COLLEGE, an assemblage of several bodies or societies, or of several persons into one society.
College, among the Romans, served indifferently for those employed in the offices of religion, of government, the liberal, and even mechanical arts and trades; so that, with them, the word signified what we call a corporation or company.
Each of these colleges had distinct meeting-places or halls; and likewise, in imitation of the state, a treasury and common chest, a register, and one to represent them upon public occasions, and acts of government. These colleges had the privilege of manumitting slaves, of being legates, and making by-laws for their own body, provided they did not clash with those of the government.
There are various colleges on foot among the moderns, founded on the model of those of the ancients. Such are the three colleges of the empire, viz.