San Francisco News Letter/January 30, 1869
PROFESSOR—One who makes an avowal of his belief in Scripture; especially an officer in a college or university, whose business it is to instruct students in a particular branch of learning. [Obsolete]. A person who is skilled in breaking horses. One who is an adept in slight-of-hand performances. A teacher of the art of self-defense. A teacher of the art of French cookery—example, Prof. Blot. In fine, the title may be applied to any jackass who has the boldness to assume it.
DOCTOR OF DIVINITY—A title conferred on a person of profound learning, who has written a work on theology, or by study and research has contributed largely to the fund of Bible knowledge [Obsolete]. A title affixed to the name of a Christian minister having the same force as Reverend prefixed. One of the honorary degrees conferred indiscriminately by colleges on ministers of the gospel.
HONORABLE—Formerly an epithet of respect or distinction given to a member of Congress or a state senator. The term is now applied to anyone elected to public office, or to a person who distinguishes himself in prize-fighting, embezzling, gambling, etc.; also applied in any case where the word dishonorable would be more correctly used.
COLLEGE—Formerly a society of scholars incorporated for purposes of study of instruction; an educational institution with the powers of conferring degrees on its graduates. Now, a school for the instruction of boys in bookkeeping; a boarding school, where young ladies are taught music, drawing, etc.; any educational institution where, in addition to a parimary and “common English” department Latin and Greek are studied.
(Source: California State Library, Microfilm Collection)
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