1. Work or study at school or college; in early use spec. mathematics. Hence gen. labor, toil.

2. One who studies hard.

The four mathematical sciences (in European schools and universities from late antiquity to the early modern period) : arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music.

A place for thinking or studying.

1. Literally, to work by artificial light. Hence to study at night, 'burn the midnight oil.'

2. To produce (esp. literary compositions) by laborious study.

1. Nocturnal study or meditation; study in general.

2. The product of nocturnal study and meditation; hence, a literary work showing signs of careful elaboration. Now somewhat derisive or playful, suggesting the notion of something pedantic or over-elaborate.

A 'thinking-shop,' a place of midnight study.