oppidan

Witness his excruciating promise to reach out to something he pointedly referred to as “Oppidan Britain”.

Oppidan, op′i-dan, n. at Eton, a student who is not a foundationer or colleger.

The changes effected in 1861 in abolishing Check nights and Oppidan dinner were ordered and carried out by him without the least idea that anyone might have objected.

It was with his assistance that Dr. Goodford was persuaded to allow the eight to go to Henley Regatta in 1861, and the tacit understanding was made that if the authorities would allow this, and also the boating bill by which two long boats might escape six o’clock absence and have time to row to Cliefden, the boats would give up Oppidan dinner and Check nights.

The convivial entertainments of Check nights and Oppidan dinners had already become institutions of a past age.