PASS EXAMINATION.  At the University of Cambridge, Eng., an examination which is required for the B.A. degree.  Of these examinations there are three during a student’s undergraduateship.

Even the examinations which are disparagingly known as “pass” ones, the Previous, the Poll, and (since the new regulations) the Junior Optime, require more than half marks on their papers.—­Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng.  Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 319.

PASSMAN.  At Oxford, one who merely passes his examination, and obtains testimonials for a degree, but is not able to obtain any honors or distinctions.  Opposed to CLASSMAN, q.v.

“Have the passmen done their paper work yet?” asked Whitbread.  “However, the schools, I dare say, will not be open to the classmen till Monday.”—­Collegian’s Guide, p. 309.

PATRON.  At some of the Colleges in the United States, the patron is appointed to take charge of the funds, and to regulate the expenses, of students who reside at a distance.  Formerly, students who came within this provision were obliged to conform to the laws in reference to the patron; it is now left optional.

P.D.  An abbreviation of Philosophiae Doctor, Doctor of Philosophy.  “In the German universities,” says Brande, “the title ‘Doctor Philosophiae’ has long been substituted for Baccalaureus Artium or Literarium.”

PEACH.  To inform against; to communicate facts by way of accusation.

It being rather advisable to enter college before twelve, or to stay out all night, bribing the bed-maker next morning not to peach.—­Alma Mater, Vol.  I. p. 190.

  When, by a little spying, I can reach
  The height of my ambition, I must peach.
    The Gallinipper, Dec. 1849.

PEMBROKER.  At the University of Cambridge, Eng., a member of Pembroke College.

The Pembroker was booked to lead the Tripos.—­Bristed’s Five Years in an Eng.  Univ., Ed. 2d, p. 158.

PENE.  Latin, almost, nearly.  A candidate for admission to the Freshman Class is called a Pene, that is, almost a Freshman.

PENNILESS BENCH.  Archdeacon Nares, in his Glossary, says of this phrase:  “A cant term for a state of poverty.  There was a public seat so called in Oxford; but I fancy it was rather named from the common saying, than that derived from it.”

          Bid him bear up, he shall not
  Sit long on penniless bench.
    Mass.  City Mad., IV. 1.

That everie stool he sate on was pennilesse bench, that his robes were rags.—­Euphues and his Engl., D. 3.

PENSIONER.  French, pensionnaire, one who pays for his board.  In the University of Cambridge, Eng., and in that of Dublin, a student of the second rank, who is not dependent on the foundation for support, but pays for his board and other charges.  Equivalent to COMMONER at Oxford, or OPPIDANT of Eton school.—­Brande.  Gent.  Mag., 1795.