optimes

Cambridge University, England, one who has attained the first class in the elementary division of the public examination for honors in pure and mixed mathematics, commonly called the mathematical tripos, those who compose the second rank of honors being designated senior optimes, and those of the third order junior optimes.

Autobiography and Selected Essays 2003

The three classes into which the successful candidates in the mathematical tripos are divided are called respectively wranglers, senior and junior optimes.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 3: Brownson-Clairvaux 1840-1916 1913

He became so ill, indeed, that it was doubtful how far he would be able to go in for his degree at all; but he managed to do so, and when the list came out was found to be placed higher than either he or anyone else expected, being among the first three or four senior optimes, and a few weeks later, in the lower half of the second class of the Classical Tripos.

The Way of All Flesh Samuel Butler 1868

He said he had just passed, -- was only low down among the _junior optimes_, and not where he had expected, and had led us to expect, But the squire has never been at college, and does not understand college terms, and he has been asking Roger all about it, and Roger has been telling him, and it has made him so angry.

Wives and Daughters Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell 1837