SIZAR, or SIZER, in Latin Sizator, an appellation by which the lowest order of students in the universities of Cambridge and Dublin are distinguished, is derived from the word fize, which in Cambridge, and probably in Dublin likewise, has a peculiar meaning. To fize, in the language of the university, is to get any sort of victuals from the kitchens, which the students may want in their own rooms, or in addition to their commons in the hall, and for which they pay the cooks or butchers at the end of each quarter. A fize of any thing is the smallest quantity of that thing which can be thus bought: two fizes, or a part of beef, being nearly equal to what a young person will eat of that dish to his dinner; and a fize of ale or beer being equal to half an English pint.
The fizars are divided into two classes, viz. subfizatores or fizars, and fizatores or proper fizars. The former of these are supplied with commons from the table of the fellows and fellow-commoners; and in former times, when these were more scanty than they are now, they were obliged to supply the deficiency by fizing, as is sometimes the case still. The proper fizars had formerly no commons at all, and were therefore obliged to fize the whole. In St John's college they have now some commons allowed them for dinner, from a benefaction, but they are still obliged to fize their suppers: in the other colleges they are allowed a part of the fellow-commons, but must fize the rest; and from being thus obliged to fize the whole or part of their victuals, the whole order derived the name of fizars.
In Oxford, the order similar to that of fizar is denominated servitor, a name evidently derived from the menial duties which they perform. In both universities these orders were formerly distinguished by round caps and gowns of different materials from those of the pensioners or commoners, the order immediately above them. But about 30 years ago the round cap was entirely abolished in both seminaries. There is still, however, in Oxford, we believe, a distinction in the gowns, and there is also a trifling difference in some of the small colleges in Cambridge; but in the large colleges the dress of the pensioners and fizars is entirely the same.
In Oxford, the servitors are still obliged to wait at table on the fellows and gentlemen-commoners; but much to the credit of the university of Cambridge, this most degrading and disgraceful custom was entirely abolished about 10 or 12 years ago, and of course the fizars of Cambridge are now on a much more respectable footing than the servitors of Oxford.
The fizars are not upon the foundation, and therefore while they continue fizars are not capable of being elected fellows; but they may at any time, if they choose,
choose, become pensioners: and they generally fit for scholarships immediately before they take their first degree. If successful, they are then on the foundation, and are entitled to become candidates for fellowships when they have got that degree. In the mean time, while they continue fizars, besides free commons they enjoy many benefactions, which have been made at different times, under the name of fizar's proctor, exhibitions, &c. and the rate of tuition, the rent of rooms, and other things of that sort within their respective colleges, is less than to the other orders. But tho' their education is thus obtained at a less expense, they are not now considered as a menial order; for fizars, pensioner-scholars, and even sometimes fellow-commoners, mix together with the utmost cordiality. It is worthy of remark, that at every period this order has supplied the university with its most distinguished officers; and that many of the most illustrious members of the church, many of the most distinguished men in the other liberal professions, have, when under-graduates, been fizars, when that order was on a less respectable footing than it is now.