responsion

noun

re·​spon·​sion
-nchən
plural -s
1
obsolete : a sum required to be paid
especially : an annual payment required of a member of a military order of knighthood
2
a
: an act of answering : answer, response
b
responsions plural : the first examination taken by a candidate for the B.A. degree at Oxford University and required for matriculation

called also smalls

compare previous examination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French responsion answer, sum to be paid, from Medieval Latin responsion-, responsio, from Latin, answer, from responsus (past participle of respondēre to answer) + -ion-, -io -ion

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of responsion was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near responsion

Cite this Entry

“Responsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/responsion. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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