take. This word was originally used as an adjective, and it was usual to speak of a forensic dispute, which has now been shortened into _forensic_.

For every unexcused omission of a _forensic_, or of reading a _forensic_, a deduction shall be made of the highest number of marks to which that exercise is entitled. Seventy-two is the highest mark for _forensics_.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848.

What with themes, _forensics_, letters, memoranda, notes on lectures, verses, and articles, I find myself considerably hurried.--_Collegian_, 1830, p. 241.

When I call to mind _Forensics_ numberless, With arguments so grave and erudite, I never understood their force myself, But trusted that my sage instructor would. _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 403.

FORK ON. At Hamilton College, _to fork on_, to appropriate to one's self.

FORTS. At Jefferson and at Washington Colleges in Pennsylvania, the boarding-houses for the students are called _forts_.

FOUNDATION. A donation or legacy appropriated to support an institution, and constituting a permanent fund, usually for a charitable purpose.--_Webster_.

In America it is also applied to a donation or legacy appropriated especially to maintain poor and deserving, or other students, at a college.

In the selection of candidates for the various beneficiary _foundations_, the preference will be given to those who are of exemplary conduct and scholarship.--_Laws of Univ. at Cam., Mass._, 1848, p. 19.

Scholars on this _foundation_ are to be called "scholars of the house."--_Sketches of Yale Coll._, p. 86.

FOUNDATIONER. One who derives support from the funds or foundation of a college or a great school.--_Jackson_.

This word is not in use in the _United States_.

See BENEFICIARY.

FOUNDATION SCHOLAR. At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a scholar who enjoys certain privileges, and who is of that class whence Fellows are taken.

Of the scholars of this name, Bristed remarks: "The table nearer the door is filled by students in the ordinary Undergraduate blue gown; but from the better service of their table, and perhaps some little consequential air of their own, it is plain that they have something peculiar to boast of. They are the Foundation Scholars, from whom the future Fellows are to be chosen, in the proportion of about one out of three. Their Scholarships are gained by examination in the second or third year, and entitle them to a pecuniary allowance from the college, and also to their commons gratis (these latter subject to certain attendance at and service in chapel), a first choice of rooms, and some other little privileges, of which they are somewhat proud, and occasionally they look as if conscious that some Don may be saying to a chance visitor at the high table, 'Those over yonder are the scholars, the best men of their year.'"--_Five Years in an Eng. Univ._, Ed. 2d, p. 20.

FOX. In the German universities, a student during the first half-year is called a Fox (Fuchs), the same as Freshman. To this the epithet _nasty_ is sometimes added.

On this subject, Howitt remarks: "On entering the University, he becomes a _Kameel_,--a Camel. This happy transition-state of a few weeks gone by, he comes forth finally, on entering a Chore, a _Fox_, and runs joyfully into the new Burschen life. During the first _semester_ or half-year, he is a gold fox, which means, that he has _foxes_, or rich gold in plenty yet; or he is a _Crass-fucks_, or fat fox, meaning that he yet swells or puffs himself up with gold."--_Student Life of Germany_, Am. ed., p. 124.

"Halloo there, Herdman, _fox_!" yelled another lusty tippler, and Herdman, thus appealed to, arose and emptied the contents of his glass.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 116.

At the same moment, a door at the end of the hall was thrown open, and a procession of new-comers, or _Nasty Foxes_, as they are called in the college dialect, entered two by two, looking wild, and green, and foolish.--_Longfellow's Hyperion_, p. 109.

See also in the last-mentioned work the Fox song.

FREEZE. A correspondent from Williams College writes: "But by far the most expressive word in use among us is _Freeze_. The meaning of it might be felt, if, some cold morning, you would place your tender hand upon some frosty door-latch; it would be a striking specimen on the part of the door-latch of what we mean by _Freeze_. Thus we _freeze_ to apples in the orchards, to fellows whom we electioneer for in our secret societies, and alas! some even go so far as to _freeze_ to the ladies."

"Now, boys," said Bob, "_freeze on_," and at it they went.--_Yale Lit. Mag._, Vol. XII. p. 111.

FRESH. An abbreviation for Freshman or Freshmen; FRESHES is sometimes used for the plural.

When Sophs met _Fresh_, power met opposing power. _Harv. Reg._, p. 251.

The Sophs did nothing all the first fortnight but torment the _Fresh_, as they call us.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 76.

Listen to the low murmurings of some annihilated _Fresh_ upon the Delta.--_Oration before H.L. of I.O. of O.F._, 1848.

FRESH. Newly come; likewise, awkward, like a Freshman.--_Grad. ad Cantab._

For their behavior at table, spitting and coughing, and speaking loud, was counted uncivil in any but a gentleman; as we say in the university, that nothing is _fresh_ in a Senior, and to him it was a glory.--_Archæol. Atticæ_, Edit. Oxon., 1675, B. VI.

FRESHMAN, _pl._ FRESHMEN. In England, a student during his first year's residence at the university. In America, one who belongs to the youngest of the four classes in college, called the _Freshman Class_.--_Webster_.

