spec. One of the numbered classes into which the pupils of a school are divided according to their degree of proficiency.

(a) the lowest form in a school; (b) Printing the form that is the first one to be printed on to any sheet of paper.

Esp. in early use chiefly with reference to certain British public schools, esp. Eton College. Frequently with capital initial and with the. (The…

The apsidal end of the school-room at Westminster School, so called from its conch-like shape. Hence, the name of the form (intermediate between…

Designating the junior division of a numbered form or class in a school, esp. a British public school. Now chiefly in lower sixth (form). Cf. upper…

A school or class for small boys. See also petty form, petty school A. 1c. rare. Now historical.

A class at school in relation to advancement. (Cf. graded, adj. 2.) North American.

the twenty (at Rugby School): see quot. 1894. the twenty-four, a body of 24 men having some special office (at various times and places: see quots.).

a class for very young children; the youngest class in a school.

In elementary schools in some present or former Commonwealth countries and (formerly) in schools in Britain: a form or class in which pupils are…

†(a) a lesson given to young children in their nursery (obsolete); (b) a class attached to a primary or other school for the education of…

Chiefly New Zealand. A class covering one of the first years of instruction in a primary school; a child in a primary school class.

the most junior class in an infant or primary school.

see form, n. 6b.

Australian, British, and South African = reception class n. at compounds 2. Frequently attributive.