In the latter [Euclid] it is hardly possible, at least not near so easy as in Logic, to present the semblance of preparation by learning questions and answers by rote:—­in the cant phrase of undergraduates, by getting crammed.—­Whalely’s Logic, Preface.

  For many weeks he “crams” him,—­daily does he rehearse.
    Poem before the Iadma of Harv.  Coll., 1850.

A class of men arose whose business was to cram the candidates. —­Lit.  World, Vol.  XII. p. 246.

In a wider sense, to prepare another, or one’s self, by study, for any occasion.

The members of the bar were lounging about that tabooed precinct, some smoking, some talking and laughing, some poring over long, ill-written papers or large calf-bound books, and all big with the ponderous interests depending upon them, and the eloquence and learning with which they were “crammed” for the occasion.—­Talbot and Vernon.

When he was to write, it was necessary to cram him with the facts and points.—­F.K.  Hunt’s Fourth Estate, 1850.

CRAM.  All miscellaneous information about Ancient History, Geography, Antiquities, Law, &c.; all classical matter not included under the heads of TRANSLATION and COMPOSITION, which can be learned by CRAMMING.  Peculiar to the English Universities.—­Bristed.

2.  The same as CRAMMING, which see.

I have made him promise to give me four or five evenings of about half an hour’s cram each.—­Collegian’s Guide, p. 240.

It is not necessary to practise “cram” so outrageously as at some of the college examinations.—­Westminster Rev., Am. ed., Vol.  XXXV. p. 237.

3.  A paper on which is written something necessary to be learned, previous to an examination.

“Take care what you light your cigars with,” said Belton, “you’ll be burning some of Tufton’s crams:  they are stuck all about the pictures.”—­Collegian’s Guide, p. 223.

He puzzled himself with his crams he had in his pocket, and copied what he did not understand.—­Ibid., p. 279.

CRAMBAMBULI.  A favorite drink among the students in the German universities, composed of burnt rum and sugar.

  Crambambuli, das ist der Titel
    Des Tranks, der sich bei uns bewaehrt.
    Drinking song.

To the next! let’s have the crambambuli first, however.—­Yale Lit.  Mag., Vol.  XII. p. 117.

CRAM BOOK.  A book in which are laid down such topics as constitute an examination, together with the requisite answers to the questions proposed on that occasion.

He in consequence engages a private tutor, and buys all the cram books published for the occasion.—­Gradus ad Cantab., p. 128.

CRAMINATION.  A farcical word, signifying the same as cramming; the termination tion being suffixed for the sake of mock dignity.