Cantab

English

Etymology

Clipping of Cantabrigian, from Latin Cantabrigia (“Cambridge”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkantab/

Noun

Cantab (plural Cantabs)

1. (colloquial) A graduate of Cambridge University in England.
   • 1789, Harris's List of Covent-Garden Ladies, London: H. Ranger, page 91:

     She is frequently visited by the young Cantabs, upon their arrival in the capital […] .

   • 1819, Lord Byron, Don Juan, III.110:

     Sure my invention must be down at zero, / And I grown one of many "Wooden Spoons" / Of verse, (the name with which we Cantabs please / To dub the last of honours in degrees).

2. (colloquial) A student at or graduate of Harvard University, USA (Cambridge, MA).

Derived terms

• Tab

Adjective

Cantab

1. (after a qualification) Cantabrigian.