ēˈgrōˌtat, ˈēgrō- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, he is ill, 3d person singular present indicative active of aegrotare to be ill, from aegr-, aeger ill; akin to Tocharian A ekro ill, Tocharian B aikre, aikare, and perhaps to Old English ācol dismayed, Norwegian eikja, eikla to plague, pester, Albanian kë-ék evil, and perhaps to Old English inca suspicion, doubt, quarrel — more at inkling
1. Britain : a medical certificate testifying that a student is ill and unable to attend his lectures or examinations
2. Britain : the unclassified university degree granted to a candidate who is prevented by illness from attending examinations