Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DUX, n. The head pupil in a school, class, division or subject, esp. the best pupil in the top class, who thus becomes dux of the whole school. Gen.Sc. [dʌks]Sc. 1799 Scots Mag. (Aug.) 574:
The examination of the High School took place on the 13th. The gold medal was given to master Rollo, as dux of the first class.Sc. 1808 Scott Autobiog. in Life (ed. Lockhart) I. i.:
Our class contained some very excellent scholars. The first Dux was James Buchan.Sc. 1867 E. B. Ramsay Reminisc. xxiv.:
“I'm second dux” . . . means in Scottish academical language second from the top of the class.Fif. 1937 St Andrews Cit. (29 May) 4/5:
Prizes to Dux in French, Dux in Greek, and Dux in English Essay.Lnk. 1805 G. M'Indoe Poems 41:
And i' the class, for a' his youth, He's dux, wi' dominie's confession.Dmf. 1836 A. Cunningham Lord Roldan I. v.:
He was obliged to vindicate his right to be dux by strength of arm and courage out of school.
Comb.: Dux medal, a medal awarded to the dux.Gsw. 1990 Ian McGinness Bannock 48:
He showed off Stannie's report cards in the club, and when the boy finished primary school his Dux medal was placed as the centrepiece on the largest table in the bar for one glorious night of celebration.
