course of sprouts

: a course of instruction marked by corporal punishment, hazing, rigorous discipline, or grueling tests or by thoroughness or difficulty

Word History

Etymology

probably so called from the use of sprouts as switches in flogging

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Dictionary Entries Near course of sprouts

Cite this Entry

“Course of sprouts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/course%20of%20sprouts. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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