subs. (university).—The public examination which students at the English Universities have to pass in the second year of residence: also called the ‘previous examination’ (as preceding the final one for a degree), and, at Oxford, SMALLS (q.v.).

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  1841.  THACKERAY, The King of Brentford’s Testament, 86, 7.

          At college, though not fast,
Yet his LITTLE-GO and great-go
  He creditably pass’d.

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  1849.  THACKERAY, Pendennis, iii. A tator, don’t you see old boy? He’s coaching me, and some other men, for the LITTLE-GO.

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