U.S. [f. next + -AN.] In colleges, academies, etc., the student (male or female) appointed on grounds of merit to deliver the valedictory oration on Commencement day.
1831. Anti-Masonic Republican, 30 March, 3/4. And now Dear Ned, we must ‘bid you an affectionate farewell,’ as the college valedictorians say.
1847. in Webster.
1860. O. W. Holmes, Elsie V. (1887), 100. The last year’s ‘Valedictorian’ of the Apollinean Institute.
1873. Eliz. Phelps, Trotty’s Wedding Tour, 172. She stumbled over the valedictorian of her class in the young ladies’ Star of Hope Seminary.
1887. Lippincott’s Mag., Aug., 294. Among others … chosen are the valedictorian of the Senior class [etc.].
