oppidan

[ˈɒpɪd(ə)n]

oppidan Definition

a town dweller, especially as contrasted with a university student or someone from a nearby village.

Using oppidan: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "oppidan" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The oppidans were not allowed to attend the university's exclusive events.

  • Example

    The oppidans were envious of the privileges enjoyed by the gownsmen.

  • Example

    The college was surrounded by a wall to keep out the oppidans.

oppidan Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for oppidan

Phrases with oppidan

  • gownsmen and oppidans

    a traditional division between university students and townspeople in some British universities

    Example

    The rivalry between gownsmen and oppidans was intense during the annual town and gown sports day.

  • a school that is located in a town, as opposed to a boarding school in a rural area

    Example

    He attended an oppidan school in London before going to university.

  • a dining hall for town students at a university, as opposed to one for resident students

    Example

    The oppidan hall was less grand than the hall reserved for the gownsmen.

Origins of oppidan

from Latin 'oppidānus', meaning 'of a town'

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Summary: oppidan in Brief

'Oppidan' [ˈɒpɪd(ə)n] refers to a person who lives in a town, especially when contrasted with a university student or someone from a nearby village. The term is often used in the context of British universities, where it denotes a division between gownsmen and oppidans. Examples include 'The oppidans were not allowed to attend the university's exclusive events.' and 'The college was surrounded by a wall to keep out the oppidans.'