subs. (university).—See quot.
1868. BREWER, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, s.v. BRUTE, in Cambridge University slang, is a man who has not yet matriculated. The play is evident. A ‘man,’ in college phrase, is a collegian; and as matriculation is the sign and seal of acceptance, a scholar before that ceremony is not a ‘man,’ and therefore only a ‘BIPED BRUTE.’
