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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GAUDEAMUS, n. Also ¶goudy-aumous (Sc. 1845 Edb. Tales (Johnstone) I. 172).

1. The name (from its opening word) of a well-known Scots students' song.Sc. 1910 College Echoes XXII. 57:
The opening bars of the “Gaudeamus” itself interrupted the general stream of conversation, and this tribute being paid to our ancient custom the floor was cleared for dancing.Sc. 1917 Abd. Univ. Review IV. 28:
The “Gaudeamus” seems the inevitable inspiration of the Medieval Student, . . . of that immortal spirit of youth whereof he was the secular embodiment.Sc. 1954 Edb. Evening Dispatch (26 Oct.):
In addition, the first-year student [at St Andrews] is required to know by heart the University song, “Gaudeamus,” in Latin. If he fails to repeat it on demand by a senior, he is liable to pay another toll of raisins.

†2. “A feast or merry-making” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.), gen. of college-students, esp. at St Andrews.Sc. 1728 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) II. 122:
Poor Skybalds, curs'd with less of Wealth than Wit, Blyth of a gratis Gaudeamus, sit With Look attentive, ready all about, To give the Laugh when his dull Joke comes out.Sc. 1774 Weekly Mag. (3 March) 319:
On Saturday evening last, there was a Gaudeamus among the Journeymen Printers, on account of the decision of the house of Peers in the Great cause of literary property in their favours.Sc. 1823 Scott Familiar Letters (1894) II. 178:
Our Bannatyne Club goes on à merveille, only that at our gaudeamus this year we drank our wine more majorum.s.Sc. 1837 T. T. Stoddart Angling Reminisc. 139:
Look you here what famous fellows are still holding gaudeamus!Fif. 1891 R. F. Murray Scarlet Gown 121:
A solatium is a Debating Society spree, held in December or January; a gaudeamus is a festival of the same kind, only rather more ambitious, celebrated towards the close of the session.Fif. 1894 College Echoes VI. 71:
On Saturday evening the first Gaudeamus of the session was held in the Cross Keys Hotel.