old school

Definition

Preceded by the: a group of people characterized by being conservative or traditional; also, a method for accomplishing a task, a style, or a way of thinking that was employed in a former era, remembered either for its inferiority to the current method, or for its superiority over the new way.

Etymology

The noun is derived from old + school (“followers of a particular doctrine; particular doctrine or way of thinking”), probably a shortening of old school of thinking, old school of thought, or some similar phrase. The adjective is derived from the attributive form of the noun.

Example Sentences

• "Family experts are advocating a change away from the old school, advising parents not to medicate behavioural problems."
• "My mom’s a good baker because she’s of the old school. She’d never buy ready-made cookie dough."
• "[A]s I am grand nephevv to a phyſician of the old ſchool, give me leave to revolt vvith you againſt chymical medicines. […] I vvould vvillingly perform the office of executioner to theſe ignorant innovators, of vvhom you complain vvith ſuch eloquence and juſtice."