subs. (Cambridge University).—1. A college servant. At Oxford, a scout, at Dublin, a skip. (Etymology doubtful: according to Saturday Review an abbreviation of Gipsy Joe; according to Cambridge undergraduates from the Greek γύψ (GUPS) = a vulture; from the creature’s rapacity.]
1794. Gentleman’s Magazine, p. 1085. [A Cambridge college servant is called a JIP.]
1842. Tait’s Edinburgh Magazine, Oct., ‘Reminiscences of College Life.’ There is attached to colleges and halls a person more useful than ornamental, and better known than paid, whom Oxonians name GYP, from his supposed moral affinity to a vulture (γύψ). The same is in Dublin denominated a Skip, because of the activity which is an indispensable item in his qualifications.
1849. C. KINGSLEY, Alton Locke, ch. xii. I’ll send you in luncheon as I go through the butteries; then, perhaps, you’d like to come down and see the race. Ask the GYP to tell you the way.
1850. F. E. SMEDLEY, Frank Fairlegh, p. 254. Fellow you call the GYP wanted to make me believe you were out—thought I looked too like a governor to be let in, I suppose.
1882. T. A. GUTHRIE (‘F. Anstey’), Vice Versâ, ch. v. Who should we see coming straight down on us but a Proctor with his bull-dogs (not dogs, you know, but the strongest GYPS in the college).
2. (American).—A thief. For synonyms, see THIEVES.
