Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, Fifth Series, No. 36, Vol. I, September 6, 1884

Being now robed, we enter the Hall. What a babel of tongues is here also! ‘Have you got a mess?’ is the question asked by friend of friend. (An Inn of Court mess consists of four persons, the first of whom is called the ‘Captain.’) ‘Come and join our mess,’ says another. ‘I have a capital place up here,’ shouts a joyous young student. ‘Oh, but you’ll be turned down,’ replies his friend, with a slightly consequential air; and we see that the latter, by his sleeved and otherwise more flowing robe, is a barrister, although as juvenile as his hopeful friend; hence the tone of importance.