At Oxford, the proctors “jointly have, as has the Vice-Chancellor singly, the power of interposing their veto or non placet, upon all questions in congregation and convocation, which puts a stop at once to all further proceedings in the matter.  These are the ‘censores morum’ of the University, and their business is to see that the undergraduate members, when no longer under the ken of the head or tutors of their own college, behave seemly when mixing with the townsmen and restrict themselves, as far as may be, to lawful or constitutional and harmless amusements.  Their powers extend over a circumference of three miles round the walls of the city.  The proctors are easily recognized by their full dress gown of velvet sleeves, and bands-encircled neck.”—­Oxford Guide, Ed. 1847, p. xiii.

At Oxford, “the two proctors were formerly nearly equal in importance to the Vice-Chancellor.  Their powers, though diminished, are still considerable, as they administer the police of the University, appoint the Examiners, and have a joint veto on all measures brought before Convocation.”—­Lit.  World, Vol.  XII. p. 223.

The class of officers called Proctors was instituted at Harvard College in the year 1805, their duty being “to reside constantly and preserve order within the walls,” to preserve order among the students, to see that the laws of the College are enforced, “and to exercise the same inspection and authority in their particular district, and throughout College, which it is the duty of a parietal Tutor to exercise therein.”—­Quincy’s Hist.  Harv.  Univ., Vol.  II. p. 292.

I believe this is the only college in the United States where this class of academical police officers is established.

PROF, PROFF.  Abbreviated for Professor.

The Proff thought he knew too much to stay here, and so he went his way, and I saw him no more.—­The Dartmouth, Vol.  IV. p. 116.

  For Proffs and Tutors too,
  Who steer our big canoe,
    Prepare their lays.
    Yale Lit.  Mag., Vol.  III. p. 144.

PROFESSOR.  One that publicly teaches any science or branch of learning; particularly, an officer in a university, college, or other seminary, whose business is to read lectures or instruct students in a particular branch of learning; as a professor of theology or mathematics.—­Webster.

PROFESSORIATE.  The office or employment of a professor.

It is desirable to restore the professoriate.—­Lit.  World, Vol.  XII. p. 246.

PROFESSOR OF DUST AND ASHES.  A title sometimes jocosely given by students to the person who has the care of their rooms.

Was interrupted a moment just now, by the entrance of Mr. C------,
the gentleman who makes the beds, sweeps, takes up the ashes, and
supports the dignity of the title, “Professor of Dust and
Ashes.”—­Sketches of Williams College, p. 77.

The South College Prof. of Dust and Ashes has a huge bill against the Society.—­Yale Tomahawk, Feb. 1851.