1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Superannuation

SUPERANNUATION (formed on the basis of “annual,” “annuity,” from the Late Lat. superannatus, one that has lived beyond the year, super, above, and annus, year, Fr. suranner, to grow very old), properly a disqualification or relief from office or service on account of old age, infirmity, or of passing the limit of age fixed for service, hence the pension or allowance granted in respect of service at the expiry of the term or the retirement (see Pension). Educationally the term is specifically used of the removal of a backward pupil, who would otherwise remain in a class or form below that which his age demands.