subs. phr. (old).—A half serious but oftentimes jocular rebellion of schoolboys against their schoolmaster. [HALLIWELL: An ancient custom at schools: the boys, a few days before the holidays, barricade the school room from the master, and stipulate for the discipline of the next half year. According to Dr. Johnson, Addison, in 1683, was the leader in an affair of this kind at Lichfield.]
1728. SWIFT, Journal of a Modern Lady.
| Not schoolboys at a BARRING-OUT | |
| Raised ever such incessant rout. |
1847. TENNYSON, The Princess.
| Revolts, republics, revolutions, most | |
| No graver than a schoolboys’ BARRING OUT. |
