or crackling, subs. (university).—The velvet bars on the gowns of the Johnian ‘HOGS’ (g.v.). [From their resemblance to the scored rind on roast pork.] The covered bridge between one of the courts and the grounds of John’s is called the Isthmus of Suez (Latin sus, a swine).
1885. CUTHBERT BEDE, in Notes and Queries, 6 S., xi., 414. The word CRACKLE refers to the velvet bars on the students’ gowns.
