great go
[See great a. and go n.1]
Univ. slang. The final examination for the degree of B.A. (At Oxford now called greats.) (Cf. little go.)
| 1820 Gentl. Mag. XC. i. 32 At present the examination [at the University of Oxford] is divided into a Little-go and a Great-go. 1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy I. 137 An examination that would far exceed the perils of the great go. Ibid. 141 When he enters upon life, action, or profession, both the little go, and the great go, he will find to be a by go; for he will find that he has gone by the best part of useful and substantial learning; or that it has gone by him. 1841 Thackeray K. of Brentford vii, His little go and great go He creditably pass'd. 1876 ‘P. Pyper’ Mr. Gray & Neighb. I. 74 Young Mr. Applebee had managed to pass his ‘great go’ at Oxford, just about the time the living fell vacant. |