Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—B

Bachelor

A man who has not been married. Probably from baccalaris, “a man employed on a grazing-farm” (Low Latin, bacca, for vacca, a cow). French, bachelier, bachelette (a damsel).

A Bachelor of Arts.
The student who has passed his examination, but is not yet of standing to be a master. Formerly the bachelor was the candidate for examination. The word used to be spelt bachiller; thus in the Proceedings of the Privy Council , vol. i. p. 72, we read:—“The king ordered that the bachillers should have reasonable pay for their trouble.”

Froissart styles Richard II le jeune damoisel Richart. The Italian is donzella.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Bachelor of Salamanca
Baccoch
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