Language of a place and time

From Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers.  Page 50.  I attended a small English boarding school (and an American one) and there is definitely a unique language of things and places.  

Sunday lunch in Hall was a casual affair.

[snip]

Harriet, having seized a plate of cold ham for herself, looked round for a lunch partner, and was thankful to see Phoebe Tucker just come in and being helped by the attendant scout to a portion of cold roast beef. 

[snip]

From there they commanded the whole room, including the High Table itself and the row of serving-hatches. 

Hall - Dining hall but usually much more antique and formal than in the US.  It is place where assemblies might be held as well as just dining.  Dining Hall in American prep schools is usually pretty utilitarian.  You eat there.  Whereas Hall in English schools often has a connotation of community.  

Scout - I think this might be Oxford specific.  A servant, usually involved in cleaning but apparently covering serving meals as well as odd jobs around the campus.

High Table - The table where the dons, tutors, and administrators (and their guests dine).  Usually at the top of the hall and perpendicular to the tables used by students.