subs. (Cambridge University).—1. The ordinary examination for the B.A. degree: as distinguished from the Honours examination. Whence (2) a student taking the “pass” degree without “Honours.” [Gr. Hoi polloi = the many.] Hence, TO GO OUT IN THE POLL = to take an ordinary degree. Also POLL-MAN and POLL-DEGREE.
1855. BRISTED, Five Years in an English University, 62. Several declared that they would GO OUT IN THE POLL.
1884. PAYN, Some Literary Recollections, ii. I took my degree, however—a first-class ‘POLL,’ which my good folks at home believed to be an honourable distinction.
1889. Academy, 2 March. It is related of some Cambridge POLL-MAN that he was once so ill-advised as to desert a private tutor.
3. (nautical).—A woman: generic. Hence (specifically) = a prostitute; POLLY-HOOD = a state of wantonness (Walpole accused the ladies of his day of POLLYHOOD, ‘more fond than virtuous’); TO POLL UP = (1) to court; and (2) to live in concubinage.
1893. P. H. EMERSON, Signor Lippo, ix. They began to give him money … a POLL gave him a bob.
4. (old).—A wig.—HALL (1708); GROSE (1785).
5. (thieves’).—A decoy bitch. See PILL AND POLL.
Verb. 1. See PILL AND POLL.
2. (sporting).—To beat; to distance.
3. (common).—To snub.
