freshman

From fresh +‎ man.

• IPA^(key): /ˈfɹɛʃmən/

freshman (plural freshmen)

1. (obsolete) A novice; one in the rudiments of knowledge.
   • 1619 August 6, Howell, James, The Familiar Letters of James Howell, volume 1, published 1892, Letter XIII, page 39:

     I am but a Freshman yet in France, therefore I can send you no News but that all is here quiet, and 'tis no ordinary News that the French should be quiet.

2. (US) A person of either sex entering the first year of an institution, especially a high school (ninth grade), a university, or legislative body.

   At the time I was a wide-eyed freshman, but I was soon to grow jaded and cynical.

   • 1596, Nashe, Thomas, Have with You to Saffron-Walden:

     When he was but yet a freshman in Cambridge.

   • 1611, Middleton, Thomas, The Roaring Girl, act 3, scene 3:

     Sir Alexander: Then he's a graduate.
     Sir Davy: Say they trust him not?
     Sir Alexander: Then is he held a freshman and a sot,¶ And never shall commence, but being still barr'd¶ Be expuls'd from the master's side to th' twopenny ward,¶ Or else i' th' hole be plac'd.

• (British) fresher
• (Canadian) grade nine student / grade 9 student / Grade 9 student / grade-niner / grade niner
• (Canadian) first-year student / first year student / first-year university student / first year university student
• (US) frosh

• junior
• senior
• sophomore
• upperclassman

• Fehrmans