-nchən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French responsion answer, sum to be paid, from Medieval Latin responsion-, responsio, from Latin, answer, from responsus (past participle of respondēre to answer) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at respond
1. obsolete : a sum required to be paid ; especially : an annual payment required of a member of a military order of knighthood
2.
a. : an act of answering : answer , response
b. responsions plural : the first examination taken by a candidate for the B.A. degree at Oxford University and required for matriculation — called also smalls ; compare previous examination