E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
College (New).
Newgate prison. “To take one’s final degree at New College” is to be hanged. “King’s College” is King’s Bench Prison, now called Queen’s College. Prisoners are “collegiates.” College is the Latin collegium, and has a very wide range, as, College of the Apostles, College of Physicians, College of Surgeons, Heralds’ College, College of Justice, etc.; and on the Continent we have College of Foreign Affairs, College of War, College of Cardinals, etc.
