varsity

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvɑːsɪti/

noun (plural varsities)

British dated, South African, or NZ
  • university: he had his hair cut when he got back from varsity
  • [as modifier] British (especially of a sporting event or team) of or relating to a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge: a varsity match
  • chiefly North American a sports team representing a university or college: incoming freshmen play on the junior varsity

Origin:

mid 17th century: shortening of university, reflecting an archaic pronunciation