optime
/ˈɒptɪmeɪ/(also optimé)
noun
A person placed in the second or third class in the Mathematical Tripos at Cambridge University (called respectively senior and junior optimes), or (in extended use) in any other subject; a degree in such a class.
- proctors' optime noun a degree formerly granted without examination on the authority of senior university officers..
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in John Wallis (1616–1703), mathematician and cryptographer. From classical Latin optimē best, very well, in the post-classical Latin phrase optime disputasti you have disputed very well.