FAGGING, in English public schools, a system under which, generally with the full approval of the authorities, a junior boy performs certain duties for a senior (from "fag" meaning "weary"; of uncertain etymology). Dr. Arnold of Rugby defined fagging as "the power given by the supreme authorities of the school to the Sixth Form, to be exercised by them over the lower boys, for the sake of securing a regular government among the boys themselves, and avoiding the evils of anarchy: in other words, of the lawless tyranny of brute force." Fagging was a fully established system at Eton and Winchester in the i6th cen tury at least. In almost all the great public schools founded during the 19th century fagging has been deliberately adopted by the authorities. The right to fag carries with it certain well-defined duties. The fag-master is the protector of his fags and responsible for their happiness and good conduct. In cases of bullying or injustice their appeal is to him, not to the form or house master, and, except in the gravest cases, all such cases are dealt with by the fag-master on his own responsibility. Until recent years a fag's duties included such humble tasks as blacking boots, brush ing clothes, and cooking breakfasts, and there was no limit as to hours. Fagging is now restricted to such light tasks as running errands, bringing tea to the "master's" study, sweeping and tidy ing the studies, and fagging at cricket or football.