DCHP-3

bantam

DCHP-2 (Jun 2016)

Spelling variants:
Bantam

1n. & adj. — Sports, Hockey

a level of youth sports, usually ages 13-14.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — The sports definition is an extension of the meaning of bantam as "in reference to small size or 'cockiness' " (see OED-3, s.v. "bantam" (1b)). This term is frequent in Canada in this meaning, despite the existence of boxing weight classes with this name (see Chart 1, Hockey Canada reference). Note that in Chart 1, the Australia hits (.au) refer to field hockey, as opposed to the (ice) hockey hits in the Canadian domain (.ca). The bantam chicken breed and some place names cloud the picture somewhat, yet Chart 1 manages to produce a reasonably correct assessment.
See also COD-2, s.v. "bantam" (3), which is marked "Cdn", Gage-1, s.v. "bantam" (3), ITP Nelson, s.v. "bantam" (3), and OED-3, s.v. "bantam" (1b), W-3, s.v. "bantam" (3).

Quotations

1917
There is plenty of action among the bantams but a woeful lack of good form. None of the midgets stands out from his fellows unless it is the veteran Frankie Burns, who has come back to life with a series of knockouts.
1920
Playgrounds League [...] Bantam. Moss Park ...... 4 Elizabeth ...... 0 East Riverdale .. 4 Franklands ..... 1
1957
The Bantam league is for boys from 10-12 and will also play its games at 6:00 and 7:00 o'clock in the evening.
1972
Once again it is pee-wee, bantam, midget, juvenile, house-league hockey time.
1979
the only Jamboree of its kind in Canada for Bantam House League Hockey players, ages 13 and 14.
1997
Divisions for Registration (Age as of December 31, 1997) [...] Bantam 14 &15 [...]
2007
Other runners had the competitive spirit, as Melanie Hamill was the first female to finish the race, as well as the first place Bantam female (aged 13-15).
2016
"We've played with each other since bantam first year, and we've been best friends ever since. Our families are vacationing together here this week."
2n. — Sports, Hockey

a player in such a division.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — See meaning 1.

Quotations

1990
The Canadian Medical Association board of directors a month ago endorsed a report from the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine recommending a ban on body checking at all house (recreation) levels and in rep (elite) leagues until bantam. The report also argues bantams should be restricted to hip checks and not within six feet of the boards. Only at the midget (16-17) rep level would full body checking be allowed.
2010
NWT Bantams bring home the gold; Bantams win over Nunavut for gold; junior girls a step away from bronze; Midgets disappointed after not qualifying for finals
2015
He came out of the dressing room immediately, which I appreciated. Aside from looking a little older, Austin is the same unassuming, thoughtful and articulate guy I met when he was a bantam.

References

  • W-3
  • Gage-1
  • ITP Nelson
  • Hockey Canada
    • "Bantam"
  • OED-3
  • COD-2

Images

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 13 May 2014

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 13 May 2014