Just to clear up that little point...

[desperance]

...the right to spoil two catskins a half is a privilege extended to pupils at Rugby School, as noted in "Tom Brown's Schooldays". A half is a half-year, a term of education; and a catskin is a top hat, which was uniform at the time. I tell myself - firmly - that it does not literally mean that the hat was covered with the skin of a cat, any more than moleskin trousers were made of the skins of moles. Or indeed any more than catgut strings were made from the guts of cats.

If I am wrong about this, I do not need to be told, okay? Let me hug my illusions. Cuddlingly. I like 'em.

And no, I'm not using a cat-icon on this post; for lo, it is nothing to do with cats. Have I not said so?