subs. (Cambridge).—The student last on the list of mathematical honours. See TRIPOS, GULF, TWELVE APOSTLES, WRANGLER, etc.
1823. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue [EGAN]. OPTIME. The senior and junior optimes are the second and last classes of Cambridge honours conferred on taking a degree. That of wranglers is the first. The last junior optime is called the WOODEN SPOON.
