or fresher, subs. (university).—A University man during his first year. In Dublin University he is a JUNIOR FRESHMAN during his first year, and a SENIOR FRESHMAN the second year. At Oxford the title lasts for the first term. Ger., Fuchs.
1596. NASHE, Have with You to Saffron-Walden, in wks. iii., 8. When he was but yet a FRESHMAN in Cambridge.
1611. MIDDLETON, The Roaring Girle, Act iii., Sc. 3. S. Alex. Then he’s a graduate. S. Davy. Say they trust him not. S. Alex. Then is he held a FRESHMAN and a sot.
1767. COLMAN, The Oxonian in Town, ii., 3. And now I find you as dull and melancholy as a FRESHMAN at college after a jobation.
1841. LEVER, Charles O’Malley, ch. xiv. ‘This is his third year,’ said the Doctor, ‘and he is only a FRESHMAN, having lost every examination.’
1891. Sporting Life, 20 March. The mile, bar accidents, will be a gift to B. C. Allen, of Corpus, who has more than maintained the reputation he gained as a FRESHER.
Adj. (university).—Of, or pertaining to, a FRESHMAN, or a first year student.