FRESHMAN. Pertaining to a Freshman, or to the class called _Freshman_.

FRESHMAN, BUTLER'S. At Harvard and Yale Colleges, a Freshman, formerly hired by the Butler, to perform certain duties pertaining to his office, was called by this name.

The Butler may be allowed a Freshman, to do the foregoing duties, and to deliver articles to the students from the Buttery, who shall be appointed by the President and Tutors, and he shall be allowed the same provision in the Hall as the Waiters; and he shall not be charged in the Steward's quarter-bills under the heads of Steward and Instruction and Sweepers, Catalogue and Dinner.--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1793, p. 61.

With being _butler's freshman_, and ringing the bell the first year, waiter the three last, and keeping school in the vacations, I rubbed through.--_The Algerine Captive_, Walpole, 1797, Vol. I. p. 54.

See BUTLER, BUTTERY.

FRESHMAN CLUB. At Hamilton College, it is customary for the new Sophomore Class to present to the Freshmen at the commencement of the first term a heavy cudgel, six feet long, of black walnut, brass bound, with a silver plate inscribed "_Freshman Club_." The club is given to the one who can hold it out at arm's length the longest time, and the presentation is accompanied with an address from one of the Sophomores in behalf of his class. He who receives the club is styled the "leader." The "leader" having been declared, after an appropriate speech from a Freshman appointed for that purpose, "the class," writes a correspondent, "form a procession, and march around the College yard, the leader carrying the club before them. A trial is then made by the class of the virtues of the club, on the Chapel door."

FRESHMAN, COLLEGE. In Harvard University, a member of the Freshman Class, whose duties are enumerated below. "On Saturday, after the exercises, any student not specially prohibited may go out of town. If the students thus going out of town fail to return so as to be present at evening prayers, they must enter their names with the _College Freshman_ within the hour next preceding the evening study bell; and all students who shall be absent from evening prayers on Saturday must in like manner enter their names."--_Statutes and Laws of the Univ. in Cam., Mass._, 1825, p. 42.

The _College Freshman_ lived in No. 1, Massachusetts Hall, and was commonly called the _book-keeper_. The duties of this office are now performed by one of the Proctors.

FRESHMANHOOD. The state of a _Freshman_, or the time in which one is a Freshman, which is in duration a year.

But yearneth not thy laboring heart, O Tom, For those dear hours of simple _Freshmanhood_? _Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 405.

When to the college I came, in the first dear day of _my freshhood_, Like to the school we had left I imagined the new situation. _Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 98.

FRESHMANIC. Pertaining to a _Freshman_; resembling a _Freshman_, or his condition.

The Junior Class had heard of our miraculous doings, and asserted with that peculiar dignity which should at all times excite terror and awe in the _Freshmanic_ breast, that they would countenance no such proceedings.--_Harvardiana_, Vol. III. p. 316.

I do not pine for those _Freshmanic_ days.--_Ibid._, Vol. III. p. 405.

FRESHMAN, PARIETAL. In Harvard College, the member of the Freshman Class who gives notice to those whom the chairman of the Parietal Committee wishes to see, is known by the name of the _Parietal Freshman_. For his services he receives about forty dollars per annum, and the rent of his room.

FRESHMAN, PRESIDENT'S. A member of the Freshman Class who performs the official errands of the President, for which he receives the same compensation as the PARIETAL FRESHMAN.

Then Bibo kicked his carpet thrice, Which brought his _Freshman_ in a trice. "You little rascal! go and call The persons mentioned in this scroll." The fellow, hearing, scarcely feels The ground, so quickly fly his heels. _Rebelliad_, p. 27.

FRESHMAN, REGENT'S. In Harvard College, a member of the Freshman Class whose duties are given below.

"When any student shall return to town, after having had leave of absence for one night or more, or after any vacation, he shall apply to the _Regent's Freshman_, at his room, to enter the time of his return; and shall tarry till he see it entered.

"The _Regent's Freshman_ is not charged under the heads of Steward, Instruction, Sweepers, Catalogue, and Dinner."--_Laws of Harv. Coll._, 1816, pp. 46, 47.

This office is now abolished.

FRESHMAN'S BIBLE. Among collegians, the name by which the body of laws, the catalogue, or the calendar of a collegiate institution is often designated. The significancy of the word _Bible_ is seen, when the position in which the laws are intended to be regarded is considered. The _Freshman_ is supposed to have studied and to be more familiar with the laws than any one else, hence the propriety of using his name in this connection. A copy of the laws are usually presented to each student on his entrance into college.

Every year there issues from the warehouse of Messrs. Deighton, the publishers to the University of Cambridge, an octavo volume, bound in white canvas, and of a very periodical and business-like appearance. Among the Undergraduates it is commonly known by the name of the "_Freshman's Bible_,"--the public usually ask for the "University Calendar."--_Westminster Rev._, Am. ed., Vol. XXXV. p. 230.