Also 6–7 Sorbone. [F. Sorbonne, f. the place-name Sorbon (see def.) in the Ardennes.]
1. A theological college at Paris founded by Robert de Sorbon early in the 13th century; the faculty of theology in the old University of Paris, of great importance down to the 17th century.
The Sorbonne is now the seat of the Académie of Paris and of the faculties of theology, science and literature.
1560. Daus, trans. Sleidane’s Comm., 270 b. What tyme for the same cause the divines of Sorbone procured him some daunger, he shewed no constancie.
1638. R. Baker, trans. Balzac’s Lett. (vol. II.), 141. Concerning the condition of superiour things, I referre myself to the Sorbone.
1682. News fr. France, 38. Thus you see how firm the Sorbonne is in this matter.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., There are Lodgings in it for 36 Doctors, who are said to be of the Society of the Sorbonne.
1886. Encycl. Brit., XX. 195/2. Up to this time Rabelais, despite the condemnation of the Sorbonne,… had experienced nothing like persecution or difficulty.
† 2. A Sorbonist. Obs.–1
1631. Weever, Anc. Funeral Mon., 751. He had studied a long time in Oxford, and at Paris amongst the Sorbons.
Hence Sorbonnic a. (Cf. SORBONICAL a.)
1893. A. Lang, St. Andrews, iv. 105. A writer of the particularly unclassic Latin called Sorbonnic.
