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 size, which in Cambridge, and probably in Dublin likewise, has a peculiar meaning. To size, 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 size of any thing is the smallest quantity of that thing which can be thus bought: two sizes, or a part of beef, being nearly equal to what a young person will eat of that dish to his dinner; and a size of ale or beer being equal to half an English pint.

The sizars are divided into two classes, viz. subfizators or sizars, and sizators or proper sizars. 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 sizing, as is sometimes the case still. The proper sizars had formerly no commons at all, and were therefore obliged to size 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 size their suppers: in the other colleges they are allowed a part of the fellow-commons, but must size the rest; and from being thus obliged to size the whole or part of their victuals, the whole order derived the name of sizars.

In Oxford, the order similar to that of sizar 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 largest colleges the dress of the pensioners and sizars 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 sizars of Cambridge are now on a much more respectable footing than the servitors of Oxford.

The sizars are not upon the foundation, and therefore while they continue sizars are not capable of being elected elected fellows; but they may at any time, if they choose, become penioners; and they generally fit for scholarships immediately before they take their first degrees. 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 fizar, besides free commons they enjoy many benefactions, which have been made at different times, under the name of fizar's prator, exhibitions, &c. and the rate of tuition, the rent of rooms, and other things of that fort within their respective colleges, is less than to the other orders. But though their education is thus obtained at a less expence, they are not now considered as a menial order; for fizar, penioner-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 fizar, when that order was on a less respectable footing than it is now.