subs. phr. (colloquial).—Originally (and properly) one’s University; now applied to any place of training: school, college, or University.

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  1701.  FARQUHAR, Sir Harry Wildair, ii. 1. Ban. Ay, there [Oxford] have I been sucking my dear ALMA MATER these seven years…. In spite of the university, I’m a pretty gentleman.

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  1718.  POPE, The Dunciad, iii. 338.

        Till Isis’ elders reel, their pupils’ sport,
And ALMA MATER lye dissolv’d in port!

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  1762.  FOOTE, The Liar, i. 1. Why, then adieu, ALMA MATER!… farewell to the schools, and welcome the theatres.

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  1771.  SMOLLETT, The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (1900), i. 34. Some good offices which you know he has done me since I left ALMA MATER.

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  1803.  SCOTT [LOCKHART, Life (1839), II. 126]. The literary men of his ALMA MATER.

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  1833.  PEIRCE, History of Harvard University, p. 57. He [Benjamin Woodbridge] was the eldest son of our ALMA MATER.

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  1853.  REV. E. BRADLEY (‘Cuthbert Bede’), The Further Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green, II. i. The man whose school was the University, whose ALMA MATER was Oxonia itself.

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  1866.  CARLYLE, Inaugural Address, 170. My dear old ALMA MATER.

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  1874.  The Blue, ‘Reminiscences of Christ’s Hospital.’ Aug. The musical arrangements of our ALMA MATER were something exceedingly below par.

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