optime
(ˈɒptɪmiː)
[a. L. optimē adv., ‘best’, ‘very well’, originating in the phrase optimē disputāsti ‘you have disputed very well’ (Wordsw. Scholæ Acad. 1877, 37–8).]
One who has been placed in the second or third division, called respectively senior and junior optimes, in the Mathematical Tripos at Cambridge.
proctors' optimes, ‘degrees [formerly] granted without examination, by the prerogative of the vice-chancellor, proctors and moderators’ (Wordsw. Sch. Ac. 57–8, 358).
| [1709–10 Reneu Let. to Strype 10 Feb. (Wordsw. Sch. Ac. 305), He took his degree very honourably, and I believe will have an optimé.] 1755 in Cambridge Univ. Cal. (1797) 157 Apthorpe, Jes. Col. V. C., and Proctor's S. Opt. 1764 Ibid. 169 Ds More Trin. 1st Sr. Optime..Ds Love Caii 1st Jun. Optime. 1840 Encycl. Brit. (ed. 7) XXI. 505/1 Their names are..classed in three divisions, viz. wranglers, senior optimes, and junior optimes, which constitute the three orders of honour. |